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First Coast Movers review 2026 (Jacksonville, FL)

In business since 1986 · Updated

First Coast Movers, a Jacksonville, FL moving company, ranks #152 of 886 movers in Florida, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.28/5.

93% of First Coast Movers' 382 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its affordable rates, while the most common complaint involves damage to items.

In business since 1986, First Coast Movers holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #595066) and operates 2 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.

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How First Coast Movers measures up

Across 382 reviews, First Coast Movers in Jacksonville, FL is rated 4.8/5 on Google (311 reviews) and 1.5/5 on Yelp (8 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

First Coast Movers ranks #152 out of 886 movers in Florida with a moveBuddha Score of 4.28 out of 5.

  • moveBuddha Score

    moveBuddha Score

    The moveBuddha Score is a single 0–5 rating that combines everything we know about a mover, so you can compare companies without cross-referencing a dozen review sites.

    It weighs customer service, quote accuracy, review quality, industry experience, website quality, brand strength, and ratings from Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.

    It is not a paid placement. Partners and non-partners are scored the same way.

  • Google rating

    Based on 311 reviews
  • Yelp rating

    Why does the Yelp score look different?

    First Coast Movers has a 1.5 rating on Yelp across 8 reviews, noticeably lower than its 4.8 on Google (311 reviews) and its A+ rating at the BBB.

    Yelp volume is low, so a small number of negative reviews has an outsized effect.

    We weight the much larger Google sample more heavily, but flag the Yelp score transparently so you can judge for yourself.

    If you’re comparing movers, get a free First Coast Movers quote and see how their price and responsiveness feel in practice.

    Based on 8 reviews
  • Better Business Bureau

    Other names on file at BBB

    The Better Business Bureau also lists First Coast Movers as Palm Valley Ponte Vedra Movers.

    Businesses are often filed at BBB under a legal, parent-company, or former name rather than the one they trade under, so if you look First Coast Movers up on BBB, search for that name too.

    View the BBB profile

    Based on BBB profile
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Is First Coast Movers moveBuddha Certified?

First Coast Movers is not moveBuddha Certified. Certified movers are licensed carriers vetted by moveBuddha and spot-checked every quarter. They meet higher standards for insurance, pricing transparency, and customer care.

With a Certified mover, moveBuddha does the vetting for you and provides added protection. First Coast Movers hasn't gone through that certification process, so it's important to check licensing, insurance, estimates, and claims policies yourself before booking.

What movebuddha certified movers offer

  • Up to $1,000 in added move coverage*. Extra protection for eligible moves.
  • Vetted for licensing and insurance**. We verify state-required insurance for local movers and liability and cargo coverage for interstate movers.
  • Dedicated moveBuddha support. Help through the move process.
  • Dispute mediation. moveBuddha steps in if issues arise.

Before you book, check:

  • USDOT and MC numbers. Look up the license and complaint history on FMCSA's site.
  • Insurance coverage. Ask for proof of liability and cargo insurance.
  • A written estimate. Binding or not-to-exceed, with every fee listed.
  • The claims process. Ask how damage claims are filed and how long they take.

* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind. About moveBuddha Certified

** Local movers must hold insurance that meets state requirements for local moves. Interstate movers must carry auto liability of at least $750,000, general liability of at least $1M, and motor truck cargo coverage at or above $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence.

What do customers say about First Coast Movers?

Out of 382 verified reviews, 93% of customers left a positive review about First Coast Movers in Jacksonville, FL. 6.3% of reviews are negative and 0.5% are neutral. First Coast Movers has a 3% higher positive review percentage than the average Florida moving company (93% vs the Florida state average of 90%).

  • Positive93.2%(356)
  • Neutral0.5%(2)
  • Negative6.3%(24)

Based on 382 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.

What customers like about First Coast Movers

  • Affordable rates

    Many reviewers found First Coast Movers to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.

  • Flexibility

    Clients liked that First Coast Movers was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.

  • Respectful of property

    Customers appreciated how carefully First Coast Movers's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.

  • Careful handling

    Belongings are treated with caution, and many customers report zero damage thanks to First Coast Movers's attention to detail.

  • Quick moving process

    The team at First Coast Movers often gets the job done faster than expected, saving clients time.

What positive reviewers say

  • “Joe and Don were fantastic to work with. The moving process was professional and efficient. Melissa was very flexible in scheduling. We would definitely use their services again.”

    Sherrell PanoffVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “First Coast Movers were great from start to finish. They were the most affordable company I found. They showed up on time and handled my furniture carefully.”

