California to Florida at a glance
| Route | Approx. driving distance | Approx. drive time |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego → Jacksonville | about 2,300 miles | 33–35 hours |
| Los Angeles → Orlando | about 2,510 miles | 36–38 hours |
| Los Angeles → Tampa | about 2,520 miles | 36–38 hours |
| Los Angeles → Miami | about 2,730 miles | 39–41 hours |
| San Francisco → Orlando | about 2,880 miles | 41–43 hours |
| San Francisco → Miami | about 3,080 miles | 44–46 hours |
Drive times exclude stops. Most people drive I-10, which runs from Los Angeles to Jacksonville.
Why cross-country moves are priced differently
On a 2,500-mile route, what you ship matters more than anything else. Interstate movers price by weight or cubic feet, so every box adds cost over the full distance. You'll also choose between two types of service:
- Dedicated truck: your belongings are the only shipment, with faster, more predictable delivery and a higher price.
- Shared load (consolidated): your shipment rides with others going the same direction. This is usually more affordable, with a wider delivery window.
See our Florida moving cost guide for rough ranges, and the factors that push a price up or down.
Smart ways to cut a coast-to-coast moving bill
- Downsize hard. Sell large, cheap-to-replace furniture in California rather than paying to ship it 2,500 miles.
- Be flexible on delivery. A shared load with a wider window often saves significantly.
- Avoid peak summer weekends if you can. Midweek and mid-month dates are easier to book.
- Get a video walk-through quote. On long routes, inventory mistakes are expensive. Our free video estimate catches them before moving day.
- Pack non-fragile items yourself, and leave kitchens, art and electronics to professionals.
Shipping your car from California to Florida
- Open carrier is the most common and affordable option. Enclosed costs more and suits classic or high-value cars.
- Plan on roughly one to two weeks of transit, and book a week or two ahead.
- Leave about a quarter tank of gas and remove personal items. Most carriers don't allow belongings in the car.
- Photograph the car on all sides at pickup, and note any damage on the inspection report at delivery.
What you can't (or shouldn't) bring
- Plants and soil: Florida restricts certain plants, especially citrus, and many movers won't carry live plants. Check Florida Department of Agriculture guidance first.
- Hazardous items: propane, paint, gasoline, pool chemicals and aerosols can't go on the truck.
- Valuables and documents: carry jewelry, passports, deeds and medications with you.
Adjusting to Florida after California
- Climate: trade dry heat and wildfire season for humidity and hurricane season (June 1 to November 30). See our hurricane-season checklist.
- Insurance: homeowners and flood insurance work differently in Florida. Shop coverage before you close on a home.
- Housing: many Floridians live in HOA or condo communities with move-in rules, elevator reservations and certificate-of-insurance requirements.
Becoming a Florida resident
- Get a Florida driver license, generally within 30 days of becoming a resident.
- Title and register your vehicle in Florida, generally within 10 days of establishing residency.
- Apply for Florida's homestead exemption by March 1 if you buy a primary home.
- Florida has no state personal income tax. Ask a tax professional about your final California part-year return.
- Update your address with the USPS, IRS, banks and insurers, and register to vote.
Get your California to Florida quote
For an accurate cross-country price, show us what's moving: book a free video walk-through, fill out our inventory form, or request a quote online in under a minute.
Other popular moving routes
New York to Florida Movers
Moving from New York to Florida? Distances, costs, NYC building rules, the best time to move and Florida residency steps. Get a free moving quote.
New Jersey to Florida Movers
Moving from New Jersey to Florida? Route distances, how to handle a larger suburban household, timing around snowbird season, and Florida residency steps.
Florida to North Carolina Movers
Moving from Florida to North Carolina? Distances to Charlotte, Raleigh and Asheville, mountain-move logistics, packing tips and NC resident steps.
Florida to Georgia Movers
Moving from Florida to Georgia? Distances to Atlanta and Savannah, metro Atlanta moving logistics, timing tips and Georgia new-resident requirements.
Florida to Texas Movers
Moving from Florida to Texas? Distances to Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio, cost factors and Texas new-resident rules. Free moving quotes.
Illinois & Chicago to Florida Movers
Moving from Chicago or Illinois to Florida? Distances, winter moving tips, Chicago building rules, costs and Florida residency steps. Free quotes.
Georgia to Florida Movers
Moving from Atlanta or Georgia to Florida? Distances to Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Miami and the Panhandle, costs, timing tips and Florida residency steps.
Ohio to Florida Movers
Moving from Ohio to Florida? Distances from Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati to Tampa, Orlando, Naples and Miami, costs, winter tips and residency steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to move from California to Florida?
The drive alone is about 35 to 45 hours. Household shipments on cross-country routes commonly have delivery windows of about one to three weeks after pickup, depending on whether you book a dedicated truck or a shared load. Get the delivery window in writing.
How much does a cross-country move from California to Florida cost?
Cross-country moves are priced mainly by shipment weight or volume, plus distance and services. Because this route is about 2,500 miles, costs are typically higher than shorter routes. A 2–3 bedroom full-service move often lands in the low-to-mid five figures. Get an inventory-based quote for an accurate number.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive from California to Florida?
Driving costs fuel, four to six days and hotels. Open-carrier car shipping on this route usually takes about one to two weeks and is often comparable once you count travel costs and time off work. Request both prices to compare.
Can I bring my plants from California to Florida?
Be careful. Florida restricts certain plants, especially citrus, to protect its agriculture, and many interstate movers won't transport live plants. Check Florida Department of Agriculture rules before you pack any plants or soil.
Does moving from California to Florida save on taxes?
Florida has no state personal income tax, while California does. Property taxes, insurance and the timing of your move also matter, so talk to a tax professional about your final California part-year return.
Get Your Free Moving Quote
Three easy ways, with no obligation: request a quote online, send us your inventory, or book a free video walk-through.