Florida DACS Mover Fee Schedule and Permit Costs in 2026
Florida DACS Mover Fee Schedule and Permit Costs in 2026. Practical guidance from Safebound Moving & Storage.
Last Updated: July 2026
TL;DR: Florida movers must sign up with FDACS under Chapter 507 to run in-state jobs. Core fees run $300 to apply, $100 a year to renew, and a $50,000 surety bond. State-to-state movers skip FDACS but need USDOT and MC numbers through FMCSA. Verify any mover at fdacs.gov before you pay a deposit.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) mover fee schedule is the state's list of licensing and registration fees that intrastate movers must pay to operate legally in Florida. Chapter 507 of the Florida Statutes sets the rules. Core fees run $300 to apply, $100 a year to renew, and a $50,000 surety bond on file. State-to-state movers skip FDACS. They need FMCSA authority through USDOT and MC numbers. Fees can change. Check current amounts at fdacs.gov before you file.
Safebound Moving and Storage has run licensed Florida moves since 2016. The team holds USDOT 2900155, MC 975408, and FL IM2839. Safebound has done 35,000+ moves in all 50 states with trained and background-checked crews. It holds 4.9 stars across 2,401 reviews and is BBB Accredited. The West Palm Beach office runs a 100,000 sq ft climate-controlled storage facility. Every job runs under transparent pricing with no hidden fees on a written, price-locked estimate.
The six takeaways below frame each fee, permit, and check on a Florida mover's file.
Key Takeaways
License Fee: FDACS charges $300 to apply for a new Intrastate Mover (IM) license under Chapter 507.
Yearly Renewal: Renewal runs $100 per year to keep the IM number active with FDACS.
Surety Bond: Every licensed Florida in-state mover must post a $50,000 surety bond on file.
Broker Permit: A moving broker pays about $200 to sign up and $100 to renew each year. Brokers set up moves but do not haul.
State-to-State Skip: Cross-state moves fall under FMCSA rules. The mover needs USDOT and MC numbers, not a Florida IM license.
Verify First: Look up any mover on the FDACS search tool at fdacs.gov. The check takes about two minutes.
The six sections below walk each fee, permit type, and check step.
What Fees Does FDACS Charge Florida Movers?
FDACS charges three main fees to license an in-state mover. It costs $300 to apply. The renewal runs $100 a year to keep the IM number active. A $50,000 surety bond stays on file through a licensed surety firm. The bond is not the same as cargo insurance. It covers state law breaks, not damage.
The chart below maps the main FDACS fees. It also shows the federal step for state-to-state moves.
| Fee or Requirement | Agency | Amount | Who Needs It |
|---|---|---|---|
| IM License Application | FDACS | $300 | New in-state movers |
| IM License Renewal | FDACS | $100 per year | Active in-state movers |
| Surety Bond | FDACS | $50,000 on file | All in-state movers |
| Broker Registration | FDACS | $200 initial / $100 renewal | Brokers setting up Florida moves |
| USDOT Number | FMCSA | Federal fee (varies) | All state-to-state movers |
| MC Operating Authority | FMCSA | Federal fee (varies) | All state-to-state movers |
Fee amounts current as of 2026 and subject to change. Check the latest schedule at fdacs.gov before you file.
A mover that skips renewal loses the IM number. It can no longer run legal in-state jobs. Safebound holds an active FL IM2839 file with FDACS. The team confirms the fee package on every renewal cycle.
What Is an IM License and Who Needs One?
An Intrastate Mover (IM) license is the state credential for hauling household goods within Florida. FDACS issues the license under Chapter 507. Any mover that picks up and drops off inside Florida state lines needs an active IM number. That covers a Miami to Orlando job. It also covers a Tampa to Jacksonville job. Any local move that stays in the state falls under this rule.
