Does Federal or Florida Law Apply to My Move?

Use the free tool — Moving Company Dispute

Two Different Sets of Rules

Not every moving dispute is judged by the same law. If your move crossed state lines, it is interstate, and federal rules apply: the FMCSA household-goods rules (49 CFR Parts 370 and 375) and, for damage claims, the Carmack Amendment (49 U.S.C. 14706). If your move started and ended entirely within Florida, it is intrastate, and Florida Statutes chapter 507 applies instead, overseen by DBPR.

How to Tell Which Applies to You

Look at your estimate, your bill of lading, and the route the truck actually took.

Crossed a state line, even partly? That points to interstate rules (FMCSA, Carmack Amendment).
Started and ended inside Florida only? That points to intrastate rules (Florida Statutes chapter 507, DBPR).

This distinction matters because it changes what the mover can legally demand at delivery, how damage claims are valued, and who you call for help.

What This Means at Delivery

For an interstate move, the driver cannot demand more than 110% of a non-binding estimate at delivery, or the exact amount if you signed a binding estimate. For a Florida-only move, the mover must honor the written estimate under Florida Statutes chapter 507. If the amount at your door doesn't match these rules, that matters.

Is It Legal to Hold Your Goods?

Whether holding your goods is illegal depends on whether the amount demanded exceeds what the applicable rule — federal or Florida — allows. If your goods are being held right now, call the FMCSA hostage-goods line or DBPR today; they can intervene. You can also call the police. This is a today problem, not a wait-and-see problem.

Deadlines and Damage Claims

There is a 9-month claim clock that runs from your delivery date. For interstate movers, the Carmack Amendment (49 U.S.C. 14706) governs how damage claims are valued and handled. Florida-only moves follow the valuation rules under chapter 507. Small claims court in Florida covers amounts up to $8,000. Confirm your exact deadline and valuation rules with the mover or a professional — this is general information, not legal advice.

What to Do Next

Moving Company Dispute is a free tool. Paste your estimate, your bill, and what happened — the route, the dates, what was demanded, and any damage. It will tell you whether federal or Florida rules apply to your move, what the mover may lawfully demand, whether holding your goods is illegal, your 9-month claim deadline computed from your dates, the valuation rules, who to call today, and a demand letter you can use. It is not legal advice, does not file complaints or claims for you, and is not affiliated with any mover, broker, or agency.

Use the free tool

Moving Company Dispute is an informational tool based on 49 CFR Parts 370 and 375 (FMCSA household-goods rules), the Carmack Amendment (49 U.S.C. 14706), and Florida Statutes chapter 507 as of 2025–26. It is not legal advice and does not file complaints or claims. The bill of lading, the estimate and the mover's tariff control; interstate claims are governed by federal law. It is not affiliated with any mover, broker or agency.