Florida Auto Transport and Car Shipping

• Pickup and delivery at your address across all 67 Florida counties, or a nearby meetpoint where the truck cannot fit
• Open and enclosed transport on every major route
• Licensed broker MC-796224, USDOT 2336907, matched to FMCSA-compliant carriers
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees at pickup

Florida Auto Transport Routes, Transit Times, and Pricing

Number 1 Auto Transport connects Florida customers with vetted carriers running every major lane in the country. The tables below show distance, typical transit window, and open and enclosed pricing for the highest-volume Florida routes. Pricing reflects standard sedans and applies in either direction unless noted.

Major Florida Cities Served

Plus smaller cities across the Gulf Coast, Space Coast, and Panhandle. Carriers also pick up and deliver in all 67 Florida counties.

• Miami
• Orlando
• Tampa
• Jacksonville
• Fort Lauderdale
• St. Petersburg
• Naples
• Fort Myers
• Sarasota
• West Palm Beach
• Pensacola
• Tallahassee

Florida State-to-State Route Reference

Distance, transit window, and open and enclosed pricing for the highest-demand Florida lanes. Pricing applies in either direction unless noted.

The New Jersey and New York rows show the base-season ranges published on our Florida to New Jersey and New York to Florida route guides. Snowbird season runs higher on both. Every other row is this page's own figure.

Popular City-to-City Florida Routes

City-pair pricing for the most-requested moves. Use these when both pickup and delivery cities are fixed. Standard sedans on open or enclosed carriers.

The Miami to New York row shows the base-season range published on our New York to Florida route guide. Every other row is this page's own figure.

In-State Florida Routes

We coordinate shipments between Florida cities every day. Estimated open-carrier costs and transit times for popular in-state routes.

Per-Mile Pricing Guide for Florida Routes

• Short distance (under 500 miles)

  $1.00 to $1.75 per mile

• Medium distance (500 to 1,000 miles)

  $0.75 to $1.00 per mile

• Long distance (1,000+ miles)

  $0.50 to $0.75 per mile

Florida Route Guides

Full pages on the lanes we run most, with city-pair pricing, transit windows, and what to do after the car arrives. The complete list is on our popular routes page.

• New York to Florida
• Florida to New Jersey

Florida Military Installations We Serve

• Naval Station Mayport

  Jacksonville

• NAS Jacksonville

  Jacksonville

• NAS Pensacola

  Pensacola

• NAS Whiting Field

  Milton

• NAS Key West

  Key West

• Eglin Air Force Base

  Valparaiso

• Hurlburt Field

  Mary Esther

• Tyndall Air Force Base

  Panama City

• MacDill Air Force Base

  Tampa

• Patrick Space Force Base

  Cocoa Beach

• Homestead Air Reserve Base

  Homestead

• Camp Blanding

  Starke

Timing Your Shipment Around PCS Orders

Most PCS orders give you 30 to 60 days to report. Transit runs 1 to 10 days depending on the route. The sweet spot for booking is two to three weeks before your report date, which leaves room for carrier assignment, pickup, and delivery without cutting it close.

If your orders came late or your report window is tight, call us. We handle expedited pickups out of every Florida installation and can usually get a truck assigned within a few business days on active lanes.

Military Discount and Who Qualifies

Military rates apply to every shipment. Call with your branch, rank, and destination installation, and we apply the discount to your quote before you book. The discount covers active duty, reserves, National Guard, retirees, veterans, and immediate family relocating under orders. Open and enclosed both qualify, and a second vehicle for a spouse or dependent ships at the same rate.

What Moves on Lowboy and Step Deck Trailers

• Excavators, dozers, and wheel loaders
• Skid steers, backhoes, and telehandlers
• Graders, cranes, and aerial booms
• Forklifts and industrial generators
• Attachments, parts, and project cargo
• Oversize or wide-load equipment with permits

Why Lowboy and RGN Transport Works for Florida

• Height Compliance

  The 18 to 24 inch deck keeps your load under Florida's 13 foot 6 inch limit. No fines, no forced reroutes.

• Better Stability

  A lower center of gravity keeps heavy, top-heavy machinery secure on I-95 and I-75.

