Florida Auto Transport and Shipping
SouthWest Auto Transport is your trusted partner for Florida auto transport — one of the highest-demand vehicle shipping markets in the United States. Florida's year-round population combined with massive seasonal migration makes it a perennial hub for snowbird shipments, military PCS moves, and retiree relocations. Our network of vetted carriers services Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, St. Petersburg, Hialeah, Tallahassee, Port St. Lucie, and hundreds of communities across the state. Whether you are shipping a vehicle south for winter or heading back north in spring, our carriers run Florida routes every week. Auto transport rates can vary greatly between carriers. That is why it is important to get more than one quote. We provide 10 free quotes that will save you time and money. Complete the form on this page or call 1-800-590-6492 to get started today.
Florida Auto Transport — At a Glance
| Primary Transport Corridors | I-95, I-75, I-4, I-10, US-1, Florida Turnpike |
| Major Service Cities | Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, St. Petersburg |
| Service Frequency | 2–3 times per week on major routes |
| Transport Types Available | Open, Enclosed, Door-to-Door, Terminal-to-Terminal, Expedited |
| Military Discounts | Available — see below for installations served |
Florida Auto Transport Shipping Rates
Florida auto transport rates reflect the state's enormous popularity as both an origin and destination market. Key pricing factors include:
Snowbird Season Demand: The two biggest pricing spikes in Florida auto transport occur in fall (October–November, southbound) and spring (March–April, northbound) as snowbirds ship vehicles to and from northern states. These corridors — particularly FL↔NY, FL↔OH, and FL↔MI — can see rates increase $150–$300 during peak snowbird weeks. Booking 3–4 weeks ahead during these periods is strongly recommended.
Distance & Route: South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale) to the Northeast is among the most heavily trafficked corridors in the country, keeping rates competitive. Routes to the Midwest and Pacific Northwest carry higher rates due to distance. Intra-state Florida moves are competitively priced due to excellent carrier density statewide.
Hurricane Season: Gulf Coast and Atlantic corridor routes can be disrupted by hurricanes and tropical storms June–November. Build flexibility into shipment timing during this period, especially for Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami area shipments.
Transport Type: Open transport serves the vast majority of Florida shipments. Enclosed transport is popular for luxury and classic vehicles, protecting them from Florida's intense UV exposure and salt air during transport.
For more ways to reduce your shipping cost, read Money Saving Tips for Your Auto Transport.
Average Cost & Time to Ship To and From Florida
Prices fluctuate with carrier availability, fuel costs, and seasonal demand. Use our quote form for real-time pricing tailored to your specific vehicle, dates, and cities.
| Route | Distance (Miles) | Est. Transit Time | Est. Price Range | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami, FL to New York City, NY | ~1,280 | 3 – 5 Days | $875 - $1,475* | Get Quote |
| Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL | ~1,110 | 3 – 5 Days | $800 - $1,350* | Get Quote |
| Tampa, FL to Los Angeles, CA | ~2,500 | 6 – 9 Days | $1,300 - $2,200* | Get Quote |
| Orlando, FL to Dallas, TX | ~1,090 | 3 – 5 Days | $800 - $1,325* | Get Quote |
| Miami, FL to Orlando, FL | ~235 | 1 – 2 Days | $400 - $675* | Get Quote |
| Tampa, FL to Jacksonville, FL | ~200 | 1 – 2 Days | $375 - $650* | Get Quote |
| Jacksonville, FL to Atlanta, GA | ~345 | 1 – 3 Days | $450 - $800* | Get Quote |
| New York City, NY to Miami, FL | ~1,280 | 3 – 5 Days | $875 - $1,475* | Get Quote |
| Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL | ~1,170 | 3 – 5 Days | $825 - $1,400* | Get Quote |
| Boston, MA to Fort Lauderdale, FL | ~1,480 | 3 – 5 Days | $950 - $1,600* | Get Quote |
*Price estimates were updated in October 2026. Prices are estimates only and will vary based on your specific vehicle, pickup and delivery locations, transport type, and time of year. Complete the form above or call 1‑800‑590‑6492 to receive up to ten free, no-obligation quotes from licensed carriers — so you can compare real prices for your exact route before you book.
