International Van Lines is our top choice for moving from California to Florida thanks to its competitive pricing, nationwide availability, and wide range of services. Whether you’re relocating for a lower cost of living, warmer weather, or a career opportunity, moving across the country requires careful planning.
Our guide compares the best moving companies serving California and Florida, breaks down average moving costs, and explains what to expect during a cross-country relocation. To make our recommendations, we evaluated leading interstate movers based on important features like protection options, cross-country services, and nationwide availability. We also surveyed 1,000 homeowners nationwide about their most recent move, with a focus on insights from respondents who completed long-distance interstate moves.
Key Takeaways
- International Van Lines tops our list as the best California to Florida mover because of its competitive rates and comprehensive nationwide services.
- Moving from California to Florida can lower your cost of living, thanks to more affordable housing in many Florida cities, no state income tax, and a lower overall cost of living.
- Based on our analysis of more than 2,000 moving quotes, the average cost of a move of 1,701 miles or more ranges from about $2,900 for a one-bedroom home to more than $9,200 for a four-bedroom home.
The 7 Best California to Florida Movers
Here’s our list of the top moving services to consider if you’re relocating from California to Florida:
- International Van Lines: Best for International Moves
- American Van Lines: Best for Transparent Pricing
- JK Moving Services: Best Comprehensive Moving Services
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Industry Experience
- North American Van Lines: Best for Large Moves
- 1-800-PACK-RAT: Best for Budget-Friendly Moves
- PODS: Most Flexible Moving and Storage Solutions
Compare the Top California to Florida Movers
Comparing different moving companies can help you find the best option for your move from California to Florida. Check out how our top-rated providers stack up based on our scores, Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, deposit requirements, and federal licensing classifications.
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Deposit | FMCSA Licensing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
A+ | Up to 25% | Carrier/Broker | ||
A- | 10%–50% | Carrier | ||
A+ | $250 | Carrier | ||
A+ | None | Carrier/Broker | ||
A+ | None | Carrier/Broker |
Our Reviews of Top California to Florida Movers
International Van Lines
Although it’s our pick as the best for international moves, we recommend International Van Lines for your move from California to Florida because of the company’s widespread availability and comprehensive services. Founded in 2004, International Van Lines can accommodate long-distance moves in all 50 U.S. states, making it a great option for your cross-country relocation from California to Florida. In addition to standard full-service offerings like packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking, the company offers add-on options for a customized move.
Optional add-on services with International Van Lines include vehicle shipping, short- and long-term storage, and special handling of oversized, fragile, and/or high-value items like antiques and pianos.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides basic liability protection and full-value protection for an additional fee
- Offers a 15% discount for senior citizens
- Provides sample costs for insurance and commonly moving fees to help you budget
Cons
- Requires a 25% deposit to schedule a moving date
- Works with local agents within a larger network, so procedures, policies, and customer service could vary
Cost
International Van Lines will factor the distance and size of your move and any add-on services you need into a ballpark estimate for you. The company also lists its moving fees on its website to help customers understand and anticipate potential surprise charges.
To estimate pricing with International Van Lines, we requested a quote for a sample three-bedroom move from San Diego, California, to Tallahassee, Florida. The estimated moving cost of $4,200–$6,150 includes mileage, fuel, and any toll charges.
American Van Lines
With nearly nine decades in the moving industry, American Van Lines is our choice for experienced full-service relocations. Since the company specializes in long-distance relocations, it is well-equipped to accommodate your move from California to Florida and can handle any fragile or difficult-to-move items you have.
American Van Lines prides itself on its skilled moving crews. The company claims that all crew members are employed full-time and are fully vetted through background checks before being hired. American Van Lines also requires its movers to complete annual training and certifications. As a result, the company has designated moving crews to handle the disassembly and reassembly of pianos and the packaging and transport of antiques.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Honors lower estimates from competitors
- Has climate-controlled storage facilities with 24-hour camera surveillance
- Offers an optional guaranteed delivery date at an additional cost
Cons
- Requires a 10%–50% deposit to schedule your move
- Does not give instant quotes through its website
Cost
American Van Lines provides binding estimates after conducting an in-person or virtual home assessment to compile a list of your moving inventory. The distance of your move and date of your move will also impact the final cost.
We were able to receive an estimate of $9,800 from American Van Lines for a sample three-bedroom move from San Diego, California, to Tallahassee, Florida.
JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services provides flexible full-service moves that can be customized to fit your needs. With the help of a personal moving coordinator, you can choose the add-on options that best support your move from California to Florida. The company also has a user-friendly app for making payments, tracking shipments, and receiving updates during the moving process.
All basic full-service packages with JK Moving include packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading. If you have difficult-to-package items or fragile pieces, JK Moving can provide special handling. The company also provides vehicle relocation and comprehensive coverage of your belongings.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers financing options through a partnership with Enhancify
- Has 24/7 live customer support
- Provides ongoing training for moving crews at its onsite model home
Cons
- Will not honor competitor pricing
- Has limited storage facilities (only in Maryland and Virginia)
Cost
To estimate costs with JK Moving, we requested a sample quote for a three-bedroom move from San Diego, California, to Tallahassee, Florida. The estimated amount of $9,500 included wrapping, padding, loading, and unloading, as well as furniture disassembly and full-replacement coverage.
Allied Van Lines
If you will need assistance moving vehicles from California to your new home in Florida, we recommend checking out Allied Van Lines.
In business for more than 90 years, Allied handles full-, partial-, and self-service moves of all sizes nationwide. The company has an extensive menu of optional services that can be added to your moving package to complement your cross-country move, including disconnection and reconnection of appliances, climate-controlled storage, and vehicle shipping.
Allied owns and operates open and enclosed carriers for transporting cars, SUVs, trucks, RVs, and watercraft. The company provides up to $100,000 in coverage against damage for vehicle shipments, with no deductible.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides free delivery of items in storage for fewer than 90 days
- Has mobile containers, offered through Allied Express, that include small moving crews
- Offers a fragile-only packing option
Cons
- Does not have an online live chat feature for customer service
- Requires full payment one week ahead of moving day
Cost
Allied Van Lines provides binding estimates after doing an in-person or virtual review of your moving inventory. Allied will use that inventory to estimate the size of your move based on total weight. For a three-bedroom move from San Diego, California, to Tallahassee, Florida, we received a sample quote range of $8,140–$8,900.
North American Van Lines
If you’re looking for added peace of mind during your cross-country move, we recommend considering North American Van Lines. The full-service company stands out for its streamlined claims process.
In the event that some or all of your belongings are damaged, broken, stolen, or lost during transit, you can file a claim directly through the North American Van Lines website. The website also includes helpful information about claims and contents coverage plans. North American Van Lines also has a customer service line reserved just for claims support if you need further assistance.
NAVL provides full-service moving packages that include packing and unpacking and loading and unloading. Optional add-on services include vehicle shipping, disconnection and reconnection of appliances. and short- and long-term storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers discounts to American Legion and labor union members and their immediate families
- Trains drivers for all weather and roadway conditions through a simulation tool
- Has crane vans for handling large pieces of equipment and oversized household items
Cons
- Requires a deposit of up to half of your total bill to schedule a moving date
- Has mixed customer reviews due to outsourcing some moves to third-party agents
Cost
Factors that affect the cost of your move with North American Van Lines include how far you’re going and the time of year you plan to relocate. The total weight of your belongings will also impact pricing, as will the size and layout of your home and any large or bulky items requiring special handling.
We used North American Van Lines’ online moving calculator to receive a sample quote of $7,000–$8,500 for a three-bedroom move from San Diego, California, to Tallahassee, Florida.
1-800-PACK-RAT
1-800-PACK-RAT is a great option if you are moving from California to Florida with only a small number of belongings or prefer to take a more DIY approach to your cross-country relocation.
PACK-RAT provides steel moving and storage containers, delivered to your door. Once you are finished loading your containers, the company will pick them up and transport them to your new home. Containers are weatherproof, and PACK-RAT uses a patented lift system to load them onto and off of moving trucks.
Long-distance customers can take advantage of a free no-cut lock for their container, as well as a complimentary $10,000 contents protection plan for added peace of mind.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers containers in three sizes: eight feet, 12 feet, and 16 feet
- Provides monthly container rentals, giving customers up to 30 days to load and unload
- Has an online tool for estimating the number of storage containers you will need
Cons
- Does not have an option to book deliveries online
- Will not deliver on Sundays
Cost
Using the online calculator tool from 1-800-PACK-Rat, we received a sample quote of $4,800 for a 12-foot storage container without any add-on services. This size container can handle a three-bedroom move from San Diego, California, to Tallahassee, Florida.
