Illinois to Florida Car Shipping

Last updated: April 2026

Mike De Candia
Certified by:
Mike De Candia
Mike started working for SAKAEM in 2012 and has been successfully transporting cars ever since.
Pete Bottino
Sakaem is operated by:
Pete Bottino
Pete has been in the transportation industry for nearly 40 years and launched SAKAEM back in 2012.
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We guarantee to match any price you find. We are experts at finding the best price for your shipment and getting the best value for your money.

IL TO FL

Illinois to Florida Auto Transport

Shipping your car from Illinois to Florida doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. At Sakaem Logistics, we've spent over a decade helping people find the best auto transport options for this popular route. Our guide covers everything you need to know: real cost estimates, shipping timelines, and expert tips to get your vehicle safely to the Sunshine State.

Route Overview

AVG DISTANCE
1,331 mi
AVG TRANSIT TIME
1-5 days
AVG COST
$900 - $1,100

Top Cities in Illinois

Chicago, IL $925 - $1,100
Naperville, IL $950 - $1,175
Evanston, IL $875 - $1,075

Top Cities in Florida

Naples, FL $950 - $1,150
Tampa, FL $875 - $1,150
Sarasota, FL $950 - $1,125
REAL-TIME PRICING DATA

Recent Illinois to Florida Shipments

Actual car shipping prices from the last 30 days for routes between Illinois and Florida. These represent real customer shipments handled by Sakaem Logistics' verified carrier network.

Live Pricing from Completed Routes Updated: April 2026
Origin Destination Total Cost Trailer Vehicle
Marion, IL Cape Coral, FL 750 Open Car
Bridgeview, IL Clearwater, FL 800 Open Car
Niles, IL North Palm Beach, FL 750 Open Car
Bloomington, IL Cape Coral, FL 700 Open SUV
Chicago, IL Naples, FL 875 Open SUV
Elmhurst, IL West Palm Beach, FL 875 Open SUV
Putnam, IL Punta Gorda, FL 750 Open SUV
Du Quoin, IL Brandon, FL 850 Open SUV
Highland Park, IL Naples, FL 750 Open Car
Chicago, IL Naples, FL 850 Open SUV
POPULAR CITY ROUTES

Top City-to-City Routes: Illinois to Florida

The most popular city-to-city auto transport routes between Illinois and Florida, based on actual shipments from Sakaem Logistics' carrier network.

Top City-to-City Routes Updated: April 2026
# Origin City Destination City Avg Cost Shipments
1 Chicago, IL Naples, FL $1,075 - $1,175 23
2 Chicago, IL Miami, FL $1,000 - $1,175 12
3 Chicago, IL Miami Beach, FL $950 - $1,000 11
4 Chicago, IL Jacksonville, FL $875 - $975 8
5 Chicago, IL Tampa, FL $1,000 - $1,150 7
6 Chicago, IL Sarasota, FL $950 - $1,050 6
7 Chicago, IL Zephyrhills, FL $875 - $975 6
8 Chicago, IL Fort Lauderdale, FL $975 - $1,000 6
9 Chicago, IL Boca Raton, FL $900 - $1,000 6
10 Chicago, IL Orlando, FL $850 - $1,050 6
IL TO FL CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

  • Auto Transport from Illinois to Florida: Illinois to Florida auto transport costs $900-$1,100 for the 1,331-mile route and typically takes 1-5 days to complete.
  • SAKAEM Customers: Sakaem customers love us because we guarantee to match any competitor's price and provide transparent, honest guidance throughout the shipping process.
  • Factors that Impact Cost: Distance is the most important cost factor for Illinois to Florida shipping, as longer hauls require more fuel, driver time, and equipment wear.
  • Tips and Tricks to Save: Book your shipment 2-3 weeks in advance, ship during off-season, and choose flexible pickup/delivery locations near highways to save significantly on costs.
  • Moving to Florida? Register your vehicle with Florida DMV within 10 days of arrival, verify window tinting meets Florida's 28% light transmission requirement, and switch to summer tires.
TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM's Customers are Saying

Google logo
I just had my Jeep delivered to Miami, Florida from Phoenix, AZ. The transport and delivery was perfect coordinated by SAKAEM Logistics was excellent. Delivery was completed in 4 days at a real reasonable price.
Peter Smalley
Oct 2025
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Sakaem Logistics was a pleasure to work with from start to finish, reasonable pricing, thorough communication on what to expect, I had a friend in CO who had to provide Igor the truck driver my car key, and the driver called and was there on time, and drive the car out to me in Florida. My car was delivered promptly and we inspected my car thoroughly and a receipt provided. Thank you for making this easy! Jennifer
Sand
Jun 2025
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Great experience working with Sakaem, I hired them to transport my son's vehicle from Chicago to Air Force base in Mississippi, vehicle was delivered as expected, driver was flexible with drop off location since he was not able to access into military base. So he arranged with my son to deliver at an outside location. Would work again with Sakaem Logistic in future.
alvaro lopez
Jul 2025
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car from Illinois to Florida

EXPERIENCE

Trust the experts with your car relocation. Years of experience mean your vehicle is well taken care of. A strong track record of safety and service lets you relax, knowing your car is in good hands.