Short trips cost more per mile. As a rough guide, short regional moves under 500 miles often run about $1.00–$1.50 per mile, while cross-country shipments usually drop to roughly $0.50–$0.75 per mile. Pickup or delivery in rural areas, enclosed transport, and non-running vehicles all add to the price.
Shipping a Car to Florida
Florida is one of the busiest destination states in the country, so a large share of our Florida shipments are coming in — snowbirds heading south, retirees relocating, and families moving for work. Inbound shipping works the same way as outbound: you get up to 10 quotes, choose a carrier, and the truck delivers to your new address or a nearby meeting point. Carriers from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic come down I-95 through Jacksonville, trucks from the Midwest usually arrive on I-75 toward Tampa, Fort Myers, and Naples, and shipments from Texas and the West enter on I-10 through Pensacola and Tallahassee. Deliveries into Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville are the quickest to schedule. The Panhandle, rural central Florida, and the Keys may take longer to arrange. Once your car arrives, see the section below on registering it in Florida.
Florida Auto Transport by City
We provide dedicated auto transport service to and from Florida's major cities. Select your city below for local shipping information and quotes:
We also arrange shipping to and from communities across the state, including West Palm Beach, Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, Ocala, The Villages, Gainesville, Pensacola, Panama City, and Key West. Deliveries to the Florida Keys often require a smaller truck or a meeting point on the mainland, since full-size carriers have limited room to turn and park along the Overseas Highway.
Who Ships Vehicles in Florida
- Snowbirds shipping cars from New York, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New England, and Canada each fall and back each spring.
- Retirees and families relocating to Florida permanently.
- Military families on PCS moves to or from MacDill, Eglin, NAS Jacksonville, NAS Pensacola, Naval Station Mayport, and other Florida installations.
- College students and parents moving cars to and from the University of Florida, Florida State, UCF, USF, and other campuses.
- Seasonal and vacation home owners who keep a car in Florida part of the year.
- Online and auction buyers buying vehicles from Florida dealers and auctions — worth a careful inspection after hurricane seasons, when flood-damaged cars can enter the market.
Florida Auto Transport — Challenges & Tips
Shipping a vehicle to or from Florida comes with unique considerations. Here is what you need to know before booking:
Challenge: Hurricane Season Disruptions
Florida's hurricane season (June–November) can disrupt auto transport routes with little warning. Hurricanes and tropical storms can force carrier evacuations, close I-95, I-75, and the Turnpike for days, and delay pickups and deliveries by a week or more. Always build a flexible window of 3–5 days into your schedule for shipments during hurricane season, particularly for coastal areas like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Naples.
Challenge: Snowbird Season Rate Spikes
The fall southbound rush (October–November) and spring northbound migration (March–April) are the two most expensive and capacity-constrained periods for Florida auto transport. Carriers on the Florida↔Northeast corridor book up weeks in advance. Last-minute bookings during these windows can cost $200–$400 more than planned shipments. Read our guide at Auto Transport for Snowbirds.
Challenge: South Florida Urban Access
Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding communities in Broward and Miami-Dade counties present significant carrier access challenges. Dense traffic, narrow residential streets, gated communities, and high-rise condo drop-off restrictions mean many carriers require a meetup at an accessible staging location. Plan to meet your carrier at a large parking area or business district rather than expecting direct home delivery in dense South Florida neighborhoods.
Tip: Book Early for Snowbird Season
If you are a snowbird planning to ship south in October–November or north in March–April, book your transport 3–4 weeks in advance. The Florida↔New York, Florida↔Ohio, and Florida↔Michigan corridors are the most competitive during these windows. Early booking locks in better rates and gives you more carrier choices. Learn more at Auto Transport for Snowbirds.
