Moving Coverage &
Your Rights in Florida
Your belongings matter — whether they carry a price tag or a memory. This page exists to make sure you fully understand what coverage you have, what you don't, and how to protect yourself before moving day.
The Gray Zone
Licensed & Insured ≠ Full Coverage
When a moving company says they are "licensed and insured," most people assume that means their belongings are fully covered in the event of damage or loss. This is one of the most common — and costly — misconceptions in the moving industry.
In Florida, intrastate movers (those moving within the state) are regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) under Florida Statute 507. Interstate moves are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Being licensed simply means the company has met the minimum legal requirements to operate — it does not mean your items are insured at full replacement value.
What "insured" refers to is the company's general liability, commercial auto, and cargo insurance — coverage that protects the business, not necessarily your belongings at their market value.
The Standard: $0.60 Per Pound
By federal and Florida law, movers are required to offer Released Value Protection at $0.60 per pound per article at no additional charge. This is the default coverage — and it is not full replacement insurance. A 200-pound television worth $1,800 would be compensated at just $120 under this plan.
How Released Value Protection Works
To understand why this matters, consider the math. The average local Florida move costs $400–$800. A single high-value item — a TV, a refrigerator, a custom piece of furniture — can easily exceed that. Without Released Value Protection, a mover's liability would quickly dwarf the revenue from the job. The $0.60/lb cap exists to make the moving industry economically viable — but it shifts most of the risk onto you.
Example Settlement Amounts at $0.60/lb
If you do not purchase additional coverage, damages are settled based on weight — not value.
| Item | Avg. Weight | Settlement |
|---|---|---|
| Sofa | 150 lbs. | $90 |
| Small Dresser | 200 lbs. | $120 |
| King Size Mattress | 180 lbs. | $108 |
| Set of Dishes | 10 lbs. | $6 |
| Large Picture / Artwork | 10 lbs. | $6 |
| Floor Lamp | 50 lbs. | $30 |
| Washer & Dryer | 255 lbs. | $153 |
| Refrigerator | 300 lbs. | $180 |
| Dining Chair | 30 lbs. | $18 |
| 70" LED TV | 200 lbs. | $120 |
| Desktop Computer | 25 lbs. | $15 |
| Piano (upright) | 500 lbs. | $300 |
Your Options
Coverage Choices We Offer
We offer three coverage paths. Read each carefully before moving day — and make sure anyone in your household who may be signing paperwork is fully aware of these options.
Standard Released Value Protection
No Additional CostRequired by Florida law (Statute 507) and FMCSA regulation, this is the default option — $0.60 per pound per article. It is included at no charge and requires no additional paperwork or declared value. It is the most commonly elected option.
Best for: Moves where your items are lower in value, already old, or you are comfortable self-insuring the difference. Not recommended for high-value electronics, antiques, or irreplaceable items.
Full Value Protection — Third Party
RecommendedPurchased through a licensed third-party moving insurance provider, Full Value Protection covers your items at their current market replacement value — not weight-based. If something is damaged or lost, it is repaired, replaced, or a cash settlement is made at today's value.
Best for: Anyone with electronics, furniture, artwork, jewelry, or items of significant monetary or sentimental value. Premiums typically range from 1–3% of the declared value of your shipment. We can connect you with a trusted Florida provider at booking.
Homeowner's or Renter's Insurance
Check Your PolicyMany Florida homeowner's and renter's insurance policies include some coverage for belongings during a move, but the details vary widely. Coverage may be limited to certain causes of loss, have high deductibles, or exclude items in transit entirely.
Before your move: Call your insurance provider and ask specifically whether your policy covers belongings during a household move, what the deductible is, and whether there are per-item limits. Get it in writing if they say yes.
Our Honest Advice
What We Strongly Recommend
Transport irreplaceable items yourself
If you have something that cannot be replaced — your grandmother's china, a family heirloom, a piece of original art, important documents — take it in your own vehicle. No coverage amount replaces something irreplaceable. We will handle everything else.
Empty drawers and nightstands
Small items that shift inside drawers — jewelry, loose change, personal documents — are easy to lose and hard to claim. Empty all drawers, nightstands, and small compartments before we arrive.
Document high-value items before moving day
Take photos or video of electronics, furniture, artwork, and anything else of value before we load the truck. This documentation is invaluable if you need to file a claim with any insurer.
Note damage at delivery — not after
Under Florida Statute 507 and FMCSA regulations, you have the right to note any damage on your Bill of Lading at the time of delivery. Once you sign without notation, claims become significantly harder to pursue. Inspect items as they come off the truck.
Questions About Coverage?
Our team is happy to walk you through every option before you book — no pressure, no jargon.
(407) 505-3223