How Much To Ship A Car From California To Florida?
Shipping a car from California to Florida costs $1200-$1900 on average.
California, often known as "The Golden State," is located along the Pacific Coast and is bordered by Oregon to the north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, and Mexico to the south. It's home to some of the most expensive cities in the U.S., including Los Angeles and San Francisco. On the opposite side of the country, Florida sits along the eastern seaboard, offering a completely different lifestyle and climate.
Interesting facts aside, shipping a car from California to Florida is a major task that requires planning.
The long distance between these two states affects several things, including the overall cost, the type of vehicle being transported, and whether you need any additional services. Understanding these details upfront helps ensure a smoother and more affordable auto transport experience.
The average cost to ship a car from California to Florida in 2026 ranges between $1,100 and $1,600 for standard-sized vehicles using open transport. This price can increase to $1,800 to $2,200 if you opt for enclosed shipping or have a larger SUV or inoperable vehicle. Final pricing depends on your pickup and drop-off locations, the time of year, and how flexible you are with your schedule. For example, shipping from Los Angeles to Miami will cost slightly more than shipping from San Diego to Jacksonville due to the added distance. Booking early and choosing open carriers is the best way to save.
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How Long Is the Evaluated Time to Ship a Car?
California to Florida is probably one of the most extensive shipping delivery projects since the distance between the two states is relatively high. You are looking at almost 3 thousand miles between both states (2,706 miles specifically). As such, it is not surprising that it will take a car some time to get there. When sending from California to Florida, you will look at a delivery estimate of around 7 to 9 days.
Cheapest Way To Ship Car From California To Florida: A Step-by-Step Guide
Shipping your car from California to Florida can seem daunting, but it becomes a straightforward process with the right approach. Here's how to navigate it:
Obtain a Quote
Start by gathering quotes from reputable auto transport companies. Provide details such as your vehicle's make and model, pickup and delivery locations, and preferred shipping dates to help receive accurate estimates.
Choose the Right Method to Transport Car From California To Florida
Decide between:
- Open Transport: Cost-effective and commonly used, but your vehicle will be exposed to weather elements.
- Enclosed Transport: Offers protection from the elements, ideal for luxury or classic cars, though at a higher cost.
Schedule Your Shipment
Once you've selected a carrier, schedule your shipment. It's advisable to book at least 2-3 weeks in advance to ensure availability and potentially better rates.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Before pickup:
- Clean your car to facilitate a thorough inspection.
- Remove personal items and any loose accessories.
- Ensure the gas tank is about a quarter full.
- Disable alarms and secure any removable parts.
Pickup and Delivery
On the scheduled day, the carrier will inspect your vehicle, load it onto the transport truck, and provide you with a bill of lading. Transit times from California to Florida typically range from 7 to 10 days, depending on distance, route, and weather conditions.
Receive Your Vehicle
Upon delivery, inspect your car for any potential damage and compare its condition to the initial inspection report. Once satisfied, sign the delivery receipt to complete the process.
Moving Pricing & Time To Carry Your Car - California To Florida
Last Updated: 3 hours ago
Quick Answer: Shipping a car from California to Florida averages $1,200 and typically takes 7 to 10 days.
See route-specific prices and distances in the table below.
| To / From California to Florida | Cost | Distance | Estimated Time In Transit |
| Sacramento, CA to Tallahassee, FL | $4608 - $5632 | 2560 | 10 - 12 days |
| Jacksonville, FL from Los Angeles, CA | $4348.8 - $5315.2 | 2416 | 8 - 10 days |
| San Diego, CA to Miami, FL | $4789 - $5841 | 2655 | 10 - 12 days |
| Tampa, FL from San Jose, CA | $4994.2 - $6091.8 | 2769 | 10 - 12 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Orlando, FL | $5089.6 - $6207.4 | 2822 | 10 - 12 days |
| St. Petersburg, FL from Fresno, CA | $4836.6 - $5911.4 | 2687 | 10 - 12 days |
| Long Beach, CA to Hialeah, FL | $4926.6 - $6021.4 | 2737 | 10 - 12 days |
| Port St. Lucie, FL from Oakland, CA | $5263.2 - $6432.8 | 2924 | 10 - 12 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Cape Coral, FL | $4822.2 - $5894.8 | 2679 | 10 - 12 days |
| Fort Lauderdale, FL from Anaheim, CA | $4849.2 - $5926.8 | 2694 | 10 - 12 days |
What Are Major Delivery Hubs?
