Washington to Florida
Certified by
Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
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WASHINGTON TO FLORIDA
Shipping from Washington to Florida
Planning to move your vehicle across the country? Washington 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 3,000+ mile journey simple and stress-free. Here’s everything you need to know about shipping your vehicle from the Pacific Northwest to the Sunshine State.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
WA
Washington
FL
Florida
Popular Routes from Washington to Florida
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from Washington to Florida
Washington to Florida car shipping costs $1,275-$1,775 and takes 4-10 days to travel the 3,082-mile cross-country route.
Our Washington & Florida Customers
Sherpa customers love our transparent pricing with no hidden fees, 4.9-star rating from 8,000+ reviews, and Price Lock Promise guarantee.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Washington-Florida shipping, with the 3,000+ mile journey requiring significant fuel, time, and carrier resources.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book 2-3 weeks ahead and choose flexible pickup dates to save money on your Washington to Florida car shipment.
How Car Shipping Works
Prepare your vehicle by removing personal items, cleaning it thoroughly, and documenting its condition with photos before pickup.
State Insights
Florida requires vehicle registration within 30 days and has different insurance requirements including mandatory Personal Injury Protection 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 Washington to Florida
Factors that Affect Washington to Florida Shipping Prices
Distance
The 3,000+ mile journey from Washington to Florida significantly impacts shipping costs. This cross-country distance requires more fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear, making it one of the most expensive domestic routes available.
Route
Washington to Florida follows major interstate highways like I-90 and I-95, keeping costs reasonable. These well-traveled routes have regular carrier traffic and easy truck access, unlike remote coastal areas with limited transportation options.
Season
Winter months see increased demand as people escape cold Washington weather for warm Florida sunshine. Summer also brings higher prices due to vacation relocations, while spring and fall offer the most affordable shipping rates.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars cost less to ship than large SUVs or trucks on the Washington-Florida route. Bigger vehicles require more trailer space, add fuel costs, and limit carrier options, increasing your overall shipping expense significantly.
Traffic Considerations
Holiday periods like Thanksgiving week create heavy traffic delays between Washington and Florida. Schedule shipments during off-peak times to avoid congestion, reduce transit time, and potentially lower costs through better carrier availability.
Carrier Availability
Peak winter season creates carrier shortages on the popular Washington-Florida route, extending wait times to several weeks. Off-season shipping typically offers faster pickup within days and more competitive pricing options.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers cost significantly less for Washington-Florida shipping and work well for most vehicles. Choose enclosed transport for luxury cars, classics, or protection from weather during the lengthy cross-country journey.
Population Density
Dense urban areas in Seattle or Miami increase delivery costs due to traffic and access challenges. Consider suburban pickup and delivery locations to reduce expenses and provide easier access for large car carriers.
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 shipment 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 for both pickup and delivery gives them scheduling freedom, resulting in better rates for you.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup and delivery locations near major highways in Washington and Florida. Hub cities offer more carrier options and competitive pricing compared to remote rural areas with limited access.
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 Washington to Florida Work?
Car shipping from Washington to Florida involves transporting your vehicle across approximately 3,082 miles using professional auto transport carriers. This cross-country route requires careful planning and coordination between pickup and delivery locations. Our Washington to Florida car shipping service connects the Pacific Northwest to the Southeast, making it one of the most popular long-distance auto transport routes in the United States.
The car shipping process begins with getting a quote and booking your transport service. You’ll need to prepare your vehicle by removing personal items, documenting its condition with photos, and ensuring it has less than a quarter tank of gas. Weather considerations are important for this route, as carriers may encounter different climate conditions traveling from Washington’s rainy seasons to Florida’s hurricane season or intense summer heat.
Once scheduled, a carrier will pick up your vehicle at your specified Washington location and load it onto either an open or enclosed trailer. During transit, your car travels through multiple states including Oregon, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia before reaching Florida. Professional drivers handle the transportation while you track progress through regular updates from your auto transport coordinator.
