Every year, thousands of snowbirds—seasonal travelers seeking refuge from northern winters—flock to the Sunshine State for months of warmth, beaches, and sunshine. Whether you’re a retiree, remote worker, or family escaping the cold, having your own car while in Florida provides flexibility, comfort, and convenience. But driving your vehicle from states like New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Illinois, or Michigan can be stressful and time-consuming.
The better solution? Ship a car to Florida through a trusted auto transport service like Ship A Car, Inc. We make seasonal car relocation stress-free, affordable, and efficient. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before you book your car shipping service.
Driving to Florida may seem like a cost-effective option, but it often isn’t when you factor in gas, lodging, meals, tolls, and vehicle wear and tear. Here’s how shipping compares:
Shipping your vehicle lets you fly to your destination and start enjoying your stay without spending days on the road.
Long drives can be physically exhausting, especially for older adults. Shipping allows you to relax while your vehicle is transported safely.
Avoid road hazards, bad weather, and accidents that can arise from long-distance driving.
Driving hundreds of miles puts extra miles on your car and may cause maintenance issues. Shipping preserves your car’s resale value and mechanical condition.
When you add up hotel stays, fuel, food, and vehicle depreciation, shipping often turns out to be a more economical choice—especially if you’re only planning a one-way trip.
During snowbird season (October–December), demand surges. Get your quote early using our online auto transport calculator or by calling (866) 821-4555. Locking in your transport date in advance can save you both money and stress.
- Open Transport: More affordable and widely available, ideal for standard vehicles.
- Enclosed Transport: Offers protection from weather and debris, ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value cars.
- Wash your vehicle for inspection.
- Remove personal items.
- Check for leaks and maintenance issues.
- Take photos of the car for documentation.
We offer door-to-door service, so we’ll pick up and deliver your car directly at the specified addresses—whether it’s your winter condo in Naples or a gated community in Boca Raton.
Our dedicated transport coordinators provide updates throughout the entire process, ensuring peace of mind.
Every winter, thousands of snowbirds choose to escape the freezing temperatures up north for the warm, sunny climate of Florida. At Ship A Car, Inc., we’ve identified the five most popular states where seasonal travelers originate. Whether you’re relocating temporarily or permanently, our expert team makes it seamless to ship a car from any of these states to Florida.
New Yorkers are among the largest group of snowbirds heading south each year. Cities like New York City, Albany, and Buffalo experience harsh winters, prompting many residents to flee the cold for the tropical comfort of destinations such as Miami, West Palm Beach, and Sarasota. With such high demand during snowbird season, it’s crucial to plan early to secure the best pricing and transport availability. Choosing to ship a car from New York to Florida not only saves time but also spares your vehicle from unnecessary winter wear and tear.
From the busy streets of Newark to the peaceful suburbs of Cherry Hill, New Jersey residents are no strangers to the appeal of a Florida winter. Whether you’re heading to Fort Lauderdale for a beachside retreat or to Naples for a peaceful seasonal stay, shipping is the most efficient and cost-effective option. Avoid congested highways and treacherous road conditions—ship a car from New Jersey to Florida and arrive relaxed, knowing your vehicle is already en route to your sunny destination.
Massachusetts snowbirds, especially those from Boston, Worcester, and the Cape Cod area, often seek refuge in Florida cities like Tampa, Orlando, and Fort Myers. Instead of braving snowstorms and icy roads, many choose to ship a car from Massachusetts to Florida, allowing them to fly comfortably and avoid the stress of a multi-day drive. It’s a popular route for retirees and remote workers alike who return to Florida each year for extended seasonal stays.
Travelers from Illinois—particularly from the Chicago metro area—regularly head south to Florida to escape blizzards and bitterly cold lake-effect weather. Popular Florida destinations for Illinois snowbirds include Clearwater, The Villages, and Sarasota. With long distances and unpredictable winter driving conditions, it makes perfect sense to ship a car from Illinois to Florida for a smooth, hassle-free relocation experience.
Michigan’s harsh winters often drive retirees and seasonal travelers to Florida’s milder climate. Cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor see a consistent outflow of residents each year during snowbird season. Whether you’re spending the winter on the Atlantic coast or settling into a Gulf-side community, it’s smart to ship a car from Michigan to Florida to preserve your vehicle’s condition and make the most of your winter getaway.
No matter where you’re starting from, Ship A Car, Inc. makes it easy to ship a car to Florida on time and without hassle.
The best time to ship a car to Florida is between late September and early November. This window allows you to avoid peak holiday rates and ensures that your vehicle arrives before the heaviest demand kicks in. Booking early also helps secure your preferred transport type and pickup dates.
It is not recommended. Most carriers are not insured to cover personal belongings in transit, and items left inside can shift and cause interior damage. It’s best to remove all personal items before shipping your vehicle to Florida to ensure both safety and insurance coverage. In the event that you do need to put some stuff in your vehicle for the trip down to Florida, make sure to let your transport coordinator know this prior to dispatching the vehicle to a carrier.
Yes! At Ship A Car, Inc., we provide real-time updates through your dedicated transport coordinator. While we don’t currently offer GPS tracking for every load, our team communicates frequently with drivers and keeps you informed from pickup to delivery.
Pricing depends on factors like transport type, vehicle size, and seasonality. On average, it costs between $800–$1,200 to ship a standard sedan from New York to Florida during snowbird season. For the most accurate estimate, use our online quote calculator or call (866) 821-4555.
Absolutely. All vehicles transported through Ship A Car, Inc. are fully insured by our vetted and licensed carriers. You can also request a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate for peace of mind.
Most transports from the Northeast or Midwest to Florida take 3–7 days depending on distance, traffic, and weather. We always strive to give you the most accurate delivery window when booking.
With over a decade of experience, Ship A Car, Inc. has built a reputation as the most reliable company to ship a car to Florida. Whether you’re an individual relocating for the season or a business needing fleet transport, our team ensures a stress-free experience every time.
We work exclusively with licensed and insured carriers, offer open and enclosed transport, and assign each client a personal coordinator to manage logistics. Our repeat snowbird customers return to us year after year because we treat their cars like our own.
Ship A Car, Inc. has been providing the best car shipping for individuals and businesses looking to ship a car to Florida. With nationwide coverage, industry expertise, and unmatched customer service, we make the entire process simple, transparent, and affordable. Whether you’re a snowbird, relocating for work, or sending a car to a loved one, trust Ship A Car, Inc. for timely and secure transport.
Don’t wait—plan your seasonal car shipping today. Call us at (866) 821-4555 or fill out our online auto transport calculator to get a personalized quote to ship a car to Florida. Let Ship A Car, Inc. handle the journey so you can enjoy the sunshine.
1. Can I ship a car to Florida if I’m not there to receive it?
Yes, you can authorize someone else to receive the vehicle on your behalf. Just let us know in advance so we can coordinate accordingly.
2. What’s the difference between open and enclosed transport?
Open transport is more affordable and commonly used for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end, classic, or luxury vehicles.
3. Do you offer door-to-door delivery in Florida?
Yes, we offer true door-to-door service where accessible. If your location is restricted (like gated communities), we’ll arrange a nearby meeting point.
4. How far in advance should I book?
During snowbird season, we recommend booking at least 2–4 weeks in advance to ensure availability and competitive pricing.
5. What types of vehicles can you transport to Florida?
We ship cars, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles, golf carts, and more. Let us know your vehicle type when requesting a quote for the most accurate rate.
*All data and car shipping rates found in this article are accurate at time of publication and subject to change.
