Moving Consumer "Bill of Rights"
Broward - Miami-Dade - Palm Beach
Each
of the three county governments (Broward, Miami-Dade and
Written
Estimates - Consumers
anticipating a move are entitled to a detailed written estimate that includes
ALL expected charges related to labor, transportation, packing, inventory,
storage and additional valuation coverage. It is important for consumers to
clearly reveal all that is to be moved. Moving companies may charge for an
estimate, however, the cost of preparing an estimate must be fully disclosed
and approved by the consumer. All three counties require the moving company
provide consumer with a written contract (bill of landing) containing the total
cost of the move and the consumer's written authorization/signature prior
to starting any move. A moving company cannot refuse to deliver your goods if you have paid the
amount agreed upon in the written estimate or written contract.
Written
Inventory - Consumers
have a right to a written inventory of all household goods to be moved by a
moving company. The moving company may charge for the inventory. The moving
company cannot require that the right to an inventory be waived, but the
consumer may voluntarily waive the inventory process. All charges to complete
an inventory by a moving company must conspicuously be disclosed to the
consumer. In
Written
Contract - A written
contract (often called a bill of lading) is required to be prepared by the
moving company and must be signed, timed and dated by the consumer (or his/her
representative) and the moving company representative before work begins. The contract
must conspicuously provide the "bottom
line" cost of all charges
associated with the move (i.e., inventory preparation, labor, transportation,
packing materials, storage and any additional valuation coverage).
Lost/Damage
Claims - The
consumer has up to 60 days to notify the moving company in writing of
any claim for loss or damage. If the claim cannot be satisfied in 30 days from
date of the claim, the mover must advise the consumer of the status of the
claim and the reason for the delay. The mover must satisfy or object to a claim
no more than 90 days after receipt of the consumer's written notice. If asked
to sign a statement acknowledging receipt of goods, consumers may make
notations on the receipt as to known damage or missing items.
Licenses/Permits - Moving companies operating in the tri-county area are
required to be licensed/permitted by their respective local county government
consumer agency where the mover's primary business location is based and the Florida Consumer
Services Division. Consumers may call to determine the current license status
of any moving company (phone numbers and addresses are on the second page).
If a problem is unable to be resolved with a moving company, please contact the appropriate government consumer agency immediately.
The above
are general descriptions of the three ordinances regulating moving
companies.More information may be obtained by contacting your consumer agency.
Information or complaints involving moves in
TRICountyMovingDisclr6-2005.DOC06152005
Southeast Florida -Tri-County
Standard Household Moving
Consumer Disclosure
Broward - Miami-Dade - Palm Beach
1)
DO NOT sign contract if the TOTAL cost of your move is
not clearly shown. The date and time must be included when you sign the
contract.
2) DO NOT sign contract unless it
is given to you PRIOR to wrapping, packing or loading your goods.
3) DO get a copy of
the contract immediately upon signing.
4) FORM OF PAYMENT -
every moving company must accept at least two of the following payment methods:
___ Cash
(Includes cashier's check, money order or traveler's check)
___
Personal Check (Must show imprinted name and address)
___ Credit
Card (Must include but not limited to VISA or MasterCard)
5) VALUATION
COVERAGE – (You
have two options – initial your choice)
___ Option 1 – Standard Valuation Coverage: If your goods become damaged or lost, the moving company may be required
to reimburse you to a maximum amount of only sixty cents (.60) per pound/per
article, considerably less than the average value of household goods. There is
no additional cost or deductible for standard coverage. (Example: If you have a
5-pound table lamp worth $300 and it is damaged or lost, you are only entitled
to a maximum reimbursement of $3)
___ Option 2 - Additional
Valuation Coverage: Additional coverage is available to compensate you for
goods lost or damaged at an amount closer to the declared or replacement value. The terms must be clearly defined in the contract you sign. There
is an additional cost for this coverage. The additional coverage may
contain a negotiated deductible, which is disclosed as $ _____________. If a
deductible applies, you are still entitled to the standard valuation coverage
of $.60 per pound as described in Option 1 above on the deductible amount.
I understand the total cost of the moving contract is $____________.
This includes all inventory preparation, labor, transportation, packing
materials, costs, storage and any additional valuation coverage. I understand
that all household goods must be delivered and unloaded when the mover is paid
this amount.
________________________________ ____________ __________
Customer's Signature Date Time Signed
________________________________ ____________ __________
Mover's Signature Date Time Signed
If you have concerns about any
move that began and ended in Broward, Miami-Dade or
|
County |
Broward |
Miami-Dade |
|
|
Agency
Name |
Consumer Affairs Div. |
Consumer Services Department |
Consumer Affairs Div. |
|
Address |
Fort
Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
|
50 South Military Trail Suite
201 |
|
Phone |
(954) 357-5350 |
(305) 375-3677 |
(561) 712-6600 ( 1-888 852-7362 (Boca/Glades) |
|
Fax |
(954) 765-5199 |
(305) 375-4120 |
(561) 712-6610 |
|
Website |
|
|
This
disclosure form must be provided to the customer with the written estimate.
The form
must be signed by the customer prior to any work being performed.
Original of
this disclosure is to be given to the customer.
Tri-County Consumer Moving
"Bill of Rights" on first page