Illinois to Florida
Certified by
Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
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ILLINOIS TO FLORIDA
Shipping from Illinois to Florida
Planning to move your vehicle from the Prairie State to the Sunshine State? Illinois 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 escaping winter weather, 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, timing, and tips for a smooth experience.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
IL
Illinois
FL
Florida
Popular Routes from Illinois to Florida
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from Illinois to Florida
Illinois to Florida car shipping costs $825-$1125 and takes 1-5 days to cover the 1,219-mile journey via major highways like I-65 and I-75.
Our Illinois & Florida Customers
Sherpa customers love our Price Lock Promise, transparent pricing, and 4.9-star rating from over 8,000 reviews with BBB A+ accreditation.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Illinois to Florida shipping, with seasonal demand during winter months driving prices higher as snowbirds migrate south.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book 2-3 weeks in advance and avoid peak winter season to save hundreds on your Illinois to Florida car shipping costs.
How Car Shipping Works
Professional drivers inspect your vehicle at pickup in Illinois, transport it safely via interstate highways, and deliver door-to-door in Florida with full insurance coverage.
State Insights
Florida requires vehicle registration within 30 days of residency and has different insurance requirements including Personal Injury Protection coverage unlike Illinois.
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 Illinois to Florida
Factors that Affect Illinois to Florida Shipping Prices
Distance
The 1,000+ mile journey from Illinois to Florida 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
Illinois to Florida follows major interstate highways like I-65 and I-75, keeping costs reasonable. These well-traveled routes have consistent carrier traffic, unlike remote areas that require special detours and increase pricing.
Season
Winter months see higher demand as snowbirds flee to Florida’s warmth, increasing prices. Summer offers better rates with lower demand. Holiday periods like Thanksgiving and Christmas also drive up shipping costs significantly.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars cost less to ship than SUVs or trucks from Illinois to Florida. Larger vehicles require more trailer space, add weight for fuel costs, and need special handling, increasing your overall shipping expense.
Traffic Considerations
Avoid shipping during peak travel times like Thanksgiving week when highways between Illinois and Florida become congested. Heavy traffic delays deliveries and increases costs due to extended transit times and fuel consumption.
Carrier Availability
Peak winter season creates carrier shortages on the Illinois-Florida route, requiring 2-3 week waits. Off-season shipping typically finds available carriers within days, offering faster service and better pricing options.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers cost significantly less for Illinois to Florida shipping and work well for standard vehicles. Enclosed trailers protect luxury cars from weather and road debris but cost 40-60% more.
Population Density
Shipping to major Florida cities like Miami or Tampa costs more due to traffic congestion and delivery challenges. Consider pickup locations in suburbs with easier truck access to reduce your overall shipping expenses.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Avoid peak snowbird season (October-December) when thousands migrate south. Shipping during slower months like January-March or summer can save you hundreds. Even shifting your timeline by a few weeks makes a difference.
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 pass savings to you. Rigid scheduling costs more.
Hub City Advantages
Choose pickup near Chicago highways or delivery near Miami/Tampa interstates. Major highway access gives carriers more route options and competition, lowering your costs compared to remote rural locations.
Open Trailers
Open car carriers cost significantly less than enclosed trailers. Unless you’re shipping luxury or classic vehicles, open transport works perfectly fine and saves money while still providing reliable service.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Illinois to Florida Work?
Car shipping from Illinois to Florida is a straightforward process that covers approximately 1,219 miles through multiple states. This popular auto transport route connects the Midwest to the Southeast, making it one of the most frequently serviced corridors in the United States. Sherpa Auto Transport handles this Illinois to Florida car shipping route daily, ensuring reliable service for customers relocating or sending vehicles between these states.
The car shipping process begins when you request a quote and book your transport. Our team schedules pickup at your Illinois location, whether in Chicago, Springfield, or any city throughout the state. Professional drivers inspect your vehicle, document its condition, and load it onto a specialized car carrier truck. Your vehicle then travels south through states like Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia before reaching its Florida destination.
Several factors make Illinois to Florida auto transport unique. The route crosses multiple climate zones, from Midwest winters to Florida’s subtropical weather. Seasonal demand peaks during fall and winter months as snowbirds migrate south, potentially affecting pricing and availability. Major highways like I-65 and I-75 facilitate efficient transport, while Florida’s numerous metropolitan areas offer flexible delivery options throughout the state.
