Florida to California Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,703 miles from Florida to California ranges from $1,459 to $2,290 and takes seven–fifteen days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to Florida 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 Florida to California car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Florida to California:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Florida
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Florida who can get your vehicle to California:
- All Coast Auto Transport: 3.94 out of 5 stars
- Eship: 3.92 out of 5 stars
- Nationwide Transport Services: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- Shiping-My-Car.Com: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- National Car Transport: 3.88 out of 5 stars
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 Florida to California
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Florida for a move to California, 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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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 2,703 miles on your car to travel between Florida and California. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Florida to California, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
Ship by train
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
Florida to California auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Florida and California. Average distances are close to 2,703 miles, with delivery usually taking seven–fifteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Jacksonville, FL to California
| From Florida to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, FL to Los Angeles, CA | $1,330 – $2,110 | 2,415 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Jacksonville, FL to San Diego, CA | $1,385 – $2,246 | 2,338 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Jacksonville, FL to San Jose, CA | $1,483 – $2,182 | 2,682 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Jacksonville, FL to Bakersfield, CA | $1,303 – $2,175 | 2,442 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Jacksonville, FL to San Francisco, CA | $1,517 – $2,312 | 2,724 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Miami, FL to California
| From Florida to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami, FL to Los Angeles, CA | $1,459 – $2,312 | 2,734 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Miami, FL to San Diego, CA | $1,370 – $2,094 | 2,656 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Miami, FL to San Jose, CA | $1,580 – $2,568 | 3,000 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Miami, FL to Bakersfield, CA | $1,488 – $2,358 | 2,761 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Miami, FL to San Francisco, CA | $1,595 – $2,494 | 3,042 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Tampa, FL to California
| From Florida to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa, FL to Los Angeles, CA | $1,358 – $2,226 | 2,526 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Tampa, FL to San Diego, CA | $1,384 – $2,197 | 2,448 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Tampa, FL to San Jose, CA | $1,416 – $2,380 | 2,793 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Tampa, FL to Bakersfield, CA | $1,372 – $2,183 | 2,552 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Tampa, FL to San Francisco, CA | $1,416 – $2,328 | 2,835 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Orlando, FL to California
| From Florida to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando, FL to Los Angeles, CA | $1,358 – $2,033 | 2,508 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Orlando, FL to San Diego, CA | $1,317 – $2,153 | 2,430 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Orlando, FL to San Jose, CA | $1,474 – $2,335 | 2,774 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Orlando, FL to Bakersfield, CA | $1,413 – $2,183 | 2,534 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Orlando, FL to San Francisco, CA | $1,460 – $2,281 | 2,817 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from St. Petersburg, FL to California
| From Florida to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Petersburg, FL to Los Angeles, CA | $1,358 – $2,247 | 2,549 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| St. Petersburg, FL to San Diego, CA | $1,370 – $2,046 | 2,471 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| St. Petersburg, FL to San Jose, CA | $1,431 – $2,444 | 2,815 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| St. Petersburg, FL to Bakersfield, CA | $1,304 – $2,205 | 2,575 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| St. Petersburg, FL to San Francisco, CA | $1,519 – $2,421 | 2,857 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Florida to California
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Florida to California, the price usually falls between $1,824 and $2,863.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Florida to California
Transporting your vehicle from the Sunshine State to the Golden State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed 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 California.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Florida to California involves roughly 2,703 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Florida in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Florida and California and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Florida to California takes seven–fifteen days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
California vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in California, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- Car insurance 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.
- Vehicle inspection: 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.
- Driver’s license: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Additional taxes: You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Florida
More than 22.6 million people call Florida home. Nicknamed 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.
Transporting your vehicle to California
About 39.0 million people are living in 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.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Florida and delivery in California?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Florida and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Florida to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Florida to California, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to California, which you should verify before loading your car in Florida.
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.
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.
How long does it take to ship a car from Florida to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Florida to California is about 2,703 miles, and that’s as fast as about 6 days. However, most car transport companies will take seven to fifteen days to travel from Florida to California.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
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.
If I have a driver’s license in Florida, will I need one in California?
If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
If I bought a car in Florida, will I be required to pay sales tax in California after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Florida to California after purchasing it.
You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Florida and California to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Florida to California?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Florida to California 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 Florida to California?
Shipping a car from Florida to California costs $1,459 to $2,290.
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