Florida Car Shipping Cost Guide: Major Cities, Landmarks, Distances, and Seasonal Trends

Shipping a car to or from Florida involves various factors that influence costs, including distance, vehicle type, transport method, and seasonal demand. This guide explores car shipping costs to Florida’s major cities, their notable landmarks, the distances between them, and how seasonal trends, particularly snowbird migrations, impact pricing in 2025.

Major Cities, Landmarks, and Distances

Florida is a popular destination for car shipping due to its vibrant cities and attractions. Below, we outline key cities, their iconic landmarks, and the driving distances between them, which significantly affect shipping costs. Distances are approximate and based on major interstate routes like I-95, I-75, and I-10, commonly used by car carriers.

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1. Miami

Landmarks: Miami is renowned for South Beach, with its Art Deco Historic District and vibrant nightlife, and the Wynwood Walls, a hub for street art. The city is also a gateway to the Florida Keys.
Shipping Hub: As Florida’s southeastern hub, Miami is a prime location for car shipping due to its accessibility via I-95 and high population density.
Distances to Other Major Cities:
- Miami to Orlando: ~235 miles (via I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike) $300*
- Miami to Jacksonville: ~350 miles (via I-95) $500*
- Miami to Tampa: ~280 miles (via I-75) $400*
- Miami to Tallahassee: ~480 miles (via I-75 and I-10) $550*
- Miami to Key West: ~160 miles (via US-1, challenging for carriers due to remoteness) $400*

2. Orlando

Landmarks: Known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” Orlando is home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, attracting millions of tourists annually.
Shipping Hub: Central Florida’s major hub, Orlando benefits from proximity to I-4 and I-95, making it cost-effective for car shipping.
Distances to Other Major Cities:
- Orlando to Miami: ~235 miles $300*
- Orlando to Jacksonville: ~140 miles (via I-95) $300*
- Orlando to Tampa: ~85 miles (via I-4) $400*
- Orlando to Tallahassee: ~260 miles (via I-75 and I-10) $450*
- Orlando to Key West: ~400 miles $550*

3. Jacksonville

Landmarks: Jacksonville boasts the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and the scenic St. Johns River. It’s also home to TIAA Bank Field, a hub for NFL games.
Shipping Hub: As Florida’s largest city by area and a key northeastern hub, Jacksonville is ideal for shipping due to its access to I-95 and I-10.
Distances to Other Major Cities:
- Jacksonville to Miami: ~350 miles $500*
- Jacksonville to Orlando: ~140 miles $300*
- Jacksonville to Tampa: ~200 miles (via I-95 and I-75) $400*
- Jacksonville to Tallahassee: ~165 miles (via I-10) $350*
- Jacksonville to Key West: ~510 miles $800*

4. Tampa

Landmarks: Tampa features the historic Ybor City, known for its cigar-making history, and the Tampa Riverwalk, a scenic waterfront path. Busch Gardens is a major attraction.
Shipping Hub: Located on Florida’s west coast, Tampa is well-connected via I-75 and I-4, making it a solid choice for cost-effective shipping.
Distances to Other Major Cities:
- Tampa to Miami: ~280 miles $400*
- Tampa to Orlando: ~85 miles $250*
- Tampa to Jacksonville: ~200 miles $450*
- Tampa to Tallahassee: ~250 miles (via US-19 and I-10) $450*
- Tampa to Key West: ~430 miles $700*

5. Tallahassee

Landmarks: As Florida’s capital, Tallahassee is home to the Florida State Capitol and the Museum of Florida History. The nearby Wakulla Springs offers natural beauty.
Shipping Hub: Located in the Panhandle, Tallahassee is accessible via I-10 but can be costlier due to lower carrier traffic compared to southern cities.
Distances to Other Major Cities:
- Tallahassee to Miami: ~480 miles $700*
- Tallahassee to Orlando: ~260 miles $450*
- Tallahassee to Jacksonville: ~165 miles $350*
- Tallahassee to Tampa: ~250 miles $450*
- Tallahassee to Key West: ~640 miles $800*

6. Key West

Landmarks: Key West is famous for the Southernmost Point Buoy, Ernest Hemingway’s Home, and Duval Street’s vibrant nightlife.
Shipping Hub: The Florida Keys, including Key West, are the most challenging and expensive areas for car shipping due to their remoteness and limited carrier access via US-1.
Distances to Other Major Cities: See above for distances from Key West to other cities.

Distance Impact on Costs: Distance is a primary factor in car shipping costs, with prices typically ranging from $1.50 to $2.00 per mile for open carriers and higher for enclosed carriers. For example, shipping a sedan from Jacksonville to Miami (350 miles) may cost $450–$700*, while shipping from Tallahassee to Key West (640 miles) could range from $850–$1,300*, depending on the carrier type and season.

