Orlando’s strategic location in Central Florida has made it a significant hub for military families, defense contractors, and veterans. With proximity to multiple military installations including Patrick Space Force Base (60 miles east), MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa (85 miles southwest), and Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville (140 miles northeast), the Orlando area serves as home to approximately 45,000 active-duty military members and over 150,000 veterans.
Add to that the presence of major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin (employing over 8,000 locally), Northrop Grumman, L3Harris Technologies, and dozens of smaller defense firms, and you have a thriving military community that experiences frequent relocations.
If you’re military personnel or a defense contractor facing a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move to or from Orlando, understanding your options, entitlements, and the local military community can make your relocation significantly smoother and more cost-effective.
Understanding PCS Moves and Military Entitlements
What is a PCS Move?
A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is an official military relocation order requiring service members to move to a new duty station. According to the Department of Defense, approximately 400,000 military members PCS annually, with an average of 2-3 PCS moves during a typical military career.
Common PCS Triggers:
- Completion of training
- Assignment to new duty station
- Deployment or return from deployment
- Promotion requiring relocation
- End of tour at current station
- Retirement or separation from service
Your Military Moving Entitlements
The government provides relocation assistance to military members, but understanding exactly what’s covered is crucial to avoiding out-of-pocket expenses.
Standard Entitlements Include:
Household Goods (HHG) Transportation: The military will arrange and pay for transportation of your household goods based on your rank and dependency status.
Weight Allowances by Rank (with dependents):
- E-1 to E-5: 8,000-9,000 pounds
- E-6 to E-9: 11,000-14,500 pounds
- O-1 to O-3: 12,000-14,000 pounds
- O-4 to O-6: 17,000-18,000 pounds
- O-7+: 18,000 pounds
Excess Weight Costs: According to military data, approximately 35% of PCS moves exceed weight allowances, with service members paying an average of $1,500-$3,000 out-of-pocket for excess weight.
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE): Up to 10 days of temporary housing is covered while you search for permanent housing. Current rates vary by location but typically cover $140-$180 per day.
Dislocation Allowance (DLA): A one-time payment to offset moving costs. Amounts range from $2,000-$4,000 depending on rank and dependency status.
Mileage and Travel: Reimbursement for travel to your new duty station at the current federal mileage rate (currently $0.67 per mile for PCS moves).
Government-Arranged Moves vs. PPM/DITY Moves
Service members have two primary options for PCS moves, each with distinct advantages.
Government-Arranged Moves (Traditional HHG)
How It Works:
The military contracts with moving companies through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS). The government arranges everything: packing, loading, transportation, and delivery.
Advantages:
- Zero upfront costs
- Professional packing and moving services
- Government assumes liability for damage or loss
- Less physical work and stress
- Ideal for families with limited time or physical limitations
Disadvantages:
- Less control over timing and movers
- Must work within military contracted schedules
- Average wait time for household goods delivery: 15-30 days
- Some items cannot be shipped (hazardous materials, perishables)
- Claims process for damaged items can be lengthy
Statistics: Approximately 85% of military members choose government-arranged moves, citing convenience and reduced financial risk as primary reasons.
PPM (Personally Procured Move) or DITY (Do It Yourself) Moves
How It Works:
You arrange your own move, either renting a truck or hiring a commercial moving company. The government reimburses you based on what it would have cost them to move your goods (typically 95-100% of the government cost).
Financial Opportunity:
This is where PPM moves become attractive. If the government’s estimated cost to move your belongings is $5,000, and you complete the move for $3,500, you pocket the $1,500-$1,700 difference (after taxes).
Average PPM Profit Potential:
- Local moves (under 500 miles): $500-$2,000
- Long-distance moves (500-2,000 miles): $2,000-$5,000
- Cross-country moves (2,000+ miles): $3,000-$8,000
Statistics Show: Approximately 15% of military members choose PPM moves, with 65% reporting financial gain averaging $2,800 per move.
Advantages:
- Potential to make money on your move
- Complete control over timing and schedule
- Choose your own movers
- Faster delivery (you control the timeline)
- Access to belongings during transport
Disadvantages:
- Upfront costs (reimbursed later)
- More planning and physical work required
- You assume liability for damage or loss
- Must save all receipts and document everything
- Weight must be certified at certified scales
- Reimbursement can take 30-45 days after submission
Partial DITY/Partial Government
The Hybrid Option:
You can split your move: some items transported by the government, others moved personally. This is popular for service members who want professional help with furniture but prefer to transport valuables, electronics, or vehicles themselves.
