Florida to Michigan
Certified by
Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
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FLORIDA TO MICHIGAN
Shipping from Florida to Michigan
Planning to move your vehicle from the Sunshine State to the Great Lakes region? Florida to Michigan car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about auto transport between these states, including costs, timelines, and insider tips. Whether you’re relocating for work or buying a car across state lines, we’ll help you navigate the car shipping process with confidence.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
FL
Florida
MI
Michigan
Popular Routes from Florida to Michigan
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from Florida to Michigan
Car shipping from Florida to Michigan costs $800-$1400 and takes 1-5 days, covering approximately 1,296 miles across multiple states.
Our Florida & Michigan Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star rating, and transparent pricing that eliminates surprise fees during your Florida to Michigan move.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Florida-Michigan shipping, but choosing flexible pickup dates and avoiding peak snowbird season can save you hundreds of dollars.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your Florida to Michigan car shipping 2-3 weeks ahead during off-season months to secure the best rates and avoid peak winter demand.
How Car Shipping Works
Vehicle preparation is the most critical step – remove personal items, clean your car, and document its condition before the carrier arrives for pickup.
State Insights
Michigan requires vehicle registration within 30 days of residency and uses a unique no-fault insurance system that typically costs more than Florida coverage.
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 Florida to Michigan
Factors that Affect Florida to Michigan Shipping Prices
Distance
The 1,200+ mile journey from Florida to Michigan significantly impacts shipping costs. Longer distances require more fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear, making this cross-country route more expensive than shorter regional moves.
Route
Florida-to-Michigan shipping follows major interstates like I-75, keeping costs reasonable. However, pickup or delivery in remote Florida Keys or rural Michigan locations off main highways will increase prices due to detour requirements.
Season
Winter months see higher demand as snowbirds move cars between Florida and Michigan. Summer and spring typically offer better rates, while fall migration season drives up prices significantly for this popular route.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars ship cheapest on the Florida-Michigan route. Large SUVs, trucks, and oversized vehicles cost more due to weight restrictions, fuel consumption, and limited trailer space on long-distance hauls.
Traffic Considerations
Avoid shipping during Thanksgiving week or spring break when traffic congests I-75 through Georgia and Tennessee. Peak vacation periods slow transport times and increase costs between Florida and Michigan destinations.
Carrier Availability
Peak snowbird season creates carrier shortages on Florida-Michigan routes. Book 2-3 weeks ahead during winter months, while summer typically offers faster carrier availability within days of booking your shipment.
Open vs Enclosed
Open transport saves money on Florida-Michigan shipping and works well for most vehicles. Choose enclosed transport for luxury cars, classics, or protection from weather during the long interstate journey.
Population Density
Major Florida cities like Miami or Tampa and Michigan metros like Detroit offer competitive rates. Rural pickups in northern Michigan or southern Florida may cost extra due to limited carrier access.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Avoid peak snowbird season when shipping from Florida to Michigan. Off-season timing can save hundreds of dollars on transport costs. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks makes a significant difference.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows to reduce shipping costs. Offering carriers a five-day window for both pickup and delivery gives them scheduling freedom, resulting in lower quotes for you.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup and delivery locations near major highways for better rates. Cities with highway access offer more carrier options and competitive pricing compared to remote rural locations requiring special routing.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost significantly less than enclosed options for standard vehicles. Reserve enclosed transport only for luxury or classic cars needing extra protection. Most everyday vehicles ship safely on open trailers.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Florida to Michigan Work?
Car shipping from Florida to Michigan is a popular auto transport route that covers approximately 1,296 miles across multiple states. The process begins when you request a quote from Sherpa Auto Transport and book your shipment. Our team will coordinate pickup from your Florida location and arrange secure transport to your destination in Michigan, typically taking 1-5 days depending on specific pickup and delivery locations.
Florida to Michigan car shipping involves several unique considerations due to the distance and geographic diversity of this route. Weather conditions can vary significantly between the sunny Florida climate and Michigan’s seasonal changes, especially during winter months. Our experienced drivers are well-versed in navigating this interstate corridor, which passes through states like Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky before reaching Michigan.
The auto transport process follows these key steps: First, you’ll receive a detailed quote ranging from $800-$1400 based on your vehicle type and service preferences. Next, we’ll schedule pickup at your Florida location and conduct a thorough vehicle inspection. Your car is then loaded onto our carrier and transported along the most efficient route to Michigan. Finally, we deliver your vehicle to your specified Michigan address and complete a final inspection together.
Timeline for Florida to Michigan car shipping typically ranges from 1-5 days, depending on factors like exact pickup and delivery locations, weather conditions, and carrier schedules. Major cities like Miami to Detroit or Tampa to Grand Rapids often experience faster delivery times due to high-traffic routes. Sherpa Auto Transport provides real-time tracking updates throughout the journey, ensuring you stay informed about your vehicle’s progress during the entire car shipping process.
