In the ongoing strained relationship between Canada and the U.S., some snowbirds are grappling with a dilemma this January: head south to warmer weather or abstain from a country that has shifted from ally to adversary.
For many Canadians who collectively own an estimated $60 billion worth of property in Florida, this decision is particularly challenging. Donna Lockhart, a snowbird from Ennismore, Ont., opted to sell her condo near Punta Gorda, Fla., due to the escalating anti-Canadian sentiment, including disparaging comments from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Lockhart expressed discomfort with the direction the U.S. is heading, stating, “If they don’t want us there, we don’t need to be there.” However, she encountered difficulties in selling her home as the Canadian exodus has led to a surplus of properties in certain parts of Florida, notably southwest Florida.
The real estate market in southwest Florida is facing challenges, including the aftermath of hurricanes, rising insurance costs, and a surplus of homes for sale. Analysts note a decrease in Canadian buyers in the state, contributing to declining prices and increased time on the market.
Realtor.com data indicates a decline in Canadian interest in U.S. properties, with southwest Florida areas among the most sought after by Canadians and projected to experience significant price drops in 2026. This trend aligns with a survey by Royal LePage, where a majority of Canadian property owners in the U.S. cited concerns over the current U.S. administration as the primary reason for considering selling their properties.
Despite the economic impact of the Canadian exodus on Florida, efforts are being made to encourage Canadians to stay or return to the state. Some individuals, like Democratic congressional candidate Allen Spence, are advocating against anti-Canadian sentiments expressed by certain politicians and highlighting the contributions of Canadian visitors to the local economy.
Lockhart, despite facing challenges, has decided to wait until early 2027 to list her property in the hopes of a market rebound. She plans to spend this winter in Florida but has noted a shift in attitudes towards Canadians, making her feel less at ease in a place she once considered a second home.