Full State-To-State Car Towing Guide
Many people use the terms "state-to-state car towing" and...
27 July 2025
If you want to ship a car to or from Florida without overpaying, facing delays, or dealing with shady carriers, you need to understand how the seasonal market works. In this guide, we break down current per-mile costs, the most popular shipping routes, and exactly how to prepare your vehicle for a smooth, damage-free move.
Why Do People Move To Florida?
Florida’s zero state income tax and booming job market drive thousands of permanent corporate relocations every year. When professionals and families move down south, driving multiple household vehicles cross-country is rarely practical. Instead, new residents rely on professional auto transport to safely move their sedans and SUVs without adding thousands of miles to the odometer.
The year-round warm weather and world-class state parks also fuel the massive annual “snowbird” migration. Every winter, seasonal residents escape the northern cold and ship their everyday cars to Florida. Additionally, the state’s outdoor lifestyle makes it a top destination for shipping oversized vehicles, RVs, and travel trailers that are simply too exhausting or dangerous to drive down the East Coast yourself.
Finally, major metropolitan areas like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa are not just popular living destinations; they are the busiest auto freight hubs in the state. Relocating to these dense cities means navigating heavy traffic right away. By choosing a door-to-door car shipping service, new residents can focus on settling into places like Jacksonville, Tallahassee, or Panama City while a carrier handles the stressful highway logistics.
Most Popular Florida Car Shipping Routes
& Average Shipping Rates
If you are planning to move to Florida for more than just one season, the perfect time for moving is anytime from April to late September. That is the time when snowbirds move to northern states and the price for shipping a vehicle to Florida is extremely low (it may be as low as $0.4 per mile) on popular routes (Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania to southern parts of Florida).
Also, to get more rates examples from NYC to the nearest state you can request a quote comparing on our site or check this state-to-state towing guide.
Such routes as Chicago-Indianapolis -Tampa-Miami, Seattle-Miami, Detroit-Miami are less popular but drivers go these ways once or twice a week. The average cost on such a route may be as low as $0,6 for a midsize sedan.
If you are planning on moving a vehicle from westerns states like Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona or central states like Montana or the Dakotas, it’s better to book a spot on the trailer far in advance as drivers on these routes plan their schedule far in advance and the last minute booking may cost extra. The price here may fluctuate from $0,7 to $1 per mile depending on the route and availability of drivers.
To get more detailed info on shipping rates to New York and across the country, you can check this guide.
Best Florida Auto Transport Companies
As for the carriers, there are lots of great shipping companies located all over Florida, but we will name only the top 4 of them.
Springs Country Carrier
Let’s start with enclosed shipping. As we noticed, the most popular enclosed car carrier in Florida is Springs Country Carrier. The company owns up to 40 enclosed trailers of different sizes: 1-, 3- and 6-car haulers. The dispatchers schedule drivers’ routes 1-2 weeks in advance depending on the distance of the route. The company covers almost all states excluding the Dakotas, northern parts of Maine, New Hampshire, Michigan, Montana, and Idaho.
Express Inc.
The most popular open car carrier is Express Inc., which is based in Naples, Florida. The company started as a family-owned business a few years ago with a husband being a driver and a wife being a dispatcher. Since then, it has grown a lot and the staff of the company includes 4 dispatchers and 8 drivers, covering the states of the East coast and Midwest.
A1 Carrier
Another company we work with is called A1 Carrier. The company is in the suburbs of Tampa and mostly covers the route from Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio to Florida. But as they pass Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia, they also pick up and deliver vehicles there. The company has only 4 trailers and 2 dispatchers, but despite this, it is very customer-oriented. The dispatchers and the drivers always call the customers to negotiate the time and notify that they are in the area and in case any delay happens, they do their best to find the best solution.
Today Shipping
And of course, we would like to mention a great local carrier, who is ready to go anywhere in Florida. The company is managed by two brothers and is called Today Shipping. The company is located in Kissimmee and specializes in both towing inoperable vehicles and regular transportation.
If you are looking for a national car shipping service check this top of companies to find the best open auto transport company or this one to find a professional enclosed car shipping service for your car.
Average Cost to Ship a Car to Florida
Florida car shipping rates are highly seasonal. During the “snowbird” season (fall and early winter), moving a car to Florida is more expensive due to high demand. Conversely, leaving Florida in the spring costs more.
Here is a quick breakdown of what you can expect to pay on average:
Pro Tip: Booking an open carrier 2-3 weeks in advance is the easiest way to secure the lowest possible rate on these competitive routes.
Florida Car Moving Preparations & Moving Tips
Once a driver is assigned to your order, you need to prep your vehicle to avoid fines, delays, or insurance disputes.
Even though issues may happen to anyone, we believe that with the right company your move will go smoothly.
You can submit a quote with Compare the Carrier and have the list of the best companies to choose on your route.
FAQ
What is the cheapest time of year to ship a car to Florida?
The most affordable time to ship a vehicle to Florida is from mid-April through September. During this period, “snowbirds” are moving back north, freeing up carrier space heading south. Shipping during the fall and early winter (October to January) is significantly more expensive due to peak inbound demand.
How long does auto transport to Florida usually take?
Transit times depend entirely on the total mileage of your specific route. Shipping a car from the Northeast (like New York to Miami) typically takes 3 to 5 days. Coast-to-coast transport from California to Florida averages 7 to 10 days. Always allow a 1-to-2-day pickup window when booking.
Can I pack personal belongings in my car when shipping to Florida?
The Department of Transportation (DOT) strictly regulates auto carriers, meaning they are not licensed to transport household goods. Most carriers allow up to 100 lbs of soft personal items secured in the trunk. However, carrier cargo insurance will never cover these personal items if they are lost or stolen.
Do I need to be present for vehicle delivery in Florida?
Yes, either you or a designated adult over 18 must be present at both pickup and delivery. Someone needs to hand over the keys, participate in the dual vehicle inspection, and sign the Bill of Lading (BOL). If you are unavailable, you must assign a trusted representative beforehand.
Can I ship a car to Florida if it does not run?
Yes, you can ship an inoperable vehicle, but it requires a specialized auto carrier equipped with a winch. The car must still roll, brake, and steer. Expect to pay an additional $100 to $200 winch fee, and always explicitly notify the broker about the vehicle’s condition when booking.
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Thanks for sharing this blog with us very informative post keep sharing.
Thanks for sharing this post very informative post. Keep sharing
Your blog helps to know about the essential moving tips in Florida. Thanks for sharing this.
Valuable information, they offer reliable Florida car shipping services and has experienced staff ensures that your car arrives at its destination safely and on time, giving you peace of mind while traveling or buying a car.