• Permit Expertise

  Our carrier network handles Florida route planning plus state and local permits before your load rolls.

Florida Port Logistics

Florida's deepwater ports handle a steady flow of vehicles moving by sea, from snowbird cars returning from Caribbean homes to dealer auction imports and exotics from overseas auctions. We coordinate pickup at the port and inland delivery anywhere in the country, and we arrange terminal handoffs for hard-to-reach destinations like the Florida Keys.

• Port Everglades

  Fort Lauderdale. One of the busiest cruise and cargo ports in the country, with roll-on/roll-off vehicle handling and easy I-95 access.

• PortMiami

  Major gateway for Caribbean and Latin American vehicle traffic. Terminal pickup with delivery to your address nationwide.

• JAXPORT (Jacksonville)

  A leading vehicle-handling port on the East Coast, moving high volumes of imported and domestic vehicles.

• Port Tampa Bay

  Florida's largest port by tonnage. Gulf Coast vehicle and equipment moves with I-75 and I-4 connections.

• Port Canaveral

  Space Coast port near Orlando. Cruise-area vehicle pickups and inland delivery across Central Florida.

Equipment that does not fit on a step deck moves on a Removable Gooseneck (RGN) trailer. The front detaches so tracked machinery rolls on without ramps. Best for excavators, dozers, and equipment without functional drive systems.

Should You Drive or Ship Your Car to Florida?

Driving vs. Shipping Your Vehicle

Comparing the cost of driving versus shipping a car to Florida, shipping is often the more efficient choice once you account for fuel, lodging, and vehicle wear. The table below shows a cost-benefit comparison for a 1,280-mile trip from New York to Miami.

The shipping figure and transit window are the base-season range published on our New York to Florida route guide.

Moving to Florida: What to Do After Your Car Arrives

Half the people shipping into Florida are relocating for good. Once the car is in your driveway, Florida puts you on a short clock. Here is what actually applies.

Budget for the $225 Initial Registration Fee

Florida charges a one-time $225 initial registration fee when you register a vehicle and have no Florida plate in your name to transfer onto it. It is charged per new plate, on top of the title and plate fees. The only way around it is transferring a plate from a car you previously owned in Florida, which a new resident does not have yet.

You also need a VIN and odometer verification on form HSMV 82042 for any used vehicle not already titled in Florida. A Florida dealer, a law enforcement officer, a military police officer, a tax collector examiner, or a notary can complete it.

No Inspection, and a Six-Month Rule on Sales Tax

Florida has no safety inspection and no emissions test. The VIN check above is the only thing anyone looks at. On tax, the rule is six months. If you bought the car six months or more before bringing it into Florida, and it was registered in your old state, you owe no Florida sales or use tax. If you bought it within the last six months, Florida charges its 6 percent plus the county surtax, with credit for the tax you paid in your old state.

Insurance and License

Florida requires $10,000 in personal injury protection and $10,000 in property damage liability from a carrier licensed in Florida. If you are new to the state, you may ask your agent to transfer your current insurance to a Florida policy. The driver license transfer runs on a 30-day clock.

Bring the out-of-state title, proof of Florida insurance, the VIN verification, and proof of your Florida address to the county tax collector. Check current fees with the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles site before you go, since the initial registration fee is charged once and cannot be refunded.

Florida Auto Transport Frequently Asked Questions

The questions we get most on Florida moves. For everything else, see our auto transport FAQ.

• How much does it cost to ship a car to Florida?

  Costs range from about $350 for short in-state routes to $2,250 or more for cross-country shipments. The exact price depends on distance, vehicle size, transport type (open or enclosed), and seasonal demand. Snowbird season from October through April is the most expensive window for Florida routes.

• How long does it take to ship a car to or from Florida?

  Most shipments within the eastern United States take 3 to 6 days. Cross-country routes from the West Coast average 7 to 10 days. In-state Florida shipments typically take 1 to 4 days depending on distance and carrier routing.

• Is my vehicle insured during transport?

  Yes. Every carrier in our network is required to carry a minimum of $250,000 in cargo insurance. Your coordinator can provide the carrier's insurance certificate before pickup. We recommend reviewing the policy and contacting your own insurer about supplemental coverage.

