car shipping companies in Florida: Services, Costs, and Expert Reviews

Florida's unique geography and diverse population create a thriving market for auto transport services. Whether you're a snowbird heading south for winter, a college student moving to one of Florida's renowned universities, or relocating permanently to the Sunshine State, understanding the car shipping landscape is essential for a smooth vehicle transport experience.

The state's extensive coastline, major metropolitan areas like Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville, combined with its position as a gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America, make Florida one of the busiest auto transport hubs in the United States. Car shipping companies in Florida handle everything from luxury vehicles heading to Miami Beach to everyday family cars transported for military relocations and seasonal migrations.

Top 5 Car Shipping Companies Serving Florida

1. Montway Auto Transport

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Montway Auto Transport stands out among car shipping companies in Florida for its comprehensive coverage and transparent pricing. With a strong presence in all major Florida cities, they offer both open and enclosed transport options.

Pros:

• Excellent customer service with 24/7 support
• Comprehensive insurance coverage up to $250,000
• No upfront payment required
• Strong network of carriers throughout Florida

Cons:

• Pricing can be higher than competitors
• Limited international shipping options

Florida Highlights: Montway excels in handling high-volume routes like New York to Miami and Chicago to Tampa, making them ideal for snowbird season transports.

2. AmeriFreight

Rating: 4.3/5 stars

AmeriFreight has built a solid reputation among Florida residents for reliable service and competitive pricing. They're particularly strong in handling luxury vehicle transport to destinations like Naples and Palm Beach.

Pros:

• Price match guarantee
• Excellent tracking system
• Specialized enclosed transport services
• Strong presence in South Florida

Cons:

• Customer service can be inconsistent
• Limited same-day quote responses

Florida Highlights: AmeriFreight offers excellent service for high-value vehicle transport, making them popular among Florida's luxury car owners.

3. SGT Auto Transport

Rating: 4.2/5 stars

SGT Auto Transport provides reliable service across Florida with competitive pricing and flexible scheduling options. They're particularly noted for their military discount programs, relevant given Florida's large military population.

Pros:

• Military and veteran discounts
• Flexible pickup and delivery windows
• Good coverage of rural Florida areas
• Reasonable pricing structure

Cons:

• Limited premium service options
• Customer communication could improve

Florida Highlights: SGT excels in serving military families relocating to or from Florida's numerous military installations.

4. Ship a Car Direct

Rating: 4.1/5 stars

Ship a Car Direct offers a unique approach by allowing customers to choose their specific carrier, providing more control over the shipping process. This transparency appeals to many Florida customers.

Pros:

• Choose your own carrier
• Transparent pricing model
• Good insurance coverage
• Detailed carrier profiles and reviews

Cons:

• More complex booking process
• Higher prices for premium services

Florida Highlights: Popular among Florida residents who prefer having control over carrier selection, especially for vintage or exotic car transport.

5. Easy Auto Ship

Rating: 4.0/5 stars

Easy Auto Ship provides straightforward, no-frills auto transport services throughout Florida. They focus on competitive pricing and reliable service without unnecessary extras.

Pros:

• Competitive pricing
• Simple booking process
• Good coverage of Florida routes
• Reliable delivery times

Cons:

• Limited premium services
• Basic customer support options

Florida Highlights: Ideal for budget-conscious Florida residents who need reliable transport without premium features.

Average Shipping Costs To and From Florida

Understanding pricing helps you budget effectively for car shipping services. Here are average costs for popular routes involving Florida:

From Florida to Major U.S. Cities

Popular Florida Internal Routes

Note: Prices vary based on vehicle size, season, fuel costs, and current demand. Snowbird season (November-March) typically sees higher prices.

Florida-Specific Regulations and Considerations

State Regulations

Car shipping companies in Florida must comply with both federal Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and Florida-specific requirements. All carriers must be properly licensed and insured to operate within the state.

Key Requirements:

• Valid USDOT number
• Motor Carrier (MC) authority
• Appropriate insurance coverage
• Florida intrastate authority for local moves

Weather Considerations

Florida's weather patterns significantly impact car shipping:

Hurricane Season (June-November): Carriers may experience delays or route changes during severe weather. Most reputable companies include weather-related protections in their contracts.

Summer Heat: Extreme temperatures can affect both open and enclosed transport. Enclosed transport provides better protection for sensitive vehicles.

Rainy Season: Florida's heavy rainfall periods may cause minor delays but rarely impact overall service quality.

