877-412-1344 TL;DR
Orlando adds roughly 1,500 new residents per week, and more than 227 moving companies compete for their business. Only 34 of those hold interstate licenses, which matters because 66% of Florida residents move across state lines. This guide ranks nine vetted Orlando movers by use case (local, long-distance, budget, specialty), includes real pricing data, explains Florida’s new SB 304 consumer protections, and shows you exactly how to avoid scams before signing anything.
Planning an interstate move from Orlando? Get a free moving quote from AmeriSafe Van Lines, a licensed carrier and broker authorized for household goods nationwide.
Why Orlando Needs a Better Moving Guide
The Orlando metro area’s population hit 2,940,513 at mid-year 2024, having added 284,300 new residents since the 2020 Census. That growth rate made it the sixth fastest-growing large metro in the country in 2025. People are flooding in from the Northeast, the Midwest, and Latin America, and a significant number are also leaving for Texas, New York, and California.
Here’s a number most moving guides ignore: 66% of Florida moves are interstate, not local. That means the majority of people searching for a moving company in Orlando, Florida, actually need a mover licensed to cross state lines. Yet only 34 of Orlando’s 227+ moving companies are legally authorized to handle out-of-state relocations. This mismatch between supply and demand is where consumers get burned.
Florida’s Senate Bill 304, effective July 1, 2024, introduced serious new protections. Movers must now carry at least $10,000 in liability insurance per shipment. Moving brokers can no longer provide cost estimates or contracts that include estimated move costs. And a mover who refuses to release your belongings after confirmed payment faces a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison. These changes matter for every person hiring a moving company in Orlando, Florida, this year.
This guide segments movers by what they actually do best, includes real hourly rates and cost ranges, and explains the broker vs. carrier distinction that confuses so many consumers.
Quick Comparison Table
Company | Best For | Starting Price | Google Reviews | Interstate? | Storage? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AmeriSafe Van Lines | Long-distance/interstate moves | Custom quote | Published testimonials | Yes (carrier + broker) | Yes |
Sebastian Moving and More | Overall local moves | $575/first 2 hrs | Thousands, near-perfect | No | No |
Best USA Movers Orlando | Budget-friendly local | $159/hr (3 movers) | 900+, near-perfect | No | Limited |
Good Greek Moving & Storage | Full-service long-distance | Custom quote | Strong | Yes | Yes |
Just Move It | Intrastate Florida (veteran-owned) | Flat-rate quotes | 200+ five-star | No (FL only) | Limited |
Flex Moving & Storage | Moves requiring storage | Custom quote | 255 reviews, 93.3% positive | Yes | Yes |
Maestro Movers | Specialty items (pianos, antiques) | $190/hr (3 movers) | Positive | No (FL only) | No |
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | Junk removal + moving combo | Custom quote | Strong (franchise) | Varies by location | Limited |
Two Men and a Truck | Recognized franchise | Custom quote | Strong | Yes (select locations) | Yes |
Best Moving Companies in Orlando, Florida
1. AmeriSafe Van Lines
Best for: Interstate and long-distance moves from Orlando
Most Orlando movers focus on local jobs. AmeriSafe Van Lines fills a different need entirely. As a licensed interstate motor carrier and licensed interstate moving broker authorized by the FMCSA for household goods, AmeriSafe holds dual authority that allows it to assign its own trucks or coordinate with partner carriers, depending on the route and capacity. That flexibility is uncommon and particularly useful for most Florida moves that cross state lines.
Services: Long-distance residential, local moving, commercial relocation, professional packing services, short-term and long-term storage, senior moving services, and specialty moving for fragile items
Pricing: Custom-quoted based on inventory, distance, and add-ons. No standardized package tiers published.
Licensing: USDOT/MC registered, authorized for HHG, Florida intrastate (IM), and broker (MB) licensing
Standout feature: Coordinator-led experience with separate sales and customer service lines, so post-booking support doesn’t get lost in the sales queue
AmeriSafe posts its arbitration process, FMCSA consumer rights documents, and refund policy directly on its website. Published testimonials reference real routes, including Orlando to Miami, which confirms active Orlando-area operations.
