California to Florida Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 2,699 miles from California to Florida falls between $1,399 and $2,058. Delivery typically takes seven–fifteen days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Florida to California car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best California to Florida car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from California to Florida:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for exact pickup dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best insurance coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in California
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in California ready to move your vehicle to Florida:
- Jp Logistics & Motorsports: 3.94 out of 5 stars
- Auto Express Inc.: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- King Of The Road Transport Inc: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- A To Z Auto Shipping: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.: 3.78 out of 5 stars
Jp Logistics & Motorsports
11582 Sheldon St, Sun Valley, CA 91352 US
jplogistics.net
3.94 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise JP Logistics for their excellent communication and reliable service. While there are no significant complaints, some note that pricing is slightly higher, which is justified by the quality of service received.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1975227
Alternative Business Names
- JP Logistics
Auto Express Inc.
501 W Broadway Ste. 800, San Diego, CA 92101 US
autoexpressinc-car-shipping-san-diego.com
3.88 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3428899
King Of The Road Transport Inc
7316 Lindley Ave, Reseda, CA 91335 US
kingoftheroadtransport.com
3.86 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
- Student
- Teacher
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: DOT#2248724
A To Z Auto Shipping
30101 Agoura Court, Suite 109, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 US
atozauto.com
3.86 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 675504
Alternative Business Names
- A to Z auto Shipping, Inc.
McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.
45125 Industrial Dr, Fremont, CA 94538 US
mccollisters.com
3.78 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Heavy equipment
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 289344
Alternative Business Names
- McCollister's Transportation Group, Inc
- McCollister's Transportation
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Alternative ways to ship your car from California to Florida
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from California for a move to Florida, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto transport.
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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 2,699 miles to your vehicle on the route from California to Florida. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from California to Florida, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
Ship by train
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
California to Florida auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in California and Florida. The typical distance is about 2,699 miles, with shipping times generally falling between seven and fifteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Florida
| From California to Florida | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Jacksonville, FL | $1,331 – $1,989 | 2,415 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Miami, FL | $1,417 – $2,267 | 2,731 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Tampa, FL | $1,319 – $1,998 | 2,526 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Orlando, FL | $1,307 – $1,957 | 2,508 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to St. Petersburg, FL | $1,319 – $2,018 | 2,549 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Florida
| From California to Florida | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Jacksonville, FL | $1,267 – $2,139 | 2,335 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Diego, CA to Miami, FL | $1,292 – $2,100 | 2,654 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Tampa, FL | $1,292 – $2,030 | 2,448 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Diego, CA to Orlando, FL | $1,305 – $2,030 | 2,431 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| San Diego, CA to St. Petersburg, FL | $1,331 – $2,133 | 2,471 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Florida
| From California to Florida | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Jacksonville, FL | $1,292 – $2,205 | 2,678 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Miami, FL | $1,504 – $2,365 | 2,999 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Tampa, FL | $1,445 – $2,116 | 2,788 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Orlando, FL | $1,390 – $2,094 | 2,773 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Jose, CA to St. Petersburg, FL | $1,405 – $2,128 | 2,813 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bakersfield, CA to Florida
| From California to Florida | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA to Jacksonville, FL | $1,267 – $2,112 | 2,438 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Miami, FL | $1,321 – $2,246 | 2,757 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Tampa, FL | $1,345 – $2,079 | 2,551 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to Orlando, FL | $1,281 – $2,120 | 2,534 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bakersfield, CA to St. Petersburg, FL | $1,281 – $1,957 | 2,574 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Florida
| From California to Florida | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA to Jacksonville, FL | $1,307 – $2,116 | 2,723 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Miami, FL | $1,504 – $2,258 | 3,042 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Tampa, FL | $1,363 – $2,239 | 2,830 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Orlando, FL | $1,475 – $2,151 | 2,816 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to St. Petersburg, FL | $1,391 – $2,328 | 2,856 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Florida
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from California to Florida, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,749–$2,573.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from California to Florida
When moving your vehicle from the Golden State to the Sunshine State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- 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 route from California to Florida is about 2,699 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of California, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between California and Florida.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within seven–fifteen days, but expedited options cost more.
Florida vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Florida, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- 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 California
More than 39.0 million people call California home. Nicknamed the Golden State. California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
Transporting your vehicle to Florida
About 22.6 million people are living in the Sunshine State. 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 you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Florida?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in California and when dropping it off in Florida.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Florida?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California 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 California.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
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 California to Florida?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Florida is about 2,699 miles, and that’s as fast as about 6 days. However, most car transport companies will take seven to fifteen days to travel from California to Florida.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
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 California, 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 California, 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 California 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 California and Florida to avoid any hidden costs.
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 to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Florida?
Shipping a car from California to Florida costs $1,399 to $2,058.
