Florida Intrastate Movers Bond Application
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services requires a $25,000.00 Household Moving Services Performance Surety Bond for any person or business entity that is actively engaged in the business of providing household moving services within the State of Florida, including but not limited to intrastate mover of household goods, moving brokers, transporting or shipping of household goods for compensation that originates and terminates within the State of Florida.
We are Household Moving Services Performance Surety Bond experts and we can make sure you are in compliance with your state required bonding, in most cases, the same day.
Apply below, call our Commercial Department at 407-786-7770 or email us at [email protected]
Why You Need an Intrastate Movers Bond
You need an intrastate movers bond primarily because it is a mandatory prerequisite for obtaining and maintaining a valid operating license in regulated states. State agencies require this surety bond to verify that your business is financially responsible and compliant with local transportation laws. Operating without this bond exposes your moving company to severe penalties, including hefty fines, license revocation, and potentially the impoundment of your moving trucks. Beyond compliance, being bonded serves as a crucial marketing tool that builds consumer trust. It signals to homeowners that your business is legitimate and accountable, helping you win more bids against unlicensed or “rogue” movers in a competitive market.
Intrastate Movers Bond FAQs
These are some of the most common questions asked about Intrastate Movers Bonds and how they work.
An intrastate movers bond is a type of surety bond required by state government agencies for moving companies that transport household goods entirely within the borders of a single state. Unlike interstate movers, who are regulated federally, local movers must comply with state-specific laws. This bond serves as a financial guarantee that the moving company will adhere to state regulations, charge honest rates, and fulfill their contractual obligations to the customer. If a mover commits fraud, damages property, or fails to complete the job as agreed, the consumer can file a claim against the bond for compensation. It is a critical licensing requirement in states like Florida and California to ensure ethical business practices in the local moving industry.
Florida Surety Bonds is proud to offer you low, completive rates based on your credit score. If your personal credit score is low, we can still get you bonded at a great price. We are licensed with over 65 surety companies allowing us to offer the most competitive premiums!
An intrastate movers bond functions as a binding legal agreement between three parties: the moving company (Principal), the state licensing agency (Obligee), and the surety provider. Unlike insurance, which protects the business, this surety bond acts as a line of credit designed to protect the consumer. If a licensed mover engages in unethical business practices - such as damaging household goods, holding cargo hostage, or failing to execute the contract - the customer can file a claim against the bond. The surety company will investigate and pay out valid claims to the consumer up to the total bond amount, but the moving company remains financially liable and must reimburse the surety for all costs incurred.
An intrastate movers bond is generally required for moving companies and freight brokers that transport household goods entirely within a single state’s borders. Unlike interstate movers regulated by the FMCSA, intrastate movers must comply with specific state-level regulations. While requirements vary by jurisdiction, this surety bond is most commonly mandated for local movers in states like Florida, California, and Virginia to obtain their operating license. The bond serves as a financial guarantee for consumers, ensuring that the moving company adheres to state laws, fulfills contractual obligations, and provides compensation in cases of damage or fraud. If your business operates strictly as a local carrier or household goods mover, you should check with your state’s Department of Agriculture or Bureau of Household Goods to confirm if a performance bond is required for your license.
To get a Florida Intrastate Movers Bond, you must first apply with a licensed surety provider who will underwrite the bond based on your personal credit history. Once approved for the standard $25,000 bond amount, you will receive the original Household Moving Services Performance Bond form. You must sign this document and mail it physically - along with your registration application (Form FDACS-10250) and the $300 fee - to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) in Tallahassee. To renew your bond, you typically do not need to file a new bond form each year; instead, you pay your renewal premium to the surety company to keep the policy active. Your surety will then issue a Continuation Certificate, which verifies your coverage remains in force. You must maintain this active bond continuously to satisfy the biennial (two-year) renewal requirement for your state moving registration.
