10 Best Auto Transport Companies in Florida For 2024

Once the carrier drops off your car at its destination, you’ll probably be ready to get behind the wheel. But before you hit Florida roads, there are a few additional steps that you need to take:

1. Understand Florida Residency

This step only applies to those relocating to the state of Florida from another state who plan to establish their permanent and principal residence in the state (i.e. this does not apply to snowbirds or college students living here temporarily). Florida legally requires new residents to take certain steps regarding insurance, car registration, and more based upon the date that residency is established. It may be difficult to establish an exact date of residency, but the state suggests residency is established if any of the following occur:

• You begin working in the state
• You enroll your children in Florida public schools
• You apply for a homestead exemption
• You register to vote in Florida
• You live in Florida for more than six consecutive months

Keep the date you establish residency in mind as you review the remaining steps.

2. Update Your Insurance to Comply with FL Laws

Each state sets its own laws regarding auto insurance minimums. In Florida, you are legally required to purchase an insurance policy from a licensed FL insurance agent with the following coverage amounts within 10 days of establishing residency:

• $10,000 property damage liability per accident: Property liability coverage pays for any damage done to another car or property in an accident in which you are the at-fault driver.
• $10,000 personal injury protection: PIP coverage pays for the medical expenses of you and your passengers if you are in an accident, regardless of the party at-fault.

Florida has minimal coverage requirements, especially when compared to other states. You may want to consider purchasing additional coverage, such as bodily injury liability protection, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and uninsured motorist coverage to further reduce your risk.

Note, you must have proof of insurance coverage to title and register your vehicle.

3. Title and Register Your Vehicle

If you bring a car into Florida from out of state, you must apply for title and registration within 10 days of establishing residency.

• Title: A title shows your proof of ownership of the vehicle in the state of Florida. To obtain a certificate of title, you must provide proof of identity, ownership, and required insurance coverage, complete the application form along with a VIN verification, and pay any applicable fees and taxes. For more information on titling your car, click here.
• Registration: Additionally, you must register your car and obtain a metal license plate, a registration certificate, and a registration decal. You can complete the initial registration at the time of titling. For more information on motor vehicle registration, click here.

4. Obtain a Valid Florida Driver License

You must obtain a Florida license within 30 days of establishing residency. You must apply for your license in-person at a local FLHSMV office (for a list of locations by county click here). During the application process you must:

• Take a vision test (and possibly a written or road test)
• Present the required documentation. Required documentation depends on whether you’re a US citizen, an immigrant, a non-immigrant, or a Canadian citizen.
• Pay the $48 fee for a class E license (and a possible service fee, depending on the office)

5. Purchase a SunPass

Florida has some 734 miles of toll roads criss-crossing the state, including the 265-mile Florida’s Turnpike that starts just south of The Villages, bypasses Orlando, and terminates just north of Miami. To make getting around the state easier, you may want to purchase a SunPass prepaid toll pass. With a SunPass transponder you’ll save on tolls and have access to express lanes for faster commuting. Plus, the SunPass works on toll roads in Georgia and North Carolina should you decide to road trip out of state. Learn more about setting up a SunPass account here.

Looking to ship your vehicle to Florida from another part of the country? Caravan Auto Transport’s network of vetted, licensed and insured auto transporters offers safe, efficient transport of your automobile to its destination without running up the miles on the odometer. These reputable Florida car shipping companies offer the following services:

Open Car Transport

The most common method of car transportation, open transport carriers are ideal if you’re looking for an affordable shipping option with speedy delivery. As the name suggests, your car is loaded onto an open-air trailer along with several other vehicles headed to the same destination.

Enclosed Auto Transport

If you desire enhanced security or protection for your vehicle, you may wish to arrange enclosed carrier shipping. Inside a covered trailer, your car is protected from harsh weather conditions and road hazards like dust and dirt. Shipping your car in a closed carrier also enhances its safety during transit by keeping the vehicle concealed.

Door-to-Door Car Shipping

With a door-to-door car shipping service, you choose the desired pick-up and drop-off locations rather than having to arrange getting your vehicle to or from a transport terminal. Door-to-door shipping is the most convenient choice for shipping your car to or from Florida, saving you time and effort.

Expedited Shipping

In a hurry to get your car from one location to the next? Upgrading to expedited shipping ensures seamless pick-up and drop-off of your vehicle on your schedule. As a priority customer, you receive fast, timely service, so you can get back to driving that much faster.

Classic and Antique Car Transport

When it comes to transporting a classic car, you want an auto transport company that can deliver your vehicle without a single dent or scratch. From vintage Mustangs to antique DeVaux Sports Coupes, our network of classic auto transporters has the expertise and equipment to safely transport your classic car so it arrives in pristine condition.

High End and Luxury Auto Shipping

Exotic car transporters use specialty equipment, like hydraulic lifts and sophisticated tie-downs, along with enclosed trucks to keep your valuable car safe during every mile of transit. An enclosed car hauler ensures the ultimate protection for your high-end or luxury vehicle, protecting it from dirt, dust, and debris along the way.

From moving off to college to heading South for the winter, there are numerous reasons you may be interested in shipping a car to Florida or to somewhere outside of the Sunshine State. Caravan Auto Transport’s network of auto shippers streamlines the car hauling process no matter your reason for transporting your vehicle to or from FL.

Moving and Relocation

When moving cross-country or out-of-state, many people choose to ship their cars rather than add a long road trip to an already stressful and exhausting relocation experience. Leave the logistics of moving your car in the hands of professionals with either open or enclosed vehicle shipping services.

Snowbirds

Do you fly South for the winter? Given Florida’s year-round sunshine, mild winter temps (zero snow or ice!), and gorgeous beaches, it’s not hard to understand why. Start enjoying your escape from frigid North that much sooner by shipping your car and meeting it at your Florida destination -- whether you’re wintering in balmy, laid-back Key West or dazzling, high-toned Naples.

Military

Florida is home to 21 military bases. From Eglin Air Force base in the Panhandle all the way down to Naval Air Station Key West on the tip of South Florida, tens of thousands of military personnel are stationed in the Sunshine State. If you are one of the brave men and women serving our country, we’re happy to serve you with top-notch car transportation to or from Florida.

Online Car Buyers

Whether you’ve found the perfect vehicle on Craigslist, eBay, or AutoTrader you may need some assistance getting it home, especially if it’s sitting on the other side of the country. Instead of flying out to pick it up and putting hundreds or thousands of miles on the odometer just to get it to your driveway, arrange for a hauler to transport your new car for you.

College Students

From the massive University of Florida to the more intimate Pensacola Christian College, Florida has no shortage of top-tier colleges and universities for those seeking to further their education. If you have a college student moving to Florida from out-of-state (or vice versa) have their vehicle shipped straight to campus with a fast, affordable auto transport service.

On average it costs between $500-$1500 to ship a car to Florida. Anticipate paying around $1 per mile for the first 1-500 miles, then around $.75 for every mile after that. Several factors influence the final cost of shipping your vehicle, including the origin and destination zip codes, the method of transport (open vs. enclosed), the speed of shipment, the type of vehicle, and the time of year. The best way to get an accurate estimate of car shipping costs is by requesting free quotes from our network of auto transport companies.