    Adam MurchisonVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “They wrapped our furniture securely, protected our floors and walls, and ensured everything was placed exactly where we wanted. Not a single item was damaged, and the entire move was completed quicker than expected.”

    Ha AVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “They moved my entire one-bedroom apartment in just two hours, including carrying everything down three flights of stairs. They handled all my belongings with care.”

    Gretchen KernbachVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “Fast, careful, and went above and beyond. The two of them are the reason I'll be coming back and using this company again.”

    Harrison SnowdenVerified ReviewerGoogle

Most common complaints about First Coast Movers

  • Damage to items

    Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.

  • Broken promises

    Customers noted instances where First Coast Movers failed to deliver on services that were initially guaranteed.

  • Misplaced or lost items

    In some cases, belongings went missing or were delivered to the wrong location.

What negative reviewers say

  • “The movers said broken glass and a 55-inch television would be replaced, but the owner later offered only $270 toward a $1,794.75 glass repair and $700 television. The broken promise was unacceptable.”

    YelpVerified Reviewer
  • “The move was a good experience, but we later found valuable items missing. I expected the company to return them if they had been accidentally left on the truck.”

    Mark OberholtzerVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “They broke a lot of my furniture, charged for extra time, and never resolved the issue despite pictures and emails. The office was apologetic, but my furniture is still broken.”

    Shontaye KingVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “We booked well in advance, but on moving day they said they could not come because another job was larger than expected. We had to scramble to find another mover.”

    Tim HowieVerified ReviewerGoogle

First Coast Movers

4.28Jacksonville, FLSince 1986

Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.

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What services does First Coast Movers offer?

First Coast Movers handles long-distance moves from Jacksonville, FL, with services including packing.

Services offered

Is First Coast Movers licensed and insured?

Federally licensed, operating authority active

US DOT 595066 Check on SAFER

Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha

Yes, First Coast Movers is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 595066, as FIRST COAST MOVERS INC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a Florida intrastate license, number IM #417.

Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover First Coast Movers holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.

State license number
IM #417Issued by Florida. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
Registered legal name
FIRST COAST MOVERS INCThe entity behind the trading name, as filed with the FMCSA
FMCSA safety rating
Not ratedMost carriers are unrated. A rating is only assigned after a compliance review. It is not a failed one.
Trucks registered
2Power units reported to the FMCSA
Miles driven
350,000Reported to the FMCSA for 2023
Roadside inspections
0Recorded by the FMCSA
FMCSA record last updated
May 2026

How much does First Coast Movers cost?

First Coast Movers does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in Florida, you can expect to pay approximately $144/hr. Total local-move costs from similar movers typically run $400โ€“$750 for a studio or 1-bedroom, $850โ€“$1,750 for a 2-3 bedroom, and $1,700โ€“$3,400 for a 4+ bedroom home. Long-distance (500-1,000 mi) 2-3 bedroom moves from similar movers typically run $4,500โ€“$7,500.

What similar movers typically bill for a local move

Full-service Florida moving companies similar to First Coast Movers typically bill the amounts below using a $144/hr rate for a 2-person crew and scaling up for larger homes that need more movers and hours.

Typical local move totals from similar movers
Home sizeTypical totalTime and crew
Studio / 1 bedroom$400โ€“$7503โ€“5 hours, 2 movers
2-3 bedrooms$850โ€“$1,7505โ€“8 hours, 2โ€“3 movers
4+ bedrooms$1,700โ€“$3,4008โ€“12 hours, 3โ€“4 movers

What similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move

First Coast Movers is licensed for interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service Florida moving companies.

Typical long-distance move totals from similar movers
Home sizeDistanceTypical total
2-3 bedrooms500โ€“1,000 mi$4,500โ€“$7,500
4+ bedrooms500โ€“1,000 mi$7,000โ€“$11,500

What payment options and discounts does First Coast Movers offer?

Accepts
No credit cards
Deposit
Not listed, so ask

First Coast Movers does not list any accepted payment methods on moveBuddha. Confirm how they take payment before moving day. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.

How First Coast Movers compares with the top 10 Jacksonville movers

First Coast Movers's moveBuddha score of 4.28 out of 5 places it outside the top 10 Jacksonville moving companies, 0.08 points behind Helping Hands Express Moving & Storage. Where First Coast Movers falls behind is customer service, with the lowest customer service score in the group.

The ten highest-scoring local movers near Jacksonville, by moveBuddha score.