Tradeoffs:
Not a local-only Orlando operation (headquartered in Boynton Beach)
Deposits become non-refundable after 72 hours from signing
No published flat-rate pricing on the website
For anyone moving from Orlando to another state, especially popular corridors like Florida to New York or Florida to California, AmeriSafe’s dual authority and nationwide reach make it the strongest fit on this list.
Contact AmeriSafe for a free estimate
2. Sebastian Moving and More
Best for: Overall local moves in Orlando
Sebastian Moving and More has earned thousands of reviews with near-perfect scores, making it one of the most reviewed local movers in the Orlando area. The company offers a wide range of services and is frequently available for last-minute bookings.
Services: Local residential moves, packing, loading/unloading
Pricing: $575 for the first two hours with three movers, then $210 per hour after that. No deposit required and no hidden fees.
Reviews: Near-perfect aggregate across major platforms
Tradeoffs:
Premium pricing compared to other local Orlando movers
Not licensed for interstate moves
The $575 minimum makes small, quick moves relatively expensive
Practitioners on Reddit’s r/orlando threads tend to split Orlando movers into two camps: affordable hourly movers and established locals with premium pricing. Sebastian falls firmly in the second camp, and most people who pay the premium report satisfaction.
3. Best USA Movers Orlando
Best for: Budget-friendly local moves
If cost is the primary concern, Best USA Movers Orlando consistently ranks among the more affordable options. The company has accumulated over 900 reviews with near-perfect scores.
Services: Local moves, some intrastate Florida moves
Pricing: $159 per hour for three movers with a $159 truck fee. There is a $49 nonrefundable deposit.
Reviews: 900+, near-perfect
Tradeoffs:
Not licensed for out-of-state moves, so this is strictly a Florida option
The nonrefundable deposit is a minor friction point for comparison shoppers
Limited service menu compared to full-service movers
At roughly $159/hour versus Sebastian’s $210/hour (after the minimum), the savings add up quickly on longer local jobs. Just confirm they can handle your specific move type before booking.
4. Good Greek Moving & Storage
Best for: Full-service long-distance moves
Good Greek Moving & Storage markets itself as Orlando’s most referred local and long-distance moving services provider. The company took third place in Orlando Weekly’s “Best Moving Company” 2024 reader poll, behind Two Men and a Truck and Cento Moving.
Services: Local, long-distance, packing, storage, and commercial
Pricing: Custom quotes
Reviews: Strong across platforms
Tradeoffs:
Custom pricing means less transparency upfront
Full-service premium pricing
Availability can be tight during peak summer months
Good Greek is one of the few Orlando-based companies with actual long-distance licensing, which narrows the field considerably. If you want a single company to handle packing, moving, and storage for a cross-country relocation and prefer a locally rooted brand, they deserve a quote.
5. Just Move It
Best for: Intrastate Florida moves (veteran-owned)
Founded in 2016 by Marine Corps veteran Brian Green, Just Move It operates every job with military-grade structure: on-time crews, transparent flat-rate pricing for most jobs, no surprise add-ons, and full background checks on every mover.
Services: Local and intrastate Florida moves, packing
Pricing: Flat-rate quotes for most jobs
Reviews: Over 200 five-star Google ratings and an A+ from the Better Business Bureau
Tradeoffs:
No interstate license, so this is Florida-only
A smaller operation means limited capacity during peak season
Not ideal for specialty items or complex logistics
The flat-rate model is a meaningful differentiator. Most Orlando movers bill hourly, so the final cost depends on how quickly the crew works. Flat-rate pricing removes that uncertainty, and it’s part of why Just Move It keeps showing up in Reddit recommendation threads.
6. Flex Moving & Storage
Best for: Moves that require storage
Flex Moving & Storage stands out with 255 reviews and a 93.3% positive rating. Storage is their differentiator: if you need a place to keep belongings between move-out and move-in (common for Orlando’s staggered lease cycles), Flex handles both logistics under one roof.
