Florida is consistently one of the top destinations for both permanent relocations and seasonal moves. Whether you are moving for work, retirement, or the sunshine, here is your complete guide to getting your car to Florida.
Shipping Costs to Florida by Origin
Florida is a high-traffic destination for auto transport, which means competitive pricing and good carrier availability:
- • New York to Florida: $800 - $1,150 (to Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville)
- • New Jersey to Florida: $750 - $1,100
- • Massachusetts to Florida: $850 - $1,200
- • Pennsylvania to Florida: $700 - $1,000
- • Illinois to Florida: $750 - $1,050
- • Michigan to Florida: $800 - $1,100
- • Ohio to Florida: $650 - $950
- • Texas to Florida: $700 - $1,000
- • California to Florida: $1,100 - $1,500
For an exact quote on your specific route, visit our [quote page](/quote) or call (855) 469-8090.
Popular Florida Destinations
Florida has multiple major metros with excellent carrier coverage:
- • Miami/Fort Lauderdale — Highest demand destination, especially from the Northeast
- • Orlando — Central location, great carrier access
- • Tampa/St. Petersburg — West coast hub
- • Jacksonville — Northeast Florida, first stop for carriers coming south on I-95
- • Naples/Fort Myers — Popular retirement and snowbird destination
- • Sarasota/Bradenton — Growing retiree and remote-worker destination
All major Florida cities have excellent carrier availability. Even smaller cities like Gainesville, Tallahassee, and Daytona Beach are easily serviced.
Timeline for Shipping to Florida
- • From the Northeast (NY, NJ, MA, CT): 4-6 days transit
- • From the Midwest (IL, OH, MI): 4-6 days transit
- • From Texas: 4-6 days transit
- • From the West Coast: 7-10 days transit
- • From nearby states (GA, AL, SC): 1-3 days transit
Add 3-7 days for carrier assignment. The NY-to-FL corridor is one of the busiest routes in auto transport, so carriers are usually available quickly.
Florida Vehicle Registration Requirements
New Florida residents must register their vehicles within 10 days of either starting employment or enrolling children in school. Here is what you need:
At the County Tax Collector's Office
1. Florida insurance — Must have Florida-compliant auto insurance BEFORE registering 2. Out-of-state title or electronic lien information 3. Valid ID — Florida driver's license preferred, but out-of-state accepted initially 4. VIN verification — May be required; the tax collector's office can perform this 5. Completed title application 6. Payment — Registration fees, title transfer fees ($75.25 for electronic title), and any applicable sales tax
Sales Tax on Vehicles
If you purchased your vehicle out of state, Florida may charge sales tax (6% state + county surtax) on the vehicle's value minus any sales tax already paid to another state. If you have owned the vehicle for more than 6 months, you typically receive credit for taxes paid in your previous state.
No Vehicle Inspection Required
Good news: Florida does not require a vehicle safety inspection for registration. This makes the process simpler than many other states.
Florida Driver's License
New residents must obtain a Florida driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency:
- • Visit any FLHSMV (Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles) office
- • Bring your out-of-state license, Social Security card, two proofs of residential address, and proof of identity
- • Pass a vision test
- • Your out-of-state license is surrendered
Florida Auto Insurance Requirements
Florida has unique insurance requirements:
- • $10,000 PIP (Personal Injury Protection) — Required
- • $10,000 PDL (Property Damage Liability) — Required
- • Bodily Injury Liability — Not required by law but strongly recommended
- • Uninsured Motorist coverage — Strongly recommended given Florida's high uninsured driver rate
Florida is a no-fault state, meaning PIP insurance covers your own injuries regardless of who caused the accident. Get Florida-compliant insurance before attempting to register your vehicle.
Car Shipping Checklist for Florida Moves
3-4 Weeks Before Moving
- • [ ] Get a shipping quote from SWA at (855) 469-8090 or [online](/quote)
- • [ ] Book your shipment (especially important during snowbird season Oct-Jan)
- • [ ] Begin shopping for Florida auto insurance
- • [ ] Gather vehicle title, registration, and insurance documents
1 Week Before Pickup
- • [ ] Confirm pickup window with your transport coordinator
- • [ ] Prepare your vehicle ([preparation checklist](/blog/how-to-prepare-your-vehicle-for-transport))
- • [ ] Remove E-ZPass, SunPass, or other toll transponders from your current state
- • [ ] Wash and photograph vehicle
- • [ ] Reduce fuel to 1/4 tank
At Pickup
- • [ ] Review Bill of Lading carefully
- • [ ] Note all existing damage
- • [ ] Provide one set of keys
- • [ ] Keep your BOL copy
After Delivery in Florida
- • [ ] Inspect vehicle and compare to pickup BOL
- • [ ] Activate Florida auto insurance
- • [ ] Visit county tax collector to register your vehicle
- • [ ] Get a Florida driver's license within 30 days
- • [ ] Purchase a SunPass for Florida toll roads (electronic tolling is standard)
Snowbird vs Permanent Move
If you are moving to Florida permanently, follow the full registration process above. If you are a seasonal snowbird spending winters in Florida but maintaining residency elsewhere, you may not need to re-register in Florida. Check our [snowbird shipping guide](/blog/snowbird-car-shipping-guide) for seasonal transport details.
Peak Season Warning
The Florida auto transport corridor is extremely busy from October through January (snowbirds heading south) and March through April (snowbirds heading north). If you are moving during these months, book 3-4 weeks in advance to secure the best rates and availability. Visit our [popular routes page](/popular-routes) for more information.
Get Started
Ready to ship your car to Florida? Call State Wide Auto Transport at (855) 469-8090 or [get a free quote online](/quote). The Sunshine State is waiting.