The typical timeline for Washington to Florida car shipping ranges from 4-10 days, depending on weather conditions, route efficiency, and pickup/delivery scheduling. Costs generally range from $1,275-$1,775 based on vehicle size, transport type, and seasonal demand. Upon delivery in Florida, you’ll inspect your vehicle, sign the delivery receipt, and pay any remaining balance to complete your auto transport experience.
Washington to Florida Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning Washington to Florida car shipping, understanding the regulatory differences between states helps ensure a smooth transition. Vehicle registration requirements vary significantly between these states, with Florida requiring new residents to register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency. Washington allows 30 days as well, but Florida’s registration fees are generally lower, making the switch financially beneficial for most drivers.
Washington requires annual emissions testing in certain counties, while Florida has no statewide emissions testing requirements. This means your vehicle may need fewer inspections after the move. However, Florida has stricter window tinting laws, allowing only 28% light transmission for front side windows compared to Washington’s more lenient standards. Before your auto transport arrives, research local tinting regulations to avoid potential violations.
Preparing your vehicle for Florida’s climate is crucial when arranging car shipping services. Remove winter tires and snow chains, as Florida’s year-round warm weather makes them unnecessary. Consider scheduling maintenance for your air conditioning system, as it will work much harder in Florida’s humid climate. Salt-damaged vehicles from Washington winters should receive thorough undercarriage cleaning before transport to prevent further corrosion in Florida’s coastal environment.
Insurance considerations differ substantially between states. Florida requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which Washington doesn’t mandate. Florida also has higher minimum liability requirements and operates as a no-fault insurance state. Contact your insurance provider before your Washington to Florida car shipping to adjust coverage accordingly. Some insurers offer multi-state discounts, while others may require policy changes. Additionally, Florida’s higher rate of uninsured drivers makes comprehensive coverage more valuable, protecting your investment during and after the auto transport process.
Washington to Florida Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for shipping from Washington to Florida 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 before shipping.
Document condition: Take photos of your car from all angles, noting any scratches or dents.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank) and that the battery works well.
Remove accessories: Take off bike racks, spoilers, or other add-ons that could get damaged.
Provide a working key: Make sure you have a spare key for the carrier.
For complete details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps ensures your car arrives safely in Florida.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Washington to Florida. All Sherpa Auto Transport carriers must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your car ships, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is valid and active. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy. This gives you extra protection throughout your Washington to Florida shipment.
Your vehicle is covered from pickup to delivery. If you have questions about coverage details, our team is happy to explain your protection during the booking process.
We recommend scheduling your car shipping from Washington to Florida 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 bundle your vehicle with other shipments heading to Florida
- More flexibility: You’ll have multiple pickup date options to choose from
- Peak season planning: Winter months see high demand for Washington to Florida routes
If you need faster service, we can often arrange pickup within 1-7 days, but expect higher costs and limited carrier availability. For the smoothest experience and best value, book as early as possible once you know your moving timeline.
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 choice for shipping cars from Washington to Florida. Your vehicle travels on an open trailer, exposed to weather and road debris. It costs less and offers faster pickup times.
Enclosed transport protects your car inside a covered trailer. It costs 40-60% more than open transport but shields your vehicle from weather, dust, and road debris.
Choose open transport if you have a standard daily driver and want to save money. Choose enclosed transport if you’re shipping a luxury car, classic vehicle, or car with custom paint that needs extra protection.
Most cars shipped from Washington to Florida use open transport without problems. See our open vs enclosed auto transport guide for more details about which option fits your needs.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service from Washington to Florida. This means we’ll pick up your car from your home, office, or any address you choose in Washington 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 preferred pickup address in Washington and delivery address in Florida. Our carrier will come directly to these locations to handle your vehicle.
In some cases, large transport trucks cannot access certain areas due to low-hanging branches, narrow streets, or HOA restrictions. If this happens, don’t worry – our driver will work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center or gas station. This ensures your car stays protected while making the process smooth for everyone.
Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle compared to terminal-to-terminal shipping. You won’t need to drive to a shipping yard or arrange extra transportation. It’s especially helpful for the long Washington to Florida route, giving you one less thing to worry about during your move.
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!