Florida guide
How to Ship a Car to Florida
A practical guide for snowbirds, relocations, online car buyers, and anyone moving a vehicle into the Sunshine State.
Why Florida
The busiest inbound car shipping destination in the U.S.
Florida receives more inbound vehicle shipments than almost any other state. Snowbirds from the Northeast and Midwest, retirees, corporate relocations, military PCS moves, and online car sales all drive demand. That high volume means plenty of carrier availability, but it also means prices spike during peak snowbird season from October through December.
The process
Six steps to ship a car to Florida
1. Choose a licensed Florida-focused broker
Look for a federally licensed broker with experience shipping into Florida. Enterprise Auto Transport is an owner-operated broker under USDOT #2273104 and MC #774106, with offices in Naples, Florida and Minnesota. We specialize in snowbird and seasonal Florida moves.
2. Get a written quote with pickup and delivery terms
Provide your origin ZIP code, Florida destination ZIP code, vehicle details, and preferred timing. A real broker will review the route manually and give you a binding quote, not an algorithmic estimate.
3. Decide on open or enclosed transport
Open transport is the standard and most economical choice. Enclosed transport costs more but protects high-value vehicles from weather, road debris and the salt exposure common on northbound spring moves.
4. Prepare your vehicle for Florida delivery
Wash the car, remove personal items and toll tags, leave about a quarter tank of fuel, disable the alarm, and note any mechanical issues. Take photos of every side and the odometer.
5. Coordinate pickup and delivery access
Florida gated communities, condos, beach islands and rural properties sometimes require a nearby meeting point. Tell your broker about access restrictions when you book so the carrier is prepared.
6. Inspect at pickup and delivery
At pickup, you and the driver sign a bill of lading noting the vehicle's condition. At delivery, inspect the car again and compare it to your photos before signing the delivery inspection.
Seasonal timing
When to ship a car to Florida
Peak season: October – December
The busiest and most expensive window. Book 3 to 6 weeks ahead for the best rates and pickup windows.
Value season: June – September
The softest pricing of the year. Hurricane season can cause short delays during named storms, but carriers reschedule rather than risk damage.
Steady season: January – March
Post-holiday volume is predictable. Pickup windows are usually shorter than in the fall.
Reverse season: April – May
Northbound trucks fill first as seasonal residents head home. Inbound Florida pricing often improves during this window.
Florida delivery
What to expect at delivery in Florida
- Most homes and businesses accept door-to-door delivery
- Gated communities may require meeting at the front gate or a nearby plaza
- Beach and island properties often need a mainland meeting point
- Low-clearance bridges and narrow roads can limit carrier access
- Inspect the car before signing the delivery bill of lading
- Florida heat means checking coolant and battery condition on arrival
FAQ
Common Florida car shipping questions
When should I book a car shipment to Florida?
Can a car carrier deliver to my Florida home?
How much does it cost to ship a car to Florida?
What documents do I need to ship a car to Florida?
Should I choose enclosed transport to Florida?
Related guides
More Florida shipping resources
Ready
Ship your car to Florida
Ready to Ship your car?
Open and enclosed semi-truck carriers, door-to-door delivery and a coordinator who answers the phone.