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Car Shipping To Canada – Can you leave a Canadian-registered vehicle in Florida all year?
With its warm weather and beautiful beaches, Florida is a popular winter destination for many Canadians. However, for some Canadians, wintering in Florida has become more than just a seasonal trip. They stay down south year-round Car Shipping To Canada.
If you’re considering spending your entire year in Florida but still want to keep your Canadian registered vehicle, here is what you need to know.
Registration Requirements
- Canadian residents are allowed to temporarily import personal vehicles into the United States for up to one year. After that, the vehicle needs to be registered in the state of residency.
- To keep a Canadian registered vehicle in Florida year-round, you’ll need to provide proof that you still maintain residency in Canada. This usually takes the form of a valid Canadian driver’s license, health card or utility bills with a Canadian address.
- You’ll need to get an Importation Permit from U.S. Customs and Border Protection each time you cross the border into the U.S. with the vehicle. The permit proves the vehicle will only be in the country temporarily.
- Plates and insurance on the vehicle must remain valid in the Canadian province of registration the entire time it’s in Florida.
Insurance Requirements
- Maintaining a Canadian insurance policy on a vehicle kept full-time in Florida can be tricky. Insurers have rules against vehicles being outside of Canada for extended periods.
- Look for an insurer that offers “home jurisdiction policies” – these allow Canadians to insure vehicles that may be driven occasionally in the U.S. but are primarily stored and driven in Canada.
- Be prepared to provide your auto insurer details on how often and for how long. The vehicle will actually be in Florida each year versus Canada. Significant U.S. use may void coverage.
- You’ll also need a minimum of US$25,000 in liability insurance to meet Florida’s financial responsibility laws when driving in the state.
Taxes and Fees
- Canadians keeping vehicles year-round in Florida may need to pay applicable taxes and fees to the state over time such as personal property tax.
- While the Canada-United States Tax Convention aims to prevent double taxation. It does not exempt Canadians from all taxation in the state they reside in versus maintain residency in Car Shipping To Canada.
- Speak to an accountant knowledgeable about cross-border tax issues to understand your potential tax obligations in both Canada and Florida as a dual resident.
Alternative Options
If ongoing registration and insurance of a Canadian plated vehicle in Florida each year seems like too much of a hassle, consider these alternatives:
- Sell the Canadian vehicle and purchase a used vehicle registered/insured in Florida instead.
- Rent vehicles as needed for trips for when residing full-time in Florida.
- Store the Canadian vehicle in Canada and only drive it during return trips north. Rely on other transportation in Florida.
The Bottom Line
While it is permitted to temporarily keep a Canadian registered vehicle in Florida for extended periods. Doing so year-round requires proper documentation and meeting both countries’ regulations. Evaluating taxes, dual residency status and insurance complications is highly recommended before choosing this route long-term. Less hassle may come from pursuing alternatives like selling the Canadian vehicle.
