THE OFFICIAL ROADMAP TO STARTING A MOVING COMPANY IN Florida

Location Check: The "Tri-County" Rule

Will you be based in or operating within Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach counties?

Vehicle Check: Do you need a CDL?

Will you operate a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) over 26,000 lbs?

Step 1: Business Formation

Establish your legal presence in Florida.

Entity: File Articles of Org/Inc with Sunbiz (Dept of State).
DBA: If using a name like "Miami Movers," register a Fictitious Name on Sunbiz.
Tax: Register for sales tax (packing materials are taxable) with Dept. of Revenue.

Mark Step 1 as Complete

Step 2: Federal Registration (USDOT)

Florida requires this for vehicles over 10,001 lbs.

Apply: Visit FMCSA for a USDOT number.
Status: Select "Intrastate" if you stay in Florida.
Cost: Free.

Mark Step 2 as Complete

Step 3: Insurance Requirements

You must have these limits to get your license.

Cargo: Min. $10,000 per shipment.
Liability (<35k lbs GVW): Min. $50,000 per accident.
Liability (>35k lbs GVW): Min. $100,000 per accident.

Mark Step 3 as Complete

Step 4: State License (IM Number)

The license from the Dept. of Agriculture (FDACS).

Apply: Submit Form FDACS-10960 via the FDACS Portal.
Fees: $300 (1 year) or $600 (2 years).
Result: You will receive an "IM Number" (e.g., IM1234).

Mark Step 4 as Complete

Step 5: Operational "Must Haves"

Required by Chapter 507 Statutes.

Contracts: Must provide a written estimate (Binding or Non-Binding) and sign a contract/Bill of Lading.
Brochure: Must provide the FDACS "Your Rights and Responsibilities" guide to every client.
Markings: Truck must show Company Name, Address, USDOT #, and IM #.

Mark Step 5 as Complete

The "Don't Get Fined" Zone

The Payment Rule: You must accept at least TWO of these three forms: Cash, Personal Check, or Credit Card.
Felony Warning: It is a felony in Florida to refuse to release goods ("Hostage Load") if the customer tenders payment for the written estimate amount.
Valuation: Default liability is $0.60/lb unless the customer buys extra coverage. This must be in the contract.

Official Government Portals

Frequently Asked Questions
      Do I need a USDOT number for Florida?
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        Yes. Florida adopts federal safety regulations. If your truck weighs over 10,001 lbs (which includes almost all moving trucks), you must register for an Intrastate USDOT number.
      
      What is an IM Number?
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        "IM" stands for Intrastate Mover. It is the official registration number issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture (FDACS). You must paint this number on your truck (e.g., "Fla. Mover Reg. No. IM1234").
      
      I live in Miami (or Broward/Palm Beach). Do I need a special license?
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        Yes. Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties are heavily regulated. You must obtain a specific moving license or permit from the county Consumer Protection division in addition to your state IM license.
      
      Can I demand cash payment?
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        No. Florida law requires you to accept at least two of these three forms of payment: Cash (includes money orders/cashier's checks), Personal Check, or Credit Card.
      
      What happens if a customer refuses to pay? Can I keep their stuff?
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        Only if they refuse to pay the amount listed on the written estimate. If they tender payment for the estimate amount, you MUST release the goods. Refusing to do so is a third-degree felony in Florida.
      
      Can I provide a verbal estimate?
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        No. All estimates for household goods moves in Florida must be in writing.
      
      What is the minimum insurance I need?
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        Florida requires a minimum of $10,000 in cargo coverage per shipment, and $50,000 in liability coverage (for trucks under 35,000 lbs GVW).
      
      Do I need a Commercial Driver License (CDL)?
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        Only if your vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs or more. Standard 26-foot box trucks are often rated at exactly 26,000 lbs to avoid this requirement.
      
      Can I use a rental truck?
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        Yes, but the truck must display your company information while you are using it. You must attach magnetic signs showing your Company Name, Address, IM Number, and USDOT Number.
      
      How much is the registration fee?
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        The fee is $300 for a one-year registration or $600 for a two-year registration.
      
      Do I need to background check my employees?
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        Yes. Florida Statute Chapter 507 requires moving companies to perform criminal background checks on all employees who will enter a customer's home.
      
      Is my estimate binding?
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        In Florida, written estimates are binding unless clearly stated otherwise. You must provide a "Bill of Lading" (contract) signed by the customer before loading.

NOT SURE WHERE TO START? LET’S TALK STRATEGY.

Stop guessing. Hop on a quick 15-minute call with us. We’ll look at your current setup, identify your biggest bottlenecks, and give you an honest recommendation on how to grow.

What to expect on this call:

No High-Pressure Sales Tactics: We hate them too. If we aren't a good fit, we'll tell you.
A "Mini-Audit": We’ll pull up your current website or Google profile live on the call.
Real Advice: You’re talking to actual movers who have scaled companies, not a script-reading salesperson.

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I’ve started small, scaled, made mistakes, fixed systems, and grown real moving companies. Everything shared here is built on what actually works in the field.