PODS
If you are looking for an alternative to traditional full-service moves, PODS may be worth considering. The company has three container sizes—eight, 12, and 16 feet—and will drop off your selected containers to your home for loading at your convenience. Since PODS charges for containers based on a monthly rental fee, you can move at your own pace within the 30-day timeframe.
After you have filled your container, PODS will pick it up and move it to your new home. If you don’t need your belongings right away, the company will drop them off at a conveniently located storage facility until you are ready to have them delivered.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides optional moving crews through third-party providers
- Can ship vehicles
- Has aluminum-coated containers that help prevent water leakage
Cons
- Does not give online instant quotes for long-distance moves
- Charges per month, regardless of the actual amount of time you use a container
Cost
PODS bases its quotes on a flat monthly rate, so you shouldn’t receive a prorated price if you plan to use the containers for fewer than 30 days. We contacted PODS for a sample quote for a 16-foot moving container going from Sacramento, California, to Tallahassee, Florida, and received a quote of $4,250.
How Much Does It Cost to Move From California to Florida?
Long-distance moves of 1,701 miles or more cost an average of $2,916 for a one-bedroom home and $9,228 for a four-bedroom home, based on our analysis of more than 2,000 moving quotes. Learn more about average costs for moves of different sizes across a distance of 1,701 miles or more in the table below.
| Home Size | Average Moving Cost |
|---|---|
|
1 bedroom |
$2,916 |
|
2 bedroom |
$3,351 |
|
3 bedroom |
$5,064 |
|
4+ bedrooms |
$9,228 |
Moving from California to Florida is a cross-country relocation of more than 2,500 miles, making it one of the most expensive types of household moves. Your final price will depend on your home’s size, the weight of your belongings, and any additional services you choose.
What Affects the Cost of Moving From California to Florida?
A few different factors can play a role in the cost of a cross-country move.
- Home size and shipment weight: Moving larger homes with more items typically costs more because movers charge based on the weight or volume of your belongings.
- Packing services: Professional packing and unpacking can save time but adding these services will increase your overall moving costs.
- Storage: If your move-in and move-out dates don’t align and you need to store your belongings, temporary storage can add to your total costs.
- Vehicle shipping: Shipping a car separately is often more convenient than driving it across the country, but it comes at an additional cost.
- Moving season: Summer is the busiest and most expensive time to move. Scheduling your move during the fall or winter, if possible, can help lower costs.
- Pickup and delivery access: Long carry distances, stairs, elevators, and other accessibility challenges may increase labor charges.
To keep costs down, compare quotes from at least three moving companies and ask whether each provider offers a binding estimate, which locks in your quoted price and helps protect against unexpected charges.
Homeowner Insights
Based on our nationwide survey, 85% of respondents who completed a recent long-distance move said their final bill matched their original quote, suggesting that accurate estimates are common when working with reputable movers.
What To Expect During a Cross-Country Move
Moving from California to Florida is a cross-country relocation of more than 2,500 miles. Unlike a local move, long-distance moves involve more planning, longer transit times, and additional logistics. Understanding how interstate moves work can help you set realistic expectations and avoid surprises on moving day.
- Flexible delivery windows: Your belongings may arrive over a range of dates rather than on one specific day. Ask your mover for the estimated delivery window before your shipment leaves.
- Regular shipment updates: Find out how your mover will communicate with you during transit, who your primary point of contact is, and how the company will notify you if the schedule changes.
- Protection options for your belongings: Interstate movers must offer released-value protection, but you can also purchase full-value protection for additional coverage if your items get lost or damaged during transit.
- Delivery day inspection: Inspect your belongings before signing the delivery paperwork and document any damaged or missing items as soon as possible.
Homeowner Insights
According to our moving survey, 52% of respondents who completed a recent long-distance move purchased full-value protection to better protect their belongings during transit.
Benefits of Moving from California to Florida
Many people relocate from California to Florida for a lower cost of living, warm weather, and year-round outdoor recreation. While every move comes with tradeoffs, Florida offers several advantages for those looking to stretch their budget and enjoy a different pace of life.
Housing is one of the biggest financial differences between California and Florida. While prices vary by city, many Florida housing markets are considerably more affordable than those in California. According to Zillow, the typical home value in Orlando is $375,175, compared to $949,479 in Los Angeles. For many homebuyers, the lower cost of housing can make purchasing a home or upgrading to a larger property more attainable after relocating.
