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Car Shipping from Long Island, NY to Boca Raton, FL
Secure, Door-to-Door Transport from New York to South Florida
• No Credit Card Required • $0 Upfront Deposit
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Distance
1,280 Miles
Transit Time
3–5 Days
Starting Price
$895
Route Popularity
High
Shipping Your Car from Long Island, NY to Boca Raton, FL
Every year, thousands of Long Islanders pack up and head south. Many take car shipping from Long Island to Boca Raton off their plate entirely. We handle the drive. You handle the flight. Our trucks leave Long Island weekly. They roll straight down I-95 South through New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia. Then they arrive in Boca Raton, right in Palm Beach County. This route is one of our busiest corridors. We know every weigh station, every low-clearance bridge, and every HOA gate from Garden City to Yamato Road. Part of our extensive New York Auto Transport network, this run is built for snowbirds, retirees, and relocating families who want their car waiting for them when they land at Fort Lauderdale or Palm Beach International.
Why People Move from Long Island to Boca Raton
Long Island is a great place to grow up. But after 30 winters of scraping ice off your windshield in Levittown or Syosset, Florida calls your name. Boca Raton offers no state income tax, warm weather year-round, and a strong Jewish and Italian community that feels familiar to many Long Islanders. The cost of living gap is real. You can sell a 3-bedroom ranch in Massapequa and buy a bigger home in a Boca golf community for half the price.
The Snowbird
Nassau and Suffolk County retirees who spend October through April in Boca and return to Long Island for the summer. They ship their car south in November and back north in April.
The Permanent Relocator
Families and empty-nesters making a full move from towns like Hicksville, Commack, or Garden City to Boca Raton communities like Broken Sound or Boca West.
The Job Relocator
Finance and tech professionals moving for Palm Beach County's growing financial services and healthcare sectors. Boca is home to large campuses from companies like ADT and G4S.
The College Parent
Families shipping a car to a student at Lynn University, Florida Atlantic University (FAU), or Palm Beach Atlantic. One-way shipments are very common for this group.
The Drive: What Your Car Experiences on the Road
Your car travels 1,280 miles on this run. Our driver uses I-495 (the Long Island Expressway) to exit Long Island. Then the route crosses into Queens, picks up I-278 across Staten Island, and merges onto I-95 South in New Jersey. From there, it is a straight shot south. The route passes through the I-95 corridor in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and the Carolinas before entering Florida at Jacksonville. The final leg runs south on I-95 through Fort Lauderdale and into Boca Raton.
1
Leaving Long Island
Our driver uses the Long Island Expressway (I-495) heading west. The goal is to exit Long Island before 6 AM or after 10 AM. The LIE between Exit 40 and the Queens-Midtown Tunnel is a daily parking lot during rush hour. We avoid the Midtown Tunnel and use the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge instead. That routes us through Brooklyn and onto the Staten Island Expressway (I-278). This avoids Manhattan entirely. Big trucks are restricted from many Manhattan routes anyway. This is the smartest exit out of the metro area.
2
The Mid-Atlantic Stretch (NJ to Virginia)
After crossing the George Washington Bridge approach via the Staten Island Expressway, the truck merges onto the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95 South). This stretch through NJ, Delaware, and Maryland is fast but heavy with truck traffic. The Delaware Memorial Bridge is a key crossing point. Drivers often stop in the Richmond, Virginia area for a required rest break under federal HOS (Hours of Service) rules.
3
The Carolina Run
I-95 through North and South Carolina is smooth and fast. It is the longest uninterrupted stretch of the trip. Drivers typically pass through Florence, SC and Walterboro, SC. These are common fuel and rest stops for our fleet.
4
Entering Florida at Jacksonville
The Florida state line hits near Kingsland, GA and Yulee, FL. I-95 South continues past Jacksonville. From Jacksonville, it is roughly 3.5 hours to Boca Raton. The truck passes Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, and Fort Pierce before hitting Palm Beach County.
5
Arrival in Boca Raton
We enter Boca via I-95 South, exiting at Yamato Road (Exit 48), Glades Road (Exit 45), or Palmetto Park Road depending on your delivery address. Boca Raton's residential streets in west Boca are wide and new. Most neighborhoods handle our trucks fine. Gated communities require a gate code for the driver. See the Local Logistics section below for HOA-specific tips.
Weather & Seasonality: When to Ship
This route runs from the Northeast all the way to South Florida. That means your car passes through four distinct climate zones. Winter storms in Virginia and the Carolinas can slow things down. Florida's summer hurricane season adds unpredictability from June through November. Demand on this route spikes twice a year: November (snowbirds heading south) and April (snowbirds heading back north). Book early during these windows or you will pay more and wait longer.
