Local Guide · Household moving companies
How do you choose a moving company?
Texas and Florida both require in-state household movers to register, and both give consumers specific protections. Here is how to check a mover and what to get before loading.
Check registration first. In Texas, household goods movers must have an active TxDMV registration number, and before loading they must give you a written proposal with the maximum price and a Rights and Responsibilities sheet. In Florida, movers and moving brokers must register with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and state law limits when a mover can hold your goods.
Key facts
- TxDMV says to ask a mover for its TxDMV registration number and verify it is active before hiring.
- TxDMV says registered movers must give you a written proposal showing the maximum price you could pay before loading.
- TxDMV says registered movers must give you its Rights and Responsibilities sheet before loading.
- TxDMV says a mover's tariff shows the maximum rates it may charge.
- Florida requires each mover and moving broker to register with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
- Florida says a mover may never refuse to release prescription medicines or children's goods, including furniture, clothing and toys.
- Florida makes it a violation to do business as a mover, or advertise moving services, without registering.
How do you check a mover?
In Texas, get the mover's TxDMV number and confirm it's active using TxDMV's lookup. In Florida, movers and moving brokers must register with FDACS (Florida Statutes 507.03), and unregistered moving is a violation (507.07).
What should you get before loading?
TxDMV's checklist says to get a written proposal showing the maximum price, the Rights and Responsibilities sheet, a clear disclosure of the mover's liability for loss or damage, and to sign the moving services contract before loading. Ask for the tariff, which lists maximum rates.
Can a mover hold your goods?
In Florida, a mover must release and place your goods inside your home or storage unless you haven't paid the amount in a written contract or estimate you signed. It may never withhold prescription medicines or children's items (507.06).
Is mover liability the same as insurance?
No. TxDMV notes that a mover's liability isn't insurance, and you can buy separate coverage. Florida sets insurance and valuation requirements for movers (507.04).
How to choose a provider
- Verify registration (TxDMV in Texas, FDACS in Florida).
- Get a written estimate or proposal with the maximum price.
- Ask for the tariff (Texas).
- Read the liability disclosure and consider separate insurance.
- Inventory and photograph your items.
- Keep medicines and valuables with you.
Household moving companies guides by state and city
Questions people ask
Do Texas movers need to register?
Yes, with TxDMV for in-state household goods moves.
Do Florida movers need to register?
Yes, with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
What should a Texas mover give me before loading?
A written proposal with the maximum price, TxDMV's Rights and Responsibilities sheet and the contract to sign.
Can a Florida mover hold my kids' things?
No. Florida bars withholding prescription medicines or children's goods.
Is mover liability the same as insurance?
No. You can buy separate coverage.
What is a mover's tariff?
In Texas, the maximum rates the mover may charge.
Sources
This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.
