Florida IM License: What It Means and How to Verify
The FL IM number lets you check a mover in 30 seconds at fdacs.gov - no IM number is not a paperwork gap, it's an illegal operator.
Last Updated: September 2026
TL;DR: A Florida IM license is a state-issued permit that authorizes a company to move household goods inside Florida. It is issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Any mover advertising service inside the state needs one. Verify the IM number on the FDACS public portal before signing.
A Florida IM license is a state-issued permit for intrastate moving. It lets a company move household goods between two points inside Florida. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) issues the IM number. The rule sits in Chapter 507 of the Florida Statutes. The letters IM stand for intrastate mover. Every for-hire mover in the state must hold one. The IM number appears on the truck, the estimate, the contract, and any online listing. It is separate from the federal USDOT and MC numbers that cover interstate moves.
Safebound Moving and Storage holds FL IM2839 alongside USDOT 2900155 and MC 975408, and offers free written moving quotes to Florida and interstate customers. The company has delivered 35,000+ moves since 2016 and holds a 4.9 stars rating across 2,401 reviews. The West Palm Beach headquarters includes a 100,000 sq ft climate-controlled storage facility. The IM number appears on every truck, contract, and receipt Safebound issues in Florida.
The five takeaways below frame each authority type, check step, and red flag for verifying a Florida mover.
Key Takeaways
IM number scope: The Florida IM license covers intrastate moves between two Florida addresses. It does not authorize interstate service.
Issuing agency: The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) issues and renews every IM number under Chapter 507.
Verification portal: Look up any IM number on the FDACS public portal at fdacs.gov before signing a written estimate.
Interstate rule: A Florida move that crosses a state line falls under federal USDOT and MC authority, not the IM number alone.
Red flag: A mover with no IM number listed on the truck, the estimate, or the website is a red flag under FDACS enforcement rules.
The five sections below map each authority check, verification step, and penalty to the right stage of a Florida mover selection.
What is a Florida IM number?
A Florida IM number is the intrastate mover permit that FDACS issues under Chapter 507. The letters IM stand for intrastate mover. The permit lets a company move household goods between two Florida addresses for a fee. FDACS assigns each mover a unique IM number at intake. The state also holds a $50,000 surety bond on file. It requires proof of active cargo and liability insurance. The IM number stays with the company as long as the annual renewal and insurance filings stay current.
The IM number is separate from the federal USDOT and MC numbers a mover needs to run interstate loads. A Florida-only mover holds an IM number and no federal authority. A Safebound-style carrier that runs both intrastate and interstate holds all three: an IM number, a USDOT number, and an MC number.
How do I check a mover's Florida license?
Check any mover's Florida IM license on the FDACS portal at fdacs.gov. Search by the company name or the IM number. The IM number sits on the truck, the website, and the written estimate. The portal returns the license status, the address on file, the insurance date, and any complaint history. A status of Active with current insurance is the baseline. A status of Expired, Suspended, or Revoked is a hard stop before signing anything.
Also cross-check the federal USDOT and MC numbers on safer.fmcsa.dot.gov if the move crosses a state line. The DOT verification guide shows the FMCSA lookup step by step.
Is FDACS registration required for movers?
Yes. FDACS registration under Chapter 507 is required for any for-hire mover of household goods inside Florida. That covers licensed carriers, moving brokers, and any company that advertises to Florida consumers. The rule applies whether the mover is based in or out of state. A California firm running Florida moves needs an IM number just like a Florida-based firm. Rental truck DIY moves without a driver are the only common exception.
The FDACS licensing background guide explains the intrastate rules in more depth, including the surety bond and disclosure requirements.
The table below compares the three permits a Florida mover may need depending on the type of move.
| Permit | Issued By | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Florida IM number | FDACS | Intrastate moves inside Florida |
| USDOT number | FMCSA | Any interstate motor carrier operation |
| MC number | FMCSA | For-hire interstate operating authority |
| Local business license | City or county | Local storefront and tax registration |
| Cargo insurance filing | Insurance carrier | Coverage on customer household goods |
The table shows why a fully credentialed Florida carrier holds three separate permits and often a fourth local license. Ask for the IM number, the USDOT number, and the MC number in writing before signing.
What is the difference between a Florida IM number and a USDOT number?
The Florida IM number covers intrastate moves between two Florida addresses. The USDOT number covers interstate motor carrier work across state lines. FDACS issues the IM number under state law. FMCSA issues the USDOT number under federal law. The two run on separate rule books. An IM number alone does not let a mover run a Florida-to-Georgia load. A USDOT number alone does not let a mover run a Miami-to-Orlando load.
A Safebound-style carrier that runs both markets holds both permits. That is the setup any full-service Florida mover should show on the truck and the estimate.
What are the penalties for hiring an unlicensed Florida mover?
