Texas to Florida
Certified by
Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
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TEXAS TO FLORIDA
Shipping from Texas to Florida
Planning to move your vehicle from the Lone Star State to the Sunshine State? Texas to Florida car shipping is one of America’s most popular auto transport routes. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a car online, or snowbirding for winter, professional car shipping services make the 1,000+ mile journey stress-free. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about auto transport costs, timelines, and tips for a smooth experience.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
TX
Texas
FL
Florida
Popular Routes from Texas to Florida
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from Texas to Florida
Texas to Florida car shipping costs $675-$950 and takes 1-4 days to travel the 1,176-mile route between these popular states.
Our Texas & Florida Customers
Sherpa customers love our transparent pricing with no hidden fees, 4.9-star rating from 8,000+ reviews, and our Price Lock Promise that protects against surprise costs.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Texas-Florida shipping, with longer routes like El Paso to Miami costing significantly more than Houston to Tampa.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Ship during summer months instead of peak snowbird season (October-April) to save hundreds on your Texas to Florida car transport.
How Car Shipping Works
Vehicle preparation is the most important step – remove personal items, clean your car, and document its condition with photos before pickup.
State Insights
Florida requires new residents to register vehicles within 30 days and mandates PIP insurance coverage that Texas doesn’t require.
What Sherpa’s Customers are Saying
The Sherpa Difference
TRANSPARENCY
Our Price Lock Promise ensures you know exactly what you’ll pay, with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
Whether you’re shipping your vehicle across the state or across the country, our extensive network of carriers ships to all 50 states all year round.
CUSTOMER FIRST APPROACH
Sherpa has a 4.87 average customer rating with over 7,000 five-star reviews. We were recognized by Auto Business Outlook as the Top Automotive Shipping Provider in 2023 for our commitment to customer service.
CARRIER QUALITY
We carefully evaluate transportation records, accident history, and customer feedback to vet every one of our carriers. If a carrier does not meet our high standards, we do not use them.
EXPERT HANDLING
From classic cars, everyday vehicles, motorcycles and more, we have the expertise to manage all types of auto transport needs with care and precision.
Popular Routes from Texas to Florida
Factors that Affect Texas to Florida Shipping Prices
Distance
Texas to Florida spans 800-1,200 miles depending on your specific cities. Longer distances mean higher fuel costs and driver time, directly increasing your shipping quote.
Route
Major highways like I-10 connecting Houston to Jacksonville offer cheaper rates than rural routes. Popular corridors have more carriers, creating competitive pricing for customers.
Season
Winter months see increased demand as snowbirds migrate to Florida, raising prices. Summer and fall typically offer better rates with more carrier availability statewide.
Vehicle Type
Standard cars cost less to ship than SUVs or trucks. Larger vehicles require more trailer space, use more fuel, and may need specialized equipment.
Traffic Considerations
Holiday weeks like Thanksgiving create traffic delays and higher costs. Schedule shipments during off-peak times to avoid congestion and save money on transport.
Carrier Availability
Peak season may require 1-2 weeks for carrier assignment. Off-season bookings typically secure carriers within 2-5 days, offering more scheduling flexibility and options.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers cost significantly less for Texas-Florida routes. Choose enclosed transport for luxury vehicles needing weather protection, though expect 40-60% higher pricing.
Population Density
Delivering to major Florida cities like Miami costs more than suburban areas. Consider pickup locations outside dense urban centers to reduce fees.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Avoid peak snowbird season (October-April) when retirees migrate to Florida. Ship during summer months for lower rates. Even shifting your timeline by a few weeks can significantly reduce costs during busy migration periods.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Offer carriers a five-day pickup and delivery window instead of exact dates. This flexibility allows drivers to optimize their routes and schedules, passing savings directly to you through reduced shipping costs.
Hub City Advantages
Choose pickup locations near major Texas highways and delivery spots close to Florida interstates. Highway-accessible cities offer more carrier options and competitive pricing compared to remote rural locations requiring special detours.
Open Trailers
Select open trailers for standard vehicles to save hundreds compared to enclosed transport. Reserve enclosed trailers only for luxury, classic, or high-value cars requiring extra protection from weather and road debris.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Texas to Florida Work?
Car shipping from Texas to Florida is a popular auto transport route covering approximately 1,176 miles across the southeastern United States. This interstate corridor connects major Texas cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin with Florida destinations including Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville. The process begins when you request a quote from Sherpa Auto Transport, providing pickup and delivery locations along with your vehicle details.
Texas to Florida car shipping typically takes 1-4 days depending on your specific cities and carrier availability. This route benefits from high carrier traffic since it connects two major automotive markets. Most shipments use open carriers that transport multiple vehicles simultaneously, keeping costs between $675-$950. The distance and established shipping lanes make this one of the more efficient auto transport routes in the country.
The car shipping process starts with booking your transport and scheduling pickup in Texas. Our carrier will inspect your vehicle and load it onto the trailer using specialized equipment. During transit, your car travels through states like Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia before reaching Florida. We provide tracking updates so you know your vehicle’s location throughout the journey.
Upon arrival in Florida, you’ll meet the carrier for delivery and final inspection. The driver will unload your vehicle and complete a condition report comparing it to the initial pickup inspection. Texas to Florida auto transport is straightforward thanks to the well-traveled route and experienced carriers familiar with both states’ requirements. Weather considerations include potential delays during hurricane season, but carriers monitor conditions closely to ensure safe delivery of your vehicle.
