I just came back from a cross border seminar in Naples.  Since I live in Tampa Bay, this was an expensive trip - time, gas, hotel, and seminar cost, but was well worth it!

I wanted to educate myself further on the issues Canadians deal with when looking to purchase property in Florida and got that and a whole lot more!

As a dual citizen of Canada and the US, having gone through the process myself, I was familiar with a lot of the issues, but there were many more that I was less educated about and unaware of the many benefits (tax wise) available to Canadians because of the US/Canada Tax treaty. 

As a Realtor in Florida, and a Canadian, I knew it made more sense than ever for Canadians to look harder at purchasing property in USA ..........   the Canadian dollar is worth more than it has in over 35 years, and I remember the last time!  The value of properties in Florida has reduced by anywhere from 25 to 50% over what it was in 2006....Canadians and Europeans are really getting a bargain on Florida Real Estate now, and with many just starting to think about retirement, Florida is an obvious choice.

I knew from experience that neither tax advisors, financial advisors, nor attorneys on either side of the border were very aware of all the issues.  Each one is familiar with issues relating to their country but it is rare to find one who is intimately aware of the issues, and benefits available on BOTH sides of the US - Canada Border, and how to avail of them.

Did you now that this tax treaty supercedes all IRS and Revenue Canada rules in effect?

Did you know that unless you ASK for the treaty benefits, they are not afforded to you?

Canadian and European Snowbirds would be wise to check out the many advantages (aside from the great Florida weather of course), of owning property here.