Common Split Strategies:
- Government moves furniture and household goods
- You transport electronics, important documents, valuables
- You drive personal vehicles while government ships one vehicle
Statistics: About 8% of military members choose partial DITY moves, finding it balances convenience with control.
Planning Your PCS Timeline
Military moves operate on strict timelines. Understanding the sequence prevents last-minute stress.
Typical PCS Timeline
90 Days Before:
- Receive official PCS orders
- Register move in Defense Personal Property System (DPS)
- Request moving quotes if doing PPM
- Begin researching housing at new duty station
- Schedule port call with Transportation Office
60 Days Before:
- Confirm moving dates with Transportation Office or commercial movers
- Begin decluttering and selling excess items
- Research schools at new location if you have children
- Start gathering important documents (medical records, school records, vehicle titles)
30 Days Before:
- Confirm moving dates
- Begin packing non-essentials if doing PPM
- Arrange temporary housing if needed
- Schedule vehicle shipment if applicable
- Complete house hunting trip if time allows
2 Weeks Before:
- Complete most packing
- Confirm final details with movers
- Arrange childcare and pet care for moving day
- Conduct pre-move inventory if government move
- Schedule final walk-throughs and inspections
Moving Week:
- Complete packing
- Supervise loading
- Document everything (photos, inventory lists)
- Clean current quarters
- Begin travel to new duty station
Arrival at New Station:
- Check in with new command within 24 hours of reporting date
- Arrange temporary lodging if permanent housing not ready
- Begin in-processing requirements
- Schedule household goods delivery
Important Timing Facts:
- 45% of PCS moves occur during peak military moving season (May-August)
- Average time from PCS orders to move: 60-75 days
- Government-arranged moves: average 21 days from pickup to delivery
- PPM moves: average 3-7 days from pickup to delivery
Orlando Military Housing Market
Understanding the Orlando housing market helps you make informed decisions about where to live.
On-Base vs. Off-Base Housing
Housing Challenges:
Orlando area doesn’t have traditional on-base housing due to its location between military installations. Most military families live in off-base housing.
BAH Rates for Orlando (2024):
Basic Allowance for Housing varies by rank and dependency status:
- E-5 with dependents: $1,899/month
- E-7 with dependents: $2,178/month
- O-3 with dependents: $2,331/month
- O-5 with dependents: $2,682/month
Reality Check: Orlando rental market has average rates slightly above BAH for many ranks:
- 2-bedroom apartment: $1,700-$2,200/month
- 3-bedroom house: $2,200-$2,800/month
- 4-bedroom house: $2,600-$3,500/month
Approximately 40% of military families in Orlando pay some out-of-pocket housing costs beyond BAH.
Popular Areas for Military Families
East Orlando (Near Patrick SFB/Cocoa Beach):
Communities:
- Avalon Park
- Waterford Lakes
- Alafaya
Advantages:
- 60-minute commute to Patrick Space Force Base
- Strong schools
- Family-friendly neighborhoods
- Lower crime rates
- Access to beaches
South Orlando (Near MacDill AFB/Tampa):
Communities:
- Lake Nona
- Celebration
- Kissimmee
Advantages:
- 75-90 minute commute to MacDill
- Newer developments
- Growing defense contractor presence
- Medical City in Lake Nona
Central Orlando:
Communities:
- Winter Park
- Baldwin Park
- College Park
Advantages:
- Central location for multiple installations
- Urban amenities
- Good schools
- Cultural activities
Statistics: Approximately 65% of Orlando-area military families choose suburban locations over urban areas, citing school quality and family-friendliness as primary factors.
School Considerations
Top-Rated School Districts for Military Families:
Seminole County: Consistently rated among Florida’s best, serving Oviedo, Winter Springs, and Lake Mary. Military families comprise approximately 12% of student population.
Orange County (Select Areas): Winter Park, Baldwin Park, and Lake Nona areas have highly-rated schools.
