A growing political dispute between the United States and Canada is starting to hit Americans where it hurts most — the economy — with Florida emerging as one of the biggest pressure points.
Canadian officials, led by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, are openly acknowledging a slowdown in travel to the U.S., particularly to Florida, as tensions rise with President Donald Trump over trade and political rhetoric.
Ford confirmed this week that he will skip his traditional winter trip to Florida, saying many Canadians are making similar decisions amid frustration over tariffs and strained relations between the two countries.
“They’re feeling it right now, especially economically,” Ford said during a Monday press conference, arguing that reduced travel is having real-world consequences for U.S. businesses.
Canadian Snowbirds Pull Back From Florida
Florida has long relied on Canadian “snowbirds” — retirees and seasonal residents who escape cold northern winters by spending months in the Sunshine State. That dependable stream of visitors is now shrinking.
According to Florida’s state tourism board, visits from Canada dropped 20 percent year-over-year in the three months ending June 30, following a 17 percent decline earlier in the year. The slowdown has alarmed hospitality workers, small businesses, and local officials who depend heavily on seasonal tourism.
A survey by Snowbird Advisor found that only 70 percent of respondents plan to winter in the United States this year, down from 82 percent last year. Many said they are instead choosing destinations such as Mexico, Costa Rica, or remaining in Canada.
Trade Disputes and Political Tensions Fuel Boycott
The decline follows a broader boycott of U.S. travel and products by some Canadians, sparked by President Trump’s tariffs and his repeated remarks about Canada’s relationship with the United States.
Several Canadian provinces have reportedly pulled American-made alcohol products from store shelves, while other U.S. brands are facing increased scrutiny from Canadian consumers.
Ford, despite being a conservative himself, has taken a hard line against Trump’s economic policies. He made his comments while unveiling a multi-billion-dollar tourism redevelopment plan for Niagara Falls, a major destination located along the U.S.-Canada border.
While stopping short of calling for an official ban on U.S. travel, Ford encouraged Canadians to support domestic tourism.
“That’s my personal choice,” Ford said. “Some families have gone to Florida their whole lives, and that’s fine. But I’m encouraging people to support local tourism.”
Florida Housing Market Also Feeling Pressure
The slowdown in Canadian travel is also impacting Florida’s real estate market.
An analysis by Realtor.com found that six of the ten U.S. metro areas with the fastest-declining home values are located in Florida. Industry professionals say reduced demand from Canadian buyers is playing a role.
Niall Phelan, a real estate agent on Florida’s west coast, told Newsweek that Canadians typically make up 15 to 20 percent of his buyers. Many are now selling properties or delaying purchases due to uncertainty in U.S.-Canada relations.
“That loss is significant,” Phelan said. “It’s affecting demand across the market.”
Border States See Economic Ripple Effects
Florida is not alone. A new report from the minority staff of the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee found that declining Canadian travel is impacting businesses in every U.S. state along the northern border.
From January through October 2025, passenger vehicle crossings into the U.S. from Canada fell nearly 20 percent compared to the same period last year, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data. Some states saw drops as steep as 27 percent.
Business owners across the region report fewer customers, higher vacancies, and falling sales.
“When our neighbors stop coming, our margins disappear,” said a New Hampshire grocery store owner cited in the report. “This isn’t just politics anymore — it’s lost income.”
Experts Warn Effects Could Linger
Marketing and tourism experts say the damage could continue if tensions remain unresolved.
Alan Bradshaw, a professor at Royal Holloway University of London, warned that stricter travel requirements and heightened political rhetoric could discourage international visitors well into next year.
Canadian food and retail analyst Sylvain Charlebois added that travel trends are often the earliest sign of broader economic shifts.
“Florida is the clearest early indicator,” Charlebois said. “We’re also seeing a soft boycott in retail — more attention to where products come from and a stronger push to buy local.”
Still, Charlebois noted that such behavior is often temporary and driven by emotion.
“If rhetoric cools or economic pressures increase, Canadians usually return to convenience and affordability,” he said.
Uncertain Path Forward
For now, the outlook remains uncertain. Trade talks between the U.S. and Canada remain stalled after President Trump canceled negotiations in October, further complicating relations.
While Canadian leaders insist their dispute is political rather than personal, Florida’s tourism industry — and the thousands of American workers it supports — continues to feel the impact.
Whether the traditional snowbird migration rebounds this winter may depend less on the weather and more on whether Washington and Ottawa can find common ground again.