Florida to Maryland
Certified by
Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
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FLORIDA TO MARYLAND
Shipping from Florida to Maryland
Planning to move your vehicle from the Sunshine State to the Old Line State? Florida to Maryland car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a car online, or snowbirding between states, choosing the right auto transport company makes all the difference. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about car shipping costs, timelines, and tips for a smooth experience.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
FL
Florida
MD
Maryland
Popular Routes from Florida to Maryland
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from Florida to Maryland
Car shipping from Florida to Maryland costs $700-$1200 and takes 1-4 days to complete the 985-mile journey along major interstate highways.
Our Florida & Maryland Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport offers transparent pricing with our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star ratings, and BBB A+ rating for reliable Florida to Maryland vehicle shipping.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Florida-Maryland shipping, with the 900+ mile journey requiring more fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear than shorter routes.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Ship during off-peak months and choose flexible pickup windows to save the most money on your Florida to Maryland car transport.
How Car Shipping Works
Vehicle inspection and documentation at pickup is the most critical step to ensure your car arrives safely in Maryland with proper damage protection.
State Insights
Maryland requires vehicle registration within 60 days and annual safety inspections, unlike Florida’s more lenient vehicle requirements.
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 Maryland
Factors that Affect Florida to Maryland Shipping Prices
Distance
The 900-mile journey from Florida to Maryland significantly impacts shipping costs. Longer distances require more fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear, making this cross-state transport more expensive than shorter regional moves.
Route
Florida to Maryland follows major interstate highways like I-95, keeping costs reasonable. This well-traveled corridor offers efficient transport compared to remote coastal routes, benefiting from established carrier networks and infrastructure.
Season
Winter months see increased Florida-to-Maryland shipping demand as snowbirds relocate north. Summer and holiday periods also drive up prices. Spring and fall typically offer the most affordable shipping rates.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars cost less to ship than SUVs or trucks on the Florida-Maryland route. Larger vehicles require more trailer space, increase fuel consumption, and may need specialized equipment, raising overall shipping expenses.
Traffic Considerations
Avoid shipping during peak travel times like Thanksgiving week when I-95 experiences heavy congestion. Traffic delays between Florida and Maryland increase delivery times and costs for car transport services.
Carrier Availability
Peak season Florida-Maryland shipping may require 1-2 weeks for carrier assignment. Off-season bookings typically secure transport within days. Plan ahead during busy periods to ensure timely vehicle delivery.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers offer economical Florida-Maryland shipping for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport costs more but protects luxury cars from weather and road debris during the long interstate journey northward.
Population Density
Dense urban areas like Miami or Baltimore increase shipping costs due to traffic and access challenges. Consider suburban pickup/delivery locations along the Florida-Maryland route to reduce transportation expenses significantly.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship your car during off-peak months to save money. Avoid busy snowbird season when rates spike. Even shifting your timeline by a few weeks can reduce costs significantly.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows to lower shipping costs. Offering carriers a five-day window instead of exact dates gives them scheduling freedom, passing savings to you.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup and delivery locations near major highways for better rates. Highway-accessible cities offer more carrier options and competitive pricing compared to remote rural areas in both states.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options for standard vehicles. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury or classic cars needing extra protection. Most everyday cars ship safely on open trailers.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Florida to Maryland Work?
Car shipping from Florida to Maryland involves transporting your vehicle across approximately 985 miles through the southeastern corridor of the United States. This popular auto transport route connects two major East Coast states, making it a well-traveled path for professional car carriers. The process begins when you book your Florida to Maryland car shipping service with a licensed auto transport company like Sherpa Auto Transport.
Several factors make this interstate route unique for vehicle transportation. The journey typically crosses through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia before reaching Maryland. Weather conditions can vary significantly along this route, especially during hurricane season in Florida or winter conditions in the Mid-Atlantic region. Most carriers use open transport trailers that can accommodate 8-10 vehicles, though enclosed transport options are available for luxury or classic cars.
The car shipping process starts with getting a quote and booking your transport service. Next, you’ll prepare your vehicle by removing personal items, documenting existing damage with photos, and ensuring your car has less than a quarter tank of gas. On pickup day, the driver will inspect your vehicle and provide a bill of lading. Your car will then travel the route with other vehicles heading to similar destinations along the Florida to Maryland corridor.
The typical timeline for Florida to Maryland auto transport ranges from 1-4 days, depending on pickup location, delivery destination, and carrier schedule. Major cities like Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Baltimore, and Annapolis often have faster service due to higher demand. Pricing for this route generally falls between $700-$1200, influenced by factors such as vehicle size, transport type, seasonal demand, and specific pickup and delivery locations within each state.
