Iowa to Florida Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,394 miles from Iowa to Florida ranges from $978 to $1,434. Expect the trip to take around three–eight days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, 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.
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 Iowa to Florida car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Iowa 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 Iowa
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Iowa can deliver your vehicle to Florida:
- A A All States Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Aaall States Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Nimble Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
A A All States Auto Transport
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
autotransport.company
3.58 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
Aaall States Transport
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
autotransport.company
3.5 / 5.0
While some customers report frustrating experiences with delivery delays and a refusal to wear masks by drivers, others are satisfied with undamaged deliveries and commend the customer service provided by the office staff and drivers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2230973
Nimble Inc
910 23rd Ave # 200, Coralville, IA 52241 US
nimbleinc.net
3.5 / 5.0
Nimble, Inc. is faced with serious concern regarding business practices, particularly around unpaid freight charges and customer service experiences. While there are some positive comments about their staff, numerous reviews highlight major issues related to financial responsibility and operational difficulties during service deliveries.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2245757
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 Iowa to Florida
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Iowa to Florida, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.
|
|
 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 1,394 miles to your car on the trip from Iowa to Florida. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Iowa to Florida is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
Ship by train
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
Iowa to Florida auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Iowa and Florida. The average travel distance is about 1,394 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from three to eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Florida
| From Iowa to Florida | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Jacksonville, FL | $876 – $1,397 | 1,245 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Miami, FL | $1,131 – $1,521 | 1,564 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Tampa, FL | $949 – $1,404 | 1,355 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Orlando, FL | $1,018 – $1,448 | 1,338 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to St. Petersburg, FL | $939 – $1,493 | 1,378 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Florida
| From Iowa to Florida | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Jacksonville, FL | $837 – $1,350 | 1,181 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Miami, FL | $1,131 – $1,568 | 1,500 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Tampa, FL | $904 – $1,369 | 1,291 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Orlando, FL | $959 – $1,454 | 1,274 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to St. Petersburg, FL | $949 – $1,404 | 1,313 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Florida
| From Iowa to Florida | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Jacksonville, FL | $879 – $1,323 | 1,132 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Miami, FL | $1,074 – $1,475 | 1,451 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Tampa, FL | $931 – $1,341 | 1,242 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to Orlando, FL | $922 – $1,341 | 1,225 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Davenport, IA to St. Petersburg, FL | $904 – $1,369 | 1,265 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to Florida
| From Iowa to Florida | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Jacksonville, FL | $1,095 – $1,552 | 1,422 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Miami, FL | $1,146 – $1,715 | 1,740 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Tampa, FL | $1,131 – $1,521 | 1,532 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Orlando, FL | $1,076 – $1,584 | 1,515 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sioux City, IA to St. Petersburg, FL | $1,043 – $1,646 | 1,554 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to Florida
| From Iowa to Florida | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Jacksonville, FL | $888 – $1,310 | 1,157 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Miami, FL | $1,011 – $1,537 | 1,475 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Tampa, FL | $931 – $1,454 | 1,267 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Orlando, FL | $913 – $1,439 | 1,249 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to St. Petersburg, FL | $959 – $1,454 | 1,289 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa 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 Iowa to Florida, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,223–$1,793.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Florida
If you’re shipping a car from the Hawkeye State to the Sunshine State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Florida.
- Distance and route: The journey from Iowa to Florida spans about 1,394 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Iowa in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Iowa and Florida may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Iowa to Florida takes three–eight days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Florida vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Florida, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- 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
More than 3.2 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 22.6 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 Iowa 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 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.
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 1,394 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eight 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.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Florida?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa 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 Iowa to Florida?
Shipping a car from Iowa to Florida costs $978 to $1,434.