Florida’s overall cost of living is generally lower than California’s. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), California ranks among the nation’s most expensive states, while Florida’s cost of living is much closer to the national average. Depending on where you live, you may also spend less on everyday expenses such as groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
Florida doesn’t levy a state income tax, unlike California. For many households, this can reduce their overall tax burden, although property taxes, insurance, and other living expenses should also be considered when evaluating the total cost of relocating.
Florida’s subtropical climate means mild winters and plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Residents can enjoy outdoor activities in every season, from boating and fishing to golfing, kayaking, and hiking in state parks. Whether you prefer the Atlantic Coast or the Gulf Coast, beaches are never far away.
Florida offers a wide variety of entertainment and cultural attractions. World-famous destinations such as Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and Busch Gardens draw millions of visitors each year, while cities like Miami, Tampa, and St. Petersburg feature professional sports, museums, festivals, and vibrant dining scenes.
Where Are the Best Places To Live in Florida?
Whether you’re looking for a growing job market, affordable housing, or easy access to the beach, Florida offers a variety of places to call home. Here are five popular destinations for people relocating from California to Florida.
Add Content Here…
Is Moving From California to Florida Worth It?
Deciding if a move is worth it depends on your specific situation, budget, and location preferences. Moving from California to Florida offers the opportunity to lower housing costs, eliminate state income tax, and enjoy a warm climate with year-round outdoor recreation. While a cross-country move requires careful planning and can take several days to complete, choosing a reputable interstate mover and understanding your costs upfront can help make the transition smoother.
FAQs About Moving from California to Florida
How long does it take to move from California to Florida?
Most cross-country moves from California to Florida take 7 to 14 days, though delivery times vary based on the distance, route, time of year, and your mover’s schedule. We recommend asking your moving company for a delivery window before your shipment leaves and how they’ll notify you of any delays.
What is the cheapest way to move from California to Florida?
Renting a moving truck is typically the least expensive option if you’re willing to handle the packing, loading, and driving yourself. Moving containers are another budget-friendly alternative, while full-service movers cost more but provide the greatest convenience. Comparing quotes from multiple companies can help you find the best value.
How much does it cost to move from California to Florida?
The cost of moving from California to Florida depends on the size of your home, the weight of your shipment, and the services you purchase. Based on our analysis of more than 2,000 moving quotes, moves of 1,701 miles or more averaged $2,916 for a one-bedroom home, $3,351 for two bedrooms, $5,064 for three bedrooms, and $9,228 for four or more bedrooms.
When is the cheapest time to move from California to Florida?
The cheapest time to move from California to Florida is typically during the fall and winter, when demand for moving services is lower. You can also save money by moving on a weekday or during the middle of the month instead of at the beginning or end of the month, when movers are busiest.
Our Rating Methodology
To fairly and thoroughly evaluate moving companies, we developed a 100-point rating system grounded in real customer feedback, regulatory data, and hands-on testing. We gathered quotes, verified licensing and safety records, analyzed thousands of customer reviews, and even conducted secret shopping to get a full picture of the customer experience. Each company was scored across six essential categories and then given a final rating out of 5 stars.
Our Rating Methodology
Here’s how we broke down our review:
- Scheduling (11%): We assessed how easy it is to request a quote, speak to a representative, and manage a move from start to finish. Companies with multiple contact options, digital tools like apps or customer portals, and streamlined booking processes stood out from the rest.
- Customer service (18%): We read more than 7,500 reviews on Google Reviews, the BBB, and Trustpilot, surveyed more than 3,000 recent customers, and tested each company’s website and support team ourselves. Companies earned higher marks for having clear communication, responsiveness, and a helpful, user-friendly online experience.
- Reputation (14%): We verified that each mover has proper licensing through the USDOT and checked FMCSA safety records, specifically truck maintenance data. We also gave extra credit to companies that publicly commit to background-checking their crews, showing they prioritize customer safety.
- Value (18%): Using real quotes for 3-bedroom moves ranging from 500–800 miles, we compared average prices across providers. We also considered whether companies offer flat-rate or binding estimates and if they have a clear and simple billing process.
- Service offerings (19%): We evaluated the range of services available, from packing and unpacking to piano moving and junk removal. Movers that offer more options, including do-it-yourself (DIY) solutions like portable storage, scored higher for flexibility and convenience.
- Item protection (20%): We reviewed each company’s insurance offerings and how well they prevent damage during the move. Higher scores went to movers that offer full-value protection and use best practices like shrink wrap, padding, and floor guards.