Florida to Maryland Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning Florida to Maryland car shipping, understanding the regulatory differences between states helps ensure a smooth transition. Maryland requires vehicle registration within 60 days of establishing residency, while Florida allows 30 days for new residents. Maryland’s registration process includes a mandatory safety inspection, unlike Florida’s more lenient requirements. Auto transport companies can ship your vehicle while you handle these administrative tasks separately.
Maryland enforces stricter vehicle regulations than Florida in several areas. The state requires annual safety inspections for most vehicles, checking brakes, lights, steering, and suspension systems. Window tinting laws differ significantly – Maryland allows only 70% light transmission on front windows, compared to Florida’s 28% minimum. Additionally, Maryland has emissions testing requirements in certain counties, particularly around Baltimore and Washington D.C., which Florida vehicles may not have undergone.
Car shipping from Florida to Maryland requires preparation for dramatic climate differences. Maryland’s harsh winters demand winterization considerations that Florida vehicles rarely need. After your auto transport delivery, invest in winter tires or all-season alternatives, as Florida’s typical summer tires perform poorly in snow and ice. Consider adding winter emergency kits, checking your battery’s cold-weather performance, and switching to lower-viscosity oil suitable for freezing temperatures.
Insurance considerations vary notably between states during your Florida to Maryland car shipping transition. Maryland follows a tort-based insurance system, while Florida uses no-fault insurance, meaning coverage requirements and claim processes differ substantially. Maryland requires higher minimum liability coverage amounts and doesn’t mandate personal injury protection like Florida does. Contact your insurance provider before your car shipping service delivers your vehicle to ensure continuous coverage and compliance with Maryland’s requirements. Some insurers offer different rates between states, potentially affecting your premiums after the move.
Florida to Maryland Vehicle Transport FAQs
Getting your car ready for shipping from Florida to Maryland is simple. Follow these key steps:
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, including items in the glove box and trunk. Carriers are not insured for personal property.
Clean your vehicle: Wash your car inside and out. This helps you spot any existing damage during the pre-transport inspection.
Check fluid levels: Keep gas at 1/4 tank or less. Check that oil, coolant, and brake fluid are at proper levels.
Remove accessories: Take off toll passes, GPS devices, bike racks, and any loose exterior items that could fall off during transport.
Disable alarms: Turn off car alarms to prevent issues during loading and unloading.
Document condition: Take photos of your vehicle from all angles before pickup.
For complete preparation details, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps ensures your car arrives safely in Maryland.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Florida to Maryland. All Sherpa Auto Transport carriers must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your car ships, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is current and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy for extra protection.
This means your vehicle is covered from pickup in Florida all the way to delivery in Maryland. You can ship with confidence knowing your car is protected throughout the entire journey.
We recommend scheduling your car shipping service from Florida to Maryland 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 and delivery date options
- Route optimization: Your vehicle can be bundled with other shipments heading to Maryland
For peak seasons like summer months or holidays, consider booking 4-6 weeks ahead. Florida is a popular shipping origin, so early scheduling helps ensure your transport runs smoothly.
Need to ship on short notice? We can often accommodate rush orders, but expect higher rates and limited scheduling options.
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 with other vehicles, exposed to weather and road debris. It’s safe for most cars and costs much less.
Enclosed transport protects your vehicle inside a covered trailer. It costs 40-60% more than open transport but shields your car from weather, dust, and road debris.
Choose open transport if: You want to save money and have a standard daily-driver vehicle.
Choose enclosed transport if: You own a luxury car, classic vehicle, or custom car that needs extra protection during the Florida to Maryland journey.
Most customers shipping from Florida to Maryland pick open transport. It’s reliable and much cheaper. See our complete open vs enclosed guide for more details.
Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door service for car shipping from Florida to Maryland. This means we pick up your vehicle from your home, office, or chosen address in Florida and deliver it directly to your destination in Maryland.
Here’s how our door-to-door service works:
- Pickup: Our carrier comes to your specified Florida address
- Delivery: We bring your car right to your new Maryland location
- Flexible locations: If your street has restrictions (like narrow roads or low bridges), we’ll arrange pickup at a nearby safe spot like a shopping center
Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle. You won’t need to drive to a terminal or arrange extra transportation. Most customers along the Florida to Maryland route can use this convenient option.
When you book with us, simply provide your pickup and delivery addresses. We’ll let you know if door-to-door service is possible at your specific locations.
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!