TRANSPARENCY

Understand what your quote includes and the quality you're paying for when shipping with a reputable carrier. Fair and transparent pricing lets you confidently book your car transport.

AFFORDABILITY

There are no upfront costs when booking. Don't pay for your service until you receive it. Book your shipment and pay your deposit when the truck is dispatched for pickup.

PERSONALIZED

Have a team ready to assist you with a smooth shipping process. Our team aims to customize your booking to fit your individual needs while addressing your questions and concerns.

COMPREHENSIVE

Enjoy one point of contact from start to finish for a hassle-free shipping process. Your dedicated advisor will expertly guide you through each step for easy auto transport.

INSURED

All carriers are vetted through FMCSA for valid insurance. Trust our experts to select a safe, highly vetted carrier and deliver your vehicle securely to its destination.

KEY FACTORS

Factors that Affect Illinois to Florida Shipping Prices

Distance

The Illinois to Florida route spans roughly 1,200 miles, making distance a primary cost driver. Longer hauls require more fuel, driver time, and wear on equipment. Shipping costs increase proportionally with distance traveled from Illinois to your Florida destination.

Season

Peak season—typically spring and summer—drives up Illinois-to-Florida shipping costs as demand increases. Winter months offer lower rates but may involve weather delays. Timing your shipment during off-peak periods can significantly reduce your overall costs.

Route

Major highways like I-75 through Georgia offer cheaper Illinois-to-Florida shipping than rural routes. Interstates provide faster transit, better carrier availability, and lower fuel costs. Routes through major corridors reduce overall shipping expenses compared to alternative paths.

Vehicle Type

Shipping a standard sedan from Illinois to Florida costs less than an SUV or truck. Larger vehicles require special equipment, take up more trailer space, and increase fuel consumption. Vehicle size directly impacts your final shipping quote.

Traffic Considerations

Holiday periods and summer vacations create heavy traffic on routes from Illinois to Florida, increasing transit times and costs. Avoiding peak travel weeks—especially around Thanksgiving and summer break—helps secure lower rates and faster delivery.

Carrier Availability

During peak season, carriers shipping from Illinois to Florida may have multi-week wait times. Off-season shipping typically means shorter waits of just a few days. Planning ahead during busy periods ensures you can book available carriers at better rates.

Population Density

Shipping to downtown Miami costs more than delivering to suburban areas with wider roads and easier access. Urban centers in Florida require extra time, special permits, and careful navigation. Consider suburban pickup or delivery points to reduce costs.

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Ship your car outside peak season to save money. Snowbird season from November to March drives up Illinois-to-Florida rates. Moving your shipment just a few weeks earlier or later can result in significant savings on your car shipping costs.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

Flexible pickup and delivery locations near major highways cost less to ship. Carriers prefer wide roads and parking lots over neighborhood streets. Ask your carrier about nearby highway-accessible locations to reduce your overall shipping expenses.

3

Hub city advantages

Choose hub cities near major highways in Illinois and Florida for better rates. Locations with multiple highway access points attract more carriers and create competitive pricing. Rural shipments often cost less when routed through nearby hub cities instead.

4

Weather considerations

Winter weather in Illinois increases shipping costs due to snow and ice risks. Extreme heat in Florida can cause delays as truckers wait for cooler temperatures. Plan your shipment around seasonal weather patterns between Illinois and Florida.

5

Booking in advance

Book your car shipment in advance to lock in lower rates. Last-minute bookings cost more because carriers have fewer scheduling options. Advance booking gives you better prices and more carrier availability.

6

Open carrier transport

Open trailers are cheaper than enclosed options for standard vehicles. Enclosed trailers protect high-end cars but cost significantly more. Choose an open trailer unless your vehicle requires extra protection from weather and debris.

7

Flexible dates

Flexible pickup and delivery dates save you money on shipping. Offer carriers a five-day window instead of a specific date. This flexibility lets carriers optimize routes and schedules, lowering your final shipping cost.

8

Compare quotes

Get multiple quotes from reputable auto transport companies to find the best deal for your Illinois to Florida car shipping needs. We will match any competitor's quote.

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving from Illinois to Florida

When relocating from Illinois to Florida with your vehicle, you'll need to register your car with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of establishing residency. Florida doesn't require emission testing, unlike Illinois which mandates it in certain counties [ILLINOIS DMV]. However, Florida has specific regulations on window tinting—the front windows must allow at least 28% light transmission [FLORIDA DMV]. Before auto transport, verify your vehicle meets both states' requirements.

Weather modifications are essential for this move. Remove winter tires and switch to all-season or summer tires suited for Florida's heat and humidity. Illinois winters demand winter tires, but Florida's warm climate makes them unnecessary and unsafe [TIRE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION]. Consider having your air conditioning serviced before arrival. Insurance rates typically decrease in Florida compared to Illinois, though rates vary by location and driving record [NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INSURANCE COMMISSIONERS]. Shop around with Florida insurers before your move finalizes. When planning car shipping from Illinois to Florida, get multiple quotes to compare auto transport costs and services for your long-distance relocation.

