South Dakota to Florida Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,829 miles from South Dakota to Florida ranges from $1,239 to $1,855 and takes three–eleven 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 Florida to South Dakota 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 South Dakota to Florida car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from South Dakota to Florida:
- 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
- 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
Top local car shippers in South Dakota
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in South Dakota can deliver your vehicle to Florida:
- Auto Transport by Stopwatch: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Yada Enterprises Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Auto Transport by Stopwatch
3400 W Chicago St, Rapid City, SD 57702 US
stopwatchusa.com
3.56 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2965797
Yada Enterprises Inc
611 N Main St, Redfield, SD 57469 US
yadaenterprises.net
3.5 / 5.0
Yada Enterprises has received significant feedback regarding their vehicle transport services, highlighting both commendable customer interactions and notable issues with vehicle damage. While many customers appreciated the respectful conduct of drivers and timely delivery, there were serious concerns about vehicle mishandling and lack of accountability for damages during transport.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1255110
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 Dakota to Florida
Ship it with your movers
When moving from South Dakota 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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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 1,829 miles to your vehicle on the route from South Dakota to Florida. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from South Dakota to Florida for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
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.
South Dakota 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 Dakota and Florida. The average travel distance is about 1,829 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from three to eleven days.
Cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to Florida
| From South Dakota to Florida | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD to Jacksonville, FL | $1,127 – $1,545 | 1,507 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Miami, FL | $1,239 – $1,855 | 1,826 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Tampa, FL | $1,172 – $1,756 | 1,617 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to Orlando, FL | $1,208 – $1,739 | 1,600 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Sioux Falls, SD to St. Petersburg, FL | $1,184 – $1,620 | 1,640 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rapid City, SD to Florida
| From South Dakota to Florida | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD to Jacksonville, FL | $1,251 – $1,818 | 1,849 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Miami, FL | $1,315 – $2,129 | 2,168 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Tampa, FL | $1,219 – $2,025 | 1,959 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Rapid City, SD to Orlando, FL | $1,296 – $1,869 | 1,942 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Rapid City, SD to St. Petersburg, FL | $1,308 – $1,869 | 1,982 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Aberdeen, SD to Florida
| From South Dakota to Florida | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen, SD to Jacksonville, FL | $1,202 – $1,761 | 1,706 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Miami, FL | $1,314 – $1,932 | 2,025 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Tampa, FL | $1,289 – $1,780 | 1,816 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to Orlando, FL | $1,189 – $1,690 | 1,799 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Aberdeen, SD to St. Petersburg, FL | $1,251 – $1,968 | 1,839 miles | 3 – 11 days |
Cost to ship a car from Brookings, SD to Florida
| From South Dakota to Florida | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookings, SD to Jacksonville, FL | $1,173 – $1,545 | 1,559 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Brookings, SD to Miami, FL | $1,264 – $1,818 | 1,878 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Brookings, SD to Tampa, FL | $1,149 – $1,739 | 1,670 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Brookings, SD to Orlando, FL | $1,208 – $1,722 | 1,652 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Brookings, SD to St. Petersburg, FL | $1,161 – $1,654 | 1,692 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Watertown, SD to Florida
| From South Dakota to Florida | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown, SD to Jacksonville, FL | $1,196 – $1,756 | 1,606 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Watertown, SD to Miami, FL | $1,257 – $2,025 | 1,925 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Watertown, SD to Tampa, FL | $1,226 – $1,850 | 1,716 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Watertown, SD to Orlando, FL | $1,172 – $1,790 | 1,699 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Watertown, SD to St. Petersburg, FL | $1,263 – $1,850 | 1,739 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Dakota to Florida
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from South Dakota to Florida, the price usually falls between $1,549 and $2,319.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Dakota to Florida
When transporting your vehicle from the Mount Rushmore State to the Sunshine State, these factors will influence your final price:
- 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 Florida.
- Distance and route: The trip from South Dakota to Florida covers roughly 1,829 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of South Dakota in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between South Dakota 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 South Dakota to Florida should take between three and eleven days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Florida vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Florida, 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: 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 Dakota
More than 919,318 people call South Dakota home. Nicknamed the Mount Rushmore State. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
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 Dakota 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 Dakota and when dropping it off in Florida.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Dakota to Florida?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Dakota 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 Dakota.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
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 Dakota to Florida?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Dakota to Florida is about 1,829 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eleven days to travel from South Dakota to Florida.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
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 Dakota, 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 Dakota, 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 Dakota 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 Dakota and Florida to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota to Florida?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Dakota 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 Dakota to Florida?
Shipping a car from South Dakota to Florida costs $1,239 to $1,855.
