Moving from Toronto to South Florida
Many Canadians winter in South Florida and some become full-time residents. Cross-border residency has its own rules on both sides, so this guide names them with their sources and pairs them with live South Florida prices.
The rules that matter
Florida does not levy a personal income tax on individuals.
Source: Florida Constitution, Article VII, Section 5; Florida Department of Revenue
Florida does not impose a separate state estate tax or inheritance tax.
Source: Florida Department of Revenue
A permanent Florida resident who owns and occupies a home as of January 1 may claim a homestead exemption of up to $50,000 of assessed value.
Source: Florida Constitution, Article VII, Section 6; Section 196.031, Florida Statutes
The homestead application is filed with the county property appraiser by March 1 of the year you claim it.
Save Our Homes caps the yearly increase in a homestead's assessed value at 3% or the change in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower.
When you move from one Florida homestead to another, up to $500,000 of the Save Our Homes benefit can be transferred (portability).
The rules you leave behind
When you stop being a resident of Canada, you are generally treated as having sold certain property at its fair market value (often called the departure tax).
Source: Canada Revenue Agency
US tax residency for a non-citizen is decided by the substantial presence test, which counts days present in the United States over three years.
Source: Internal Revenue Service
A seasonal visitor who meets the substantial presence test may be able to claim a closer connection to Canada by filing IRS Form 8840.
Source: Internal Revenue Service
Tax rules as published for tax year 2025. Tax law changes and residency rules turn on your facts; confirm with a CPA or tax attorney before you act. Atlantic Luxury Advisors does not give tax or legal advice.
What homes cost here today
Active residential listings for sale, refreshed every few hours.
- For sale:
- 132
- Median asking:
- $937,450
- Avg. days on market:
- 124
Oceanfront condos between Boca Raton and Delray Beach.
- For sale:
- 1,833
- Median asking:
- $564,900
- Avg. days on market:
- 97
Country club communities and in-town condos.
- For sale:
- 1,432
- Median asking:
- $339,850
- Avg. days on market:
- 95
A wide range of communities and price points.
How life changes
- Nonstop flights connect Toronto with Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Palm Beach; check current schedules for your routes.
- Lock-and-leave condos and managed communities suit seasonal owners.
- Country club communities make it easy to build a social life for the season.
Take the Toronto guide with you.
Every tax rule on this page with its source, today's live prices in the towns to start with, and the lifestyle notes, in one printable PDF.
Ready to look? Search homes for sale or talk to Anthony.