Is It Illegal for Movers to Hold Your Belongings Until You Pay More?

Use the free tool — Moving Company Dispute

The Scenario That Worries People

The estimate was $2,800. At the door, the driver wants $5,400 before he'll unload. Or the boxes arrived crushed and the claim offer is $0.60 a pound. These moments feel like a standoff. They aren't. Rules decide what the mover can legally do — not the driver at your curb.

What the Mover Can Legally Demand at Delivery

Which rules apply depends on whether your move crossed state lines (interstate) or stayed entirely within Florida (intrastate).

For an interstate move, the driver cannot demand more than 110% of a non-binding estimate at delivery.
If you signed a binding estimate, the mover can only collect the exact binding amount.
For a Florida-only move, the mover must honor the written estimate, under Florida Statutes chapter 507.

This is general information based on federal and Florida moving rules. It is not legal advice.

Is Holding Your Belongings Illegal?

Whether the amount being demanded is illegal depends on whether it goes beyond what federal or Florida rules allow — based on your specific estimate and what happened. This tool cannot see your contract or weight tickets, so it works from what you describe.

If your goods are being held right now, call the FMCSA hostage-goods line or DBPR today. They can intervene. This tool cannot contact anyone on your behalf.

Damage Claims and the 9-Month Clock

For interstate movers, damage claims are governed by the Carmack Amendment (49 U.S.C. 14706). Claims generally must be filed within 9 months of delivery. Valuation rules also matter: an offer like $0.60 a pound reflects a specific type of coverage, not automatically the full value of your belongings.

Confirm your exact deadline and valuation coverage with the mover or a professional.

Who to Call Today

The FMCSA hostage-goods line, if your belongings are currently being held.
DBPR, for Florida-registered movers.
Police, if the situation calls for it.
A written demand letter offering the lawful amount, not what's being asked at the curb.

Small claims court in Florida covers amounts up to $8,000.

What to Do Next

Moving Company Dispute is a free tool. Paste your estimate and describe what happened — your own numbers, your own bill, your own dates. It will tell you whether federal or Florida rules apply, what the mover may lawfully demand, whether holding your goods appears illegal, your 9-month claim deadline computed from your delivery date, and a demand letter you can send.

It is based on 49 CFR Parts 370 and 375, 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 for you. It is not affiliated with any mover, broker, or agency. The bill of lading, the estimate, and the mover's tariff control the outcome. If your goods are being held right now, call the FMCSA hostage-goods line or DBPR today.

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.