Winter (Nov–Feb)
Peak demand southbound. Snowbirds flood this route in November and December. Prices jump 15–25% during this window. Ice and snow on I-95 in Virginia and the Carolinas can add 1–2 days to transit. Book 2–3 weeks ahead to lock in your rate.
Spring (Mar–May)
Peak demand northbound in March and April. Snowbirds return to Long Island. Southbound shipping is cheaper and faster during this window. This is the best time of year to ship a car south if you're making a permanent move.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
College students and families relocating make this a busy season. Florida hurricane season begins June 1st. Tropical storms near the I-95 corridor in Florida can cause short delays near Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton. Transit times are generally 3–4 days during summer.
Fall (Sep–Oct)
Quieter season. This is the sweet spot. Demand is low, prices are at their best, and transit times are fast. If you have flexibility, ship in September or October.
Understanding Your Quote: Long Island to Boca Raton
No two quotes are the same. Your price depends on the season, your exact pickup zip code on Long Island, your delivery address in Boca Raton, the size of your vehicle, and current fuel prices. A pickup in Nassau County (Garden City, Mineola) costs slightly less than a pickup in eastern Suffolk (Riverhead, Southampton) because trucks are already running western Long Island daily. Enclosed transport adds 40–55% to the base rate but protects your car from road debris and weather the entire 1,280 miles.
| Vehicle Type | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Sedan (e.g., Toyota Camry, Honda Accord) | $850–$950 | $1,250–$1,400 |
| Small SUV (e.g., Honda CR-V, Ford Escape) | $900–$1,000 | $1,300–$1,500 |
| Full-Size SUV (e.g., Chevy Suburban, Ford Expedition) | $1,000–$1,150 | $1,500–$1,700 |
| Standard Pickup Truck (e.g., Ford F-150, Ram 1500) | $950–$1,050 | $1,400–$1,600 |
| Luxury / Exotic Car (e.g., BMW 7-Series, Corvette) | Not Recommended | $1,600–$2,200 |
| Minivan (e.g., Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey) | $900–$1,000 | $1,300–$1,500 |
Estimates only. Prices vary by season, fuel costs, and zip code. Get a live quote for an exact number.
⚠️ The Long Island-to-Florida Bait & Switch: How to Spot It
This route is one of the most scammed corridors in the US auto transport industry. Here is why and how to protect yourself.
The Lowball Quote Lock-In
The Snowbird Season Phantom Carrier
The Hampton Road Cash Demand
The Boca HOA Delivery Extortion
Pro Tip: Always verify your carrier's DOT and MC number at the FMCSA website (safer.fmcsa.dot.gov) before you pay a deposit. Any licensed auto transport company must have an active MC number. If a company cannot give you their MC number, hang up.
Moving to Florida? DMV & Registration Tips for Boca Raton
Shipping your car is Step 1. Registering it in Florida is Step 2. Florida has strict rules for new residents. Miss the deadlines and you face fines. The good news: Palm Beach County DMV offices serve Boca Raton directly. The closest office is at 501 S. Congress Ave in Delray Beach, just 5 miles north of Boca. Another option is the Sandalfoot Cove location on Lyons Road, right inside west Boca. Both offices are fast if you go mid-week in the morning.
Driver's License: Florida law requires you to get a Florida license within 30 days of becoming a resident.
Vehicle Registration: You must register your car in Florida within 10 days of becoming a resident or getting a job in Florida.
Insurance: Florida requires a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability. Get a Florida policy before you register.
Emissions/Smog: Florida does not require a statewide emissions test. Boca Raton has no local smog check requirement. This is a welcome relief for cars coming from New York.
Title Transfer: Bring your current NY title, your Florida insurance card, and a completed HSMV 82040 form to the Palm Beach County Tax Collector's office.
Sales Tax on Purchase: If you bought your car in New York and already paid NY sales tax, Florida gives you a credit. You only pay the difference if Florida's rate is higher.
Annual Registration Cost: Florida vehicle registration runs $100–$225 per year depending on vehicle weight. It is paid at the Tax Collector's office, not the DMV.
Pro Tip: Do NOT surrender your New York plates at the DMV before you leave Long Island. Keep them on your car during transport. Remove them only when your new Florida plates are physically in your hands. Driving on expired or removed plates — even briefly — is a moving violation in Florida.
