Local News Reports: Canadian Snowbirds Are Selling South Florida Homes at Record Pace Amid Financial and Political Pressures

A decades-long love affair between Canadian retirees and Century Village East may be cooling off. More Canadian snowbirds are selling their Florida properties than at any point in recent memory, citing rising costs, unfavorable exchange rates, and political uncertainty as key reasons.

“We just couldn’t afford it anymore,” said Marie Deschamps of Montreal, who owned a condo in South Florida (not in Century Village East) and recently sold her condo after 12 years. “Between the insurance, HOA fees, and the weak Canadian dollar, it became a financial strain.”

Her story echoes across the region.

According to a report by Insurance Business Canada, many Canadian homeowners in Florida are facing skyrocketing insurance premiums—some seeing their costs more than triple in the past few years. That’s due in part to increased hurricane activity and fewer insurers willing to underwrite properties in coastal areas.

"Insurance costs have become the last straw for a lot of our Canadian clients," said Catherine Spino, a South Florida real estate agent, in an interview with WPEC-TV. She added that many snowbirds are opting to sell while the market remains favorable rather than absorb additional costs during another storm season.

A March 2025 report from WPEC-TV also highlighted how currency fluctuation is playing a major role. As of last month, $1 USD is worth roughly 70 cents Canadian—meaning every U.S. dollar spent stretches the budgets of Canadians even thinner.

“What used to be a manageable $2,000 HOA fee now costs nearly $3,000 CAD,” Spino told WPEC-TV. “That kind of inflation hits hard when you’re retired and living on a fixed income.”

A piece in Investment Executive emphasized the financial squeeze even further, reporting that Canadians accounted for nearly 25% of foreign home sales in Florida between April 2023 and March 2024—up from just 11% the year prior. Much of that activity came from owners looking to cash out, not buy in.

Beyond dollars and cents, some snowbirds are citing political climate concerns as a reason for heading back north.

According to a February 2025 report from The New York Post, a growing number of Canadians are canceling trips to the U.S. in protest of increased tariffs and deteriorating Canada-U.S. trade relations. The article cited internal Canadian tourism data suggesting the boycott could cost the U.S. economy up to $2.1 billion and 14,000 jobs if trends continue.

“We love Florida,” said Roger Tremblay of Ottawa, “but the political tone and trade issues have made us think twice about long stays. It doesn’t feel as welcoming as it used to.” Tremblay spoke to The New York Post shortly after listing his condo.

Despite the sell-off, not every Canadian is abandoning Florida. According to Insurance Business Canada, Garry McDonald, president of the Canadian Snowbird Association, said many snowbirds are simply cutting back on discretionary spending or shortening their winter stays rather than giving up on the U.S. entirely.

Still, others are looking elsewhere. The WPEC-TV report notes a growing interest in Mexico and Central America, where costs are lower and the exchange rate is more favorable.

“Florida will always be a draw,” said Spino. “But if the economic pressures continue, we may be seeing the end of an era in how Canadians winter in the South.”