Shipping a Car from Florida to California – Everything You Need to Know

19/09/2025

Moving a car from Florida to California is more common than you might think. Every year, thousands of people make this cross-country move for work, college, family, or simply a lifestyle change. Some relocate permanently, while others move seasonally, such as retirees spending winters in Florida and summers in California. Then there are car buyers who purchase vehicles online from dealerships or private sellers in Florida and need them delivered to California.

Whatever the reason, driving your car across the country can be stressful, expensive, and time-consuming. That’s why most people prefer to hire a Professional car shipping company in USA. Auto transport services make the process simple, safe, and surprisingly affordable. If you’re planning to ship your vehicle between Florida and California, this guide will explain everything you need to know in detail—from how the process works to costs, preparation tips, and what to expect.

Why Ship a Car from Florida to California?

Shipping a car across such a long distance makes sense for several reasons:

Convenience: Driving more than 2,500 miles can take a week or longer, depending on stops, weather, and road conditions. Shipping saves you time and effort.
Cost Efficiency: When you factor in fuel, food, hotel stays, and wear and tear on your car, driving may cost as much or even more than professional transport.
Safety: Long drives increase the risk of accidents, breakdowns, or unexpected repairs. Transporting avoids these risks.
Multiple Vehicles: Families with more than one car find it easier to ship instead of managing multiple long-distance drives.
Relocations & College Moves: Job relocations, military assignments, or students moving for studies often require quick, reliable car shipping solutions.

Whether you’re moving temporarily or permanently, auto transport provides a stress-free way to ensure your car arrives safely at your new location.

How the Car Shipping Process Works

The shipping process is straightforward, but understanding each step makes the experience smoother. Here’s a breakdown of how car transport from Florida to California usually works:

Request a Quote
You begin by requesting a quote from an auto transport company. Most providers have online calculators where you enter details such as your car’s year, make, model, and the pickup and delivery zip codes. The quote you receive will depend on distance, type of transport, and timing.
Compare and Choose a Company
Once you have a few quotes, compare them. Don’t just go with the cheapest option. Look for companies that are licensed, insured, and well-reviewed. A reliable transporter balances fair pricing with quality service.
Confirm the Booking
After selecting a company, you’ll finalize the booking. This includes providing your contact details, pickup and drop-off addresses, and any specific preferences (like open or enclosed shipping).
Pickup Arrangements
The company assigns a carrier and driver who will contact you to schedule pickup. Most drivers provide a time window rather than an exact hour. On pickup day, the driver inspects your vehicle, notes any existing damage, and you sign a bill of lading.
Transport Across the Country
Your car is loaded onto a trailer usually an open carrier unless you’ve chosen an enclosed one. The driver then begins the journey across states, updating you on progress along the way.
Delivery in California
Once the car reaches the destination, the driver contacts you to arrange delivery. At drop-off, you inspect the vehicle, sign the final paperwork, and confirm everything is in order.

Most shipments between Florida and California take 7 to 14 days, depending on factors like traffic, weather, and route availability.

Open vs. Enclosed Transport

When shipping a car, you’ll usually have two main transport options:

Open Transport: The most common and affordable option. Cars are shipped on an open-air trailer that holds 7–10 vehicles. While safe, your car is exposed to weather, dust, and road debris.
Enclosed Transport: Provides extra protection, ideal for luxury, exotic, or classic cars. Vehicles are shipped in a covered trailer, shielded from the elements. It costs more but gives maximum safety.

For most people, open transport is perfectly fine. But if your car is high-value or you simply want extra peace of mind, enclosed shipping is worth considering.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from Florida to California?

The cost of shipping varies based on several factors. On average, you can expect to pay $800 to $1,300 to move a standard sedan or small SUV between these states. Larger vehicles like trucks or luxury cars may cost more.

Factors That Influence Price:

Vehicle Size & Weight: Heavier or oversized vehicles cost more because they take up more space on the trailer.
Transport Type: Enclosed transport typically costs 30–40% more than open carriers.
Distance: Florida to California is a long cross-country route, so mileage has a big impact on pricing.
Season & Demand: Summer months and holiday seasons are peak times for auto shipping, which can drive prices up.
Pickup & Delivery Flexibility: If you need guaranteed dates or expedited delivery, you’ll pay more compared to flexible scheduling.

To know the exact cost for your situation, it’s best to request multiple instant quotes online and compare.

Preparing Your Car for Shipment

Proper preparation ensures your car is ready for safe transport. Here’s what you should do before the driver arrives:

Wash the car so that pre-existing scratches or dents are clearly visible.
Remove personal belongings and non-permanent items (like phone holders, chargers, or roof racks).
Leave only about a quarter tank of gas—just enough for loading and unloading.
Check tire pressure, battery charge, and fluid levels.
Disable alarms and provide a spare key.
Take photos of the vehicle from different angles for your records.

These steps protect you and the carrier in case of disputes about damage during transport.