Weather in Illinois vs Florida

Illinois winters bring snow and ice that delay transport and increase accident risk, while Florida's heat and humidity pose different challenges like engine overheating during southern summer shipments. Hurricane season peaks August through October along Florida's coast, potentially disrupting coastal routes. Illinois sees peak snowbird migration southbound October through December, creating high demand and longer wait times. Spring offers the safest window for Illinois-to-Florida moves, avoiding winter weather and hurricane season. Plan Florida-to-Illinois shipments for fall to sidestep summer heat and winter ice.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Illinois to Florida Vehicle Transport FAQs

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 properly makes the shipping process smoother and protects your car. Here's what you need to do:

Remove personal items and accessories. Take out anything inside your car—documents, electronics, valuables, and personal belongings. Remove exterior items too, like roof racks, spoilers, or custom trim that could get damaged or lost during transit.

Clean your vehicle. A clean car makes it easier for the carrier to spot any existing damage before pickup. This protects you both by creating a clear record of your vehicle's condition.

Check your fuel level. Keep your tank between a quarter and half full. Too much fuel adds weight and creates safety concerns during transport.

Disable toll passes and alarms. Remove any toll tags or transponders from your windshield. Disable car alarms so they don't go off during loading or transit.

Ensure you have a working key. Provide the carrier with at least one key so they can move your vehicle as needed during transport.

Check your battery and tires. Make sure your battery has a good charge and your tires are properly inflated. A dead battery or flat tire can delay pickup.

For more detailed guidance, check out our How To Ship A Car guide. When you're ready, get multiple quotes from our network of trusted carriers to find the best rate for your Illinois to Florida shipment.

Yes, your vehicle is insured during transport from Illinois to Florida. 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 we assign a carrier to your shipment, we verify that their insurance is valid and active for the entire duration of your transport.

This means your car is protected throughout the journey. If you want to learn more about how vehicle shipping insurance works, we've got you covered.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance when shipping from Illinois to Florida. Here's why:

The more time you give carriers, the better. A longer lead time lets drivers bundle your vehicle with others heading the same direction, which can lower your costs and get you better rates. Carriers plan their routes weeks ahead, so early scheduling gives you access to more options.

That said, life happens. If you need to ship sooner, expedited car shipping services are available—they just typically cost more. And if you're flexible, getting multiple quotes from different carriers can help you find the best fit for your timeline and budget.

The bottom line: book early when you can, but don't stress if you need something faster. We'll work with you to find a solution.

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.

When shipping a car from Illinois to Florida, you'll choose between two main transport types: open and enclosed.

Open Transport is the more affordable option. Your vehicle travels on an open trailer alongside other cars. It's exposed to weather, road debris, and the elements during the journey. This works well for most daily drivers in good condition.

Enclosed Transport costs significantly more—typically 50% to 100% higher than open shipping. Your car travels inside a covered trailer, protecting it from rain, snow, wind, and debris. This option is best for high-value vehicles, classic cars, luxury models, or cars with custom paint jobs that need extra protection.

The choice depends on your vehicle's value and condition. If you're shipping a reliable sedan or truck, open transport saves money. If your car is rare, expensive, or newly painted, enclosed transport provides peace of mind. Get multiple quotes to compare pricing and find the right option for your budget and needs.

Both methods get your vehicle safely from Illinois to Florida. The difference is mainly about protection level and cost.

Yes, we offer door-to-door car shipping from Illinois to Florida. When you book with us, tell us your pickup address in Illinois and your delivery address in Florida. Our carrier will pick up your vehicle from your location and deliver it directly to your destination address.

Sometimes, pickup or delivery at a specific address isn't possible due to safety or access issues. In those cases, our carrier will work with you to find a nearby alternative location, like a gas station or parking lot. We're transparent about any limitations upfront, so you know exactly what to expect.

Ready to ship your car? Get multiple quotes from our network of carriers and find the best option for your move from Illinois to Florida.

Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

Car shipping from Illinois to Florida doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're relocating, buying a vehicle, or sending a car to a loved one, understanding the auto transport process makes the experience smoother. The journey from Illinois to Florida covers about 1,331 miles and typically takes 1-5 days. This guide walks you through how car shipping works so you know what to expect every step of the way.

The first thing to understand is the difference between brokers and carriers. A broker acts as a middleman who connects you with actual carriers who transport vehicles. Carriers are the companies with trucks that pick up and deliver your car. When you call a broker like Sakaem Logistics to get a quote, you're working with professionals who find reputable carriers for you. This is crucial—a good broker ensures the carrier has solid reviews and proper insurance. You want peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in capable hands.

Here's how the car shipping process works from start to finish. First, contact a broker to get multiple quotes for your Illinois to Florida auto transport. The broker then locates a carrier that matches your needs. Next, the carrier schedules a pickup time and collects your vehicle. After transport, the carrier delivers your car to your Florida destination. Finally, you pay the broker or carrier at pickup or delivery. Before the carrier arrives, clear everything out of your car, ensure it rolls properly, and keep about a quarter tank of gas in the tank. For high-end vehicles, request an enclosed trailer for extra protection during the 1-5 day journey.