California to Florida Car Shipping (2024 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,697 miles from California to Florida ranges from $1,665 to $2,783 and takes 7–15 days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Florida to California car shipping guide.
California to Florida auto transport costs and transit times
The table below details the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in California and Florida. The average travel distance is about 2,697 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from 7 to 15 days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Florida
| From California to Florida | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Jacksonville, FL | 2,416 miles | $1,648–$2,538 | 5–13 days |
| San Diego, CA to Miami, FL | 2,733 miles | $1,720–$2,808 | 7–15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Tampa, FL | 2,526 miles | $1,568–$2,471 | 7–15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Orlando, FL | 2,509 miles | $1,650–$2,599 | 7–15 days |
| Fresno, CA to St. Petersburg, FL | 2,549 miles | $1,584–$2,548 | 7–15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Florida
| From California to Florida | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Jacksonville, FL | 2,338 miles | $1,665–$2,547 | 5–13 days |
| San Diego, CA to Miami, FL | 2,655 miles | $1,648–$2,571 | 7–15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Tampa, FL | 2,448 miles | $1,648–$2,460 | 5–13 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Orlando, FL | 2,431 miles | $1,648–$2,693 | 5–13 days |
| Fresno, CA to St. Petersburg, FL | 2,471 miles | $1,632–$2,563 | 5–13 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Florida
| From California to Florida | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Jacksonville, FL | 2,678 miles | $1,698–$2,598 | 7–15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Miami, FL | 2,995 miles | $1,736–$2,783 | 7–15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Tampa, FL | 2,788 miles | $1,685–$2,726 | 7–15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Orlando, FL | 2,771 miles | $1,702–$2,780 | 7–15 days |
| Fresno, CA to St. Petersburg, FL | 2,811 miles | $1,756–$2,743 | 7–15 days |
Cost to ship a car from San Francisco, CA to Florida
| From California to Florida | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Jacksonville, FL | 2,720 miles | $1,720–$2,671 | 7–15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Miami, FL | 3,037 miles | $1,862–$2,851 | 7–15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Tampa, FL | 2,830 miles | $1,756–$2,827 | 7–15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Orlando, FL | 2,812 miles | $1,703–$2,659 | 7–15 days |
| Fresno, CA to St. Petersburg, FL | 2,853 miles | $1,862–$2,883 | 7–15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fresno, CA to Florida
| From California to Florida | Distance | Cost | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Jacksonville, FL | 2,547 miles | $1,682–$2,496 | 7–15 days |
| San Diego, CA to Miami, FL | 2,864 miles | $1,721–$2,799 | 7–15 days |
| San Jose, CA to Tampa, FL | 2,656 miles | $1,715–$2,704 | 7–15 days |
| San Francisco, CA to Orlando, FL | 2,640 miles | $1,732–$2,757 | 7–15 days |
| Fresno, CA to St. Petersburg, FL | 2,680 miles | $1,749–$2,651 | 7–15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from California to Florida
Since vehicles like SUV, 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 California to Florida you should expect to pay between $2,081 and $3,479.
Factors that affect the price of shipping a car from California to Florida
When transporting your vehicle from the Golden State to the Sunshine State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car 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 journey from California to Florida spans approximately 2,697 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of California, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between California 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 California to Florida should take between 7 and 15 days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
The best California to Florida car shipping companies
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We’ve done the research and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from California to Florida:
- Best for Overall Value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for Quick Pick Up: Easy Auto Ship
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Cross Country: Montway Auto Transport
Alternative ways to ship your car from California to Florida
- Drive it yourself: This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 2,697 miles on your car going from California to Florida. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs shipping it.
- Ship it with your movers: If you hire a moving company, they also work with reputable car shippers. Otherwise, there may be the option of even shipping your car with your household belongings!
- Hire a driver: Hire someone to drive the car from California to Florida for you. It’s an option, but will probably be a very costly one and involve trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
- Ship by train: If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
What else should you know about shipping a car from California to Florida?
- 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 California
Over 39 million people call California home. Nicknamed 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.
Transporting your vehicle to Florida
About 22 million people are living in the Sunshine State of Florida. 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 picking up my car in California and when dropping off my car in Florida?
Most companies will require someone that is at least 18 years old to be present when picking up your car in California and when dropping it off in Florida.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Florida?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California 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 California.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the 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.
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.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Florida?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from California to Florida is about 2697 miles, and that’s as fast as about 6 days. However, most car transport companies will take 7-15 days to travel from California to Florida.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
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.
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 California, 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 California, 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 California 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 California and Florida to avoid any hidden costs.