Pickup and Delivery Locations

One of the best parts of professional car shipping is the flexibility in pickup and delivery. Companies usually offer door-to-door car shipping services, meaning they’ll pick up and drop off at your chosen address.

In California, popular pickup and drop-off areas include:

Los Angeles
San Diego
San Francisco
Sacramento
San Jose
Fresno

In Florida, common locations include:

Miami
Orlando
Tampa
Jacksonville
Fort Lauderdale
Tallahassee

Even if you live in a smaller city or rural area, most companies can still arrange pickup. In cases where large carriers cannot access narrow streets, they’ll schedule a nearby meeting spot like a parking lot.

How Long Does Florida to California Car Shipping Take?

The driving distance between Florida and California is more than 2,500 miles, depending on the exact route. For carriers, this usually means 7 to 14 days of transit time.

Delays can sometimes happen due to weather, traffic, or mechanical issues, but reputable companies keep you updated throughout the journey. Some even offer online tracking so you can monitor your vehicle in real time.

Why Choose Professional Auto Transport?

Many people wonder if it’s worth hiring a transporter instead of driving. Here’s why professionals are usually the better choice:

Saves time, energy, and stress.
Reduces wear and tear on your car.
Professional drivers are trained to handle long-distance routes safely.
Insurance coverage is included, giving you peace of mind.
You avoid unexpected breakdowns or hotel costs along the way.

For long hauls like Florida to California, professional auto transport is almost always the smarter option.

Popular Reverse Route: Shipping from California to Florida

It’s not just from Florida to California—many people also ship cars in the opposite direction. California is home to massive cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, which are common starting points for moves eastward.

Whether you’re relocating for work, heading to retirement communities in Florida, or shipping cars purchased in California, the process is the same. Prices and timelines are also similar.

Other Popular California Shipping Routes

Besides Florida, other popular destinations for California car shipping include:

Texas
New York
Illinois
Colorado
Pennsylvania
Washington

Because California is such a hub for business, technology, and education, car shipping routes in and out of the state are always in high demand.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping a Car from Florida to California

Many first-time shippers make small mistakes that can cause stress or extra expenses during the process. One common error is not preparing the car properly before pickup. Leaving personal items inside the vehicle or forgetting to check fluid levels can delay the shipment or even cause issues during transport. Another mistake is booking at the last minute, which often leads to higher costs and limited carrier options. Some people also go with the cheapest quote without checking reviews or company reputation. While saving money is important, unreliable transporters may cause delays or damage. Lastly, not inspecting your vehicle at pickup and delivery can create disputes later.

Mistakes to avoid:

Leaving belongings inside the car before pickup.
Choosing a company only because of low price.
Skipping inspection at pickup or delivery.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free shipping experience.

Tips to Save Money on Car Shipping from Florida to California

Car shipping across the country may sound expensive, but there are smart ways to keep costs under control. The first tip is to book early, as advance planning often brings better pricing and more carrier options. Another way to save is by selecting open transport instead of enclosed unless your car requires extra care. Flexibility with pickup and delivery dates can also help, since carriers often offer discounts when routes are optimized. Avoiding peak seasons like summer or holidays also lowers costs. Compare at least three quotes before booking and always check for hidden fees in the final price.

Money-saving tips:

Book your shipment early to secure better rates.
Choose open transport for standard vehicles.
Stay flexible with dates to grab lower prices.

By following these simple strategies, you can ship your car at a reasonable cost without compromising safety.

Final Thoughts

Shipping a car from Florida to California may sound complicated, but with the right auto transport company, it’s a simple, safe, and affordable process. By understanding how it works, preparing your vehicle properly, and choosing a reliable transporter, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your car will arrive without hassle.

Whether you’re relocating permanently, moving temporarily, or simply bought a car from across the country, auto transport is the best way to cover the long distance between these two states. Instead of dealing with a tiring road trip, you can focus on your move while professionals handle the heavy lifting.

FAQs

Q1: How long does it take to ship a car from Florida to California?
Most auto transports take 7–14 days, depending on distance, traffic, weather, and the specific route chosen by the carrier. Expedited shipping may be faster but costs more.

Q2: What’s the cheapest way to ship a car between Florida and California?
Open transport is usually the cheapest option. It’s safe for most standard vehicles and widely available. Choosing flexible pickup dates can also help you save on overall costs.

Q3: Is my car insured during transport?
Yes. All licensed auto transport companies provide insurance coverage during shipment. Always ask your carrier for proof of insurance and confirm the coverage limits before booking your transport.

Q4: Can I put personal belongings in my car during shipping?
Most companies advise against placing items inside. Some allow up to 100 pounds in the trunk, but it’s not recommended since belongings aren’t covered by insurance and may increase transport risks.

Q5: How do I choose a reliable auto transport company?
Look for licensed and bonded companies with strong reviews, transparent pricing, and good customer service. Always verify credentials through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database for peace of mind.

Q6: Should I choose open or enclosed transport?
For most standard cars, open transport is sufficient. If you own a luxury, exotic, or classic vehicle, enclosed shipping is safer as it protects against weather and road debris, though it costs more.