South Carolina to Florida Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 498 miles from South Carolina to Florida typically falls between $618 and $892. The process usually takes one–four days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.

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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Florida to South Carolina car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
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  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

The best South Carolina 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 South Carolina to Florida:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
read our full review
Get a quote (866) 563-0804

Top local car shippers in South Carolina

Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in South Carolina can deliver your vehicle to Florida:

  1. Columbia Auto Shipping Group: 3.7 out of 5 stars
  2. Hmh Logistics Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  3. Andrew Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Columbia Auto Shipping Group

136-4 Forum Dr SUITE O, Columbia, SC 29229 US

starstarstarstarstar3.7 / 5.0

Customers frequently praise the excellent communication, professionalism, and seamless experiences provided by Auto Shipping Group. The team is described as helpful and reliable, with cars arriving undamaged and often ahead of schedule. However, there were no prominent negative aspects reported by customers.

Get a Quote (803) 233-2806

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
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2239008

Hmh Logistics Llc

230 Comiskey Park Circle, Summerville, SC 29485 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (888) 211-1506

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Andrew Auto Transport

4775 Apartment Blvd j2, North Charleston, SC 29418 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

The company is widely criticized for its lack of professionalism and inferior service delivery. Customers feel frustrated with the overall performance and question the company's reliability.

Get a Quote (888) 579-5913

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2241947

Xpress Auto Transport

1614 Taylor St #340, Columbia, SC 29201 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (803) 710-4354

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

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 South Carolina to Florida

Ship it with your movers

When moving from South Carolina to Florida, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.

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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 498 extra miles on your car to travel from South Carolina to Florida. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.

Hire a driver

Hiring a driver to take your car from South Carolina 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

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.

South Carolina 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 South Carolina and Florida. The average travel distance is about 498 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from one to four days.

Cost to ship a car from Charleston, SC to Florida

From South Carolina to Florida Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Charleston, SC to Jacksonville, FL $415 – $600 238 miles 1 – 4 days
Charleston, SC to Miami, FL $715 – $961 590 miles 1 – 6 days
Charleston, SC to Tampa, FL $605 – $772 435 miles 1 – 4 days
Charleston, SC to Orlando, FL $559 – $772 380 miles 1 – 4 days
Charleston, SC to St. Petersburg, FL $607 – $833 458 miles 1 – 4 days

Cost to ship a car from Columbia, SC to Florida

From South Carolina to Florida Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Columbia, SC to Jacksonville, FL $443 – $655 293 miles 1 – 4 days
Columbia, SC to Miami, FL $696 – $1,045 642 miles 1 – 6 days
Columbia, SC to Tampa, FL $587 – $858 486 miles 1 – 4 days
Columbia, SC to Orlando, FL $575 – $797 432 miles 1 – 4 days
Columbia, SC to St. Petersburg, FL $659 – $828 509 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from North Charleston, SC to Florida

From South Carolina to Florida Cost Distance Estimated transit time
North Charleston, SC to Jacksonville, FL $443 – $595 240 miles 1 – 4 days
North Charleston, SC to Miami, FL $653 – $951 589 miles 1 – 6 days
North Charleston, SC to Tampa, FL $617 – $846 436 miles 1 – 4 days
North Charleston, SC to Orlando, FL $570 – $757 381 miles 1 – 4 days
North Charleston, SC to St. Petersburg, FL $595 – $858 459 miles 1 – 4 days

Cost to ship a car from Mount Pleasant, SC to Florida

From South Carolina to Florida Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Mount Pleasant, SC to Jacksonville, FL $439 – $612 242 miles 1 – 4 days
Mount Pleasant, SC to Miami, FL $674 – $961 593 miles 1 – 6 days
Mount Pleasant, SC to Tampa, FL $599 – $772 439 miles 1 – 4 days
Mount Pleasant, SC to Orlando, FL $536 – $749 387 miles 1 – 4 days
Mount Pleasant, SC to St. Petersburg, FL $607 – $874 462 miles 1 – 4 days

Cost to ship a car from Rock Hill, SC to Florida

From South Carolina to Florida Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Rock Hill, SC to Jacksonville, FL $565 – $743 359 miles 1 – 4 days
Rock Hill, SC to Miami, FL $724 – $1,022 711 miles 1 – 6 days
Rock Hill, SC to Tampa, FL $684 – $950 555 miles 1 – 6 days
Rock Hill, SC to Orlando, FL $627 – $897 501 miles 1 – 6 days
Rock Hill, SC to St. Petersburg, FL $688 – $951 577 miles 1 – 6 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from South Carolina to Florida

Since vehicles like SUVs, 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 South Carolina to Florida you should expect to pay between $773 and $1,115.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Carolina to Florida

When transporting your vehicle from the Palmetto State to the Sunshine State, these factors will influence your final price:

  • Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed shipping.
  • Vehicle size and type: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from South Carolina to Florida.
  • Distance and route: The route from South Carolina to Florida is about 498 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
  • Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from South Carolina in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
  • Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from South Carolina to Florida, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
  • 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 South Carolina to Florida should take between one and four days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.

Florida vehicle regulations you need to know

Moving to Florida means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.

  • 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 South Carolina

More than 5.4 million people call South Carolina home. Nicknamed the Palmetto State. South Carolina had hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters and coastal areas of the state have very mild winters. While precipitation is abundant the entire year in almost the entire state, the coast tends to have a slightly wetter summer, while inland, the spring and autumn transitions tend to be the wettest periods and winter the driest season, with November being the driest month.

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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina and when dropping it off in Florida.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Carolina to Florida?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Carolina 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 South Carolina.

If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In South Carolina, it's a legal requirement for every driver to have liability insurance. Adhering to the state's minimum liability limits, commonly referred to as 25/50/25, entails securing coverage of at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Stay compliant with these essential insurance standards to drive confidently on South Carolina roads.

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 South Carolina to Florida?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Carolina to Florida is about 498 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to four days to travel from South Carolina to Florida.

Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?

Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.

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 South Carolina, 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 South Carolina, 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina and Florida to avoid any hidden costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Carolina to Florida?

The cheapest way to ship a car from South Carolina 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 South Carolina to Florida?

Shipping a car from South Carolina to Florida costs $618 to $892.

Helpful South Carolina resources