Tip: Prepare for Florida's Climate
Vehicles arriving in Florida from northern states should be checked for coolant levels appropriate for year-round heat. Vehicles leaving Florida heading north in winter should have battery, antifreeze, and wiper fluid checked for cold-weather ratings. Document your vehicle thoroughly before pickup — Florida sun and salt air make pre-existing paint and trim damage important to note. Read our full guide at Preparing Your Car for Transport.
Tip: Always Compare Multiple Quotes
Florida is one of the most competitive auto transport markets in the US, but rates still vary significantly between carriers depending on their current load factors and routes. Our free 10-quote service connects you with competing licensed carriers so you can choose the best combination of price, timing, and carrier rating. Get your 10 free quotes.
Call 1‑800‑590‑6492 or complete the quote form to get up to 10 free quotes.
Moving to Florida? Registering Your Car
If your car is being shipped to Florida because you are moving here, plan for the paperwork before it arrives. Florida has one of the shortest deadlines in the country: new residents generally have just 10 days to register after starting a job, enrolling a child in school, or otherwise becoming a Florida resident. Here is what is typically involved:
- VIN and odometer verification. A Florida form confirming your vehicle identification number and mileage. It can be completed by a law enforcement officer, a Florida notary, or at a county tax collector’s office.
- Florida insurance. You need a Florida policy with at least the state minimum Personal Injury Protection and Property Damage Liability coverage before registering.
- $225 initial registration fee. This one-time fee applies to most vehicles being registered in Florida for the first time. Active-duty military members stationed in Florida can usually have it waived.
- No inspection. Florida does not require safety or emissions inspections for personal vehicles.
Requirements can change, so confirm the current details with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or your county tax collector before your visit.
Florida Auto Transport — Frequently Asked Questions
Most Florida shipments cost between about $400 and $1,800, depending mainly on distance. Short regional moves, such as Miami to Orlando or Tampa to Jacksonville, usually fall at the low end of that range. Cross-country routes, such as Tampa to Los Angeles, fall at the high end. Enclosed transport typically adds 40–60% to the price, and non-running vehicles, oversized trucks, and rural pickup locations also cost more. Because rates on the same route can differ by several hundred dollars between carriers, comparing multiple quotes is the most reliable way to get a fair price.
Short regional trips of under 500 miles usually take 1–3 days once the vehicle is picked up. Coast-to-coast trips typically take 7–10 days, and most other long-distance routes take 3–7 days. Before that, allow a few days for a carrier to be assigned and arrive for pickup — usually faster in major metro areas and sometimes longer in the Panhandle and the Florida Keys. Weather and peak seasons can add a day or two.
You or someone you trust, age 18 or older, needs to be there at both ends. That person walks around the vehicle with the driver, notes any existing damage on the inspection report (called the Bill of Lading), signs it, and hands over or receives the keys. If you cannot be there, a friend, family member, or dealership can stand in for you.
Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with the most activity usually from mid-August through October. When a storm threatens, carriers may pause pickups and deliveries, and evacuations can close or jam I-95, I-75, and the Florida Turnpike. Most delays last a few days, but a major storm can push schedules back a week or more. If you are shipping during hurricane season, keep your dates flexible and stay in touch with your carrier.
Snowbird auto transport refers to the seasonal migration of vehicles between Florida and northern states — primarily New York, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New England — as retirees and seasonal residents follow warmer weather. Carriers run these corridors heavily in both directions, creating predictable seasonal demand spikes. The southbound rush peaks October–November and the northbound return peaks March–April. Booking 3–4 weeks ahead during these windows ensures the best rates and carrier availability. Read the full guide at Auto Transport for Snowbirds.
Luxury and classic vehicle owners shipping to or from Florida should strongly consider enclosed transport. Florida's intense UV radiation, salt air near coastal communities, and highway debris on I-95 and I-75 can affect paint, trim, and interiors on open carriers during multi-day hauls. Enclosed transport places your vehicle inside a covered trailer with climate control options, providing full protection. Enclosed transport typically costs 40–60% more than open but greatly reduces these risks. Read our full guide at Luxury and Classic Car Transport Guide.