The IM license does not apply to cross-state moves. A move from Tampa to Atlanta runs under FMCSA rules with USDOT and MC authority. A Florida mover that runs both types of jobs holds both credentials. Safebound holds FL IM2839 for in-state work. It holds USDOT 2900155 with MC 975408 for state-to-state jobs and for long distance movers within Florida.
What Does the $50,000 Surety Bond Cover?
The $50,000 surety bond is a three-party promise on file with the state. FDACS is the obligation. The mover is the principal. A licensed surety firm posts the bond. The bond pays consumers if the mover breaks state law. Common triggers include theft of a deposit, a hostage load, or a refusal to release goods after payment. The bond does not cover accidental damage to furniture or art.
A claim starts with a complaint to FDACS. The agency reviews the file. Valid cases move to the surety firm for payout up to the bond cap. Keep the written estimate, Bill of Lading, deposit receipt, and all texts and emails to back a claim. Safebound keeps an active bond on file under FL IM2839.
How Do State-to-State Movers Handle Florida Loads?
State-to-state movers running Florida load answers to FMCSA rules, not FDACS. The mover needs an active USDOT number and MC number to haul goods across state lines. FMCSA sets the safety, insurance, and valuation rules. Released Value Protection (RVP) runs at $0.60 per pound per article. It is included as standard coverage. Full Value Protection (FVP) is a paid upgrade quoted per move.
An out-of-state mover coming into Florida for a cross-state pickup does not need FDACS sign-up. A legal move still needs a written, price-locked estimate and a Bill of Lading. Verify the USDOT and MC file at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. For any Florida-only leg, FDACS still applies. Safebound holds both sets of credentials for full-service interstate moving and in-state work.
How Do You Verify a Florida Mover With FDACS?
The FDACS search tool at fdacs.gov is the fastest way to verify a Florida mover. Type the legal business name in the search bar. Review the result. A page with an active IM number and a current bond date means the mover meets state law. A blank result, an inactive status, or a lapsed bond is a clear red flag.
For state-to-state work, run the USDOT and MC numbers at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. The federal file shows active authority, insurance, and safety scores. Both checks take about two minutes and cost nothing. A licensed carrier will show active FMCSA authority and on-file cargo insurance in the FMCSA database. Safebound asks every customer to run both checks before booking a local move or a long-haul job.
What Happens If a Mover Skips the IM License?
A mover that runs Florida in-state jobs with no IM license breaks Chapter 507. FDACS can issue a cease-and-desist order. It can fine the firm. It can also refer the case to law enforcement. Unlicensed movers skip the surety bond, the state complaint process, and cargo insurance. Consumers who hire them have no bond claim, no state mediation, and few legal options if items are stolen or damaged.
Report an unlicensed mover to FDACS through the online complaint form at fdacs.gov. Include the company name, dates, addresses, and any paperwork. The agency runs an active branch for unauthorized movers. Safebound urges every customer to book only movers that supply valid state and federal license numbers on the written estimate.
7 Steps to Vet a Florida Mover Before Booking
Search the FDACS tool: Pull up fdacs.gov, run the legal name, and confirm an active IM number for any in-state pickup.
Confirm the surety bond: The bond status must show current, not lapsed. A lapsed bond blocks legal in-state work.
Check FMCSA for cross-state moves: Run the USDOT and MC numbers at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Confirm active authority and cargo insurance.
Request a written estimate: Ask for a written, price-locked estimate. It lists crew size, hourly or flat rate, valuation choices, and total quoted price.
Watch the deposit amount: A booking deposit above 45 percent of the quoted price is a red flag per FMCSA fraud guidance. Pay by card for chargeback rights.
Read the Bill of Lading: The Bill of Lading lists inventory, valuation, and pickup and delivery dates. Sign only after a full read.
Confirm a real address and phone line: A licensed mover lists a real business address and a staffed phone line, not just a cell number and a P.O. box.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FDACS mover fee schedule?
