Iowa to Florida Car Shipping (2024 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,403 miles from Iowa to Florida ranges from $1,369 to $2,018 and takes 3–8 days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Florida to Iowa car shipping guide.
Iowa to Florida auto transport costs and transit times
The table below details the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Iowa and Florida. The average travel distance is about 1,403 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from 3 to 8 days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Florida
| From Iowa to Florida | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Jacksonville, FL | 1,247 miles | $1,141–$1,710 | 2–8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Miami, FL | 1,567 miles | $1,330–$2,059 | 3–9 days |
| Davenport, IA to Tampa, FL | 1,360 miles | $1,285–$1,903 | 3–8 days |
| Norwalk, IA to Orlando, FL | 1,340 miles | $1,297–$1,791 | 3–8 days |
| Boone, IA to St. Petersburg, FL | 1,383 miles | $1,248–$1,772 | 3–8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Florida
| From Iowa to Florida | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Jacksonville, FL | 1,182 miles | $1,067–$1,704 | 2–8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Miami, FL | 1,499 miles | $1,356–$2,018 | 3–8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Tampa, FL | 1,292 miles | $1,152–$1,710 | 3–8 days |
| Norwalk, IA to Orlando, FL | 1,275 miles | $1,106–$1,746 | 3–8 days |
| Boone, IA to St. Petersburg, FL | 1,315 miles | $1,285–$1,884 | 3–8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Florida
| From Iowa to Florida | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Jacksonville, FL | 1,133 miles | $1,089–$1,738 | 2–8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Miami, FL | 1,450 miles | $1,369–$1,921 | 3–8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Tampa, FL | 1,243 miles | $1,222–$1,746 | 2–8 days |
| Norwalk, IA to Orlando, FL | 1,226 miles | $1,164–$1,817 | 2–8 days |
| Boone, IA to St. Petersburg, FL | 1,266 miles | $1,176–$1,710 | 3–8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Norwalk, IA to Florida
| From Iowa to Florida | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Jacksonville, FL | 1,250 miles | $1,176–$1,746 | 3–8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Miami, FL | 1,566 miles | $1,316–$1,881 | 3–9 days |
| Davenport, IA to Tampa, FL | 1,360 miles | $1,235–$1,959 | 3–8 days |
| Norwalk, IA to Orlando, FL | 1,343 miles | $1,235–$1,810 | 3–8 days |
| Boone, IA to St. Petersburg, FL | 1,383 miles | $1,285–$1,791 | 3–8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Boone, IA to Florida
| From Iowa to Florida | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Jacksonville, FL | 1,291 miles | $1,129–$1,835 | 3–8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Miami, FL | 1,607 miles | $1,384–$2,178 | 3–9 days |
| Davenport, IA to Tampa, FL | 1,401 miles | $1,330–$1,843 | 3–8 days |
| Norwalk, IA to Orlando, FL | 1,384 miles | $1,285–$1,959 | 3–8 days |
| Boone, IA to St. Petersburg, FL | 1,424 miles | $1,369–$1,843 | 3–8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Florida
Since vehicles like SUV, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Iowa to Florida you should expect to pay between $1,711 and $2,523.
Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from Iowa to Florida
When transporting your vehicle from the Hawkeye State to the Sunshine State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Florida.
- Distance and route: The journey from Iowa to Florida spans approximately 1,403 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Iowa, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Iowa and Florida and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Iowa to Florida should take between 3 and 8 days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
The best Iowa to Florida car shipping companies
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We’ve done the research and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Iowa to Florida:
- Best for Overall Value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for Quick Pick Up: Easy Auto Ship
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Cross Country: Montway Auto Transport
Alternative ways to ship your car from Iowa to Florida
- Drive it yourself: This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 1,403 miles on your car going from Iowa to Florida. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs shipping it.
- Ship it with your movers: If you hire a moving company, they also work with reputable car shippers. Otherwise, there may be the option of even shipping your car with your household belongings!
- Hire a driver: Hire someone to drive the car from Iowa to Florida for you. It’s an option, but will probably be a very costly one and involve trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
- Ship by train: If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
What else should you know about shipping a car from Iowa to Florida?
- Car insurance requirements: All vehicles registered in Florida must have PIP and PDL insurance coverage at the time of registration with a minimum of $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for PDL.
- Vehicle inspection: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
- Driver’s license: If you possess a valid driver's license from another state, you are legally permitted to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver's license. However, if you choose to obtain one, you only need to pass a vision and hearing test, no written or road test is necessary.
- Additional taxes: If the taxes paid in another state are lower than the taxes owed in Florida, you only need to pay the difference. Furthermore, if you can provide evidence that the vehicle was used for at least 6 months outside of Florida prior to registering it in the state, you will be exempt from paying Florida use tax.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist
Transporting your vehicle from Iowa
Over 39 million people call Iowa home. Nicknamed the Hawkeye State, Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
Transporting your vehicle to Florida
About 22 million people are living in the Sunshine State of Florida. Severe weather is a common occurrence in Florida, as Florida is the most hurricane-prone state in the US. June 1st and November 30 is the time when most hurricanes in Florida occur, the most severe dates lie between August - October. Be sure to check your local weather station before your move as Florida is known for its thunderstorms and high levels of precipitation. Perhaps plan for a Winter or Springtime move to ensure the safety of your belongings.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when picking up my car in Iowa and when dropping off my car in Florida?
Most companies will require someone that is at least 18 years old to be present when picking up your car in Iowa and when dropping it off in Florida.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Florida?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Florida, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Florida, which you should verify before loading your car in Iowa.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. All vehicles registered in Florida must have PIP and PDL insurance coverage at the time of registration with a minimum of $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for PDL.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Florida?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Florida is about 1403 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take 3-8 days to travel from Iowa to Florida.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Florida?
If you possess a valid driver's license from another state, you are legally permitted to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver's license. However, if you choose to obtain one, you only need to pass a vision and hearing test, no written or road test is necessary.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Florida after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Florida after purchasing it.
If the taxes paid in another state are lower than the taxes owed in Florida, you only need to pay the difference. Furthermore, if you can provide evidence that the vehicle was used for at least 6 months outside of Florida prior to registering it in the state, you will be exempt from paying Florida use tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Florida to avoid any hidden costs.