The most common Florida auto transport mistakes include: booking at the last minute during snowbird season (costing $200–$400 extra), not documenting the vehicle with photos before pickup (Florida sun makes pre-existing paint damage hard to prove later), choosing the lowest quote without checking carrier ratings, and not planning for hurricane season delays on Gulf Coast and Atlantic routes. Always compare multiple quotes and verify your carrier on FMCSA SAFER before booking. Read the full list at Common Mistakes Made When Shipping a Vehicle.
Florida has several major military installations — including MacDill AFB, NAS Jacksonville, NAS Pensacola, and Eglin AFB — that generate significant PCS move vehicle transport demand. Military members are eligible for discounts through SouthWest Auto Transport. When requesting quotes, provide your PCS orders to receive accurate military pricing. Timing your shipment to coincide with available carrier loads on your assigned route can further reduce costs. Read our full guide at Military Auto Relocation and PCS Moves.
Get up to 10 free quotes from licensed carriers in minutes. Complete the quote form or call 1‑800‑590‑6492.
🎖 Military Auto Transport Discounts — Florida
SouthWest Auto Transport and our network of drivers are proud to offer discounts to US military members assigned in Florida. Please complete the form on this page or call 1-800-590-6492 to learn more. Florida military installations we serve:
- Air Force: MacDill AFB (Tampa), Eglin AFB (Valparaiso/Niceville), Tyndall AFB (Panama City), Patrick Space Force Base (Cocoa Beach), Hurlburt Field
- Navy: NAS Jacksonville, NAS Pensacola, NAS Key West, NAS Whiting Field, Naval Station Mayport
- Army & National Guard: Camp Blanding Joint Training Center (Starke), U.S. Southern Command (Doral), Army Reserve centers statewide
- Coast Guard: Sector Key West, Sector St. Petersburg, Air Station Clearwater, Air Station Miami
- Marine Corps: Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island (Jacksonville)
Florida Auto Transport — All Shipping Routes
We offer affordable terminal-to-terminal and door-to-door service to virtually every state from Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, St. Petersburg, and all major Florida cities. Browse routes by frequency below:
- Florida to South Carolina
- Florida to Alabama
- Florida to Louisiana
- Florida to Kentucky
- Florida to Massachusetts
- Florida to Oklahoma
- Florida to Connecticut
- Florida to Wyoming
- Florida to New Mexico
- Florida to Nebraska
- Florida to West Virginia
- Florida to Idaho
- Florida to New Hampshire
- Florida to Maine
- Florida to Montana
- Florida to South Dakota
- Florida to Oregon
- Florida to Tennessee
- Florida to Indiana
- Florida to Missouri
- Florida to Wisconsin
- Florida to Minnesota
- Florida to Mississippi
- Florida to Colorado
- Florida to Iowa
- Florida to Utah
- Florida to Delaware
- Florida to Arkansas
- Florida to Nevada
- Florida to Kansas
- Florida to Rhode Island
- Florida to North Dakota
- Florida to Vermont
- Florida to Hawaii
For Florida Auto Transport to Alaska, Hawaii, or any state not listed above, please call us at 1-800-590-6492 or complete the form on this page to check availability.
Helpful Links for Your Florida Shipment
- FMCSA SAFER System — Carrier Safety Check Verify any carrier's safety record, licensing, and insurance status before you book. Essential due diligence for every shipment.
- FL511 — Real-Time Florida Traffic & Road Conditions Live traffic conditions, road closures, incidents, and construction alerts across Florida's highway system including I-95, I-75, I-4, and the Florida Turnpike.
- FDOT — Florida Department of Transportation Official FDOT resource for highway conditions, freight corridors, and road closure alerts statewide.
- Florida HSMV — Titles & Registrations Official requirements for registering a vehicle as a new Florida resident.
Call now at 1‑800‑590‑6492 or complete the form on this page to find the best Florida auto transport rate and when a truck will be in your area.
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