The strained relationship between Canada and the United States is having a direct and costly impact on Canadian snowbirds, with a sharp decline in demand for their Florida properties making it a difficult time to sell.
Political Climate Chills Canadian Enthusiasm
For Canadian snowbirds, the traditional escape to Florida's warmer climate is now fraught with political discomfort. Persistent rhetoric, including former U.S. President Donald Trump's references to Canada as a "51st state" and perceived hostility from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, has made an estimated $60 million worth of Canadian-owned property in the Sunshine State feel less like a welcome retreat.
This political friction is a primary driver behind a growing exodus. A Royal LePage survey found that 54% of Canadians are considering selling their U.S. homes within a year, with close to two-thirds citing concerns over the Trump administration as their top reason.
A Flooded Market with Few Buyers
The desire to sell comes at the worst possible time, according to market analysts. Joel Berner, a senior economist at Realtor.com, describes an "exceptionally high level of inventory" in southwest Florida, where many Canadians own homes.
"Prices are coming down considerably and time on the market is up," Berner told CBC News. "What we’re seeing there is more supply than we’ve seen for years." He directly links part of this trend to Canadians looking to exit the market, noting the number of Canadian buyers in Florida and the U.S. as a whole has "shrunk."
Compounding the issue are local housing troubles. Hurricane damage has driven insurance prices up, while new construction continues even as buyer interest wanes.
Steep Price Declines Forecast for 2026
The data paints a grim picture for sellers in the most popular Canadian enclaves. Realtor.com projects significant price drops in key Florida markets for 2026:
- Cape Coral-Fort Myers: Expected to drop 10.2%
- North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota: Expected to drop 8.9%
- Tampa: Expected to drop 3.6%
These areas, which are also the most sought-after by Canadians according to website data, are poised for the deepest declines in the state.
Economic Ripple Effects Hit Florida Businesses
The Canadian retreat has consequences beyond the real estate market. The Canadian consulate in Miami estimates that snowbirds contribute approximately $600 million in property taxes annually. The noticeable decrease in Canadian visitors is now hurting small businesses and restaurants in tourist-dependent towns across Florida.
This decline in visitorship contradicts claims of record-setting tourism from Governor DeSantis, with state data confirming a drop in Canadian arrivals. The combination of a hostile political environment and an unfavorable selling market is forcing many Canadian snowbirds into a difficult choice: brace the Canadian winter at home or hold onto an increasingly burdensome and unwelcoming property in the south.
