Florida to California
Certified by
Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
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FLORIDA TO CALIFORNIA
Shipping from Florida to California
Planning to move your vehicle across the country? Florida to California car shipping is one of America’s most popular auto transport routes. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a car online, or snowbirding between states, professional car shipping saves you time and money. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about auto transport costs, timelines, and tips for a smooth cross-country vehicle delivery.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
FL
Florida
CA
California
Popular Routes from Florida to California
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from Florida to California
Florida to California auto transport averages 2,727 miles with costs ranging from $1,050-$1,525 and typical delivery times of 4-9 days depending on your specific pickup and delivery locations.
Our Florida & California Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star rating from 8,000+ reviews, and transparent pricing that eliminates surprise fees common with other carriers.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Florida to California shipping, but choosing flexible pickup dates and avoiding peak winter season can save you hundreds of dollars.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your shipment 2-3 weeks in advance and choose flexible pickup windows to secure the best rates and avoid peak season price increases.
How Car Shipping Works
Vehicle preparation is the most critical step – remove all personal items, clean your car thoroughly, and document existing damage with photos before the carrier arrives.
State Insights
California requires stricter emissions testing and vehicle modifications than Florida, so prepare for smog certification and potential window tint adjustments upon arrival.
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 California
Factors that Affect Florida to California Shipping Prices
Distance
The 2,400+ mile journey from Florida to California significantly impacts shipping costs. This cross-country distance requires more fuel, driver time, and truck wear, making it one of the pricier domestic routes available.
Route
Florida to California follows major interstates like I-10 and I-40, keeping costs reasonable. These well-traveled highways offer better carrier availability and lower prices than remote or less-traveled routing options.
Season
Winter months see increased Florida-to-California shipping demand as snowbirds relocate west. Summer also brings higher costs due to general moving season. Spring and fall typically offer the most affordable rates.
Vehicle Type
Standard sedans cost less to ship than SUVs or trucks on this route. Larger vehicles take up more trailer space, add weight for fuel costs, and may require specialized carriers.
Traffic Considerations
Avoid shipping during Thanksgiving week, Christmas, or major holiday periods when highways are congested. Spring break season also creates delays along this popular route, potentially increasing costs and transit times.
Carrier Availability
Peak winter season may require 1-2 weeks for carrier assignment on this route. Off-season shipping typically finds available carriers within 3-5 days, offering more scheduling flexibility and competitive pricing.
Open vs Enclosed
Open transport works well for most Florida-to-California shipments and costs significantly less. Consider enclosed transport for luxury vehicles, classics, or cars needing weather protection during the long cross-country journey.
Population Density
Major Florida and California cities offer competitive pricing due to high carrier traffic. Rural pickup or delivery locations may incur additional fees. Consider meeting carriers in suburban areas for potential savings.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship your car during off-peak months to save hundreds of dollars. Avoid busy snowbird season (October-March) when demand peaks. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can significantly reduce costs.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows to unlock lower rates. Offering carriers a 3-5 day window instead of specific dates gives them routing flexibility, passing savings directly to you.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup and delivery locations near major highways for better rates. Cities close to interstate networks offer more carrier options and competitive pricing compared to remote rural locations.
Open Trailers
Choose open transport over enclosed trailers to cut costs significantly. Open trailers work great for standard vehicles, while enclosed options suit luxury cars needing extra protection from weather and road debris.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Florida to California Work?
Car shipping from Florida to California is a popular auto transport route that covers approximately 2,727 miles across the southern United States. This coast-to-coast journey connects two major automotive markets, making it a well-established corridor for professional car shipping companies. The process begins when you request a quote and book your Florida to California car shipping service with a licensed auto transport carrier.
The car shipping process starts with vehicle pickup at your specified Florida location. Your car will be loaded onto either an open or enclosed auto transport trailer, depending on your preference and budget. Open carriers are more common and cost-effective, while enclosed trailers provide additional protection for luxury or classic vehicles during the cross-country journey.
Several factors make Florida to California car shipping unique, including the route’s popularity during peak moving seasons and weather considerations. The journey typically takes 4-9 days, depending on pickup and delivery locations, carrier schedules, and any potential delays. Major cities like Miami, Tampa, Los Angeles, and San Francisco often have faster service due to higher demand and more frequent carrier routes.