Insurance Requirements

Florida law requires all motor carriers to maintain minimum insurance coverage:

• $750,000 for carriers transporting vehicles
• Additional coverage recommended for high-value vehicles
• Verify carrier insurance certificates before booking

Local Pickup and Delivery Information

Major Metropolitan Areas

Miami-Dade County: Excellent service availability with multiple carriers serving the area daily. Door-to-door service readily available in most areas.

Tampa Bay Area: Strong carrier presence with good access to both urban and suburban locations. Port proximity offers additional shipping options.

Orlando: High demand due to tourism and population growth ensures frequent carrier availability. University areas may have specific scheduling considerations.

Jacksonville: Strategic location makes it a major hub for north-south transport routes. Excellent service availability year-round.

Rural and Remote Areas

Car shipping companies in Florida generally provide good coverage to rural areas, though some considerations apply:

• Keys and Coastal Areas: Limited access may require terminal pickup/delivery
• Rural Counties: Longer scheduling windows may be necessary
• Gated Communities: Coordinate access arrangements in advance

Pickup and Delivery Tips for Florida Residents

1. Flexible Scheduling: Allow 1-3 day windows for pickup and delivery
2. Accessibility: Ensure carrier trucks can safely access your location
3. Documentation: Have registration, insurance, and ID ready
4. Vehicle Preparation: Clean your car and document existing damage
5. Communication: Maintain contact with your carrier coordinator

How to Choose the Right Car Shipping Company

Research and Verification

Before selecting from car shipping companies in Florida, verify:

• USDOT Number: Check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database
• Insurance Coverage: Verify current insurance certificates
• Better Business Bureau Rating: Review complaint history and resolution rates
• Online Reviews: Read multiple review sources for balanced perspectives

Service Options

Open Transport: Most economical option, suitable for standard vehicles

• 85% of vehicles shipped use open transport
• Weather exposure minimal risk for most vehicles
• Widely available throughout Florida

Enclosed Transport: Premium protection for valuable vehicles

• Recommended for luxury, classic, or exotic cars
• Protection from weather and road debris
• Higher cost but superior protection

Pricing Considerations

Factors Affecting Cost:

• Distance and route popularity
• Vehicle size and weight
• Seasonal demand fluctuations
• Fuel prices and market conditions
• Service type (open vs. enclosed)

Money-Saving Tips:

• Book during off-peak seasons
• Choose terminal-to-terminal service
• Be flexible with pickup/delivery dates
• Compare multiple quotes
• Consider open transport for standard vehicles

Red Flags to Avoid

• Unusually low quotes (often indicate hidden fees)
• Requests for large upfront payments
• No physical address or proper licensing
• High-pressure sales tactics
• Lack of insurance documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How far in advance should I book car shipping in Florida? A: Book 1-2 weeks in advance for standard transport, 2-4 weeks for enclosed transport or during peak season (November-March).

Q: Can I put personal items in my car during transport? A: Most carriers allow up to 100 pounds in the trunk, but items aren't covered by insurance. Remove all valuable and fragile items.

Q: What happens if my car is damaged during transport? A: Document damage immediately upon delivery and file a claim with the carrier's insurance company. Reputable companies handle claims promptly.

Q: Are there seasonal price differences for Florida car shipping? A: Yes, snowbird season (November-March) typically sees 20-30% higher prices due to increased demand for northbound transport.

Q: How do I prepare my car for shipping? A: Clean your vehicle, remove personal items, document existing damage with photos, ensure fluids are at appropriate levels, and leave only 1/4 tank of gas.

Q: Can I track my vehicle during transport? A: Most modern car shipping companies provide tracking services, though real-time GPS tracking isn't always available. Regular updates are standard.

Q: What payment methods do Florida car shipping companies accept? A: Most accept cash, certified checks, and money orders upon delivery. Some accept credit cards, though fees may apply.

Get Your Florida Car Shipping Quote Today

Choosing the right car shipping company in Florida doesn't have to be overwhelming. By understanding your options, comparing services, and working with reputable carriers, you can ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on time.

Ready to ship your car to or from Florida? Contact our recommended carriers for free, no-obligation quotes. Compare services, pricing, and schedules to find the perfect solution for your auto transport needs. Most companies provide quotes within hours and can arrange pickup within days of booking.

Remember to verify licensing, insurance, and reviews before making your final decision. Your vehicle is a valuable investment – choose a car shipping company that treats it with the care and professionalism it deserves.