Last Updated on 7 days ago by Shraddhanvita
How much does it cost to ship a car to Florida for the winter?
Shipping a car to Florida for the winter usually costs about $850 to $1,500 on an open carrier from the Midwest or Northeast. Coming from the West Coast, it costs about $1,300 to $1,900. Most trips take 2 to 8 days, depending on distance and weather.
Each fall, thousands of snowbirds leave Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, New York, and other northern states for Florida, Texas, Arizona, and Southern California. Many fly down and have their cars shipped. Shipping saves 2 to 3 days of winter driving and keeps miles off the car.
This guide answers what snowbirds ask most. It covers what it costs, when to book, how state-to-state shipping works, and how to get the car home in spring. For a full service overview, see Haulin’s snowbird car shipping page.
What are the most common snowbird car shipping routes and costs?
The busiest snowbird routes run from the Great Lakes and Northeast to Florida. Michigan to Florida is one of the most requested lanes in the country. The table shows typical winter-season estimates for a standard sedan on an open carrier.
| Route | Approx. distance | Typical winter cost (open) | Typical transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan to Florida | 1,100 – 1,400 mi | $900 – $1,350 | 3 – 5 days |
| Wisconsin to Florida | 1,250 – 1,500 mi | $950 – $1,400 | 3 – 6 days |
| Ohio to Florida | 1,000 – 1,200 mi | $850 – $1,250 | 3 – 5 days |
| Illinois to Florida | 1,150 – 1,350 mi | $900 – $1,300 | 3 – 5 days |
| New York to Florida | 1,050 – 1,250 mi | $850 – $1,300 | 3 – 5 days |
| Pennsylvania to Florida | 950 – 1,150 mi | $800 – $1,200 | 2 – 5 days |
| Florida to Texas | 950 – 1,300 mi | $850 – $1,300 | 3 – 5 days |
| California to Texas | 1,350 – 1,550 mi | $950 – $1,450 | 3 – 6 days |
| California to Florida | 2,500 – 2,800 mi | $1,300 – $1,900 | 7 – 10 days |
These figures are estimates based on typical market rates. Southbound prices peak from October to December, and northbound prices peak from March to May.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Michigan to Florida? On an open carrier, expect about $900 to $1,350 in late fall. Enclosed transport costs about $1,400 to $2,000. Our Michigan to Florida car shipping guide covers this route in detail, and our post on the most popular car shipping routes explains why some lanes cost less.
When should snowbirds ship their car south, and when should they ship it back?
The best time to ship your car south is early to mid-October, before the November and December rush. The best time to ship it back north is late March or early April, before the spring peak. Shipping just outside these peaks can save $100 to $300 per trip.
| Window | Demand | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Early to mid-October (southbound) | Moderate | Good rates, easy scheduling, mild weather on northern pickups |
| November to December (southbound) | Peak | Highest prices; book 4 to 6 weeks ahead; snow can delay pickups in the Midwest |
| January to February | Low | Mostly late arrivals; northern pickups can still face weather delays |
| Late March to early April (northbound) | Rising | Best time to book the return trip |
| Mid-April to May (northbound) | Peak | Northbound lanes fill quickly; prices rise again |
Many snowbirds book both legs together. Booking the Florida to Michigan or Florida to New York return trip in January often gets a better rate than waiting until April. It also gives you one plan for the whole season.
If you ship in late fall, expect weather to affect pickup. Lake-effect snow around Michigan, northern Ohio, and western New York can push pickups back a day or two. Pick a carrier that tracks weather and keeps you updated.
How do I get my car shipped to another state?
To ship your car to another state, get a quote and book a pickup window. Then get the car ready, inspect it with the driver at pickup, and inspect it again at delivery. Most snowbird shipments take 3 to 4 weeks from first quote to delivery.
- Get a quote 4 to 6 weeks ahead. Have your pickup and delivery ZIP codes, the vehicle’s year, make, and model, and your preferred dates ready.