The typical timeline for Illinois to Florida car shipping ranges from 1-5 days, depending on pickup location, delivery destination, and carrier schedule. Pricing generally falls between $825-$1125, varying based on vehicle size, transport type, and seasonal demand. Throughout the process, Sherpa Auto Transport provides tracking updates and maintains communication until your vehicle arrives safely at its Florida destination, completing your interstate auto transport experience.
Illinois to Florida Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning Illinois to Florida car shipping, understanding the regulatory differences between states helps ensure a smooth transition. Illinois requires annual vehicle registration renewal, while Florida operates on a staggered system based on your birth month. New Florida residents must register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency, making timing crucial for your auto transport arrival.
Vehicle regulations vary significantly between these states. Illinois mandates annual emissions testing in certain counties, but Florida has no statewide emissions requirements. However, Florida enforces stricter window tinting laws, allowing only 28% light transmission on front side windows compared to Illinois’ more lenient standards. Florida also has specific regulations on vehicle modifications, including frame height restrictions that may affect lifted trucks or modified vehicles during car shipping.
Preparing your vehicle for Florida’s climate requires several considerations. Remove winter-specific items like snow tires, ice scrapers, and emergency winter kits before auto transport. Florida’s intense sun and humidity can damage interiors, so consider window tinting within legal limits and protective treatments. Salt air in coastal areas accelerates corrosion, making regular washing and waxing essential for vehicle longevity after your Illinois to Florida car shipping.
Insurance requirements differ notably between states. Illinois requires higher liability minimums ($25,000 per person) compared to Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) system, which mandates $10,000 in PIP coverage regardless of fault. Florida also requires Property Damage Liability coverage. Contact your insurance provider before car shipping to ensure continuous coverage and understand rate changes, as Florida’s no-fault insurance system and higher accident rates often result in different premiums than Illinois policies.
Illinois to Florida Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your car for shipping from Illinois to Florida is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:
Remove Personal Items: Take out all personal belongings, including items in the glove box, trunk, and console. Carriers are not responsible for personal items.
Clean Your Vehicle: Wash your car 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), oil, and brake fluid. Make sure your battery is charged and secure.
Remove or Secure Accessories: Take off or tighten loose parts like spoilers, bike racks, or antennas. Remove toll passes and garage door openers.
Document Everything: Take photos of your car from all angles. Note any existing scratches or dents.
Provide Working Keys: Have at least one working key ready for the driver.
For complete details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps ensures your car arrives safely in Florida and protects you during the shipping process.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Illinois to Florida. 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 active and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy for extra protection.
This insurance covers damage that might happen during loading, transport, or unloading. You’ll get a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate before your vehicle leaves Illinois.
Important: Take photos of your car before pickup and check it carefully when it arrives in Florida. Report any issues right away to start the claims process quickly.
We recommend scheduling your car shipping service from Illinois to Florida at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure competitive rates and flexible pickup dates.
Here’s why early booking matters:
- Better pricing: Carriers can bundle your vehicle with other shipments heading to Florida
- More pickup options: You’ll have flexible scheduling instead of rushed last-minute bookings
- Peak season planning: Winter months see high demand for Illinois to Florida routes as snowbirds head south
If you need faster service, we offer expedited shipping options. However, booking early saves you money and reduces stress during your move to the Sunshine State.
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 popular and cost-effective option. Your car travels 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 Illinois to Florida journey.
Enclosed transport costs 40-60% more but provides complete protection. Your car ships inside a covered trailer, shielding it from rain, snow, and road debris. This is ideal for luxury cars, classic vehicles, or cars with custom paint jobs.
For most Illinois to Florida moves, open transport works great and saves money. Choose enclosed transport if you have a high-value vehicle or want maximum protection. See our open vs enclosed auto transport guide for more details.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service from Illinois to Florida. This means we pick up your car from your home, office, or any address you choose in Illinois and deliver it directly to your specified location in Florida.
When you book your Illinois to Florida car shipping, simply provide us with your pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will come right to your door whenever possible. If your street has restrictions like low-hanging branches, narrow roads, or weight limits for large trucks, don’t worry. We’ll work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center or gas station.
Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle. You won’t need to drive to a terminal or arrange extra transportation. It’s our most popular option for customers shipping cars from Illinois to Florida because it’s simple and convenient.
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!