Military Interstate Children’s Compact (MIC3):
Florida participates in MIC3, which:
- Eases school transitions for military children
- Allows flexibility in enrollment dates
- Considers deployment in attendance requirements
- Facilitates transfer of records and coursework
Statistics: Military children move 6-9 times during K-12 education, 2-3 times the rate of civilian children. MIC3 reduces administrative burden for these transitions.
Defense Contractor Presence in Orlando
Orlando’s defense industry provides significant employment beyond active-duty positions.
Major Defense Employers
Lockheed Martin:
- Approximately 8,000+ employees in Orlando area
- Focus: missiles, fire control systems, simulation and training
- Frequent relocations for technical positions
Northrop Grumman:
- 1,500+ Orlando-area employees
- Focus: aerospace systems, cybersecurity
L3Harris Technologies:
- Major presence in Melbourne (near Orlando)
- Focus: communications, electronic systems
Smaller Defense Contractors:
- Over 150 defense contractors in Central Florida
- Combined employment: 30,000+ positions
Relocation Considerations:
Defense contractor moves typically don’t include government entitlements. However, many companies offer:
- Relocation packages: $5,000-$25,000 depending on level
- Temporary housing allowances
- House-hunting trip coverage
- Moving expense reimbursement
Approximately 70% of defense contractors offer some relocation assistance for mid-level and senior positions.
VA Resources and Benefits in Orlando
VA Healthcare
Orlando VA Medical Center: Located at 13800 Veterans Way, serves approximately 107,000 enrolled veterans annually.
Services Include:
- Primary care
- Specialty care
- Mental health services
- Emergency care
- Pharmacy services
Additional VA Clinics:
- Lake Nona VA Clinic
- Osceola County VA Clinic
- The Villages VA Clinic
Important Facts:
- Average wait time for primary care: 20-30 days for new patients
- Enroll before your move to ensure continuous care
- Orlando VA rated 3 out of 5 stars in recent VA ratings
VA Home Loans
Orlando Market Statistics:
Approximately 35% of military home purchases in Orlando use VA loans. VA loans offer:
- Zero down payment
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
- Competitive interest rates
- Limited closing costs
Average VA Loan in Orlando (2024): $385,000
VA Loan Benefits:
- Saves approximately $15,000-$30,000 in down payment costs
- Saves $150-$300/month by eliminating PMI
- Can finance 100% of reasonable home value
Education Benefits
GI Bill Usage:
Orlando area has numerous colleges and universities accepting GI Bill benefits:
- University of Central Florida (UCF): 3,000+ GI Bill recipients
- Valencia College: 1,500+ veteran students
- Seminole State College: 800+ veteran students
- Full Sail University: Popular for technology and media programs
Post-9/11 GI Bill Rates (Orlando, 2024):
- Full-time student housing allowance: $2,232/month
- Books and supplies: up to $1,000/year
- Covers 100% tuition at public universities
Avoiding Common PCS Moving Mistakes
Military members report these frequent errors that cost time, money, or stress.
Weight Allowance Miscalculations
The Problem: 35% of military families exceed weight allowances, resulting in average out-of-pocket costs of $2,400.
Solutions:
- Weigh belongings before PCS (rent truck scales for $5-10)
- Declutter before moving—each 100 pounds costs approximately $50-75 to move
- Sell or donate excess items
- Consider storage for items you don’t need immediately
Inadequate Documentation
The Problem: Poor documentation causes 45% of PPM move reimbursement delays or reductions.
Solutions:
- Save all receipts (fuel, tolls, moving supplies, truck rental, hotel)
- Get weight tickets at certified scales (before and after loading)
- Take photos of your belongings before and after move
- Document mileage and travel dates
- Keep copies of orders and DPS registration
Timing Issues
The Problem: 30% of military families experience household goods delivery delays, sometimes 30+ days past estimated delivery.
The Solution:
- Have essentials to last 30+ days without household goods
- Use TLE wisely (up to 10 days covered)
- Consider partial DITY for items needed immediately
- Maintain realistic expectations about delivery windows
Inadequate Research on New Location
The Problem: Rushing housing decisions leads to regret. 40% of military families report dissatisfaction with their first housing choice at a new duty station.
