Whether you’re relocating, selling a car, or escaping the Midwest winter, Iowa to Florida car shipping has never been easier. At Unlimited Auto Trans, we offer dependable, fully insured transport tailored to your timeline and budget. Since 2010, we’ve safely delivered thousands of vehicles between Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Miami, Orlando, and beyond. From open and enclosed carriers to expedited delivery, our experienced drivers navigate the fastest and safest routes – like I-75 and I-80 – so your car arrives on time, every time.
Get a free quote today and experience stress-free shipping with our trusted auto transport team.

Car Shipping From Iowa To Florida
Whether you’re moving from Des Moines to Miami or need to ship a vehicle from Cedar Rapids to Orlando, our Iowa to Florida car shipping services are tailored for reliability, flexibility, and peace of mind. We offer multiple transport options to match your vehicle type, timeframe, and budget:
- Open Auto Transport – Our most affordable and widely used method, perfect for everyday vehicles.
- Enclosed Auto Transport – Ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles needing extra protection.
- Expedited Car Shipping – Accelerated delivery for urgent relocations or time-sensitive moves.
Why Ship with Unlimited Auto Trans from IA to FL?
- Thousands of successful deliveries between The Hawkeye State and The Sunshine State since 2010
- We operate daily along key routes like I-80, I-75, and I-74, reducing delays and maximizing efficiency
- Trusted by families, students, snowbirds, dealerships, and military members
- Local pickup and drop-off available in zip codes from 50301 (Des Moines) to 33101 (Miami)
How It Works – Simple 3-Step Process
1. Get a Quote
Use our simple form or speak with a specialist to get a personalized rate
2. Schedule Your Pickup
We’ll arrange a licensed and insured carrier near your location
3. Track & Receive
Monitor progress and take delivery anywhere in Florida

Popular Iowa to Florida Routes, Costs and Transit Time
Our most requested Iowa to Florida car shipping routes span over 1,000 miles, with transit times ranging from 4 to 7 days. Whether it’s Des Moines to Tampa or Davenport to Fort Lauderdale, our carriers follow major corridors like I-80, I-75, and I-24 to ensure smooth delivery across both metro and rural locations.
Real Shipping Examples
Common Shipping Routes from Iowa to Florida
- Des Moines → Miami: High-volume route for seasonal moves and snowbird relocations
- Cedar Rapids → Orlando: Frequently used by families and retirees
- Davenport → Tampa: A common corridor for college students and job relocations
- Iowa City → Fort Lauderdale: Popular with professionals and medical transfers
- Sioux City → Jacksonville: Often used by military personnel and dealership customers
Route-Specific Challenges
- Urban Congestion: Florida cities like Miami and Tampa may require precise coordination due to gated communities or tight access points
- Rural Deliveries: Remote areas in northern Iowa may add 1–2 days for carrier positioning
- Peak Season Demand: Late fall and early spring see higher demand due to seasonal relocations
Highways Used
- I-80, I-74, I-57, I-24, I-75: Major corridor from IA to FL
- I-10, I-95: Florida in-state connections for final delivery
Why choose Unlimited Auto Trans?
What Sets Us Apart
Flat Rate Pricing
No hidden fees, fuel surcharges, or surprise costs.
Dedicated Shipping Coordinators
A single point of contact from booking to delivery.
Nationwide Carrier Network
Trusted service in all 48 states, including every corner of The Hawkeye State and The Sunshine State
Fully Insured Transport
Every vehicle is protected by carrier insurance.
Flexible Pickup Options
We handle locations from Sioux City to Fort Lauderdale
Flat Rate Pricing
No hidden fees, fuel surcharges, or surprise costs.
Dedicated Shipping Coordinator
A single point of contact from booking to delivery.
Fully Insured Transport
Every vehicle is protected by carrier insurance.
Flexible Pickup Options
We handle locations from Sioux City to Fort Lauderdale
Nationwide Carrier Network
Trusted service in all 48 states, including every corner of The Hawkeye State and The Sunshine State
Types of Vehicles We Ship from Iowa to Florida
From personal cars to rare classics, we handle a variety of vehicle types:
- Sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes
- SUVs and minivans
- Pickup trucks, lifted vehicles, and duallys
- Classic, antique, and collector cars
- Electric vehicles like Tesla, Rivian, and hybrids – with special battery safety measures
Our Clients in Iowa and Florida
We proudly serve:
- Retirees relocating from Davenport to Cape Coral
- College students moving to Florida State, UCF, or University of Florida
- Military families transferring from Camp Dodge to bases near Jacksonville
- Dealerships and private buyers arranging cross-state vehicle purchases
Popular Auto Events & Trends
- Florida Car Shows: Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction, Miami International Auto Show
- Iowa Fairs: Iowa State Fair classic car exhibitions
- Seasonal trend: Snowbirds migrating south for the winter months
Top 5 Reasons People Ship Cars from Iowa to Florida
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Get an Instant Iowa to Florida Car Shipping Quote
Planning Iowa to Florida car shipping? Our rates typically range from $1,000 to $1,500, depending on your vehicle type, preferred shipping method, distance, and season. With Unlimited Auto Trans, you get clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees – just reliable service from The Hawkeye State to The Sunshine State.
Estimated Price & Time Frame
- Cost Range: $1,000 – $1,500
- Transit Time: 4–7 business days
Pricing may vary based on mileage, vehicle condition, open or enclosed trailer, and time of year.
Whether you’re moving a sedan from Des Moines (50310) to Orlando (32801) or an SUV from Cedar Rapids (52402) to Fort Lauderdale (33301), we match you with top-rated, fully insured carriers to ensure a safe and timely delivery.
