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 is straightforward, but there are a few state-specific steps to take.

Remove your toll transponder. Florida uses the SunPass system on most toll roads. Remove your toll tag before shipping to avoid unexpected charges during transport.

Check your tire pressure and coolant levels. Florida's heat can affect both. Ensure your tires are properly inflated and your coolant system is full—extreme temperatures during transit can cause issues if these aren't maintained.

Address salt and sand exposure. If you're shipping from coastal areas, rinse any salt residue or sand from your vehicle's undercarriage and exterior. Salt air can accelerate rust and corrosion during transport.

Remove personal items and accessories. Take out any loose items inside the vehicle, GPS units, phone mounts, spoilers, or other exterior accessories that could be damaged or lost in transit.

Have a key ready. Make sure you have a spare key available to give your carrier. They'll need it to move your vehicle on and off the transport.

For more detailed guidance on vehicle preparation, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips. We've been helping people ship cars since 2012, and these simple steps make the process smoother for everyone involved.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship with us. All carriers in our network are required to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before your shipment begins, we verify that each carrier's insurance is current and valid.

This means your car is protected throughout the shipping process. We take this seriously because we know how important your vehicle is to you. That's why we've made insurance verification a standard part of how we operate—no exceptions.

If you have questions about coverage details or what's included in your specific shipment, we're here to help you understand the process.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance in Florida. Here's why timing matters for your state:

Snowbird Season (November to March) is peak shipping time in Florida. Thousands of northerners relocate south for the winter, which means carrier demand is extremely high and availability shrinks fast. If you're shipping during these months, book even earlier—ideally three to four weeks out—to secure a reliable pickup date.

Hurricane Season (June through November) creates unpredictable delays. Carriers often pause operations before and after major storms, and roads may be damaged or congested. Plan ahead during these months, and expect possible rescheduling if a hurricane threatens your area.

Summer Heat (June to September) can affect carrier schedules in Florida's inland regions. Extreme temperatures sometimes limit carrier availability, especially for open-air transport. Booking earlier gives you more options during these hot months.

College Move Seasons (August and May) create competition for carriers near major universities like UF, FSU, and University of Miami. If you're shipping near a college town during move-in or move-out weeks, schedule at least three weeks ahead.

Holiday Periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's) see increased traffic and carrier demand across Florida. Plan accordingly if you need a pickup during these times.

The sooner you post your shipment, the better. Early scheduling lets carriers bundle your vehicle with others heading the same direction, which often means better rates for you. Florida is a high-demand state for carriers, so don't wait—get your shipment posted as soon as you know your moving date.

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

The main difference comes down to protection and cost. Open transport is the most common and affordable option. Your car sits on an open trailer alongside other vehicles, exposed to weather and road debris. Enclosed transport puts your car inside a covered trailer, protecting it from rain, sun, dirt, and debris.

Enclosed transport typically costs 50% to 100% more than open transport. The extra cost is worth it if you're shipping a high-value vehicle, classic car, luxury sedan, or a car with a custom paint job. If you're shipping an everyday vehicle that can handle normal road conditions, open transport is a solid choice that saves you money.

Both methods are safe and reliable. The choice depends on your vehicle's value and your budget. We recommend enclosed transport for vehicles worth over $25,000 or anything you want extra protection for. For most other cars, open transport gets the job done well and keeps costs down.

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

We're transparent about the process: sometimes transportation restrictions or safety concerns may require us to use an alternative location nearby, such as a gas station or parking lot. If that's the case, our carrier will discuss it with you in advance so there are no surprises.

Since 2012, we've been committed to breaking up the monopoly that large brokers held over car shipping. Our highly rated reviews show we deliver the reliable, straightforward service you deserve—without the hassle or hidden complications.

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!