#MoverScoreReviews
1Stewart Moving & StorageJacksonville4.581,836
2Royal Moving and StorageJacksonville4.581,245
3Jaguar MovingJacksonville4.521,347
4MoveBright Moving and StorageJacksonville4.521,000
5TWO MEN AND A TRUCKJacksonville4.501,111
6Premier MoversJacksonville4.50334
7Baymeadows MoversJacksonville4.44374
8Bellhop MovingJacksonville Beach4.4219
9College Hunks Hauling Junk & MovingJacksonville4.362,834
10Helping Hands Express Moving & StorageJacksonville4.36358
11First Coast MoversThis mover ยท ranks #114.28382

How does First Coast Movers compare to other Florida movers?

  • moveBuddha score#152 of 886(better than average)

    4.28vs 3.61 avg

    First Coast Movers scores 4.28, above the Florida average of 3.61, and ranks #152 of 886 Florida movers.

  • Positive reviews#440 of 886(better than average)

    93%vs 90% avg

    First Coast Movers has 93% positive reviews, above the Florida average of 90%, and ranks #440 of 886 Florida movers.

  • Negative reviews#450 of 886(better than average)

    6%vs 9% avg

    First Coast Movers has 6% negative reviews, below the Florida average of 9%, and ranks #450 of 886 Florida movers. A lower percentage is better.

  • Reviews analyzed#163 of 886(better than average)

    382vs 311 avg

    First Coast Movers has 382 reviews analyzed, above the Florida average of 311, and ranks #163 of 886 Florida movers.

  • Yelp rating#197 of 886(worse than average)

    1.5vs 3.3 avg

    First Coast Movers has a Yelp rating of 1.5, below the Florida average of 3.3, and ranks #197 of 886 Florida movers.

  • BBB rating#5 of 886(better than average)

    A+vs A- avg

    First Coast Movers has a BBB rating of A+, above the Florida average of A-, and ranks #5 of 886 Florida movers.

  • Years in business#30 of 886(better than average)

    40 yearsvs 18 years avg

    First Coast Movers has been in business for 40 years, above the Florida average of 18 years, and ranks #30 of 886 Florida movers.

MetricThis moverFlorida avg
moveBuddha score#152 of 886 in Florida4.283.61
Positive reviews#440 of 886 in Florida93%90%
Negative reviewsLower is better#450 of 886 in Florida6%9%
Reviews analyzed#163 of 886 in Florida382311
Yelp ratingBased on only 8 reviews#197 of 886 in Florida1.53.3
BBB rating#5 of 886 in FloridaA+A-
Years in business#30 of 886 in Florida40 years18 years

Compared with 886 Florida movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in Florida.

First Coast Movers

4.28Jacksonville, FLSince 1986

Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.

Get My Free Quote

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Or call (904) 285-2426

Final verdict: First Coast Movers

First Coast Movers earns a 4.28/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #15 among Jacksonville movers, with 93% positive feedback across 382 customer reviews.

Customers consistently praise its affordable rates and flexibility. It is best for customers prioritizing helpful crews, careful handling of belongings, and reliable service experience.

With 2 trucks and a track record dating to 1986, it has more history than the average Florida mover, and the most common complaint is damage to items.

All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated November 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.

Why moveBuddha?

  • 30%+Average savings

    On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.

    Calculate your Florida moving cost 
  • $1,000Added move coverage*

    When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage*, plus dedicated support throughout your move.

  • 1-on-1Dispute mediation

    If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.

* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind.

How we score moving companies

Every mover on moveBuddha is scored on the same six factors, weighted by how much each one changes a move.

  • Quotes & payment optionsWeighs most

    The heaviest factor, because price certainty is where moves go wrong. We reward estimates you can hold a mover to, and terms disclosed before you pay.

  • Online reputationMajor factor

    An objective read from third parties rather than from the mover. The Google rating for the company's headquarters sets the band; Trustpilot, BBB, and independent review sites are read alongside it.

  • ServicesMajor factor

    The range a mover can actually cover, scored across seven categories, with extra credit for the uncommon ones most companies hand off to a subcontractor.

  • Customer supportSupporting factor

    How easily you can reach a human, and how clearly the mover sets expectations before, during, and after the move. Verified against company documentation and direct outreach.

  • Review feedbackSupporting factor

    A company's share of positive customer feedback, converted straight to points, with no curve and no editorial adjustment.

  • State availabilityMinor factor

    The lightest factor, and deliberately so: wide coverage helps more readers reach a mover, but it says nothing about how good the move will be.

What the scores are built on

  • 4,500+Moving companies analyzed
  • 1M+Authenticated reviews
  • 25+Independent data sources
  • 1,000+Live price points a month
  • $0Paid for a ranking
  • MonthlyRefreshed and re-verified

Read the full scoring methodology

Written by

Ryan CarriganCo-founder, moveBuddha

Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.

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