Florida Guide for Canadians

Quick Facts

State Income Tax	None
Sales Tax	6% state + local (varies by county)
Driver's License Grace Period	30 days for residents
Residency Requirement for Tax	183 days per year
Vehicle Registration Deadline	30 days for residents
REAL ID Deadline	May 7, 2025 for domestic flights

First 90 Days Checklist

Week 1-2: Essential Documents

• Gather required documents for driver's license
• Open US bank account
• Set up temporary mailing address

Week 3-4: Official Registration

• Apply for Florida driver's license
• Register vehicle if brought from Canada
• Register to vote

Month 2-3: Establishing Residency

• Update address with Canadian financial institutions
• Establish Florida ties
• Consider Florida vehicle insurance

Driver's License & Vehicle Requirements

For Canadian Citizens

Required Documents:

• Original valid Canadian passport
• Proof of Social Security Number (if applicable)
• Two proofs of Florida residential address

Testing Requirements:

• Driving skills test required if retaining Canadian license
• Written test may be required
• Vision screening required

Important Notes:

• 30-day limit to get a Florida license
• REAL ID required by May 7, 2025 for air travel
• Decide on REAL ID compliance when applying

Vehicle Registration

• Register within 30 days of residency
• Inspection may be required
• Florida insurance highly recommended

Tax & Residency Considerations

Florida State Tax Benefits

• **No state income tax** – major advantage
• **No inheritance tax**
• Reasonable property taxes

Establishing Florida Tax Residency

To be considered a Florida resident for tax purposes, you must:

• Spend 183+ days in Florida
• Maintain physical presence
• Stronger ties to Florida than previous residence

Documentation to Establish Residency

• 183-day log (non-consecutive days okay)
• Florida license, voter reg
• Bank accounts, utility bills, club memberships

US Federal Tax Implications for Canadians

Important: Under the Substantial Presence Test, you may be considered a U.S. resident for tax purposes.
Recommendation: Consult a cross-border tax professional.

Healthcare Considerations

Insurance Options

• Florida has no public health insurance for non-citizens
• Travel insurance recommended
• Consider US health insurance if staying permanently

Prescription Medications

• Bring an adequate supply
• Understand how to transfer prescriptions
• US prices often higher than in Canada

Special Considerations for Snowbirds

Maintaining Canadian Ties

• Keep principal residence in Canada
• Monitor days in U.S. for tax reasons
• Maintain Canadian insurance & banks

Property Considerations

• Understand Florida homestead exemption
• Know the effect on Canada's principal residence exemption
• Hurricane-specific property insurance

Travel Documentation

• Ensure passport is valid (6+ months)
• Consider Global Entry/NEXUS
• Track days in each country carefully

Record Keeping Tip

Maintain a day-by-day calendar of your location. This is vital for proving tax residency.

Key Contacts & Resources