Florida Car Shipping: 2026 Costs & Routes

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We're a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

Preparing your vehicle for transit in Florida requires a few important steps to protect it during shipping. Here's what you need to do:

Remove toll transponders: Florida uses the SunPass system on toll roads throughout the state. Remove your SunPass transponder before shipping to avoid unexpected charges during transit.

Check your tires and cooling system: Florida's heat can stress your vehicle. Make sure your tire pressure is at the recommended level and your coolant is full. High temperatures during transport can increase pressure in tires and engine systems.

Address salt air concerns: If you're shipping from coastal Florida, rinse off any salt residue from your vehicle's exterior and undercarriage. Salt air can accelerate rust and corrosion, so a quick wash before pickup helps protect your car during transit.

Remove personal items and accessories: Take out or secure any toll passes, GPS devices, phone chargers, and other loose items. Remove roof racks, bike carriers, or other exterior accessories that could be damaged or cause problems during transport. Close all windows and sunroofs completely.

Provide a working key: Make sure you have a key available for the carrier. They'll need it to load, unload, and position your vehicle safely.

Document your vehicle's condition: Take photos of your car from multiple angles before pickup. This protects you and creates a clear record of your vehicle's condition at the start of shipping.

For more details about the full shipping process, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips guide.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when shipping in Florida. All carriers we work with are required to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. This protects your car during transport.

Before we book your shipment, we verify that each carrier's insurance is valid and active for the entire duration of your delivery. This means your vehicle has coverage from pickup to drop-off.

We've been helping people ship cars since 2017, and insurance verification is just one way we make sure you get a fair deal and real peace of mind.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance in Florida. This gives carriers enough time to bundle your shipment with others heading to or from the state and ensures you get competitive pricing.

However, Florida has unique seasonal factors that affect carrier availability and timing:

Snowbird Season (November through March): This is peak shipping season in Florida. Thousands of people relocate to escape northern winters, which means high demand and limited carrier availability. During these months, aim to schedule three to four weeks ahead to secure reliable service.

Summer Heat (June through September): Carriers operate during Florida's intense summer heat, but this period also overlaps with hurricane season. Schedule pickups at least three weeks out during these months, as carriers may need to adjust routes or timing due to tropical storms or hurricanes. Last-minute bookings become unpredictable.

Hurricane Season (June through November): Florida's Atlantic and Gulf Coast locations face real weather risks. If a hurricane threatens your region, carriers may delay pickups or reroute shipments. Booking early gives you flexibility to adjust if weather becomes a factor. Avoid scheduling during active hurricane warnings.

College Move Seasons (August and May): If you're shipping near major universities, expect higher demand in late summer (move-in) and late spring (move-out). Schedule four weeks ahead during these windows.

The bottom line: Florida is a high-demand state year-round, so the sooner you schedule, the better your options. Two weeks is the bare minimum, but three to four weeks gives you real flexibility and better rates.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our guide on shipping a car with personal items for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. 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. Learn more about designating someone else to pick up your car.

Open vs Enclosed Auto Transport: What's the Difference?

When shipping your car in Florida, you'll choose between two main transport types: open and enclosed trailers.

Open Transport is the most common and affordable option. Your vehicle travels on an open trailer exposed to the elements. This works well for most cars, trucks, and SUVs. You'll save money, but your car may pick up dust, dirt, or road debris during transit.

Enclosed Transport shields your vehicle inside a covered trailer. This protects against weather, debris, and road hazards. Enclosed transport typically costs 50% more than open transport, but it's worth considering if you have a high-value vehicle, classic car, custom paint job, or luxury model that deserves extra protection.

Which Should You Choose? Think about your vehicle's value and condition. For everyday cars, open transport makes sense. For vehicles you want to protect, enclosed is the better choice. Either way, you're getting reliable shipping without the inflated prices the big brokers charge.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service throughout Florida. When you book with us, we'll ask for your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our carriers will do their best to pick up and deliver your vehicle directly to those locations.

Sometimes, transportation restrictions or safety concerns may prevent direct delivery to your exact address. If that happens, our carriers will work with you to find an alternative nearby location, such as a gas station or parking lot. We'll always discuss any changes with you before pickup.

Since 2012, we've been committed to making car shipping simple and transparent. We believe you deserve straightforward answers about your shipment—no surprises. Our highly rated reviews show that Florida customers trust us to get the job done right.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don't run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

Visit SAKAEM Logistics' FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!