Services: Local and long-distance, packing, short-term and long-term storage
Pricing: Custom quotes
Reviews: 93.3% positive (255 reviews)
Tradeoffs:
Negative feedback specifically mentions property damage and billing overages
Custom pricing means you need to call for any numbers
The 6.7% negative rate is higher than some competitors on this list
The damage complaints are worth noting. Ask about their claims process and liability coverage before booking, especially now that SB 304 requires $10,000 minimum insurance per shipment.
7. Maestro Movers
Best for: Specialty items like pianos and antiques
Maestro Movers started as a specialty moving service for pianos and antiques before expanding into general residential moves. That origin shows in their handling expertise.
Services: Piano moving, antique transport, general residential moves (all Florida)
Pricing: $190 per hour for three movers, plus a $175 logistics fee
Reviews: Positive, with particular praise for careful handling
Tradeoffs:
No interstate moving license (Florida only)
The $175 logistics fee adds to the base hourly rate
Not a full-service operation for large household moves
If you own a grand piano, valuable antiques, or fragile art, Maestro is the Orlando specialist to call. For a standard three-bedroom move, you’ll likely find better value elsewhere.
8. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
Best for: Combined junk removal and moving
College Hunks is a national franchise with a strong Orlando presence, consistently appearing in Yelp’s top 10 movers in Orlando. Their dual focus on junk hauling and moving makes them uniquely suited for downsizers or anyone who needs to purge before relocating.
Services: Local and long-distance moving, junk removal, labor-only, packing
Pricing: Custom quotes (franchise pricing varies)
Reviews: Strong across platforms, though quality varies by franchise location
Tradeoffs:
The franchise model means your experience depends on the local owner/operator
Reddit users consistently warn that national franchises vary widely, so always check recent reviews for the specific Orlando location
May be pricier than independent local movers for straightforward jobs
The junk removal angle is genuinely useful. If you’re decluttering an Orlando home before listing it or clearing out a relative’s estate, having one company handle both removal and moving saves coordination headaches.
9. Two Men and a Truck
Best for: Brand recognition and franchise consistency
Two Men and a Truck won first place in Orlando Weekly’s “Best Moving Company” 2024 reader poll. As the largest franchised moving company in the country, they bring standardized training and processes.
Services: Local, long-distance, packing, storage (varies by location)
Pricing: Custom quotes
Reviews: Consistently strong
Tradeoffs:
Franchise pricing tends to run higher than that of independent movers
The same franchise-variability caveat applies
Long-distance capabilities depend on the specific franchise
The Orlando Weekly win is worth something. Reader polls capture genuine local sentiment that review platforms sometimes miss.
How Much Do Movers Cost in Orlando?
Pricing transparency is the biggest gap in Orlando’s moving market. Most companies force you to call for quotes, which makes comparison shopping tedious. Here’s what the data shows.
Local Move Costs
Local moves in Orlando are billed by the hour, with rates averaging around $80/hour based on moveBuddha’s analysis of Orlando-area pricing. That average includes smaller crews and lighter loads. For a standard three-mover crew with a truck, expect:
Budget movers: $159/hour (e.g., Best USA Movers)
Mid-range movers: $190/hour (e.g., Maestro Movers)
Premium movers: $210+/hour (e.g., Sebastian Moving)
Most companies charge a 2-hour minimum. Total cost for a local move typically falls between $200 and $2,400, depending on home size and complexity.
Long-Distance Move Costs
For moves over 100 miles, pricing shifts from hourly to distance-and weight-based. Orlando long-distance moves generally cost:
Small apartment, 500 miles: $2,700 to $4,000
3-bedroom house, 1,000+ miles: $5,000 to $10,000+
Cross-country (Orlando to LA): $7,000 to $9,500+
The median Orlando move costs about $1,696, according to aggregated local data, though that figure includes both local and mid-range distances.
For anyone comparing long-distance moving costs and deposits, getting at least three written estimates is non-negotiable.
