Moving from Canada to Florida in 2022

Florida is an attractive state for many Canadians. There are several reasons why Florida continues to attract Canadians every year. Florida has great weather, low taxes, more freedom, affordable real estate, and more, which is why every year the number of Canadians moving to Florida increases.

Before moving from Canada to Florida, you should do your research and learn as much as possible about a variety of topics. There are a variety of concerns to consider when it comes to immigration, finances, lifestyle, estate planning, and tax planning.

Visas for Canadians moving to Florida

Although there are some exceptions, most Canadians do not need a visa to enter the United States. A Canadian can stay in the United States for 6 months from the date of entry BUT any exit and re-entry resets the clock, so to speak. However, during this time, the Canadian is unable to work. If a Canadian is looking for work while in Florida, they will need to obtain a visa.

There are different visas for Canadians seeking to immigrate to Florida, but they depend on whether you want to become a permanent resident or just a temporary resident.

Permanent resident visas

If you want to enjoy Florida’s sunny weather all year round, you will need to become a permanent resident of the United States by obtaining a green card.

The two most common ways to get a green card are the following two methods:

Temporary resident visas

If you want to stay in Florida for more than 6 months but not forever, you have two options. You can either enter Canada and then return to the United States to restart the 6-month period, or obtain a temporary resident visa that will allow you to stay in the United States longer.

Depending on your particular case, you will choose among the following visas:

Checklist for moving to Florida from Canada

1. Contact an immigration lawyer: You should always consult an immigration lawyer when crossing borders to ensure that your trip does not pose any border security concerns.
2. Choose your US visa: If you plan to stay longer than 6 months or intend to work in the United States, you will need to obtain a United States visa to do so legally. We can help you choose the BEST visa for you.
3. Real estate: Finding the right home for you can be difficult! Finding a good Florida real estate agent will help you throughout your Florida emigration journey.
4. International moving companies: People are moving from Canada to Florida in unprecedented numbers, which means more and more international moving companies are springing up. Hire an international moving company to make your move as easy as possible.
5. Driver’s license: A apply for a driving license In most states in the United States, you will need your Social Security number. We recommend that you bring all your identification documents, including your passport, international driving license, birth certificate and proof of legal visa status.
6. Bank account in Florida or the United States: You will want to open a bank account in the United States to store your USD. Most of your payments in the United States will be paid in USD. When you open a bank account in the United States, you will be asked for your identification number and proof of your identity and address, such as a government-issued photo ID.
7. Healthcare: The United States does not have a universal health care system like Canada. You’ll have to buy your own private health coverage. You must live in the United States and be a citizen or permanent resident to participate in a health care program.
8. Assurance: Home and auto insurance is mandatory for those living in the United States. If you are renting a house, we suggest that you take out home insurance. Both insurances will cover you for any damage that may occur to your property.

Cost of living in Florida

Many people find Florida an attractive place to live, not only because of the weather, but also because the cost of living can be cheaper. Canada and Florida are both very large and prices can vary depending on the region you are moving from. For this example, we’ll compare Toronto and Orlando.

Consumer prices that include rent in Orlando are 9.06% lower than in Toronto.

Rental prices in Orlando are 11.48% cheaper than in Toronto.

Restaurant prices are 2.80% lower in Orlando than in Toronto.

Groceries are 5% cheaper in Orlando than in Toronto.

Total local purchasing power in Orlando is 25.12% higher than in Toronto.

In general, the cost of living in Orlando vs Toronto is day and night. You would need around CA $ 5,911.21 ($ 4,650.64) in Orlando, Florida to maintain the same standard of living you can have with CA $ 6,500.00 in Toronto (assuming you rent in both cities).

Reasons Canadians Move to Florida

Almost 1,000 people move to Florida every day. If every day. Read some of the reasons people love Florida below!

Weather

Florida is called the Sunshine State for a reason. One of the main charms of the Sunshine State is its warm, pleasant climate all year round, and it’s easy to see why. People living in South Florida will be able to go there all year round without even wearing a sweater. And, due to the hot weather, Floridians spend more time outdoors in the sun, which has been shown to improve mental and physical health by providing vitamin D.

The diversity

The diversity in Florida is incredible. There are so many rich cultures that pass through Florida that many people find them appealing. Florida is home to one of the largest Latin American communities that brings a lot of art, music, food, and history to the state.

No state income tax

Only nine states do not have income tax, including Florida. In addition to income, Florida has no taxes on estates, gifts, or intangible personal property, such as stocks. To make things even easier, moving to Florida simply requires filing a federal income tax return at the end of tax season.

Less restrictions

Migration to Florida certainly increased during the pandemic. You might be wondering why someone would move in the midst of the pandemic, but many take it for granted. Florida had very minimal rules regarding COVID restrictions. Places like Canada have many health restrictions during COVID that not everyone agrees with. Florida is a state that has far fewer restrictions than other states and countries.

Immigration lawyer for Canadians moving to Florida

We have helped thousands of families and individuals relocate from Canada to Florida and we can help you too!

All of our cases are handled by knowledgeable and experienced immigration professionals affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals are made up of lawyers, Paralegals and Licensed Consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of customer service.

Do you have questions regarding your immigration needs?

Fill in the FREE Immigration Assessment and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The evaluation form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will contact you within 1 business day to let you know if we can assist you.

VisaPlace Immigration News Contributor

Salvation! I am one of the many contributors to VisaPlace immigration news. Comment below if you have any questions or comments on this article.