Moving from California to Florida (2024 Guide)
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People are moving from California to Florida for a range of reasons, like warm weather, beautiful beaches, and a lower cost of living. If you’re considering a cross-country trek from the Pacific coast to South Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, or any point in between, use our guide to compare the top moving companies in California and Florida to get an idea of relocation costs and which services you’ll need. International Van Lines (IVL) is our top choice due to their competitive rates and variety of services.
We’ve dedicated thousands of hours to researching the most highly-rated moving providers serving California and Florida based on their customer experience, costs, and services, with pointers for moving from coast to coast.
7 Best California to Florida Movers
Compare the Top California to Florida Movers
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Our Pick
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| #1 out of 10 companies | #2 out of 10 companies | #3 out of 10 companies | #4 out of 10 companies | #5 out of 10 companies | #6 out of 10 companies | |
| A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ | |
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FMCSA Licensing |
Carrier | Carrier | Carrier | Carrier/Broker | Carrier/Broker | Carrier/Broker |
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Average Price* |
$5,250 | $5,625 | $7,171 | $5,370 | $5,969 | $2,547 |
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Deposit Required |
Up to 25% | Up to 50% | $250 | None | None | Varies |
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Summary |
We recommend International Van Lines (IVL) if you want the most moving service options possible. The company boasts one of the most extensive moving service catalogs at highly competitive rates. |
We recommend American Van Lines if you’re moving high-end items or antiques because it focuses on training its staff to move difficult and valuable items. |
We recommend JK Moving Services for its ability to offer financing options through its partnership with Enhancify and its high-end, white-glove packing services. |
We recommend Allied if you want to ship a vehicle due to the company’s in-house vehicle relocation services. |
We recommend North American Van Lines (NAVL) as the best long-distance mover overall because of its customizable insurance packages, highly rated customer service, and extensive service options. |
We recommend 1-800-PACK-RAT for partial-service moves because of its simple and affordable storage and transportation solutions. |
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Rating Categories |
International Van Lines | American Van Lines | JK Moving Services | Allied Van Lines | North American Van Lines | 1-800-PACK-RAT |
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Customer Service |
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Scheduling |
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Estimate Info | Visit Site |
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| A+ | $2,500–$4,300 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| A+ | $3,200–$3,500 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| B- | $6,300–$7,500 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| B | $2,800–$4,000 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| B | $2,968–$5,668 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| A+ | $7,550 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| A+ | $4,700–$5,350 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| A+ | $4,730–$5,380 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| A+ | $5,169–$7,003 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| A+ | Contact for Pricing | GET ESTIMATE |
Benefits of Moving from California to Florida
Here are three of the top reasons to move from California to Florida:
1. Lower Cost of Living
California remains one of the most expensive states in the country, so moving to Florida can represent some major savings on housing, property taxes, and everyday expenses like groceries. The cost of living in Florida is slightly higher than some of its surrounding southern states, but on average it is still about 60% more affordable, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The median home price in Orlando is just under $295,000, for example, while the average cost of a home in Los Angeles is approximately $883,000.
2. Attractive Beaches
If you’re familiar with the West Coast, then you’ll feel at home along Florida’s 663 miles of white-sand beaches. While California’s coastline is certainly appealing, Florida boasts some of the top-ranked beaches in the country, including Destin, St. Petersburg, Naples, and Pensacola Beach.
3. Theme Parks and Attractions
There is plenty to do throughout Florida. The state is home to one of the world’s most-loved destinations—Disney World. Nearby Disney are two other major attractions for thrill-seekers and marine-life enthusiasts of all ages, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. And Florida boasts some of the best nightlife around in major cities like Miami and Palm Beach.
Top Companies for Moving from California to Florida
Your move to Florida will begin with an assessment of your belongings and your budget. Balancing moving services with expenses will help you determine a realistic idea of what kind of moving experience—full-service, partial-service, or DIY—best suits you. Based on our research, these are the top moving services for relocating from California to Florida.
Our Top Picks For California to Florida Movers
International Van Lines
Best Service Offerings
American Van Lines
Best Overall Moving Labor
JK Moving Services
Best Specialized Packing
Allied Van Lines
Best for Vehicle Relocation
North American Van Lines
Best for Claims
1-800-PACK-RAT
Best Self-Service Mover
PODS
Convenience
Our Conclusion
International Van Lines is the best California to Florida mover, based on our extensive research and comparison of the nation’s top moving companies. It’s best to get quotes from at least three moving companies based on the size of your home, distance of your move and time of year you are moving to get a better idea of pricing.
Keep in mind that most moving companies will conduct an in-person or virtual home assessment before providing a detailed estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Florida from California?
From Fresno, CA to Tampa, FL, it’s about 2300 miles. It would take approximately 40 hours to drive this distance.
What is the average cost of a long-distance move from California to Florida?
According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), which represents the moving and storage industry, it costs approximately $4,300, on average, to relocate a two- to three-bedroom home 1,000 miles or more. That figure is based on a total shipping weight of 7,400 pounds of furniture and household items.
What factors affect the cost of moving from California to Florida?
Major factors that affect the cost of moving from California to Florida include:
- The exact distance of your relocation
- Amount of items you need to transport
- Type of belongings being moved
For example, moving costs for homes with more than three bedrooms are likely to be higher than moves for homes with difficult items like hot tubs and spas, pianos, and pool tables.c
When Is the cheapest time to move from California to Florida?
Data also shows that it can be cheaper to move during the week, as opposed to weekends, and moving in the middle of the month could save you some money. The most expensive time of year to move is mid-summer because of its popularity.
What should I do with my pets on moving day?
It may be worth the money to invest in a sturdy, high-quality pet carrier that will be comfortable – and comforting – to your four-legged family member. Talk to your veterinarian if your pet has any anxiety issues. If relevant, research and book pet-friendly hotels in advance. On the day of the move, keep your cat or dog quietly and comfortably out of the way, perhaps in a guest bathroom.
Should I tip my movers?
Tipping is customary, though not required. The general rule of thumb for tipping movers is $5 per person per hour. That’s approximately $40 for each mover per 8-hour day. On long-distance moves, the driver should also be compensated for time on the road, should you choose to tip.
Most Popular Cities in Florida
Miami, Orland, and Tampa are among the most popular cities in Florida, with thriving industrial, residential, and entertainment opportunities. You can learn more about each of these cities below:
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