Add-On Costs
Full packing services: $200 to $500+
Storage (monthly): $40 to $150, with climate-controlled units at the higher end
Specialty items (piano, safe, pool table): $150 to $500+ per item
Stair/elevator fees: $50 to $75 per flight
When to Move for the Lowest Price
The cheapest time to move in Orlando is mid-week, mid-month, between October and April. Avoid May through September, when peak-season demand pushes rates up 20% to 30%. The last three days of any month are also premium-priced because leases tend to start and end on the first.
Hurricane season (June through November) adds another wrinkle. While the storms themselves rarely derail a move, they can cause scheduling delays and last-minute cancellations from crews. Book early if you’re moving during hurricane season.
How to Vet a Moving Company in Orlando: Scam-Avoidance Checklist
Moving scams are not rare in Orlando. Practitioners on Reddit consistently share horror stories: movers going through personal belongings, breaking valuables with no recourse, low-balling quotes and then upcharging on moving day, or quietly inflating cubic-footage estimates for cross-state jobs.
Here’s how to protect yourself:
1. Verify federal licensing
Look up the company’s USDOT and MC numbers on FMCSA’s SAFER system. Every legitimate interstate mover must be registered. If a company can’t provide these numbers, walk away.
2. Confirm Florida state registration
Florida requires movers to register with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). This is separate from the federal license and applies to all movers operating within the state.
3. Read the last 20 Google reviews, not just the star rating
Recency matters more than volume. A company with 2,000 reviews and a 4.8 average might have been great in 2022, but terrible in 2025. The last 20 reviews tell you what’s happening right now.
4. Demand a written, binding estimate
For long-distance moves, the estimate should be weight-based, not cubic footage. Cubic-footage pricing is one of the top red flags in the industry because it’s easy to manipulate.
5. Watch for these red flags:
No physical address or office you can visit
Cash-only payment demands
One bid dramatically lower than all others (classic bait-and-switch)
Unmarked trucks on moving day
Generic phone greetings that don’t mention the company name
For a deeper dive, read this guide on how to spot and avoid moving scams.
6. Know your SB 304 rights
Since July 2024, your mover must carry at least $10,000 in liability insurance per shipment. Brokers cannot give you cost estimates. And if a mover holds your belongings hostage after you’ve paid, that’s now a felony in Florida. These protections are significant, and you should reference them if any mover tries to cut corners.
Broker vs. Carrier: What Orlando Consumers Need to Know
This distinction confuses more people than almost anything else in the moving industry, and it comes up constantly in Reddit threads from Orlando residents.
A carrier owns trucks and employs the crew that physically moves your belongings.
A broker arranges the move but doesn’t own trucks or employ movers. They match you with a carrier from their network.
Neither model is inherently bad, but the problems arise when consumers don’t know which one they’ve hired. You think you’re booking Company A, but on moving day, Company B shows up with a different crew, different pricing, and different expectations.
Florida’s SB 304 addressed this directly. Brokers must now clearly disclose that they only arrange moving services and that their fees are separate from the actual cost of the move. Brokers are also banned from providing estimates that include estimated costs of the move itself, which prevents them from blurring the line between brokering and carrying.
Some companies hold both authorities. AmeriSafe Van Lines, for example, is registered with the FMCSA as both a carrier and a broker, authorized for household goods. This dual authority means they can use their own trucks on certain routes and coordinate with partner carriers on others, all through a single point of contact. That structure gives consumers more flexibility without the confusion of being silently handed off to an unknown company.
If you’re comparing interstate moving companies, always ask: “Will your company or a third party perform my move?” Get the answer in writing.
Orlando-Specific Moving Tips
HOA and High-Rise Logistics
Many Orlando communities, especially in areas like Lake Nona, Windermere, and downtown high-rises, require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your moving company before they’ll allow access. Some HOAs also restrict moving to weekday business hours. Ask your property manager about requirements at least two weeks before your move date, and make sure your mover can provide a COI on request.
Elevator reservations are another common requirement in Orlando’s growing number of high-rise buildings. Book the freight elevator early. Missing your window can delay the entire move.
