Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division regulates local household moving companies, requiring individuals and companies located in Broward County to register annually for a license to engage in local moves, as detailed in Chapter 20-176.90 et seq., of the Broward County Code of Ordinances.
These regulations are contained within the Broward County Consumer Protection Code and were enacted to safeguard the life, health, safety, property and welfare of Broward County residents. In addition, these regulations provide certain safeguards and assistance to consumers when they hire a mover.
A local move is one that begins and ends in the South Florida tri-county area: Broward, Miami-Dade or Palm Beach counties. The moving ordinance also includes specific rights and obligations for both the mover and the customer. Please use the links below for details.
New/Renew License
Applying for a Mover's Registration
You Must Provide the Following:
- Completed Application (PDF)
- Fees
- Driver License
- Vehicle Registrations(s)
- Insurance Certificates
- Workers' Compensation Insurance or Exemption Certificate
- County Business Tax Receipt
- City Business Tax Receipt (if applicable)
- Corporation or Fictitious Name Documents
Note: Registration & Permit expires on Sept 30th of every year.
Explanations:
- Submit a completed application for " Mover Registration Application (PDF)". [same as above]
- Mover registration fee is $325 and Mover Permit (decal) is $50 per vehicle. Payable by cash (in person only), check, credit card (PDF) (except American Express), or money order. Checks must be made payable to: Broward County Commissioners.
- Provide a copy of current driver license.
- Provide a copy of current Florida vehicle registration for each vehicle.
Note: New Applicants may bring the above to our office to begin the registration process, then apply for, collect and provide us with the following: You can also phone our automated inspection information line, 954-497-1320, to schedule an inspection or for information about the results of an inspection.
- Provide a copy of the cargo legal liability; motor vehicle combined bodily injury & property damage liability; and general liability certificates of insurance (ACORD form), evidencing adequate insurance coverage that is in full force and effect. Note: For insurance coverage minimum limit, see the Broward County Moving Ordinance. The insurance certificate must list the Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division as a certificate holder and must provide at least 30 days advance notice of cancellation. However, if using truck rentals, you must provide us with a statement from the rental company that the truck is for moving purpose; and provide proof of insurance.
- Provide a copy of Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance. If your business has 3 or fewer employees, you must provide a "Certificate of Exemption from Florida Workers' Compensation Law" from the State of Florida Department of Financial Services (call 954-585-2660 or visit www.fldfs.com/wc) or submit an explanation letter of exemption.
- Provide your receipt showing you have paid for a current Broward County Local Business Tax (formerly called “Occupational License”.
- Provide a current City Occupational License (if applicable).
- Provide a copy of the Articles of Incorporation and corporate minutes listing your business' officers/directors. If operating under a fictitious name, you must provide a copy of an active, current fictitious name registration, issued by Florida Secretary of State, Division of Corporations, Tallahassee, FL 32314. (Call 850-488-9000 or go to www.sunbiz.org).
New Applicants: When we have verified that you have submitted all of the above, we will send your new registration and vehicle decal(s) by certified mail. You must also apply for your Intrastate Moving License with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (call 800-HELP-FLA or go to www.800helpfla.com).
Renewal Applicants: After we have processed your registration fees and verified that all the above information has been submitted and is complete, we will send your new registration and vehicle decal(s) by certified mail.
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Enforcement
Moving Ordinance Enforcement
Any person or entity that is operating in violation of Chapter 20-176.90 et seq. of the Broward County Code of Ordinances may be subject to civil penalties as provided by chapter 8 1/2 of the Broward County Code of Ordinances, and penalties shall be imposed as set forth in the schedule of penalties therein.
Generally, where Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection inspectors find a business operating in violation of the regulations, they will issue a Notice of Violation to the person or entity, prior to the issuance of a citation. When issuing a Notice of Violation, the inspector shall set a reasonable time period within which the alleged violator must correct the violation. This determination shall be based on considerations of fairness, practicality, ease of correction, nature, extent and probability of danger or damage to the public or property, and any other relevant factor relating to the reasonableness of the time period prescribed. However, an inspector is not required to issue a notice of violation and may immediately issue a citation to an alleged violator, if there is reason to believe that the violation presents a serious threat to the public health, safety or welfare, if the violation is irreparable or irreversible, or if the violation is a repeat violation.
Where a company comes into compliance within the time period noted on the Notice of Violation, no further action will be taken. However, if a shop continues to operate in violation of the ordinance, a citation may be issued. Violators may be subject to fines as outlined below:
Sec. 8 1/2-16. Schedule of civil penalties.
(m) Violations of Broward County Moving Ordinance:
|
(1) Operating without a license (sec. 20-176.92(a)) |
$250.00 |
$500.00 |
|
(2) Advertising without a license (sec. 20-176.92(a)) |
250.00 |
500.00 |
|
(3) Operating without a decal (sec. 20-176.92(e)) |
250.00 |
500.00 |
|
(4) Failure to maintain records (sec. 20-176.102) |
250.00 |
500.00 |
|
(5) Failure to allow for inspections (sec. 20-176.102) |
250.00 |
500.00 |
|
(6) Failure to use the required disclosure on the contract (sec. 20-176.95) |
250.00 |
500.00 |
|
(7) Failure to provide a written estimate (sec. 20-176.96) |
250.00 |
500.00 |
|
(8) Failure to obtain consumer's signature, date and time on the contract and on the disclosure statement before beginning to move household items (sec. 20-176.95) |
250.00 |
500.00 |
|
(9) Failure to relinquish household items if consumer refuses to pay for charges in excess of the written estimate and/or contract price (sec. 20-176.97) |
250.00 |
500.00 |
|
(10) Failure to allow for two of the three required methods of payment (sec. 20-176.99) |
250.00 |
500.00 |
|
(11) Failure to maintain insurance in full force and effect (sec. 20-176.94) |
250.00 |
500.00 |
|
(12) Failure to obtain a waiver of inventory (sec. 20-176.98) |
250.00 |
500.00 |
|
(13) Charging separately for the use of equipment (sec. 20-176.97(d)) |
250.00 |
500.00 |
|
(14) Charging separately for labor to move household goods and for labor to pack and unpack containers (sec. 20-176.97(e)) |
250.00 |
500.00 |
The Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division is also authorized to enforce the provisions of the ordinance by administrative fines of up to five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each violation in accordance with the consumer protection code, division 1, section 20-159 et seq. Each day of a continuing violation shall be deemed a separate violation.
In addition to fines, the Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division is authorized to enforce the provisions of this ordinance by suspension or revocation of a license and registration upon notice and hearing. Further, whenever any person has engaged in any acts or practices which constitute violations of any provision of this ordinance or the code, the state attorney or the county attorney's office may make application to the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit for an order enjoining such acts or practices and for an order granting permanent injunction, restraining order, or other order enjoining such acts or practices, said orders to be granted without bond.
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