New Florida Law Strengthens Protections Against Moving Scams As Florida's population continues to grow, the state has implemented a new law designed to protect consumers from fraudulent moving practices. Effective July 1, this law requires all movers and moving brokers to register with the state, ensuring they are properly vetted and authorized to operate. The new provisions of Chapter 507 of the Florida Statutes aim to enhance transparency and consumer protection for household moving services within Florida. A Real-Life Example: Sarah's Moving Nightmare Meet Sarah, a young professional who recently relocated from Orlando to Fort Myers for a new job opportunity. Excited about her fresh start, she hired a moving company she found online that promised great rates and quick service. However, her excitement quickly turned to despair when the movers demanded additional fees on the moving day, far beyond the initial estimate. To make matters worse, they refused to unload her belongings until she paid up. Feeling trapped and stressed, Sarah had no choice but to comply. While Sarah is fictional, stories like this are, unfortunately, all too common. This new law aims to prevent such experiences by enforcing stricter regulations and offering greater protection for consumers. Key Provisions of the New Law Mandatory Registration: All movers and moving brokers must now register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This step ensures that only vetted and authorized entities operate in the state, providing an additional layer of security for consumers like Sarah. Enhanced Transparency: Movers are required to provide detailed and clear estimates and contracts to their customers. These documents must outline all potential costs, dates, and terms clearly. Additionally, moving brokers are no longer allowed to provide contracts that include estimated moving costs, thus improving clarity and reducing potential misunderstandings for consumers. Advertising Integrity: The new law sets strict guidelines for advertising moving services, ensuring that false claims are prevented and that the company's registration status is disclosed. This measure aims to provide consumers with honest and transparent information about the services they are hiring. Clarified Punishments: Refusing to comply with an order from a law enforcement officer to relinquish a shipper's household goods in certain situations is now a third-degree felony. Offenders may face fines of up to $50,000. This stringent penalty aims to deter movers from engaging in deceitful practices and encourages compliance with legal orders. State Actions and Consumer Tips Attorney General Ashley Moody highlighted that the state has already taken action against more than 18 movers and moving brokers accused of scamming consumers. To further assist consumers, the Attorney General's office updated its "Scams at a Glance: On the Move" online resource. This resource provides valuable information and tips for those seeking moving services. Key Tips from Scams at a Glance: On the Move Interstate Moves: Ensure that movers and brokers conducting interstate moves are licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can check a company's licensing by visiting FMCSA.DOT.gov/Protect-Your-Move. Intrastate Moves: Verify if movers and brokers handling intrastate moves are licensed with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by visiting FDACS.gov/Consumer-Resources. Read Contracts Thoroughly: Before signing any contract documents, read them carefully to understand all terms and conditions. Personal Items: Consider personally moving important items, such as daily medication or supplies needed immediately upon arrival, to avoid any inconvenience. Conclusion Moving can be a stressful experience, and encountering deceitful movers can compound this stress. However, Florida's new law provides stronger protections for consumers, ensuring that moving services are conducted transparently and ethically. By following the guidelines and tips provided, consumers can make informed decisions and safeguard their possessions during the moving process. For more information and resources, visit: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Website Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Website Florida Attorney General article on scams Stay informed and protected as you plan your next move.

Introduction Every August, Lee and Collier counties in Southwest Florida send homeowners TRIM (Truth in Millage) notices. Understanding this document is crucial to managing your property tax bill. It provides valuable insights into your property's assessed value and tax obligations. What is a TRIM Notice? A TRIM notice is an official document outlining your property's: Market Value: Based on recent market activity. Assessed Value: Market value considering annual value caps (3% increase for homesteaded properties). Exemptions: Reductions in property taxes you qualify for (e.g., homestead exemption). Taxable Value: Assessed value minus exemptions. Millage Rates: Rates set by local authorities to fund their budgets. Ad Valorem Taxes: Taxes calculated by multiplying the taxable value by the millage rate. Non-Ad Valorem Assessments: Fees for services like fire and mosquito control. Annual Tax Bill: The total amount due, including property taxes and non-ad valorem assessments. Protest Guidelines: Information on how to challenge your assessed value if you believe it's inaccurate. Contesting Your Assessed Value in Lee & Collier Counties You have the right to protest your property's assessed value if you believe it's too high. This process involves filing a petition with supporting evidence. Petitions can be submitted online, in person, or by mail. Lee and Collier counties typically allow online submissions for your convenience. Lee County: Informal conference: Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office, (239) 533-6100. Petition the Value Adjustment Board: Lee County Clerk of Court’s website,  Lee Clerk Collier County: Informal conference: Collier County Property Appraiser’s Office, (239) 252-8141. Petition the Value Adjustment Board: Collier County Clerk of Court’s website,  Collier Clerk The Importance of Local Expertise After filing your petition, you'll receive a hearing date. To strengthen your case, consider partnering with a local real estate expert like Pfeifer Realty Group. Here's why: Comparable Sales Data: Eric Pfeifer, a leading local broker, emphasizes the importance of gathering recent sales data for comparable properties (similar size, age, condition, and location). This data strengthens your claim for a revised value. Unique Property Features: Document any unique features or issues impacting your property's value, such as architectural details, renovations, or maintenance concerns. Hurricane Impact: For areas affected by Hurricane Ian (Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers), consult a Pfeifer Realty Group advisor on how storm damage might influence your value. Conclusion: A TRIM notice is an important tool for Southwest Florida homeowners (Lee & Collier counties) to understand their property taxes. Protesting an inaccurate assessed value requires careful preparation and evidence. Pfeifer Realty Group's local expertise can equip you with the knowledge and resources to navigate this process effectively. Don't discard your TRIM notice! Review it carefully and contact Pfeifer Realty Group if you believe your assessed value is too high.