As a Canadian citizen, you can stay in Florida for up to 182 days (roughly six months) in any 12-month period without a specific resident visa, often referred to as the "snowbird" rule. However, living there permanently requires a green card or a specific non-immigrant work/investment visa (such as the TN or E-2 visa). For those visiting long-term, it is crucial to monitor the "Substantial Presence Test" used by the IRS; if the sum of your days over a three-year period exceeds 183 (using a weighted formula), the US may consider you a resident for tax purposes, requiring you to report your global income. Additionally, staying out of Canada for more than six months can jeopardize your provincial healthcare coverage, as most provinces require you to be physically present for at least 183 days a year to maintain benefits. In 2026, there is ongoing legislative discussion regarding a "Canadian Snowbird Visa" that would allow stays of up to 240 days, but until such a law is passed, the 182-day limit remains the strict boundary for visitors.