For years, Florida has been a top destination for Canadian snowbirds looking to escape the harsh winters. But as political tensions rise and economic concerns grow, more Canadians are saying goodbye to the Sunshine State.

Canadians Opting to Stay Home

Dorothy Chabot and her husband, longtime winter residents of Florida from London, Ontario, are among those choosing to forgo their annual trip south. After 15 years of wintering in Port Charlotte and later renting in a 55-plus community near Orlando, the couple decided not to renew their lease.

"We decided that at the end of February, we were not going to sign our lease again. We were going to give it up, and we were going to stay in Canada and be very supportive of our country," Chabot told CBC News.

She is not alone. Many Canadian snowbirds have cited concerns over recent U.S. policies, including the return of tariff disputes and political rhetoric that has fueled economic uncertainty.

A Seller’s Market for Canadian-Owned Homes in Florida

Real estate trends in Florida further reflect this shift. Fort Lauderdale Realtor Alexandra DuPont, who specializes in working with Canadian clients, has seen an unprecedented increase in listings.

"I've never had this many listings in my life," said DuPont, a Canadian expat herself. Normally, she would have 10 to 15 properties on the market at this time of year. Now, she has 36. "Buyers? I think I have one" from Canada, she added.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Canadians were the top foreign buyers of U.S. homes between April 2023 and March 2024, accounting for 13% of international purchases. Nearly half of those sales were in Florida. However, many of those same buyers are now reversing course, selling off their properties due to the weakening Canadian dollar, rising insurance costs, and political uncertainty.

"Some clients were already thinking of selling," DuPont noted. "But Trump's return and the renewed trade tensions pushed them over the edge."

The Economic Impact of Fewer Canadian Travelers

This trend could have serious consequences for Florida’s economy. The U.S. Travel Association estimates that a 10% decline in Canadian visits could result in $2.1 billion in lost spending and around 14,000 job losses.

The decline in Canadian tourism is already being felt across Florida. Stacy Ritter, CEO of Visit Lauderdale, said the region's tourism board has been struggling with the downturn. "This has been a conversation that has consumed us for the past three months. What are we going to do? How are we going to market ourselves?" Ritter said.

New Travel Restrictions Further Complicate the Issue

Adding to Canadian snowbirds’ concerns, the U.S. government is set to introduce new travel regulations requiring all foreign nationals staying in the country for more than 30 days to apply for registration and fingerprinting. While Canadians are exempt from fingerprinting, the regulation represents a significant shift in U.S. travel policy, sparking further hesitation among long-term visitors.

The Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) recently issued a notice to its members, advising vigilance about the new rule. "Failure to comply could result in civil or criminal penalties," CARP warned.

What’s Next for Canadian Snowbirds?

As the landscape for Canadian snowbirds shifts, many are exploring alternative destinations. Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and other warm-weather locales are seeing increased interest from Canadians looking for a winter escape without the political and financial headaches.

At Snowbirds Realty, we recognize this evolving trend and are committed to helping Canadian travelers find new, welcoming destinations for their winter retreats. Whether you’re looking to explore new markets or sell your U.S. property, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Stay connected for more insights on how global travel trends are shaping the real estate market for Canadians abroad.