How Long Do I Have to File a Moving Damage Claim?

Use the free tool — Moving Company Dispute

Two sets of rules, one clock

Whether your move crossed state lines (interstate) or stayed entirely within Florida (intrastate) decides which rules protect you. Interstate moves fall under federal rules — 49 CFR Parts 370 and 375, and the Carmack Amendment (49 U.S.C. 14706) for damage claims. A Florida-only move is covered by Florida Statutes chapter 507. This is general information, not legal advice.

What the mover can legally demand at delivery

If you signed a non-binding estimate for an interstate move, the driver cannot demand more than 110% of that estimate before unloading.
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.

The bill of lading, the estimate, and the mover's tariff control what is actually owed. Confirm the exact numbers on your paperwork with the mover or a professional.

Is holding your goods illegal?

If a driver is demanding more than the lawful amount and won't unload until you pay it, that may be a hostage-goods situation. If your goods are being held right now, call the FMCSA hostage-goods line or DBPR today — they can intervene. This guide cannot contact anyone on your behalf.

The 9-month claim clock and valuation rules

You generally have 9 months from the delivery date to file a damage claim. For interstate movers, the Carmack Amendment (49 U.S.C. 14706) governs how damage claims are handled. Valuation rules — how much the mover owes for lost or damaged items — depend on the coverage you selected when you booked the move. Confirm your exact deadline and valuation coverage with the mover or a professional; this tool cannot see your contract or weight tickets.

Who to call today

FMCSA hostage-goods line — if goods are being held for more money than is legally owed.
DBPR — for Florida-registered movers and written-estimate violations.
Police — if you believe a crime is occurring.

Small claims court generally covers amounts up to $8,000 in Florida. For interstate movers, federal law (the Carmack Amendment) governs damage claims instead.

What to do next

Paste your estimate — non-binding or binding — and describe what happened: the route, the amount demanded, where your goods are now, any damage, and the delivery date. The free tool reads your own numbers and document and tells you whether federal or Florida rules apply, what the mover may lawfully demand, your 9-month claim clock computed from your delivery date, and a demand letter you can send. This is not legal advice — confirm your situation with the mover, DBPR, FMCSA, or a professional.

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.