But in 2025, a growing number of snowbirds are selling their Sunshine State homes, citing soaring insurance premiums, rising fees, and a plunging Canadian dollar.
“It Just Didn’t Make Sense Anymore”
Ontario retiree Cesidia Cedrone and her husband recently sold their Florida condo after years of wintering in the U.S.
“The Canadian dollar is not at par with the U.S. dollar. Insurance, condo fees, everything kept going up. It just didn’t make sense anymore to live in the U.S.,” Cedrone told CBC News.
Her annual property insurance skyrocketed to $16,000 — more than five times what she once paid. With the loonie hovering near $0.69 USD, Florida ownership became financially impossible.
The Perfect Storm for Canadian Sellers
Snowbirds are facing a trifecta of challenges:
- Weak Canadian dollar: Cutting purchasing power by nearly 30%.
- Soaring insurance premiums: Driven by hurricanes, flooding, and litigation.
- Rising fees & taxes: Condo fees, maintenance, and property taxes are all climbing.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Canadians made up 25% of foreign buyers in Florida between April 2023 and March 2024 — but realtors now report more Canadians listing their homes, pushing inventory higher and extending selling times.
Weather, Politics, and Uncertainty
Financial pressures aren’t the only concern:
- Hurricanes are pushing insurers out of the market, leaving homeowners scrambling for coverage.
- Political tensions under Donald Trump’s return to the White House have stirred unease, with fears of new tariffs or policies affecting Canadians.
These factors are making some wonder whether this is the start of a long-term exodus of Canadian snowbirds.
Will Snowbirds Abandon Florida for Good?
While some retirees are selling, experts believe many Canadians will adapt rather than leave altogether.
- In the early 2000s, the loonie fell to $0.62 USD, but snowbirds still flocked south.
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Ontario Blue Cross notes retirees are adjusting by:
- Taking shorter trips (3-4 months instead of 5).
- Exploring cheaper destinations like Mexico or Central America.
- Cutting back on dining, golf, and entertainment.
- Renting out Florida properties part-time to offset costs.
“The snowbird market is less sensitive to currency swings than leisure travel,” said Garry McDonald, president of the Canadian Snowbird Association. “We expect most Canadians will continue their annual trips south.”
What This Means for Buyers and Investors
For U.S. and international buyers, the increase in Canadian-owned properties hitting the market could mean new opportunities to buy Florida real estate at more favorable prices.
Older condos and seasonal homes are being listed more often — giving buyers leverage in negotiations.
How Lendworth USA Helps Canadian Snowbirds Stay in the Market
At Lendworth USA, we help Canadians and international buyers manage the financial challenges of Florida ownership:
- Foreign national mortgages — no U.S. credit history required.
- Equity-based lending to cover rising insurance or HOA fees.
- Flexible refinancing options to free up cash flow.
- Investment property loans to turn seasonal homes into income-generating rentals.
📞 Contact Lendworth USA today to explore mortgage solutions tailored for Canadians. Whether you’re looking to keep your Florida home, refinance to ease costs, or invest in new opportunities, we make U.S. real estate ownership accessible — even in challenging times.