- Jacksonville
- Tampa
- Orlando
- Miami
- St. Petersburg
- Hialeah
- Port St. Lucie
What Is the Cheapest Way to Haul?
The most cost-effective way to transport a car from California to Florida is on an open-back truck. While the low cost of this option is appealing, keep in mind that the vehicles will be exposed to the weather while in transit.
Enclosed truck conveyance, which is somewhat more expensive than open transit, is the solution to this problem.
We Can Also Help You Carry the Following Items
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- RV’s
- Heavy Equipment
- ATV’s
- Freight
Scheduling Your Vehicle Transport Pickup
Need your car picked up at your home? No problem. We can pick it up at any city, including:
- San Jose
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- Long Beach
- San Francisco
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Florida?
As of September 18, 2026, shipping a standard running sedan from California to Florida on open transport typically costs $1,400-$1,900. Exact pricing changes with the pickup and delivery cities, vehicle size and operability, season, and schedule flexibility. Northern California to South Florida usually involves more mileage than Southern California to North Florida, which can raise the quote. A1's car shipping rates guide explains the main inputs behind a vehicle transport price.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Florida?
California to Florida car shipping typically takes 5-10 loaded transit days after the carrier picks up the vehicle. Pickup scheduling happens before that window and depends on carrier availability and how flexible your requested pickup period is. FHWA identifies I-10 as a California-to-Florida freight corridor running from Southern California to Jacksonville, although individual city pairs require connecting mileage. Traffic, weather, and routing changes can shift the delivery window once the vehicle is moving.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Florida?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Florida is usually open carrier transport with flexible pickup dates. Open trailers carry several vehicles on one load and generally cost less than enclosed service, while avoiding expedited pickup also helps control the rate. An accessible pickup or delivery point can prevent unnecessary detours for a large carrier. Florida-bound demand can rise during fall and early winter, so flexibility usually matters more than choosing one supposed low-cost month.
Is door-to-door car shipping available from California to Florida?
Yes, door-to-door car shipping is available from California to Florida, with pickup and delivery as close to each address as the carrier can safely and legally reach. Door-to-door does not always mean directly at your curb because narrow streets, low branches, gated entrances, or parking restrictions may require a nearby accessible meeting point. You and the driver can agree on that location before arrival. A1's door-to-door auto transport service explains how pickup and delivery work.
Is my car insured during transport from California to Florida?
Your vehicle is typically covered by the assigned carrier's cargo policy during transport, but the limit, deductible, exclusions, and claim terms depend on that policy. FMCSA does not set a federal cargo-insurance minimum for ordinary non-hazardous for-hire property carriers, so do not rely on a supposed universal cargo limit. Before pickup, ask for the carrier's certificate of insurance and review the cargo terms. Record the vehicle's condition on the bill of lading and take clear photos at pickup and delivery.
Should I choose open or enclosed transport for California to Florida car shipping?
Open transport is usually the lower-cost choice for a standard daily driver, while enclosed transport adds protection from weather exposure and road debris. Open carriers move more vehicles per load, which usually lowers the cost. Enclosed shipping is more suitable for classic, exotic, high-value, or low-clearance cars when added protection justifies the higher price. For a cross-country California-to-Florida move, compare the vehicle's value and clearance with A1's enclosed auto transport options before choosing.
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