I-4 Traffic and Routing
Interstate 4 is consistently ranked among the most dangerous and congested highways in America. Any move that requires crossing I-4 (which includes most moves between downtown Orlando, the theme park corridor, and suburbs like Winter Garden or Sanford) needs to account for significant traffic delays, especially between 7 and 9 AM and 4 and 7 PM. Morning-start moves that finish before the afternoon rush save time and money on hourly billing.
Popular Interstate Routes from Orlando
Orlando’s most common long-distance corridors include:
Orlando to New York/New Jersey: The single most popular outbound route
Orlando to Texas: Growing rapidly, driven by corporate relocations
Orlando to California: It’s common for tech workers and the entertainment industry to make moves
Each corridor has different pricing, transit times, and carrier availability. For the New York corridor specifically, Florida to New York movers typically quote 7 to 14-day transit windows depending on inventory size.
Storage-in-Transit
Staggered move-ins are increasingly common in Orlando, where new construction timelines don’t always align with lease end dates. If you need to store belongings for a few weeks or months between homes, look for a mover that offers storage-in-transit rather than hiring a separate storage facility. It reduces handling (your items are loaded once, stored, then delivered) and usually costs less than two separate transactions.
Methodology
This list was compiled by analyzing licensed movers operating in the Orlando, Florida metro area across multiple dimensions: FMCSA and FDACS licensing verification, review volume and recency on Google and Yelp, published pricing data, service breadth, and community sentiment from Reddit and local publications. Companies were segmented by use case to help readers match their specific needs to the right mover. AmeriSafe Van Lines is the publisher of this article and is included as a recommended option for interstate moves due to its verified dual-carrier/broker authority and nationwide service capabilities.
FAQ
How much do movers cost per hour in Orlando?
The average hourly rate for local movers in Orlando is about $80/hour for a basic crew. For a standard team of three movers with a truck, expect $159 to $210+ per hour, depending on the company. Most charge a two-hour minimum.
What license should an Orlando moving company have?
At a minimum, every Orlando mover needs Florida FDACS registration. For interstate moves, the company must also hold a USDOT number and an MC authority registered with the FMCSA. You can verify both through FMCSA’s SAFER system. Since SB 304, movers must also carry at least $10,000 in liability insurance per shipment.
When is the cheapest time to move in Orlando?
October through April, mid-week, mid-month. Avoid May through September (peak season adds 20% to 30% to rates), weekends, and the last three days of any month.
What’s the difference between a moving broker and a carrier?
A carrier owns trucks and employs the crew. A broker arranges the move through third-party carriers. Florida’s SB 304 now requires brokers to disclose their role clearly and prohibits them from giving cost estimates that include the price of the actual move. Some companies, like AmeriSafe Van Lines, hold both carrier and broker authority, which means they can operate their own trucks or use partners depending on the route.
Is my move covered by insurance?
Florida law now requires movers to carry at least $10,000 in liability insurance per shipment to cover losses or damage due to negligence. For long-distance moves, federal law requires carriers to offer two liability options: released value (free, but covers only $0.60 per pound per item) and full value protection (additional cost, but covers repair or replacement at current value). Always ask which option you’re getting before signing.
How many Orlando movers are licensed for interstate moves?
Only about 34 out of 227+ Orlando-area moving companies hold interstate licenses. This is a critical distinction because 66% of Florida residents move across state lines. If you’re moving out of Florida, confirm interstate authorization before booking.
How do I file a complaint against an Orlando mover?
For intrastate moves, file a complaint with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. For interstate moves, complaints are filed with the FMCSA. Under SB 304, movers who refuse to release your goods after confirmed payment face felony charges, so document everything and keep payment receipts.
Should I get an in-home estimate or a virtual survey?
For any move involving a full household, an in-home or detailed virtual survey produces a far more accurate estimate than a phone quote. This is especially true for long-distance moves where pricing is based on weight and distance rather than hourly rates. Be wary of any company willing to give a firm long-distance quote over the phone without seeing your inventory.
Ready to plan your move out of Orlando? Get a personalized quote from AmeriSafe Van Lines for interstate and long-distance relocations.