• Can I ship personal items in my vehicle?

  Most carriers allow a small amount of personal items in the trunk, typically up to 100 pounds, kept below the window line. No hazardous materials, valuables, or firearms. Personal items are not covered by carrier cargo insurance, so ship them at your own risk.

• What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?

  Open carriers are multi-car haulers that expose vehicles to weather and road conditions. Enclosed carriers fully protect the vehicle inside a covered trailer. Open is less expensive and more widely available; enclosed is recommended for high-value, classic, or exotic vehicles.

• Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?

  Someone 18 or older must be present at both pickup and delivery to sign the Bill of Lading and complete the inspection. If you cannot be present, you can designate an authorized representative.

• Can you ship an inoperable vehicle?

  Yes. Inoperable vehicles require a carrier with winch loading capability, which adds $100 to $200 to the cost. Let us know the specific condition (does not run, steer, or brake) when requesting a quote so we assign the right equipment.

• How do I prepare my vehicle for transport?

  Remove personal items and loose accessories. Wash the car so existing damage is visible, since Florida salt air and rain leave residue. Keep no more than a quarter tank of fuel, disable aftermarket alarms, document existing damage with photos, and leave one set of keys. If you are leaving Florida, remove your SunPass transponder to avoid charges.

• What happens if my vehicle is damaged during shipping?

  All shipments include carrier cargo insurance. Any damage is documented on the Bill of Lading at delivery. File a claim with the carrier's insurance provider, and your coordinator will assist with the process and provide the documentation you need.

• Can I ship a leased vehicle?

  Yes. Leased vehicles can be shipped with no restrictions, and the leasing company does not need to be notified for standard transport. Your lease mileage limits are a strong reason to ship rather than drive.

• Do you offer expedited shipping?

  Yes. Expedited service prioritizes your vehicle for the next available carrier, typically reducing pickup time to 1 to 3 days. Expedited shipping costs 20 to 30 percent more than standard service and depends on carrier availability on your route.

• What is the cancellation policy?

  You can cancel any time before a carrier is dispatched with no penalty. Once a carrier is assigned and dispatched, cancellation terms are outlined in your transport agreement. Contact your coordinator for specifics.

• Can I track my shipment?

  Yes. Your dedicated coordinator provides regular updates throughout transit, including pickup confirmation, periodic location updates, and advance notice before delivery.

• Do you ship vehicles to and from the Florida Keys?

  Yes, though Keys shipments require special logistics. Most carriers cannot navigate the Overseas Highway bridges with a full load, so we typically arrange delivery to a terminal in Miami or Homestead with a separate driveaway to your Keys destination. Full pricing for the terminal handoff and the driveaway is quoted upfront.

• What payment methods do you accept?

  We accept credit cards, debit cards, certified checks, and wire transfers for the deposit. The carrier balance at delivery is typically paid by cash, Zelle, cashier's check, or money order directly to the carrier. Payment terms are confirmed at booking.

• How far in advance should I book?

  For standard service, booking 1 to 2 weeks ahead is recommended. During peak snowbird season (October to April), book 2 to 4 weeks ahead. Expedited service can accommodate shorter timelines at an additional cost.

• How does hurricane season affect my pickup or delivery?

  Carriers monitor every named storm 5 days out and may delay pickup or reroute around the projected path. Your coordinator calls 24 to 48 hours before any affected window with carrier status, expected delay, and reroute options. You can hold, reroute, or cancel for a full refund. There is no penalty for weather-driven cancellations.

• Do you ship to smaller Florida cities like Daytona, Gainesville, or Ocala?

  Yes. Our carrier network covers all 67 Florida counties, including Daytona Beach, Gainesville, Ocala, Lakeland, and Port St. Lucie. Pickup in secondary cities may add a day to transit compared to major metros, but pricing stays competitive.

• Do I have to register my car in Florida after it arrives?

  Yes, if you are moving here. Florida gives you 10 days from starting a job, enrolling a child in school, or establishing residency. Expect the $225 initial registration fee, a VIN verification on form HSMV 82042, and no inspection. A car you bought six months or more before the move owes no Florida sales tax.