Shipping a car to Florida for the winter, out of Miami after a move, or between Orlando and Tampa. Florida is the snowbird capital of car shipping. See what Florida routes cost, how long they take, and which carriers Florida shippers rate highest.
Updated Reviewed by Transportvibe Editorial Team
Shipping a standard sedan to or from Florida costs $500–$1,900 on open transport in 2026, depending on distance. In-state moves run $350–$775, regional moves to neighboring states $425–$800, and coast-to-coast routes $1,500–$1,900. Enclosed transport adds roughly 40–60%.
Typical open-carrier prices for a standard sedan on the most-quoted Florida routes. SUVs and pickups usually add $100–$250.
| Route | Distance | Open transport | Enclosed transport | Transit time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami, FL to Seattle, WA | 3,280 mi | $1,500–$1,900 | $2,175–$3,050 | 7–10 days |
| Orlando, FL to Birmingham, AL | 560 mi | $550–$700 | $800–$1,125 | 1–3 days |
| Tampa, FL to Atlanta, GA | 500 mi | $500–$650 | $725–$1,050 | 1–3 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Miami, FL | 2,800 mi | $1,350–$1,725 | $1,950–$2,750 | 6–9 days |
| Miami, FL to Phoenix, AZ | 2,370 mi | $1,225–$1,575 | $1,775–$2,525 | 5–8 days |
| Denver, CO to Tampa, FL | 1,830 mi | $1,075–$1,350 | $1,550–$2,150 | 4–7 days |
| Jacksonville, FL to Miami, FL | 390 mi | $500–$625 | $725–$1,000 | 1–3 days |
Florida's prices swing more than any other state's. From October through January, southbound trucks fill up and prices into Florida rise. From March through May, the flow reverses and leaving Florida costs more. Shipping against the flow saves the most.
From June through November, storms can close ports, roads and terminals for days. Carriers reroute or pause service in affected areas. Build in flexibility for late-summer shipments and get the carrier's weather policy in writing.
Jacksonville and Miami are major vehicle ports. If you're shipping a car overseas or receiving one from abroad, Florida has more options than most states.
Dense neighborhoods, gated communities and condo garages can make door-to-door pickups slow. Meeting the carrier at a nearby lot usually speeds things up.
Carriers reach Florida on I-95 along the Atlantic coast and I-75 down the Gulf side, with I-4 linking Tampa and Orlando and I-10 across the Panhandle.
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Miami and the rest of South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, have huge inbound demand from October through January and outbound demand from March through May. The Port of Miami also handles international vehicle exports. Expect pickups at a lot in dense neighborhoods.
Orlando sits at the center of the state, connected to both coasts by I-4 and to South Florida by the Turnpike. Rental fleets, theme parks and fast population growth keep carriers busy year-round.
Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater are major snowbird destinations on the Gulf side, served by I-75 from the Midwest. MacDill Air Force Base adds military moves. Bridges across the bay can slow pickups during rush hour.
Jacksonville is where I-95 crosses I-10, making it the gateway for most carriers entering Florida. Its port is one of the country's busiest for vehicle imports and exports, and Naval Air Station Jacksonville adds military moves.
Fort Myers, Naples and Cape Coral are among the state's most popular snowbird destinations. Fall inbound demand is especially strong, and hurricane recovery can affect scheduling in late summer.
Pensacola anchors the Panhandle on I-10 between Mobile and Tallahassee. Naval Air Station Pensacola and nearby Eglin Air Force Base generate steady military moves.
Ranked by TrustScore, using FMCSA records and reviews from people who shipped to or from Florida. Companies cannot pay to change their rank.
Compare FMCSA-checked brokers and carriers side by side by TrustScore, verified Florida reviews, insurance and complaint history.
TrustScore weighs reputation, on-time performance, pricing accuracy, customer experience and FMCSA compliance. Companies cannot pay to change their score; sponsored placements are always labeled. How TrustScore works.
Most Florida shipments go on open carriers. Choose enclosed when the car's value, finish or clearance makes road exposure a real risk.
| Open carrier | Enclosed carrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Florida price | $500–$1,900 | $725–$3,050 |
| Truck availability | High on I-95, I-75, I-4, I-10 and Florida's Turnpike. Fastest scheduling in the larger metros. | Lower. Often routed through the nearest major hub, so allow extra days. |
| Protection | Exposed to weather, road grime and debris | Fully covered. Shields paint from sun, salt air, storms and road debris. |
| Best for | Daily drivers, leases, used cars, most relocations | Classics, exotics, show cars, low-clearance and new luxury vehicles |
| Insurance limit (typical) | $100,000–$250,000 cargo coverage | $250,000–$1,000,000 cargo coverage |
Typical demand for Florida routes by month. Higher demand means higher prices and longer waits for a truck.
Fall and early winter are peak season for shipping into Florida. Spring is peak season for shipping out. Summer is usually the cheapest time for inbound routes, but it overlaps with hurricane season, so leave room for weather delays.
Enter your pickup and delivery ZIPs. Compare companies by TrustScore, Florida reviews and price, not price alone.
Check the company's USDOT or MC number and insurance. Get the pickup window, price and deposit terms in writing.
Remove personal items and toll tags, leave about a quarter tank, and photograph every side in daylight.
Walk around the car with the driver and note any damage on the Bill of Lading before you sign it.
What to do after your car arrives. Requirements can change, so confirm with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
Shipping a sedan to Florida costs $500–$1,900 on an open carrier in 2026. Shorter moves within the state run about $350–$775, while cross-country routes cost $1,500–$1,900. SUVs, pickups, non-running cars and enclosed transport cost more.
Most Florida shipments are delivered in 1–3 days within the state, 2–5 days to neighboring states, and 7–10 days coast to coast. Add one to five days for the carrier to schedule pickup, more for rural addresses far from an interstate.
The cheapest option is an open carrier with flexible pickup dates, booked two to three weeks ahead. Meeting the driver near I-95, I-75, I-4, I-10 and Florida's Turnpike instead of at a remote address usually lowers the price and shortens the wait.
Someone aged 18 or older needs to be present at both ends to hand over or receive the keys, inspect the car with the driver and sign the Bill of Lading. It doesn't have to be you, but it should be someone you trust to note damage before signing.
Late spring and summer, after snowbirds have gone home. Fall is the most expensive time to ship into Florida, and spring is the most expensive time to ship out.
Florida has no emissions or safety inspection, but vehicles previously titled in another state need a VIN verification before they can be titled in Florida. New residents must register within 10 days of starting work, enrolling children in school or becoming a resident.
Look up the company's USDOT or MC number on FMCSA and confirm its operating authority is active and insurance is on file. Then check its TrustScore and reviews from people who shipped to or from Florida. Be cautious of quotes far below market and of companies asking for a large deposit before a carrier is assigned.
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