Before pickup, you’ll need to prepare your vehicle by removing personal items, documenting existing damage, and ensuring it’s in running condition. During transport, your car will travel through multiple states including Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Upon arrival in California, you’ll complete a final inspection and sign delivery paperwork. Florida to California auto transport typically costs between $1,050-$1,525, with pricing influenced by vehicle size, transport type, and seasonal demand fluctuations.
Florida to California Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning Florida to California car shipping, understanding the regulatory differences between these states is crucial for a smooth transition. California has significantly stricter vehicle regulations than Florida, requiring careful preparation before your auto transport arrives.
Vehicle registration processes differ notably between states. Florida requires basic documentation and fees, while California demands smog certification for most vehicles over four years old. Your car must pass California’s strict emissions testing within 20 days of establishing residency. Diesel vehicles face even tougher standards. Additionally, California prohibits window tinting darker than 70% on front side windows, unlike Florida’s more lenient 28% limit.
Car shipping from Florida to California requires weather-related vehicle modifications consideration. While Florida’s tropical climate means minimal seasonal preparation, California’s diverse geography demands different approaches. Northern California experiences true winters requiring potential tire changes, while coastal areas need corrosion protection due to salt air. Your auto transport company should advise on protective measures during transit, especially for convertibles or luxury vehicles sensitive to temperature changes.
Insurance considerations vary significantly between states. California requires higher minimum liability coverage than Florida and operates under different fault systems. Florida uses no-fault insurance, while California follows traditional fault-based claims. Before your Florida to California car shipping concludes, contact insurance providers to ensure compliance with California requirements. Some insurers offer better rates in California due to different risk factors. Additionally, California’s stricter environmental laws may affect coverage for modified vehicles, making it essential to review your policy thoroughly before completing your cross-country auto transport journey.
Florida to California Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Florida to California is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, including toll passes, GPS devices, and fragile items. Carriers are not responsible for personal property.
Clean your car: Wash your vehicle inside and out. This helps you spot any existing damage during the inspection.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank), oil, and coolant. Make sure your battery is secure and working.
Remove accessories: Take off bike racks, spoilers, or loose parts that could get damaged during the long trip to California.
Have keys ready: Provide working keys to the driver. Keep a spare set for yourself.
Document condition: Take photos of your car from all angles before pickup.
For complete preparation details, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps ensures your car arrives safely in California.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Florida to California. All Sherpa Auto Transport carriers must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your Florida to California shipment begins, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy for extra protection.
This comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle throughout the entire cross-country journey. You can ship with confidence knowing your car is covered from pickup in Florida to delivery in California.
We recommend scheduling your Florida to California car shipping at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives carriers enough time to plan efficient routes and bundle your vehicle with other shipments heading west.
Why book early? Florida to California is a popular route, especially during peak seasons like winter months when snowbirds head west. Booking ahead helps secure better rates and ensures availability during busy periods.
For the best experience, contact us as soon as you know your moving date. Early booking means more carrier options, flexible pickup windows, and often lower prices. Last-minute bookings (less than one week) may result in higher costs and limited 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 transport uses open trailers where your car is exposed to weather and road debris. This is the most common and affordable option, costing about 50% less than enclosed transport.
Enclosed transport protects your vehicle inside a covered trailer, shielding it from weather, dust, and road debris during the long trip from Florida to California.
Choose open transport if: You have a standard daily driver and want to save money. Most cars ship safely this way.
Choose enclosed transport if: You own a luxury car, classic vehicle, exotic car, or have custom paint work that needs extra protection during the 2,500+ mile journey.
For most Florida to California car shipments, open transport works great and saves you money. See our complete open vs enclosed auto transport guide to help you decide what’s best for your vehicle.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service from Florida to California. This means we pick up your car from your home, office, or any address you choose in Florida and deliver it directly to your desired location in California.
Here’s how it works: When you book your shipment, simply provide us with your pickup address in Florida and delivery address in California. Our carrier will come to these exact locations to handle your vehicle.
In some cases, large trucks cannot access certain areas due to low bridges, narrow streets, or HOA restrictions. If this happens, don’t worry – we’ll work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center or gas station. This is still considered door-to-door service.
Door-to-door transport is included in most of our Florida to California shipping quotes at no extra cost. It saves you time and hassle compared to dropping off and picking up your car at terminals.
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!