Fewer Canadians in Florida: the opportunities (and drawbacks) of going against the tide in 2026

Updated October 7, 2026 · Destinations · By the Escale Floride editorial team (how we work)

In short Since 2025, with trade tensions between the two countries, many Canadians have been avoiding the United States: about 15% fewer Canadian visitors to Florida in 2025, and another 13.9% fewer in the first half of 2026. For those who go anyway, this creates opportunities: more choice of rentals, businesses looking to win back their Canadian customers and a buyer-friendly condo market. On the other hand, the Canadian dollar is weak and border formalities have become more demanding.

How many fewer Canadians?

Indicator	Figure
Canadian visitors to Florida, 2024	About 3.3 million (top country of origin for foreign visitors)
2025	About 15% fewer, or nearly 500,000 fewer Canadians
First half of 2026	1.68 million (-13.9% year over year; 2.29 million in the first half of 2019)
Canadian tourists in Palm Beach	About 370,000 a year usually, 253,000 in 2025
Direct flights Canada–Fort Lauderdale	About -7% in 2025 and -9% in the first half of 2026
Return trips from the United States, August 2026	+8.8% year over year, but still 27% below 2024 by car

A late-2025 survey of more than 4,000 snowbirds found that 15% fewer were planning to go to the United States, but that about 70% were still going. Overseas stays (Mexico, Spain, Portugal) nearly doubled.

The opportunities for those who go

1. More choice of rentals

Fewer Canadians means less competition for condos and rental apartments in high season, especially in areas traditionally popular with Quebecers (Hollywood, Hallandale, Palm Beach). Tip: for a stay of a month or more, ask for a monthly rate or a long-stay discount; several owners who used to rent to Canadians are looking to fill their dates.

2. Businesses that want their customers back

Quebec-owned businesses in Hollywood have seen their Canadian clientele melt away: a well-known motel went from 60 to 70 Canadian guests to about thirty expected for winter 2026. These businesses are often willing to make an effort for long stays or loyal customers: ask.

3. A buyer-friendly condo market

7.7 months of condo inventory statewide (5.5 = balanced market), 12.1 in Miami-Dade.
In Palm Beach, property inventory was at a 10-year high in 2025, and 321 Canadian-owned homes sold there.
Sellers get a median of 93.3% of their original asking price.

Interestingly, despite the drop in tourism, Canada has again become the top country of origin for foreign buyers in the United States (16% of purchases from April 2025 to March 2026). Some Canadians are selling, others are taking the opportunity to buy. See buying a condo in Florida.

4. Fewer crowds at popular spots

Beaches, golf courses and restaurants favoured by Canadians are a little less busy than before 2025, especially on the East Coast.

The drawbacks to weigh

Drawback	What it means	To learn more
Weak Canadian dollar	US$1 costs about C$1.42: everything costs about 42% more	Paying in US dollars
Stricter border	Registration after 30 days, US$30 I-94 by car, photos on entry and exit	The 30-day registration
Fewer direct flights	Less choice of schedules to some cities	Compare airports (FLL, MIA, PBI, MCO, TPA)
Higher US mortgage rates	7.28% on a 30-year in October 2026, versus 6.34% a year earlier	Buying a condo
Smaller Quebec community	Fewer French-language activities and services in some areas	East or West Coast

How to make the most of it wisely

Negotiate the rent for a long stay, or the price of a condo.
Sort out the border in advance: NEXUS, I-94 or Form G-325R depending on your situation.
Reduce the impact of the exchange rate: a card with no foreign transaction fees, Wise or a US account.
For a condo purchase, check the association before the price: reserves, special assessments, inspections.

Key takeaways

About 15% fewer Canadians in 2025, and the decline continues in 2026.
Opportunities: more available rentals, businesses ready to negotiate, a buyer-friendly condo market.
Drawbacks: weak dollar, stricter border, fewer direct flights.

Leave without forgetting anything

The complete checklist: more than 65 items to tick off, from 2 months before you leave until you're back. 6-page PDF, 2026 rules.

See the checklist ($9)

Sources

General information only. This site takes no political position: it presents the facts to help travellers decide. This is not financial or investment advice.