Real Estate

Trump Tariffs Spark Florida Housing Hesitation: Should Canadian Homeowners Worry?

Trump’s tariffs spark unease among Canadian homeowners in Florida, impacting the housing market.

byAndres Castro

October 30, 2025, 10:02 PM

Aerial view of a straight suburban street lined with matching residential homes and palm trees in Florida.

Aerial perspective of a rich, well-maintained neighborhood with luxury residential homes in Florida. By MDL.

Executive Summary

President Trump’s announced 10% tariff increase on Canadian products is generating unease among Canadians who own homes in Florida.

Some Canadian residents in Florida perceive a shift from a welcoming atmosphere to one of hostility due to the tariffs, prompting reconsideration of their long-term presence.

Despite initial concerns, Florida’s housing market is recovering, with a favorable buyer’s market attracting continued interest and new inquiries from Canadian investors.

The Trajectory So Far

President Trump’s announcement of renewed tariffs on Canadian products, adding to existing trade tensions, has created a sense of unease and perceived hostility among some Canadians. This is particularly impactful given that Canadians represent a significant portion of foreign home buyers in the United States, with a substantial number owning property in Florida, prompting some to reconsider their investment and presence in the state.

Assessing Risk and Value

President Trump’s renewed trade tariffs introduce political risk and uncertainty for Canadian investors in Florida’s real estate, initially prompting some to reconsider their long-term presence and increasing property sales. However, despite this initial unease, the market is demonstrating resilience, with a favorable buyer’s market attracting renewed inquiries from Canadian investors, suggesting that while political tensions create headwinds, the underlying appeal and value of Florida real estate may continue to draw investment.

Expert Predictions and Forecasts

Canadian residents like James Peters express a growing sense of hostility and feeling unwelcome due to President Trump’s tariffs, prompting some to reconsider their long-term presence in Florida.

Randy Keys, a veteran realtor, observes that while initial tariff announcements caused concern and a temporary increase in sales from Canadian owners, the market is now recovering with increased inquiries due to favorable buyer’s market conditions, suggesting continued Canadian interest.

Renewed trade tensions between the United States and Canada, marked by President Trump’s announced 10% tariff increase on Canadian products, are creating unease among Canadians who own homes in Florida. This latest development adds to existing tariffs and is influencing how some Canadian buyers perceive the Sunshine State’s housing market.

Impact on Canadian Residents

James Peters, a Canadian who has resided in Florida for over 35 years and built a business there, expressed a shift in sentiment. He noted a transition from a welcoming atmosphere to one of perceived hostility, describing it as “Big Brother abusing the beautiful, little friendly little sister.” This feeling of being unwelcome is prompting some Canadians to reconsider their long-term presence in Florida.

Peters elaborated that the “sense of hostility” surrounding the tariffs is a significant concern. He feels that the situation has deteriorated, moving beyond mere economic measures to an “abusive” dynamic. Despite these concerns, Peters continues to live in Florida due to his daughters and business commitments, emphasizing his enduring affection for the state.

Housing Market Perspective

A 2024 report from the National Association of Realtors indicates that Canadians constitute approximately 13% of all foreign home buyers in the United States, with 41% of these purchases occurring in Florida. This highlights the substantial Canadian investment in the state’s real estate.

Randy Keys, a veteran RE/MAX realtor with 40 years of experience, acknowledged an initial wave of concern following the first tariff announcements. He observed a temporary increase in property sales from Canadian owners during that period. However, Keys notes that the market is showing signs of recovery.

Keys reported an uptick in inquiries from Canadians interested in buying property, attributing this to the current buyer’s market conditions. He remains optimistic that the initial reaction will subside, maintaining that a strong, long-term relationship between Canadians and Florida residents will prevail.

Looking Ahead

While President Trump’s tariffs have introduced a layer of uncertainty for Canadian homeowners and potential buyers in Florida, the market appears to be adapting. Despite some residents feeling unsettled by the political climate, the underlying appeal of Florida’s real estate, coupled with a favorable buyer’s market, suggests continued interest from Canadian investors.