Texas to Florida Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning Texas to Florida car shipping, understanding the regulatory differences between states helps ensure a smooth transition. Florida requires new residents to register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency, while Texas allows 30 days for new residents. Both states require proof of insurance, but Florida has unique requirements including Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage that Texas doesn’t mandate.
Vehicle modification laws differ significantly between these states. Florida prohibits window tinting below 28% on front side windows, while Texas allows 25%. For lifted vehicles, Florida enforces strict bumper height regulations – 27 inches maximum for vehicles under 4,500 pounds. Texas has more lenient height restrictions. Neither state requires emissions testing for most passenger vehicles, making auto transport between them relatively straightforward.
Car shipping from Texas to Florida requires minimal weather-related vehicle preparation. Unlike northern moves, you won’t need to remove winter tires or winterization equipment. However, consider your vehicle’s air conditioning system before the move, as Florida’s humidity and heat are more intense than most Texas regions. Ensure your cooling system is serviced and consider window tinting upgrades within Florida’s legal limits for comfort.
Insurance considerations play a crucial role in Texas to Florida car shipping. Florida operates as a no-fault insurance state, requiring PIP coverage and higher minimum liability limits than Texas. Contact your insurance provider before your auto transport to understand coverage changes and potential rate differences. Florida’s hurricane-prone climate may increase comprehensive coverage costs, but many insurers offer discounts for vehicles with anti-theft devices or safety features. Plan to update your policy immediately upon establishing Florida residency to maintain continuous coverage and comply with state requirements.
Texas to Florida Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Texas to Florida is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, including toll passes, electronics, and fragile items. Carriers are not responsible for personal property left in your car.
Clean your vehicle: Wash your car inside and out. This helps you spot any existing damage during the inspection process.
Check fluids and battery: Make sure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank), oil, and brake fluid. Ensure your battery is charged so drivers can move your vehicle.
Remove accessories: Take off loose parts like bike racks, spoilers, or custom antennas that could get damaged or fall off during transport.
Document condition: Take photos of your car from all angles before pickup. This protects you if any damage occurs.
Have keys ready: Provide one set of working keys to the driver. Keep a spare set for yourself.
For complete details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps ensures a smooth Texas to Florida car shipping experience.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Texas to Florida. Every carrier in our network must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before we assign your car to any carrier, we check that their insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy. This gives you extra protection during your Texas to Florida shipment.
Your car is covered from pickup to delivery. If any damage happens during transport, the carrier’s insurance will handle your claim. We help you through the entire process to make sure everything goes smoothly.
We recommend scheduling your car pickup from Texas at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure competitive rates and reliable carriers.
Here’s why early booking matters:
- Better pricing: Carriers can plan efficient routes by grouping multiple vehicles
- More carrier options: Popular routes like Texas to Florida fill up quickly
- Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more pickup date options to choose from
If you’re moving during peak seasons (summer months or winter holidays), consider booking 3-4 weeks ahead. These are the busiest times for Texas to Florida car shipping.
Need faster service? We can often accommodate rush orders with 3-7 days notice, though rates may be higher due to limited carrier availability.
No payment is due at the time of booking. We do require a payment method on file so that it is available to charge once a carrier is secured. We accept all major debit and credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express. The most convenient option is to pay for your shipment in full by credit card at the time a carrier is secured.
We also allow you to pay for your Initial Payment via credit or debit card and then pay the outstanding balance on delivery day via cash or a certified check made out to the carrier.
Your Sherpa shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If you are shipping to or from a port or your shipment includes ocean transit, your vehicle must be emptied of all items. Sherpa and your assigned carrier cannot be responsible for personal items left inside the vehicle. See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details.
Yes. It is important that you, or another adult that you trust, is there for pickup and delivery of your vehicle. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle’s condition.
Open auto transport uses uncovered trailers that expose your car to weather and road debris. It’s the most popular choice because it costs less and works well for most vehicles.
Enclosed auto transport uses covered trailers that fully protect your car from weather, dust, and debris. It costs 40-60% more than open transport but offers complete protection.
Choose open transport if: You have a standard daily driver and want to save money on your Texas to Florida move.
Choose enclosed transport if: You’re shipping a luxury car, classic vehicle, or any car with custom paint that needs extra protection during the long haul from Texas to Florida.
Most people pick open transport for the Texas-Florida route since it’s reliable and budget-friendly. See our open vs enclosed auto transport guide for more details.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service from Texas to Florida. This means we pick up your car from your home, office, or any address you choose in Texas and deliver it directly to your specified location in Florida.
Here’s how it works: When you book your shipment, simply provide us with your pickup address in Texas and delivery address in Florida. Our carrier will come to you at both ends of the journey. This saves you time and eliminates the need to drive to a terminal.
In some cases, large trucks cannot access certain areas due to low bridges, narrow streets, or HOA restrictions. If this happens, our driver will work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center or gas station. We always communicate with you beforehand to ensure a smooth pickup and delivery process.
Door-to-door service is included in most of our Texas to Florida car shipping quotes at no extra cost. It’s the most popular option for customers moving between these states because of the convenience it offers.
Many Auto Transport companies try to tease customers with lower rates, only to surprise you with “hidden costs” later. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we do things differently. We provide one locked-in price upfront and stick to it. If unexpected costs arise, we pay them out of our own pocket.
While we may not always be the cheapest option at first glance, our commitment to transparency and reliability offers exceptional value. As a premium service, we ensure an stress-free experience from start to finish.
We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles across the nation, including service to Alaska and Hawaii. At this time, we do not service boats, golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship both operable and inoperable vehicles so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. We can also ship electric vehicles.
Visit Sherpa’s FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!