Not Going to Boca Raton? We Ship to All of Florida
We don't just stop at Boca. Our trucks cover the entire state of Florida every week. Here are our rates for other popular Florida destinations from Long Island, NY.
| Destination City | Distance from Long Island | Est. Cost (Open) | Transit Time | Service Type | Micro-Pitch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami, FL | 1,320 Miles | $900–$1,050 | 3–5 Days | Door-to-Door (most areas) | Parking Lot Meet (Coconut Grove, South Beach, Little Havana — narrow streets) | Daily trucks running |
| Fort Lauderdale, FL | 1,290 Miles | $875–$1,000 | 3–5 Days | Door-to-Door | Port Everglades pickup |
| West Palm Beach, FL | 1,260 Miles | $870–$980 | 3–5 Days | Door-to-Door | Snowbird favorite route |
| Orlando, FL | 1,160 Miles | $830–$950 | 3–4 Days | Door-to-Door | Relocation specialists |
| Tampa, FL | 1,195 Miles | $840–$960 | 3–4 Days | Door-to-Door | Weekly departures |
| Jacksonville, FL | 1,060 Miles | $790–$900 | 2–4 Days | Door-to-Door | Fastest FL delivery |
| Naples, FL | 1,305 Miles | $880–$1,000 | 3–5 Days | Door-to-Door (most areas) | Terminal Meet (Golden Gate Estates — rural roads) | Luxury enclosure avail. |
| Sarasota, FL | 1,230 Miles | $860–$975 | 3–5 Days | Door-to-Door | Snowbird sweet spot |
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Frequently Asked Questions: Shipping to Long island
Common questions about Long island to Boca raton Car Shipping
Transit time runs 3 to 5 days once your car is on a truck. The first variable is pickup timing. We typically pick up your car within 1 to 3 business days of your first available date. The actual drive from Long Island to Boca Raton covers 1,280 miles. Federal law limits how many hours per day a truck driver can drive. That is why the trip takes 3 to 5 days instead of one straight shot. In peak snowbird season (November–December and April), add 1 extra day for traffic congestion near Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton on I-95.
Yes, with limits. Most carriers allow up to 100 pounds of personal items in the trunk only. Do not put anything in the passenger cabin, on the seats, or on the dashboard. Items in the cabin shift during loading and can damage your interior or other cars on the carrier. Your personal items are NOT covered by the carrier's cargo insurance. Ship them at your own risk. We recommend placing soft items (clothing, bedding, towels) in the trunk rather than hard items (boxes, equipment). Never pack firearms, hazardous materials, or anything of high value (cash, jewelry, laptops).
Open transport runs $850 to $1,050 for most standard vehicles. Enclosed transport runs $1,250 to $1,700. Your exact price depends on your vehicle size, your pickup ZIP code on Long Island, the current season, and current diesel fuel prices. Pickups in Nassau County and western Suffolk cost less than pickups in The Hamptons or Montauk. Prices jump 15–25% in November and December due to snowbird demand. Get a live quote for your exact numbers.
You do not need to be home, but someone must be present. The driver needs a person to sign the Bill of Lading at pickup and delivery. This document records the condition of your car. You can send a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor. They must be over 18 and able to sign. If no one is available, we offer key drop services at secure lots in some areas. Call us to discuss your specific situation.
Call your HOA before your car ships. Find out if commercial vehicles are allowed. Get the gate code or visitor entry process. Give that information to our dispatch team when you book. If the truck cannot enter, your driver will call you. We meet at a nearby commercial lot — the Home Depot on Yamato Road or the Walmart on Lyons Road are our most common Boca Raton meeting points. There is no extra charge for this. It is a standard part of how we operate in Boca Raton.
Open transport is fine for standard vehicles on this route. I-95 from Long Island to Boca Raton does not have the same severe weather risks as a Rocky Mountain route. Your car may pick up road dust or light rain splatter. That is normal. If you own a luxury car, a classic, an exotic, or a vehicle with a fresh paint job, choose enclosed. Enclosed means your car rides in a covered trailer. Zero exposure to weather, road debris, or UV rays. It costs 40–55% more but gives you total peace of mind.
Yes, if you are becoming a Florida resident. You must register your car in Florida within 10 days of establishing residency. You also need a Florida driver's license within 30 days. Get a Florida insurance policy first — you need it before you can register the vehicle. The closest Palm Beach County Tax Collector office to Boca Raton is at 501 S. Congress Ave in Delray Beach. See our full DMV checklist above for everything you need to bring.
Ready to Ship Your Car from Long Island to Boca Raton?
Get your free, no-obligation quote right now. Tell us your pickup ZIP code on Long Island and your delivery address in Boca Raton. We will send you a live, guaranteed price in minutes. Our team knows this route inside and out. We answer the phone. We give you a real number. No lowball bait-and-switch. No fake quotes. Just straight talk from a team that has been running Long Island to Florida for decades.