For decades, Florida has been the winter refuge of choice for Canadian snowbirds. But as 2026 begins, a growing number of Canadians are rethinking their relationship with the Sunshine State. Political tensions, trade disputes, and shifting sentiment toward Canada are prompting some snowbirds to consider selling their U.S. properties, just as Florida’s housing market turns sharply against them.
According to CBC News, Canadians collectively own an estimated $60 billion worth of property in Florida, making any pullback both economically significant and personally difficult for many households.
Political Tensions Are Changing Snowbird Sentiment
Donna Lockhart, a snowbird from Ennismore, Ontario, decided this winter that it was time to sell her condo near Punta Gorda, Florida. After years of treating the property as a second home, she said growing anti-Canadian rhetoric made her feel unwelcome.
Lockhart pointed to U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed rhetoric toward Canada, trade tensions between the two countries, and remarks from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis that she found dismissive of Canadians.
“If they don’t want us there, we don’t need to be there,” she said.
Her decision reflects a broader shift among Canadian snowbirds who are questioning whether to continue spending winters in the U.S. amid strained bilateral relations.
A Bad Housing Market Is Trapping Would-Be Sellers
When Lockhart attempted to list her condo, she quickly encountered a major problem. She was not alone in trying to sell.
Southwest Florida has seen a surge of listings as Canadian owners attempt to exit the market, pushing supply far above demand. In Lockhart’s boating community along Charlotte Harbour, more than 10% of all homes are currently listed for sale, well above typical turnover rates. Similar units in her building have been sitting on the market for months.
“There aren’t that many people looking,” Lockhart said. “Supply is way above demand.”
Southwest Florida Faces Multiple Housing Headwinds
Analysts say southwest Florida is uniquely vulnerable due to a combination of factors:
- Repeated hurricanes over the past five years have damaged homes and driven insurance costs sharply higher
- Home insurance premiums have jumped roughly 40% in three years, according to state regulators
- The post-pandemic housing boom has ended, while construction remains elevated
- Demand has softened as both domestic and foreign buyers pull back
Joel Berner, a senior economist at Realtor.com, said the region is now experiencing one of the highest inventory levels seen in years.
“Prices are coming down considerably and time on the market is up,” Berner said. “What we’re seeing is more supply than we’ve seen for years.”
Canadian Buyers Are Stepping Back From Florida
Realtor.com data shows declining interest from Canadian buyers across the U.S., with lighter traffic from Canada on its platform.
Two of the most popular destinations for Canadian buyers, Cape Coral–Fort Myers and North Port–Bradenton–Sarasota, are now projected to see some of the steepest price declines in Florida in 2026.
Berner expects prices to fall:
- 10.2% in Cape Coral
- 8.9% in North Port
- 3.6% in Tampa
These declines follow an already difficult 2025 for sellers.
Immigration Shifts and Investor Pullbacks Are Hitting Condos
Royal LePage research suggests the slowdown is being amplified by fewer Canadian investors and renters. With lower immigration levels, fewer temporary workers, and fewer international students, demand for rental condos in major Florida markets has weakened.
According to Royal LePage, 54% of Canadians who own property in the U.S. are considering selling within the next year, and nearly two-thirds cited concerns about the current U.S. administration as the primary reason.
This retreat is hitting condo-heavy markets especially hard.
The Economic Fallout Is Being Felt Locally
Florida communities along the Gulf Coast rely heavily on Canadian seasonal residents. According to the Canadian consulate in Miami, Canadians pay an estimated $600 million annually in Florida property taxes, not including spending at restaurants, shops, and local businesses.
Allen Spence, a Democratic congressional candidate in Sarasota, said the Canadian pullback is already hurting local economies.
“The Canadian boycott is absolutely affecting us,” Spence said. “Now we’re seeing a larger share of the tax burden being pushed from tourists onto residents.”
Some Snowbirds Are Waiting It Out
Despite wanting to sell, Lockhart and her husband ultimately decided to delay listing their condo until early 2027, hoping the market recovers. Since carrying costs remain whether or not the unit is occupied, they plan to spend this winter in Florida while they wait.
Still, Lockhart said the experience has changed.
“Things have changed,” she said. “It makes you feel less comfortable.”
The Bottom Line
Canada’s snowbird relationship with Florida is under strain. Political tensions and trade disputes are pushing some Canadians to reconsider their winter plans, but weak housing conditions, rising insurance costs, and excess supply are making it difficult to exit.
For now, many snowbirds appear stuck between discomfort and financial reality, waiting for better conditions before making their move.
References
Tasker, J. P. (2026, January 1). Some snowbirds want out of Florida. A bad housing market makes it hard to leave. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca
Royal LePage. (2025). U.S. property ownership survey of Canadian homeowners. https://www.royallepage.ca
Realtor.com. (2025). Florida housing market outlook and price forecasts. https://www.realtor.com
Canada Housing Market 
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