Florida to Michigan Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning Florida to Michigan car shipping, understanding the regulatory differences between these states helps ensure a smooth transition. Michigan requires vehicle registration within 30 days of establishing residency, while Florida allows 30 days from the date you become employed or enroll children in school. Michigan’s registration fees are typically higher, and the state requires both front and rear license plates, unlike Florida’s rear-only requirement.
Vehicle regulations vary significantly between these states. Michigan doesn’t require emissions testing for most vehicles, while Florida has no statewide emissions program. However, Michigan has stricter window tinting laws, allowing only 4 inches of tint on the windshield compared to Florida’s more lenient standards. Both states have similar requirements for vehicle frame height modifications, but Michigan’s harsh winters make certain modifications more practical.
Auto transport from Florida to Michigan requires serious consideration of weather-related vehicle modifications. Michigan’s severe winters demand winter tires or all-season tires with good snow traction. Consider installing a block heater for easier cold-weather starts, and ensure your battery and antifreeze can handle sub-zero temperatures. Many Florida vehicles lack adequate rust protection, so applying undercoating before Michigan’s salt-heavy winter roads is wise.
Insurance considerations differ notably between states. Michigan operates under a unique no-fault insurance system with mandatory Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, typically making auto insurance more expensive than Florida’s tort-based system. When using car shipping services, verify that your current policy covers transport damage, or consider temporary additional coverage. Contact your insurance provider before your Florida to Michigan car shipping to understand rate changes and coverage requirements, as Michigan’s insurance minimums and structure differ substantially from Florida’s requirements.
Florida to Michigan Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Florida to Michigan is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, including toll passes, GPS devices, and loose items that could shift during transport.
Clean your car: Wash your vehicle inside and out. This helps you spot any existing damage during the pre-transport inspection.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank) and that the battery is charged. Your vehicle needs to start and move for loading.
Remove accessories: Take off bike racks, spoilers, or other add-ons that could be damaged or cause clearance issues.
Document condition: Take photos of your car from all angles before pickup.
For complete preparation details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips guide. Following these steps ensures smooth transport from Florida to Michigan and protects your investment.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from Florida to Michigan with Sherpa Auto Transport. We require all our carriers to maintain comprehensive insurance coverage that protects your car throughout the entire journey.
Our Insurance Requirements:
- Minimum $1,000,000 in liability insurance
- Minimum $100,000 in cargo insurance
- Valid insurance policies verified before transport
Before your Florida to Michigan shipment begins, we confirm that your carrier’s insurance is active and in good standing. All contracted carriers also add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their insurance policy, giving you extra protection and peace of mind.
This means your vehicle is covered from pickup in Florida all the way to delivery in Michigan. You can track your shipment knowing your car is protected by professional-grade insurance coverage throughout the transport process.
We recommend scheduling your car shipping service from Florida to Michigan at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure competitive rates and preferred pickup dates.
Here’s why early booking matters:
- Better pricing: Carriers can plan routes more efficiently when they have advance notice
- More flexibility: You’ll have more pickup date options to choose from
- Route optimization: Your vehicle can be bundled with other shipments heading to Michigan
If you need faster service, we do offer expedited shipping options with as little as 2-3 days notice, though this typically costs more.
For the smoothest experience shipping your car from Florida to Michigan, book early and give yourself plenty of time to prepare your vehicle for transport.
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 transport is the most common and cost-effective option. Your car rides on an open trailer alongside other vehicles. It’s safe and reliable for most cars, but your vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris during the Florida to Michigan journey.
Enclosed transport costs 40-60% more but provides complete protection. Your car travels inside a covered trailer, shielded from weather, dust, and debris. This is ideal for luxury cars, classics, or vehicles with custom paint jobs.
For most Florida to Michigan moves, open transport works great and saves money. Choose enclosed transport if you have a high-value vehicle or want maximum protection. See our complete open vs enclosed guide for more details.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service from Florida to Michigan. This premium service delivers maximum convenience for your vehicle shipment.
Here’s how it works: When you book your Florida to Michigan car shipping, simply provide your pickup address in Florida and delivery address in Michigan. Our assigned carrier will collect your vehicle from your specified Florida location and deliver it directly to your Michigan destination.
In rare cases where your exact address isn’t accessible due to low bridges, narrow streets, or local restrictions, our driver will contact you to arrange pickup or delivery at a safe nearby location like a shopping center or gas station. This ensures your vehicle stays protected throughout the shipping process.
Door-to-door service eliminates the hassle of driving to distant terminals, making your Florida to Michigan move much easier. You save time and avoid the stress of coordinating multiple trips.
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!