- Choose open or enclosed transport. Open works for most cars. Enclosed protects classic or high-value cars from winter road salt.
- Choose door-to-door or a meeting point. Many Florida communities have gates or HOA rules. Ask your community whether car carriers are allowed in before you book. Haulin’s door-to-door transport can work around these rules.
- Get the car ready. Remove personal items and toll tags, leave about a quarter tank of fuel, and photograph every side. Our pickup preparation guide has the full checklist.
- Inspect the car at pickup. You and the driver note the car’s condition on the bill of lading. Here’s how to read a bill of lading.
- Inspect it again at delivery. Compare the car against the pickup report before you sign. Write any new damage on the bill of lading at that moment.
Want to see the full process from start to finish? Read our walkthrough of the car shipping process from quote to delivery.
Is it cheaper to ship your car or drive it to Florida?
For most snowbirds traveling more than 1,000 miles, shipping costs about the same as driving. Shipping is often safer in late fall. Driving from Michigan to Florida takes about 2 days and around 1,200 miles. Count fuel, one or two hotel nights, meals, and wear on the car, and the total often reaches $600 to $900 before you count your time.
Shipping costs a little more up front. You also skip a long drive that may cross snowy roads in the Midwest and Appalachians. Many snowbirds fly down and have the car waiting when they arrive. If you’re weighing a tow against a carrier, see our AAA towing vs. car shipping guide.
Do snowbirds need to register their car in Florida?
If you only spend part of the year in Florida, you can usually keep your home-state registration and insurance. You may need to switch once you become a Florida resident. That can happen if you file a homestead exemption, enroll children in a Florida school, or take a job there. Check with your county tax collector to confirm what applies to you.
If you do switch, Florida requires a VIN and odometer check on vehicles previously titled in another state. This is done on the FLHSMV’s Form HSMV 82042. A Florida notary, a licensed dealer, or a law enforcement officer can complete it. Our new-state car registration guide covers what changes when you move for good.
Before shipping, also tell your insurer your car will be in another state for the winter. Some policies have rules for vehicles kept away from home for months at a time.
How do I choose a company that ships cars from state to state?
Choose a state-to-state car shipping company that is registered with the FMCSA and has cargo insurance. It should give you a written, all-in price. Do these three checks before you pay anything.
- Check its USDOT and MC numbers. Search the company on the FMCSA SAFER Company Snapshot. Its operating status should be “Authorized.” Our guides explain what a DOT number is and what an MC number is.
- Ask for proof of insurance. Ask for the certificate, and check that its coverage limit is high enough for your car’s value.
- Get the price and pickup window in writing. Watch for large upfront deposits. Read whether you should pay a deposit for car shipping first.
For a full checklist, see how to vet a car shipping company.
Snowbird car shipping FAQs
How long does it take to ship a car to Florida?
From the Northeast or Midwest, it takes 2 to 5 days. From California, it takes 7 to 10 days. Winter weather can add 1 to 2 days.
Can I put belongings in my car?
Most carriers allow up to about 100 lbs, packed in the trunk below the window line. Personal items are not covered by the carrier’s insurance.
Can I ship a car to Texas or Arizona instead of Florida?
Yes. Texas and Arizona routes cost about the same as Florida routes over a similar distance. Southbound winter demand raises prices on all of them.
What if I’m moving south permanently?
Ask about combining car shipping with your household move. See Haulin’s car relocation service.
Planning your winter move? Get an instant snowbird quote for both legs of your trip.
**About the Author — Shraddhanvita Tiwari**
Shraddhanvita Tiwari is an auto transport industry expert specializing in vehicle shipping, auto transport logistics, carrier networks, and the U.S. car shipping market. Her experience in the industry gives her a practical perspective on the factors that influence auto transport pricing, carrier selection, shipping timelines, and the overall vehicle shipping experience. At Haulin.ai, she contributes industry-focused insights designed to make car shipping easier to understand for consumers and businesses.
