Florida is one of the most active states in the country for senior transitions. With millions of retirees, hundreds of active adult communities, and a constant flow of families managing moves from other states, the demand for experienced senior move managers in Florida is high, and so is the supply. This page explains what they do, what it costs, and how to find a vetted one near your parent.
What a Senior Move Manager Does
A senior move manager handles everything a regular moving company doesn't. They work directly with your parent to sort belongings: deciding what moves, what goes to family, what gets donated, and what's sold. This process alone can take days and requires someone who's patient, experienced with older adults, and understands the emotional weight of letting go of a lifelong home.
Beyond sorting, they coordinate the logistics: scheduling movers, arranging estate sales or donation pickups, setting up the new space so it feels livable on day one, and unpacking to your parent's preferences. Some also help with address changes and utility setup.
The distinction from a regular mover is scope and care. A mover transports boxes. A senior move manager manages a life transition. In Florida, where many moves involve leaving a home of 20+ years for a smaller apartment or assisted living, that distinction matters.
Cost of Senior Move Managers in Florida
Most senior move manager engagements in Florida run between $2,000 and $5,000 for a full-service move: sorting through a home, coordinating the move, and setting up the new space. Smaller engagements (unpacking and setup only, or a one-day sort) typically run $500–$1,500.
Hourly rates typically fall between $55 and $110/hr depending on the professional's experience and location. South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach) tends to be on the higher end; smaller markets like Ocala or the Panhandle are often lower.
What drives cost up: large homes with decades of accumulated belongings, complex estate sale coordination, moves involving out-of-state destinations, or working with a parent who needs extra time and emotional support. What brings it down: a smaller home already partially downsized, or hiring for a specific phase (setup only, for example).
How to Find and Vet a Senior Move Manager in Florida
1. Start with NASMM certification
The National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) is the industry's main credentialing body. NASMM members agree to a code of ethics and complete training specific to senior transitions. Florida has approximately 120 NASMM members, one of the highest concentrations in the country. Start at NASMM.org or use our directory below.
2. Ask the right questions
Before hiring anyone, ask: How long have you been working specifically with seniors? Are you bonded and insured? Can you provide references from recent clients? What does your process look like for a home with significant belongings? What's included in your estimate vs. billed hourly?
3. Watch for red flags
Be cautious of anyone who won't give a written estimate, can't provide references, or pressures you to make quick decisions about belongings. A good senior move manager works at your parent's pace.
4. Use our directory
Our directory lists NASMM-certified senior move managers across Florida. Profiles include service area, credentials, and direct contact, free for families. [Browse Florida senior move managers →](/directory/florida/)
Where Senior Move Managers Are Most Active in Florida
See cities section below for detailed local context.
Florida Senior Move Manager Directory
Our directory lists NASMM-certified senior move managers across Florida. Profiles include service area, credentials, and direct contact, free for families. Whether your parent is in the Tampa Bay area, South Florida, or the Orlando suburbs, you'll find vetted professionals nearby. [Browse the Florida directory →](/directory/florida/)
Key Cities in Florida
Tampa / St. Petersburg
The Tampa Bay area has one of the largest concentrations of active adult communities in the state, including Sun City Center, a dedicated retirement city with over 16,000 residents. Senior move managers here are well-versed in same-city downsizes and transitions into continuing care communities.
Orlando
Central Florida's massive retirement corridor, from The Villages to Solivita, keeps senior move managers in the greater Orlando area consistently busy. Many specialize in moves from northern states into Florida's active adult communities.
Miami / Fort Lauderdale
South Florida's dense urban environment presents unique logistics: high-rise condos, elevator scheduling, building move-in rules, and a multilingual client base. Senior move managers here often work with international families and handle complex estate coordination.
Jacksonville
Florida's largest city by area has a significant and growing senior population. The sprawling geography means a good senior move manager here needs local knowledge. Distances between home and destination communities can be substantial.
Browse by City in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
How many senior move managers are in Florida?
Florida has approximately 120 NASMM-certified senior move managers, the largest concentration of any state, distributed across major metro areas and retirement corridors, with the heaviest concentration in the Tampa Bay, Orlando, and South Florida regions.
Do Florida senior move managers handle moves from out of state?
Many do, especially those near major retirement destinations. If your parent is moving to Florida from another state, look for a manager who coordinates with long-distance movers and can receive and set up the new home before your parent arrives.
What's the difference between a senior move manager and a senior move coordinator at a retirement community?
A move coordinator employed by a retirement community works on behalf of the facility. A senior move manager works on behalf of your family. For unbiased help managing the transition, especially the origin home. Hire an independent NASMM-certified professional.
How far in advance should I book a senior move manager in Florida?
For peak season (November through April, when many snowbirds transition), book 4–6 weeks in advance. Summer moves are typically easier to schedule on shorter notice. That said, good managers fill up fast. Don't wait until the week before.