How long can a Canadian stay in Florida each year?

As a visitor, generally up to six months in a rolling twelve-month period, and staying longer has both immigration and tax consequences. Owning property does not extend that. Anyone planning to spend more time than a snowbird should get advice on both U.S. immigration status and Canadian tax residency.

Should a Canadian buy Florida property in a corporation?

Sometimes, but not by default. Corporations, trusts and personal ownership each have different U.S. estate-tax and income-tax results for Canadians, and the wrong choice is expensive to unwind. Decide it with a cross-border CPA before you buy.

Is Canada an E-2 treaty country?

Yes. Canadian citizens can apply for the E-2 treaty investor visa by making a substantial investment in a real, operating U.S. business they will direct. Whether a specific person and business qualify is for immigration counsel to determine.

Canadian Buyers

Canadians buying property in Florida

Canadians are the largest group of foreign buyers in Florida, and most of the mistakes they make are the same ones: buying in the wrong name, not planning for the tax on the way out, and assuming a Canadian bank will finance a Florida home. Nova Horizons is run from West Palm Beach by people who made the move from Quebec themselves.

Second home, rental, or relocation

A winter home in Palm Beach or Broward, an income condo that pays for itself, or a full move for the family are three different plans with three different structures. The first question we ask is which one you actually want, because it changes how you should buy.

Cross-border tax: the part to plan first

Canadian residents who own U.S. property face U.S. estate tax exposure, FIRPTA withholding on sale, and reporting on both sides of the border. Rental income has U.S. filing obligations. None of this is a reason not to buy; all of it is a reason to have a cross-border CPA in the room before the contract, not after. Nova Horizons introduces one.

Financing for Canadian buyers

Canadian banks generally do not lend on Florida property. U.S. lenders offer foreign-national mortgages to Canadians with a larger down payment and home-country documentation, and some Canadian banks' U.S. arms have cross-border programs. The right answer depends on the property and your profile.

Canadians who want to move: the E-2 route

Canada has held E-2 treaty investor status since 1993, which makes buying or starting a Florida business one of the more direct paths for Canadian families who want to live here, not just visit. Eligibility is decided by immigration counsel, never by us; what Nova Horizons does is help you understand the business-acquisition side before you spend money on the legal side.

Common questions

How long can a Canadian stay in Florida each year?: As a visitor, generally up to six months in a rolling twelve-month period, and staying longer has both immigration and tax consequences. Owning property does not extend that. Anyone planning to spend more time than a snowbird should get advice on both U.S. immigration status and Canadian tax residency.
Should a Canadian buy Florida property in a corporation?: Sometimes, but not by default. Corporations, trusts and personal ownership each have different U.S. estate-tax and income-tax results for Canadians, and the wrong choice is expensive to unwind. Decide it with a cross-border CPA before you buy.
Is Canada an E-2 treaty country?: Yes. Canadian citizens can apply for the E-2 treaty investor visa by making a substantial investment in a real, operating U.S. business they will direct. Whether a specific person and business qualify is for immigration counsel to determine.

Talk to Nova Horizons

One point of contact in West Palm Beach. No advisory fee for the first conversation. Contact us or call (728) 233-8111.

General information only — not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Nothing here states or implies eligibility for any visa.