Snowbird arrival & departure checklist — Florida

Phase 1 — Pre-departure from Canada

Financial & banking

• Notify your bank of your travel dates and Florida address. Prevents card blocks on US transactions.
• Carry two credit cards (different networks: Visa + Mastercard) in case one is declined.
• Inform CRA if your mailing address changes — update via My Account (canada.ca/cra-my-account) or by calling 1-800-959-8281.
• Travel medical insurance: confirm start date, pre-existing condition declarations, emergency contact number. Print the policy and keep it with you.
• Canadian health card: provincial coverage does NOT apply in Florida, but carry it for any return-to-Canada emergency.

Mail & communications

• Canada Post Mail Forwarding: set up at canadapost.ca, costs ~$85/season (up to 6 months). Forward to your Florida address.
• Stop newspaper / flyers delivery to your Canadian home.
• Set up USPS Informed Delivery (informeddelivery.usps.com) at your Florida address — free daily email preview of incoming mail.
• US phone number: activate before departure or on arrival. See Google Voice / US number guide.

Property & home

• Arrange a trusted contact or property manager to check your Canadian home.
• Reduce thermostat, shut off water if pipes could freeze.
• Inform your home insurer — some policies require notification if the property will be vacant more than 30 days.
• Leave a key with a neighbour or property manager.

Vehicle

• Confirm your Canadian auto insurance covers Florida (most do for ≤6 months).
• Carry vehicle registration, insurance slip, and driver's licence.
• Check tire pressure, oil, antifreeze, and wiper fluid before departure.

Medications

• Bring a 3–6 month supply of all prescription medications (Canadian prescriptions are not valid in Florida).
• Carry medications in original labelled containers. Controlled substances: carry the original prescription.
• CBP allows personal-use quantities — no special permit needed.

Phase 2 — Border crossing (CBP)

• Canadian passport (valid for the full duration of your stay). NEXUS card accepted at designated crossings and airports.
• Declare all goods you're bringing into the US. No duty on personal effects for personal use (not for resale).
• Currency over US $10,000 (cash equivalent): must declare on CBP Form 6059B.
• Restricted food items: no fresh fruit/vegetables from certain countries, no meat without USDA inspection. Processed/packaged Canadian foods (crackers, chips, candy) are generally fine.
• Plants and soil: restricted. Flowers in a sealed commercial container are usually OK.
• Pets: dogs need proof of rabies vaccination. See pets guide.
• Firearms: permitted but must declare. Complex process — consult CBP before crossing.
• Admission period: CBP officer stamps your passport with an I-94 admission up to 6 months. Check your admission date at cbp.dhs.gov/i94.

Phase 3 — Arrival in Florida

• Utilities: reconnect electricity (FPL, Duke Energy, etc.), water, internet. If snowbird, utilities are often on "snowbird mode" — call to resume full service.
• A/C check: run the A/C for 15 minutes before sleeping — confirm it works before summer heat hits in spring.
• SunPass: top up your account at sunpass.com. Florida toll roads (I-95, Turnpike, I-4) require transponder or face plate-only surcharge. See SunPass guide.
• US SIM card: visit T-Mobile, AT&T, or Walmart for a prepaid SIM. See mobile plans guide.
• Grocery run: Publix or Walmart for staples. See grocery guide.
• Medications: if you have GoodRx app, locate your nearest Walgreens or CVS for any top-ups needed.
• Verify insurance: confirm travel health insurance is active. Save insurer's emergency number in your phone.
• Day counter: start tracking your days in the US for Substantial Presence Test (relevant if you are in Florida ≥120 days/year).

Phase 4 — During your stay

• Track your days: use a calendar or simple spreadsheet. CBP can ask for entry/exit dates. Keep hotel receipts, border crossing records, gas receipts.
• SPT threshold: if you spend ≥183 weighted days in the US (current year full + ⅓ prior year + ⅙ two years ago), you may be considered a US tax resident. See SPT guide.
• Medication refills: if you brought a 90-day supply and plan to stay longer, arrange for a Canadian family member to mail a refill (personal use, non-controlled substances). Or arrange mail-order from Canadian pharmacy to Florida.
• I-94 expiry: do not overstay your admission. Check cbp.dhs.gov/i94. If you need to reset, you must physically exit the US (even briefly to Canada or the Bahamas) — this is not guaranteed to result in a new 6-month admission.
• Hurricane season (June 1–Nov 30): if you're in Florida during this period, know your evacuation zone. See hurricane prep guide.
• Canadian elections: if an election is called, you can vote by special ballot from Florida. See overseas voting guide.

Phase 5 — Pre-departure from Florida

• USPS Hold Mail: submit a hold at usps.com (free, up to 30 days) or forward remaining mail to your Canadian address.
• Utilities: if you own your unit, set A/C to 80–82°F (not off — prevents mould), reduce water heater, turn off non-essential circuits. Contact electricity provider about snowbird rate or seasonal disconnect.
• Vehicle: if leaving the car in Florida — disconnect battery tender, use a Florida-insured storage policy, confirm parking. If shipping back to Canada, book the carrier 4–6 weeks in advance.
• Food: donate or discard perishables. Clean fridge (mould risk in Florida humidity).
• Home security: notify a Florida neighbour or property manager. Consider a timer for interior lights.
• Canadian tax documents: if you receive US source income (rent, dividends from US accounts), collect T4/1099 equivalents before leaving.

Phase 6 — CBSA re-entry to Canada

• Exemption thresholds (per person, Canadian residents):
  • After 48+ hours abroad: CAD $800 duty-free exemption.
  • After 24–47 hours: CAD $200 duty-free.
  • Under 24 hours: no exemption.
• Goods to declare: clothing, electronics, gifts, food purchased in Florida. Value = what you paid in USD, converted to CAD.
• Alcohol: 1.14 L spirits or 1.5 L wine or 8.5 L beer (per adult, 48+ hours).
• Tobacco: 200 cigarettes + 50 cigars (48+ hours).
• Firearms you took to Florida: ensure you have a copy of your PAL and the original export permit if applicable.
• Currency: cash or monetary instruments over CAD $10,000: declare on Form E311.
• ArriveCAN: as of 2024, no longer required for land/air entry.
• Keep your departure/return records: CBSA may review prior trip history to verify residency for tax purposes.