An unlicensed Florida mover faces state penalties under Chapter 507. The customer often carries the real cost. FDACS enforcement can fine and shut down an unlicensed operator. The customer usually loses the deposit, the pickup date, and any recourse for damage. A shipment held hostage by an unlicensed mover has no clear FDACS path if the mover vanishes with the load. Insurance on the load is usually void without valid state authority.
The unlicensed mover guide lists the red flags to catch before signing. File any complaint on an unlicensed mover with the FDACS consumer services division at fdacs.gov.
Florida IM License Verification Checklist
Ask the mover for the Florida IM number in writing before signing anything. A refusal is a hard red flag.
Look up the IM number on fdacs.gov. Confirm the status is Active with current insurance on file.
Cross-check the physical address on the FDACS record against the address on the written estimate. A mismatch is a red flag.
Look up the USDOT and MC numbers on safer.fmcsa.dot.gov if the move crosses a state line. Both must be Active for interstate service.
Read consumer complaint history on the FDACS record. A pattern of unresolved complaints is a red flag.
Confirm the truck shows the IM number on the door as required by Chapter 507. An unmarked truck is a red flag on arrival.
Ask for a copy of the Certificate of Insurance naming the customer's building or HOA if required. A licensed mover files this on request.
Read the written estimate line by line. Confirm the price-lock language, the pickup date, and any add-on fees before signing.
Confirm the deposit amount is under 45% of the total. A larger deposit request is a red flag under FMCSA consumer guidance.
File any complaint on an unlicensed or fraudulent mover with FDACS at fdacs.gov within 60 days of the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does IM stand for in Florida moving?
IM stands for intrastate mover in the Florida licensing system. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issues each IM number under Chapter 507 of the Florida Statutes. The permit authorizes a company to move household goods for a fee between two addresses inside Florida. It does not authorize interstate service across state lines.
How do I look up a Florida IM license?
Look up any Florida IM license on the FDACS public portal at fdacs.gov. Search by company name or IM number. The portal shows the license status, physical address on file, insurance filing dates, and any consumer complaint history. A status of Active with current insurance is the baseline before signing any Florida moving contract.
Is an out-of-state mover subject to Florida IM rules?
Yes. Any mover advertising or performing household goods service inside Florida needs an IM number, regardless of where the company is based. A California, Georgia, or New York company running Florida intrastate loads must register with FDACS under Chapter 507. Interstate loads that cross the state line follow federal USDOT and MC authority instead.
What information does a valid IM license show?
A valid Florida IM record shows the company name, IM number, physical address, agent for service, license status, insurance filing dates, surety bond status, and consumer complaint history. The record also shows any past enforcement actions. All of that information is public on the FDACS portal at fdacs.gov at no charge to the consumer.
What happens if a Florida mover has no IM license?
A Florida mover without an IM license operates outside state law under Chapter 507. FDACS can fine and shut down the operator. The customer usually loses the deposit, the pickup date, and any legal recourse on damage or lost items. The insurance on the load is often void. Avoid any mover that cannot show an active IM number on request.
Do rental truck DIY moves need an IM number?
No. A rental truck rented and driven by the household member is not a for-hire mover under Chapter 507 and does not need an IM number. The IM rule covers companies that move household goods for a fee. A DIY renter driving the truck is exempt. Hiring hourly labor to load or unload can still trigger the IM rule for the labor provider.
How often is a Florida IM license renewed?
Florida IM licenses renew annually with FDACS. Renewal requires proof of active cargo and liability insurance, a current $50,000 surety bond, and payment of the renewal fee. A lapsed insurance filing suspends the IM license until the mover files current proof. Check the FDACS record's insurance date before signing to confirm current renewal status.
Does Safebound hold a Florida IM number?
Yes. Safebound Moving & Storage holds FL IM2839 with FDACS alongside USDOT 2900155 and MC 975408 with FMCSA. The West Palm Beach headquarters holds the physical address on file, and the company keeps active cargo and liability insurance filings current on both the state and federal records. Verify at fdacs.gov or safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Where do I report an unlicensed Florida mover?
Report an unlicensed Florida mover to the FDACS consumer services division at fdacs.gov within 60 days of the incident. Include the company name, address, phone number, any written estimates, receipts, and photos. FDACS enforcement reviews every consumer complaint and can fine, suspend, or shut down operators that violate Chapter 507 rules.
Ready to Book a Licensed Florida Mover?
Call Safebound at 561-510-7191 to lock a written, price-locked estimate with a licensed Florida carrier holding FL IM2839, USDOT 2900155, and MC 975408. A licensed dispatcher walks through the verification steps before signing. Get a free moving quote. Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-9pm | Sat-Sun 10am-6pm.
People Also Read
Why Florida Movers Need FDACS Licenses: What Intrastate Moving Really Means
How to Verify a Moving Company DOT Number Before Hiring Movers
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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