The FDACS mover fee schedule lists the fees Florida charges in-state movers under Chapter 507. Core costs include a $300 sign-up fee, a $100 yearly renewal, and a $50,000 surety bond on file. Fees can change. Check current numbers at fdacs.gov before you file.
How much is a Florida mover license?
The IM license through FDACS costs $300 to apply as of 2026. Renewal runs $100 a year to keep the file active. The mover must also post a $50,000 surety bond and carry cargo insurance. Fees can change year to year. Confirm the current schedule at fdacs.gov.
Do state-to-state movers need FDACS sign-up?
No. State-to-state movers do not need a FDACS IM license. Cross-state moves fall under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules with USDOT and MC numbers. A Florida mover that runs both types of jobs holds both. Verify the federal file at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
What does the $50,000 surety bond cover?
The surety bond covers claims tied to state law breaks. Common triggers include theft of a deposit, a hostage load, or a refusal to release goods after payment. The bond does not cover accidental damage to furniture or art. Claims start with a complaint filed at FDACS.
How do I check if a mover is licensed with FDACS?
Use the FDACS search tool at fdacs.gov. Type the mover's legal name. Review the result. A page with an active IM number and a current bond date means the mover meets state law. The check takes about two minutes and costs nothing.
What is the penalty for moving with no FDACS license?
A mover that runs Florida in-state jobs with no IM license breaks Chapter 507. FDACS can issue a cease-and-desist order, fine the firm, and refer the case to law enforcement. Consumers who hire an unlicensed mover have no bond claim and few legal options.
Is a moving broker fee the same as a mover fee?
No. A moving broker sets up the move but does not haul the goods. FDACS charges brokers about $200 to sign up and $100 to renew each year. A licensed in-state mover holds the full IM license and posts the $50,000 surety bond.
How often must a Florida mover renew the IM license?
Every year. FDACS requires each licensed in-state mover to renew the IM number each year. The surety bond and cargo insurance must stay current. A lapsed license or bond blocks legal work until the file is active again.
Is Safebound licensed with FDACS?
Yes. Safebound Moving and Storage holds FL IM2839 as a licensed Florida in-state mover. Safebound also holds USDOT 2900155 and MC 975408 for state-to-state work and is BBB Accredited. Verify the IM file at fdacs.gov and the federal file at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before booking.
Ready to Book a Licensed Florida Mover?
A Florida move under state law needs a licensed FDACS mover with an active IM number, a current $50,000 surety bond, and a written, price-locked estimate. State-to-state work needs FMCSA authority through USDOT and MC numbers. Both checks take about two minutes on fdacs.gov and safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Get a written estimate that covers crew size, scope, and verified license numbers, or learn about Safebound Moving and Storage. Call 561-510-7191 to confirm the crew and your move date. Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-9pm | Sat-Sun 10am-6pm.
People Also Read
Why Florida Movers Need FDACS Licenses: What Intrastate Moving Really Means
Moving Claim Filing Process in Florida in 2026: FMCSA, FDACS, and Carrier Steps
Sources & References
Safebound Moving & Storage is licensed, insured, and certified throughout Florida and the continental United States. USDOT 2900155 | MC 975408 | FL IM2839. BBB Accredited. Forbes Featured. Verify at fdacs.gov or safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
About the Author
Leo Cavaretta | Moving Industry Specialist, Safebound Moving & Storage
Leo Cavaretta is a moving industry specialist at Safebound Moving & Storage, a licensed carrier based in West Palm Beach, Florida (USDOT 2900155). Leo specializes in interstate moving regulations, USDOT compliance, residential relocation, and moving cost transparency, helping customers navigate the full moving process, from written, price-locked estimates with transparent pricing and no hidden fees to long-distance logistics, with confidence. Since 2016, Safebound has completed more than 35,000 residential and commercial relocations across all 50 states. Safebound holds USDOT 2900155, MC 975408, and FL IM2839, and is BBB Accredited. Get a free quote or learn about Safebound Moving & Storage.
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