Short answer: Shipping a car from California to Florida usually costs about $1,200 to $2,100 for a standard sedan on an open carrier. The trip covers roughly 2,300 to 3,100 miles, so it takes about 7 to 10 days after pickup. Prices depend on your two cities, the season and your flexibility. Florida-bound trucks fill up in fall and early winter, so book 2 to 3 weeks ahead if you can. For an exact price, get a free quote.
California to Florida is one of the longest car shipping routes in the country. It runs coast to coast across the southern United States, mostly along I-10, which starts in Santa Monica and ends in Jacksonville. Because the trip is so long, shipping is almost always cheaper and safer than driving once you count fuel, hotels, meals and the miles you put on your car.
This guide covers what the move costs, how long it takes, the best time to book, and what to do once your car arrives in Florida.
Route at a Glance: California to Florida
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 2,300 to 3,100 miles, depending on your cities |
| Main highway | I-10 across Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and the Gulf Coast; some carriers use I-40 or I-20 |
| Open carrier cost | About $1,200 to $2,100 for a sedan |
| Enclosed carrier cost | Usually 40% to 50% more than open |
| Transit time | About 7 to 10 days after pickup |
| Pickup window | Usually 1 to 5 days after your first available date |
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from California to Florida?
Most customers pay between $1,200 and $2,100 to ship a standard sedan on an open carrier. Routes between big metro areas sit at the lower end because carriers run them all the time. Pickups far from the interstate, or deliveries to small Florida towns, cost more.
| Route | Approx. distance | Open carrier (sedan) |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles to Miami | ~2,730 miles | $1,350 to $1,950 |
| Los Angeles to Orlando | ~2,520 miles | $1,300 to $1,850 |
| San Diego to Tampa | ~2,350 miles | $1,250 to $1,800 |
| San Francisco to Jacksonville | ~2,700 miles | $1,350 to $1,950 |
| Sacramento to Fort Lauderdale | ~3,000 miles | $1,450 to $2,100 |
These are typical market ranges, not fixed prices. Your quote depends on these factors:
- Vehicle size: SUVs, pickups and vans take more space and weight on the trailer, so they cost more than a sedan.
- Open or enclosed: Open transport is the standard choice. Enclosed transport protects classic, luxury and exotic cars, and costs about 40% to 50% more.
- Season: Demand for Florida rises from October through January as snowbirds head south, and summer is peak moving season nationwide.
- Running condition: A car that doesn’t run needs a winch, which usually adds $100 to $200.
- Flexibility: A wider pickup window lets us match your car with a carrier already on the route, which keeps the price down.
Get your exact California to Florida price in minutes
Call Now: + (832) 886-1321 Get a Free Instant QuoteHow Long Does It Take to Ship a Car from California to Florida?
Expect about 7 to 10 days on the road after pickup. Federal hours-of-service rules limit how long a truck driver can drive each day, so carriers usually cover 400 to 500 miles a day. Multi-car carriers also stop to load and unload other vehicles along the way.
Pickup usually happens 1 to 5 days after your first available date. Big cities like Los Angeles, San Diego and the Bay Area have the most carrier traffic, so pickups there tend to be quickest. For more detail, see how long it takes to ship a car.
Best Time to Ship a Car from California to Florida
- Late spring: Often the best balance of price and availability, after snowbirds return north and before summer moves peak.
- Fall and early winter: The busiest time for Florida-bound trucks. Book 3 to 4 weeks ahead.
- Hurricane season: The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Storms rarely affect a shipment, but they can delay delivery by a day or two near the coast.
If you’re a seasonal resident, our snowbird car shipping guide explains how to plan round trips.
Should You Ship or Drive from California to Florida?
Driving takes most people 4 to 5 long days. Add up fuel for about 2,700 miles, three or four hotel nights, meals, and the wear on your car, and the cost often comes close to the price of shipping. Shipping also saves you a week of time off work and keeps thousands of miles off your odometer.
| Factor | Ship your car | Drive it yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Your time | A few hours for pickup and delivery | 4 to 5 full days of driving, plus travel home if it’s one way |
| Cost | $1,200 to $2,100 on an open carrier | Fuel, 3 to 4 hotel nights, meals, tolls and wear |
| Miles on your car | Only loading miles | About 2,300 to 3,100 |
| Risk | Covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance | Accidents, breakdowns and weather on your own |
Pickup and Delivery Tips
- Tight city streets: In parts of Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego, an 80-foot carrier can’t reach every street. Your driver may meet you at a nearby open lot or wide road.
- Gated communities: Many Florida communities restrict large trucks. Ask your HOA about access, or plan to meet the driver at the gate or a nearby lot.
- Someone must be there: You or a person you trust needs to sign the inspection report at pickup and delivery.
Before pickup, follow our car shipping checklist: wash the car, take photos, leave about a quarter tank of fuel and remove personal items.
Moving to Florida? What to Do After Your Car Arrives
- Get Florida insurance: Florida requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability coverage of at least $10,000 each.
- Verify the VIN: Out-of-state vehicles need a VIN verification, which a law enforcement officer, notary or licensed dealer can complete on form HSMV 82042.
- Register your car: New residents must title and register their vehicle within 10 days of starting a job, enrolling children in school or otherwise becoming a resident.
Rules can change, so confirm the details with your local Florida tax collector’s office.
How to Ship Your Car from California to Florida, Step by Step
- Get a quote: Share your pickup and delivery ZIP codes, vehicle and first available date. Get an instant quote or call (832) 886-1321.
- Book with no upfront payment: We assign a vetted, insured carrier on your route.
- Pickup and inspection: The driver inspects the car with you and records its condition on the bill of lading.
- Track and receive: We keep you updated in transit. At delivery, inspect the car, sign the report and pay the driver.
Ready to ship your car from California to Florida?
Call Now: + (832) 886-1321 Get a Free Instant QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Florida?
Most sedans cost about $1,200 to $2,100 on an open carrier. SUVs and pickups cost more, and enclosed transport usually adds 40% to 50%.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Florida?
About 7 to 10 days after pickup for the 2,300 to 3,100-mile trip. Pickup is usually within 1 to 5 days of your first available date.
Is it cheaper to ship or drive from California to Florida?
Once you add fuel, three or four hotel nights, meals and wear on your car, driving often costs nearly as much as shipping, and it takes 4 to 5 days of your time.
When is the cheapest time to ship a car to Florida?
Late spring is often cheapest. Fall and early winter are the most expensive because snowbirds are heading south and Florida-bound trucks fill up quickly.
Can I put personal items in my car?
Carriers aren’t insured for personal belongings, so remove valuables. A small amount of light items in the trunk is usually fine if you ask first.
Related Guides
- California car shipping and Florida car shipping
- City pages: Los Angeles, Miami and Orlando
- More cross-country routes: California to New York and California to Texas
