The “Canadian Snowbirds Act” seeks to allow eligible Canadian retirees two additional months in the Sunshine State, injecting billions into tourism and supporting local jobs.
Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) today introduced the “Canadian Snowbirds Act,” a bipartisan legislative effort aimed at significantly boosting Florida’s vital tourism industry and broader economy. The bill, co-sponsored by Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), proposes allowing eligible retired Canadian citizens to extend their annual stay in Florida by two months.
Currently, Canadian visitors are generally permitted to stay in the U.S. for up to 182 days (approximately six months) without a visa. The “Canadian Snowbirds Act” would extend this period to a maximum of 240 days (about eight months) within any single 365-day period for qualifying individuals.
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Senator Scott emphasized the considerable economic impact of these seasonal visitors.
“Florida has long been a second home for hundreds of thousands of snowbirds from our northern neighbor who flock to the Sunshine State to enjoy the great weather, beautiful beaches, and all that we have to offer,” Scott stated. He highlighted that these annual visitors “fuel billions of dollars into our economy and support so many jobs for local families in the tourism industry.”
With approximately 3.3 million Canadians visiting Florida each year, the proposed legislation is expected to generate substantial additional economic activity for the state. Lengthening their stays would mean increased spending on accommodations, dining, retail, and various services, directly supporting businesses and creating more jobs for Floridians.
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The bill outlines specific eligibility criteria for Canadian retirees, requiring them to be at least 50 years of age, maintain a residence in Canada, and either own or have a signed rental agreement for a residence in the United States for the duration of their stay. Importantly, the legislation clarifies that these extended stays would not permit employment in the U.S. for U.S.-based entities or allow access to U.S. public assistance programs.
Furthermore, it explicitly states that qualifying Canadians would retain their nonresident alien tax status, addressing a key concern for those who spend extended periods in the U.S.
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The introduction of the “Canadian Snowbirds Act” comes at a time when Florida’s tourism sector is continually seeking to recover and expand. While Canadian visitation to Florida saw a slight increase in 2024 from 2023, it remains below pre-pandemic levels. Proponents of the bill believe it offers a straightforward solution to encourage longer and more impactful visits from a key demographic.
“The Canadian Snowbirds Act will allow our beloved snowbirds an extended stay to drive more dollars into the state, support more jobs, and put even more money in Floridians’ pockets thanks to President Trump’s new No Tax on Tips policy,” Scott added, expressing optimism for the bill’s passage.
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