California to Florida is a true coast-to-coast move, and one of the longest lanes we handle regularly. Driving it yourself means four or five long days on the road, hotel stays, fuel, and a lot of miles on the car. Shipping lets you fly and pick the car up at your new address.
Secure Auto Shipping arranges the full trip with licensed, insured carriers, from a driveway in Los Angeles or San Diego to a home in Miami, Orlando, or Jacksonville. You deal with one coordinator throughout, and you do not pay a deposit to book.
Get a free California to Florida quote or call (888) 425-5340
The California to Florida route and distance
I-10 runs the whole way, from Santa Monica to Jacksonville, which makes it the natural backbone for this lane. Most carriers head east through Phoenix, Tucson, El Paso, San Antonio, Houston, and New Orleans, then cross the Florida Panhandle and turn south on I-75 or I-95 for peninsula deliveries. Bay Area and Sacramento pickups often travel south on I-5 first, and some drivers use I-40 before dropping toward the Gulf.
Across the quotes we have built for this lane, the middle half of moves ranged from about 2,500 to 2,750 miles, with roughly 2,650 miles typical. A San Diego to Pensacola move is on the short side; Sacramento to Miami is one of the longest domestic runs we book.
How long California to Florida car shipping takes
Plan on an estimated 6 to 9 days in transit after pickup. Carriers on this distance often have several other cars to load and unload along the way, and federal hours-of-service limits cap how far a driver can go each day. These are estimates, not guarantees. Add a few days before pickup for carrier assignment, especially if your dates are firm.
What affects your California to Florida price
Long distance is the main factor, but it is not the only one. Vehicle size and weight, whether the car runs, open or enclosed trailer, how close each end is to the interstate, and the time of year all shape the price. Because so many trucks run this corridor, moves between large metros on both coasts tend to be the most cost-efficient per mile.
Recent single-vehicle moves we completed from California to Florida (2024 to 2026, mostly on open carriers) generally came in between about $1,100 and $1,400. That is a guide to the market rather than a quote; fuel, season, and carrier supply shift the number, and your quote is built for your exact route.
Best time to ship a car from California to Florida
Our lane history shows September, July, and June as the busiest months, with demand present all year. Summer relocations and the run-up to Florida’s winter season both feed this lane.
The southern I-10 route avoids most winter mountain weather, so December and January moves are usually reliable. In late summer and early fall, book about two weeks ahead to keep your preferred pickup window.
Open or enclosed transport from California
Open carriers handle most California to Florida moves in our records, and enclosed is a small share. On a trip this long, though, enclosed transport is worth a look for classics, exotics, and show cars, since the vehicle spends a week or more on the road. Enclosed space is limited and costs more, so allow extra lead time.
See how the two compare for a California to Florida move on our open car shipping and enclosed transport pages.
Driving versus shipping coast to coast
Driving roughly 2,600 miles takes most people five days or more, with four or five hotel nights, meals on the road, and fuel for the whole distance. It also adds a big chunk of mileage and wear to the car. Shipping removes all of that, and you can fly in a few hours.
For many families the deciding factor is time. If you are starting a job in Florida, the days saved by flying often matter more than any difference in cost.
How shipping your car to Florida works
- Quote your coast-to-coast move. Share the California pickup, Florida delivery, vehicle, and ready date. We quote the exact route.
- Reserve without a deposit. Approve the quote, and we begin placing the car with a carrier running the southern corridor.
- Carrier details up front. Before pickup, we send you the carrier's information and insurance documents.
- Condition report at pickup. You and the driver inspect and photograph the car and sign the bill of lading together.
- Florida delivery. The driver calls ahead, you inspect the car against the pickup report, and the move is done.
Getting your car ready for the trip to Florida
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel; a full tank adds weight and is not needed.
- Remove toll transponders such as FasTrak or SunPass so you are not billed for the carrier's tolls.
- Note any existing scratches or dents before pickup and keep your own photos.
Cities we serve on this route
Common California pickups: Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, San Jose, San Francisco, Long Beach, Oakland, Riverside.
Common Florida deliveries: Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Pensacola, Naples, Sarasota.
We pick up anywhere in California and deliver anywhere in Florida. These are the cities that appear most on this lane.
Related pages
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Florida?
Recently completed open-carrier moves of one car on this route mostly ran between about $1,100 and $1,400. The exact price depends on your cities, vehicle, trailer type, and timing, so request a free quote.
How long does it take to ship a car coast to coast?
An estimated 6 to 9 days in transit after pickup for California to Florida, plus time to assign a carrier before that.
Is it cheaper to drive or ship from California to Florida?
Once you add fuel, several nights of lodging, meals, and wear on the car over roughly 2,600 miles, shipping is often close in cost and saves you most of a week.
Can I ship an enclosed car from California to Florida?
Yes. Enclosed carriers run this lane, but space is limited, so book earlier than you would for open transport.
What if I am not home at delivery?
Anyone you authorize, aged 18 or older, can receive the car and sign the inspection report for you.
Can I track my car while it is on the truck?
Your coordinator stays in touch with the carrier and can give you updates on where the truck is and when to expect delivery.
Do you need a deposit?
No deposit is required to reserve your California to Florida shipment.
Get your free California to Florida quote
Planning a California to Florida move? Request a free quote online or call (888) 425-5340.