Most Canadian buyers start as snowbirds and stay within the day limits; a growing number relocate fully for the tax and lifestyle reasons the Northeast knows well. Either way, the rules around days, taxes and ownership structure deserve a careful conversation before you buy.
The rules Canadian buyers need to know
- Days in the U.S.: The IRS "substantial presence test" counts days over a three-year window; many snowbirds stay under roughly 182 days a year and file Form 8840 (Closer Connection) to document their Canadian tax home. Canadian provincial health coverage also has its own residency requirements (Ontario, for example, generally requires you to be physically in the province part of each year).
- Selling later: FIRPTA requires withholding on sales by foreign owners; it's a prepayment, often refundable, but it needs to be planned for.
- Estate exposure: U.S. estate tax can apply to U.S. real estate owned by non-residents, with treaty relief for Canadians; ownership structure (personal, trust, corporation) matters and should be set up before closing.
- Currency and financing: Cross-border lenders and Canadian banks with U.S. arms finance Florida purchases for Canadian clients; Ricky can make the introductions.
Cross-border tax is specialized; use a CPA and attorney who practice on both sides of the border.
Where Canadians settle in Boca Raton
From Forest Hill, Rosedale, Oakville and the Bridle Path
Toronto's club families settle at St Andrews Country Club and Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club; Muskoka cottagers love that the dock at Royal Palm or Lake Rogers Isle works in January.
From Westmount, Outremont and the West Island
Montreal buyers have a long history in Boca Raton; many prefer the walkable Golden Triangle or an oceanfront or Intracoastal condominium as a lock-and-leave winter home.
From Vancouver and Calgary
West-coast and Alberta buyers often want the ocean: the oceanfront towers on A1A, then a waterfront home once they've decided to stay longer.
Getting here
- Toronto (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL) have nonstops to both Palm Beach International and Fort Lauderdale, about 3 hours; Ottawa has seasonal nonstops to FLL.
- Boca Raton Airport serves private aviation; U.S. Customs preclearance in Canadian airports makes the trip simple.
- Brightline connects Boca Raton to Miami and Orlando for visiting family.
Why Boca Raton, specifically
South Florida has a dozen luxury markets. Relocating families keep choosing Boca Raton because it combines things the others split up: a real downtown (Mizner Park, Royal Palm Place, the Boca Raton Museum of Art and The Boca Raton resort), five miles of mostly uncrowded beach, a dense cluster of private golf and yacht clubs, strong public and private schools, two international airports within about 30 minutes, a Brightline station for Miami and Orlando, and an executive airport for private aviation right in the city.
East Boca Raton, east of I-95 and especially east of Federal Highway, is where most relocating buyers at the top of the market settle: the deep-water estates of Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, the Intracoastal homes of Lake Rogers Isle, the walkable Golden Triangle, the private-club life at St Andrews Country Club, and the oceanfront and Intracoastal condominiums along A1A and downtown.
How a long-distance purchase works with Ricky
- A call before you fly. Where you're coming from, who's moving, timing, club and school priorities, and whether you want a primary residence, a seasonal home or both.
- A curated tour, not a scavenger hunt. Ricky previews homes in advance, including quiet off-market opportunities, and builds a one- or two-day itinerary around your flights into PBI or FLL.
- Introductions that take months on your own. Club membership directors, school admissions, builders and architects, insurance brokers who understand coastal property, and CPAs and attorneys experienced with domicile changes.
- Closing from a distance. Remote notarization, inspections and walk-throughs are routine for out-of-state buyers; Ricky manages the moving parts so you don't have to be here for every step.
This page is general information for people considering a move to Boca Raton. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. Rates, exemptions and deadlines change; verify current figures with a CPA or attorney licensed in the states involved.