Factors Influencing Car Shipping Costs

Several factors determine the cost of shipping a car to or from Florida:

Vehicle Type and Size: Compact cars are cheaper to ship than larger vehicles like SUVs or trucks, which require more space and fuel. Luxury or classic cars often use enclosed carriers, increasing costs by about 50%.
Transport Method: Open carriers are more affordable, averaging $600–$1,500 for Florida routes, while enclosed carriers range from $1,200–$2,000 for added protection.
Pick-up and Drop-off Locations: Major cities like Miami, Orlando, and Jacksonville are cheaper due to high carrier traffic and interstate access. Rural areas or the Florida Keys incur higher costs due to limited carrier availability.
Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal: Door-to-door delivery is convenient but pricier, while terminal-to-terminal can save money if you drop off and pick up at designated hubs.
Fuel Prices: Rising gas prices increase shipping costs, as carriers pass on fuel expenses.

Seasonal Trends and Snowbird Rates

Florida’s car shipping market experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, driven largely by the “snowbird effect,” where retirees and seasonal travelers migrate to Florida from colder states like New York, Michigan, and New England during winter months (October to April). This trend, coupled with other seasonal factors, impacts pricing and availability.

Snowbird Season (October–April)

Increased Demand: Snowbird season sees tens of thousands of vehicles shipped to Florida, particularly to cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Naples, leading to higher rates. For example, shipping a sedan from New York to Florida during peak season may cost $1,500–$1,800, compared to $750–$1000 in off-peak periods.
Popular Routes: Common snowbird routes include New York to Florida (1,100–1,200 miles, $900–$1,200) and Chicago to Orlando (1,157 miles, $900–$1,200*). Prices spike post-Christmas and during early winter.
Reverse Routes: Shipping from Florida to northern states during winter is often cheaper due to lower demand, offering savings of up to 33% on reverse routes.
Booking Tips: Book 7–10 days in advance to secure better rates and availability, as last-minute bookings during peak season can incur premium pricing.

Off-Peak Seasons (Spring and Summer)

Lower Demand: Spring (April–May) and summer (June–August) see reduced demand, except during summer family relocations, which can increase rates slightly. Shipping during early spring, when snowbirds return north, can lower costs to Florida.
Weather Considerations: Florida’s hurricane season (June–November) can cause delays and increase costs due to rerouting or weather-related challenges. Scheduling outside this period ensures smoother transport.

Other Trends

Snowbird Discounts: Some companies offer discounts for snowbirds, first responders, military personnel, or early bookings (within 48 hours of receiving a quote).
Rising Costs in 2025: Recent data indicates a slight upward trend in car shipping prices, particularly during snowbird season in late December 2024, with costs from the Midwest and Northeast rising due to high demand. For example, shipping from New England to Jacksonville averaged $818–$832 in late December 2024.
Cost Savings Strategies: Opt for open carriers, terminal-to-terminal delivery, and flexible scheduling to reduce costs. Shipping to major cities like Jacksonville or Orlando, rather than remote areas like the Keys, also saves money.

Why Ship Instead of Drive?

Shipping a car to Florida is often more practical than driving, especially for snowbirds or long-distance moves:

Cost Efficiency: Driving long distances incurs gas, lodging, and meal expenses, often exceeding shipping costs. For example, driving from New York to Florida could cost over $1,200 when factoring in these expenses, compared to $800–$1,200 for shipping.
Time Savings: Shipping avoids long drives, allowing travelers to fly and arrive faster.
Safety and Vehicle Preservation: Professional shipping reduces wear and tear and avoids risks from winter weather or Florida’s hurricane season. Data shows 30% of accidents occur on snowy or icy roads, a concern for snowbirds driving from northern states.

Choosing a Reliable Shipping Company

To ensure a smooth experience, select a reputable car shipping company:

Check Credentials: Verify the company is licensed, bonded, and insured with the FMCSA.
Read Reviews: Research customer feedback on platforms like Google or BBB for reliability and service quality. Here are our reviews!
Compare Quotes: Use online calculators for instant quotes, but confirm pricing close to your shipping date due to seasonal fluctuations.
Prepare Your Vehicle: Clean the car, remove personal items, document its condition, and ensure it’s operational to avoid extra fees. LINK

Our Conclusion

Click here for a list of Florida’s major cities and their websites

Shipping a car to or from Florida in 2025 requires careful planning to manage costs effectively. Major cities like Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Tallahassee offer cost-effective shipping due to their accessibility, while remote areas like the Florida Keys are pricier. Seasonal trends, particularly the snowbird migration from October to January southbound, drive up costs due to high demand, but strategic booking during off-peak periods or on reverse routes can save money. By understanding distances, choosing the right transport method, and selecting a reliable company, you can ensure a cost-effective and hassle-free car shipping experience in the Sunshine State. The same thing will happen in reverse March to June, the costs of shipping North will increase.

* = starting cost and it’s subject to availability

In-N-Out Keys | Florida Car Shipping Costs 7/4/2025