Solutions:
- Use house-hunting trip entitlement
- Research neighborhoods thoroughly
- Consider commute times realistically
- Talk to other military families at your gaining command
- Use online military housing resources (MilitaryByOwner, AHRN.com)
Financial Planning for PCS Moves
Upfront Costs to Anticipate
Even government-arranged moves have some costs:
Government-Arranged Move:
- Security deposits: $1,500-$3,000
- First month’s rent: $1,500-$3,000
- Utility deposits: $200-$500
- Moving supplies for what you pack: $100-$300
- Travel and lodging en route: $300-$1,000
- Total upfront: $3,600-$7,800
PPM Move:
- All of the above, plus:
- Truck rental: $1,000-$4,000
- Fuel: $300-$1,500
- Moving equipment rental: $100-$300
- Additional lodging: $200-$600
- Total upfront: $5,200-$14,200
Important: DLA (Dislocation Allowance) of $2,000-$4,000 helps offset these costs but is paid after the move.
Tax Implications
Active Duty PCS Moves:
PCS moves for active-duty military are generally not taxable. Reimbursements and allowances (including PPM payments) are typically excluded from taxable income.
Important Exception: Any profit from a PPM move may be taxable. Consult a tax professional, preferably one familiar with military tax situations.
Helpful Resource: IRS provides Publication 3 specifically for Armed Forces Tax Guide.
Military Moving Checklist
90 Days Out:
- Receive and review orders
- Register in DPS
- Decide: government move, PPM, or partial
- Contact Orlando housing resources
- Research schools and neighborhoods
60 Days Out:
- Confirm moving dates
- Request house-hunting trip if entitled
- Schedule school transfers
- Begin decluttering
- Sell excess items
30 Days Out:
- Finalize housing arrangements
- Confirm movers or truck rental
- Notify utility companies
- Schedule vehicle transport if needed
- Update DEERS information
2 Weeks Out:
- Pack non-essentials
- Confirm all reservations
- Arrange pet care and transport
- Gather important documents
- Complete inventory if government move
Moving Week:
- Final packing
- Clean current quarters
- Supervise loading
- Document everything
- Begin travel to Orlando
Upon Arrival:
- Check in with command
- Arrange TLE if needed
- Set up utilities
- Enroll children in schools
- Register vehicles (30 days required)
- Update Florida driver’s license
Orlando Express Movers and Military Relocations
At Orlando Express Movers, we’ve worked with hundreds of military families relocating to and from the Orlando area. We understand the unique requirements, timelines, and budget constraints of military moves.
Our Military Moving Services:
PPM/DITY Move Assistance:
- Competitive pricing designed to maximize your PPM profit
- Weight ticket coordination
- Documentation assistance for reimbursement
- Flexible scheduling around military timelines
Partial DITY Support:
- We can handle just furniture while you transport valuables
- Custom packages based on your weight allowance
- Professional packing services if needed
Understanding Military Timelines:
- We accommodate last-minute PCS orders
- Flexible scheduling for TDY or deployment situations
- Rapid response for emergency moves
Transparent Pricing:
- Special rates
- Clear, itemized quotes for reimbursement documentation
- No hidden fees or surprise charges
Experience: We’ve successfully supported PCS moves for personnel heading to Patrick Space Force Base, MacDill Air Force Base, and other installations, as well as incoming military families and defense contractors joining Orlando’s thriving military community.
Resources for Military Families in Orlando
Military Support Organizations:
Armed Services YMCA of Central Florida: Provides support programs, childcare, and family resources.
USO Central Florida: Located at Orlando International Airport; provides family support programs.
Military Spouse Network – Orlando Chapter: Networking and support for military spouses.
Veterans Service Organizations:
- VFW Posts throughout Orlando
- American Legion Posts
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter
Online Resources:
- MilitaryByOwner.com: Housing listings
- AHRN.com: Housing rentals
- Military OneSource: 24/7 support and resources
- Florida Veteran Benefits Guide: State-specific benefits
Ready to Plan Your Military PCS Move?
Whether you’re active duty, a defense contractor, or a veteran relocating to Orlando’s thriving military community, proper planning makes all the difference. Understanding your entitlements, options, and the local area ensures a successful transition.
Contact Orlando Express Movers today for a free quote on your military move. We’ll discuss your specific situation, timeline, and budget to create a moving plan that works for your family and maximizes your benefits.
Call us to discuss your PCS move. Thank you for your service—let us serve you during your relocation to Orlando.