Don’t Let Your Dream Move to Orange County Become a Nightmare: Essential Scam Prevention Strategies
Orange County, Florida, has become one of the nation’s most popular relocation destinations, drawing thousands of new residents annually with its vibrant communities, year-round sunshine, and thriving economy. However, this high demand has created a perfect storm for moving scams, making Florida the most targeted state in the country for fraudulent moving companies.
The Alarming Reality of Moving Scams in Florida
In Florida, one moving scam complaint is registered for every 262 moves, making it the most targeted state in the country. In 2023, there were 3,907 complaints nationwide reported by the FMCSA, with 1,871 of those coming from Florida alone. This staggering statistic means that nearly half of all moving complaints in the United States originate from the Sunshine State.
From 2022 to 2023, Florida had the second highest percentage growth in population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. During that period, the U.S. Department of Transportation totaled more than 7,600 moving complaints — more than double the 3,000 filed in 2015. This surge in complaints led to new legislation designed to protect consumers.
Understanding Common Moving Scam Tactics
Moving scammers typically employ several deceptive practices to exploit unsuspecting customers. The scams typically involve hidden fees and holding items hostage. The scam often plays out in a similar way each time. A company will agree upon a price with a consumer. Then, upon delivery, the consumer will receive a new estimate. The moving company will not release the person’s belongings until they pay the new price.
Be aware of these major red flags:
- The mover doesn’t inspect the items to be moved in person. Instead, they provide an estimate online or over the phone.
- They answer the phone as “Movers” or “Moving Company,” or give a different name from what you found online.
- They require you pay a hefty deposit or pre-pay for their services. Reputable moving companies won’t usually require an upfront payment; they’re paid at the end of the move. Paying upfront could mean a no-show on moving day.
- Their truck is not marked or branded. Most reputable movers have company-branded vehicles, so be wary if the vehicle is unmarked or is a rent-by-the-day truck.
New Florida Laws Provide Additional Protection
A new state law protecting Floridians from moving scams is effective today. The law requires movers to register with the state, provide clear contracts and avoid misleading advertising. Penalties are also increased for movers who refuse a lawful order to return private possessions to a client.
If the moving company doesn’t comply with the new state law, it’s now considered a third-degree felony, bumping up fines to $50,000. These enhanced penalties demonstrate Florida’s commitment to protecting consumers from fraudulent moving companies.
Essential Steps to Protect Yourself
When planning your move to Orange County, follow these crucial protection strategies:
Research Thoroughly: Check if movers and brokers handling intrastate moves are licensed with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by visiting FDACS.gov/Consumer-Resources. Get a written estimate from several movers. This estimate should be based on an actual inspection of what needs to be moved.
Payment Protection: Don’t prepay and always pay with a credit card, don’t pay in cash or with a cash app. When you do pay any sort of deposit and then also when you pay for your move itself, try and put it on a credit card. It’s easier to dispute a fraudulent charge or a scammer when you have it on your credit card.
Documentation: Scammers will use the stress from the day of the move to have you sign documents without reading carefully, so make sure the contract is signed and that you have a copy beforehand. Have easy-to-access copies of everything on the day-of and plan to be available during the loading and unloading (delivery) of your belongings.
Working with Legitimate Moving Companies
When searching for a reliable Moving Company Orange County, FL, it’s essential to work with established, licensed carriers rather than brokers. Legitimate companies like Safe Hands Relocations demonstrate the qualities you should look for in a moving company.
Safe Hands Relocations is a family and veteran-owned company that operates as a direct moving carrier, not a broker. This means customers work directly with the company handling their belongings, eliminating the middleman complications that often lead to scams. The company is licensed, bonded, and insured, with professionally trained, background-checked, and randomly drug-tested movers.
Founded by a U.S. veteran in January 2024 and based in Volusia County, Safe Hands Relocations has earned recognition as the Best Movers of Central Florida 2024 and maintains five-star ratings across major review platforms. The company operates with transparent pricing and no hidden fees, addressing one of the primary concerns consumers have about moving scams.
Reporting Scams and Getting Help
If you encounter a moving scam, take immediate action. To report a moving scam, contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by filing a complaint online or calling 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). Anyone encountering a scam should report the incident to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or visiting MyFloridaLegal.com.
Your Orange County Move Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
While moving scams are a serious concern in Florida’s high-demand market, being informed and taking proper precautions can protect you from becoming a victim. By researching companies thoroughly, understanding the warning signs, and working with licensed, reputable movers, you can ensure your relocation to Orange County becomes the positive experience it should be.
Remember that legitimate moving companies will provide transparent pricing, proper licensing documentation, and professional service from start to finish. Don’t let the excitement of your new Orange County adventure be overshadowed by falling victim to moving fraud – take the time to verify your chosen company’s credentials and trust your instincts if something seems too good to be true.