Florida voters have sent a clear message to Canadian snowbirds: your days of enjoying lower property taxes may be over. A state constitutional amendment passed with 62% support will shift the tax burden from Florida residents to non-residents, particularly Canadians who own second homes in the state. The measure increases the homestead exemption for residents from US$50,000 to US$150,000 next year, and then to US$250,000 in 2028, while non-residents will lose key tax exemptions.
The change comes as Canadians already face rising costs in Florida, including higher home insurance, condominium fees, and house prices, compounded by a weak Canadian dollar. Tourism from Canada has dropped nearly 14% in the first half of this year, with Visit Florida reporting just 1.7 million Canadian visitors compared to nearly two million in the same period last year. Outgoing governor Ron DeSantis and governor-elect Byron Donalds have both supported the measure, which takes effect on January 1, 2027.
There is a small silver lining for non-residents: annual tax increases on their properties will now be capped at 5%, down from 10%. However, those hoping to become Florida residents to qualify for the larger homestead exemption must act quickly, as a five-year residency requirement applies to anyone not a resident by December 31 of this year.
The amendment is the latest challenge for Canadian snowbirds, who have already seen reduced flights and fewer Canadian-licensed cars on Florida roads due to political tensions and economic factors. While the tax change may not be the biggest hurdle, it underscores the shifting dynamics for Canadians in the Sunshine State.