Factors Affecting Price
Vehicle Type
Larger vehicles like pickup trucks, SUVs, or non-running cars may require extra space or equipment, increasing cost.
Transport Method
- Open Auto Transport: Cost-effective, suitable for most vehicles
- Enclosed Auto Transport: Extra protection for luxury or classic cars
Pickup & Delivery ZIP Codes
Shipping from metro areas like Iowa City (52240) or Miami (33101) is generally more affordable than rural-to-rural routes.
Seasonal Demand
Winter and early spring (snowbird season) see higher demand. Booking in advance helps secure better rates and availability.
Expert Seasonal Tips for Auto Transport from Iowa to Florida
Best Times of Year to Ship
- Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) offer ideal shipping conditions – moderate weather, steady carrier availability, and lower seasonal rates.
- Summer (June–August) is peak moving season in both Iowa and Florida. Demand surges due to family relocations, college moves, and tourism, especially in areas like West Des Moines and Orlando. Expect slightly higher prices and tighter scheduling.
- Winter (December–February) can bring snow and ice to Iowa regions like Waterloo or Dubuque, potentially causing loading delays. However, Florida’s mild winter weather keeps southern deliveries smooth, especially in Miami, Tampa, and Fort Myers.
Events That May Impact Your Schedule
- University Move-Ins (July–September): Campuses like the University of Iowa and University of Florida see major traffic.
- Florida Snowbird Season (October–March): Retirees relocating for the winter boost demand in Cape Coral, Port St. Lucie, and Jacksonville.
What Slows Things Down?
- Midwest snowstorms (especially near Sioux City and Ames)
- Major Florida traffic corridors during tourist season (I-95, I-75)
- Rural Iowa pickup locations requiring extended route planning
- Limited carrier availability in winter and mid-summer
Tips for Avoiding Delays and Peak Rates
- Book Early – 2–3 weeks ahead helps lock in pricing and dates
- Stay Flexible – A window of 2–4 days increases availability
- Use City Hubs – Meet carriers in cities like Des Moines or Tampa for better timing and pricing
Car Shipping Laws & Regulations in Iowa and Florida
Vehicle Registration & Title Requirements
Iowa:
Before shipping out of The Hawkeye State, ensure your vehicle registration is valid and the title is clear of liens. If you’re selling the vehicle to someone in Florida, the title must be legally transferred before pickup. Iowa does not require a state inspection for outgoing shipments, but federal guidelines must still be met.
Florida:
If you’re relocating and plan to register your car in The Sunshine State, Florida law requires you to complete registration within 10 days of establishing residency or enrolling children in school. To register a vehicle in Florida, you’ll need:
- A valid out-of-state title
- Proof of Florida insurance (no-fault policy)
- A Florida driver’s license or state ID
- Completed VIN verification form (for out-of-state vehicles)
- Payment for applicable taxes and fees
Emission Standards
Iowa: No state-mandated emissions testing for private vehicles. However, your vehicle must still meet EPA federal emission standards.
Florida: Emissions testing is no longer required, but all vehicles must remain roadworthy and free from hazardous exhaust issues to be legally operated.
Transport Regulations
All vehicles shipped by Unlimited Auto Trans are fully insured and transported by USDOT-licensed and FMCSA-compliant carriers. You do not need to purchase additional insurance – coverage is included in your quote.
Urban Access Limits:
In cities like Des Moines or Miami, HOA restrictions or tight downtown roads may limit carrier access. Our team will coordinate a safe nearby pickup or drop-off location if needed.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Iowa Car Shipping
Vehicle Shipping Checklist
- Clean Your Car (Inside & Out)
- Remove Personal Items
- Check for Leaks or Mechanical Issues
- Disable Alarms
- Check Tire Pressure & Battery
- Document the Condition
- Keep Fuel Tank 1/4 Full
State-Specific Notes
Iowa:
No special inspection is required before shipping your vehicle out of Iowa. However, confirm your registration is current if you intend to return or operate your vehicle locally after transport.
Florida:
If your car will be registered in Florida upon delivery, prepare the following:
- Properly signed Iowa title
- Florida auto insurance proof
- Valid Florida address and driver’s license
- Payment for local taxes and fees
- VIN verification form if requested by the DMV
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Iowa to Florida Auto Transport
How much does it cost to ship a car from Iowa to Florida?
The average cost to ship a car from Iowa to Florida ranges between $1,000 and $1,500. Pricing depends on your vehicle type, shipping method (open vs. enclosed), exact pickup/drop-off ZIP codes, and time of year. Longer distances or oversized vehicles may increase the total cost.
Can you ship your car to Florida?
Yes. We provide door-to-door Iowa to Florida car shipping for all types of vehicles. Whether you’re relocating, buying/selling a car, or heading south for the winter, we’ll arrange a safe and timely delivery anywhere in Florida, including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car?
Open auto transport is the most affordable method. It’s commonly used for standard cars and offers reliable service at a lower price point than enclosed transport. Booking early and being flexible with dates can also help lower your cost.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Florida to Illinois?
Shipping a car from Florida to Illinois typically costs between $950 and $1,400. Factors include vehicle size, route specifics, transport type, and seasonal demand. Get an exact rate using our instant quote form.
At Unlimited Auto Trans, we provide safe and on-time car transport at competitive prices. Ship your car stress-free, knowing we’re licensed, bonded, and insured.
From passenger cars to SUVs, motorcycles, and even luxury cars, we can ship nationwide.
Use our calculator for a free instant quote today.
Book online or call us toll-free at
(888) 278-9855.
