For other Canadians, like Kristina and Aaron Consoli, who are visiting South Florida from Toronto, the proposed rule change is just one of several financial barriers to U.S. travel.

TORONTO They call it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to fly with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. But when you stick around as long as I have, it can be a “twice-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” ...

Savoy, the Toronto-based retiree, said she isn’t quite ready to put her Miami home up for sale. “I enjoy my life there. Miami has some great nightlife and beautiful beaches.

Another factor is accessibility, particularly the state’s relative proximity to Canadians’ homeland. "It's a 24-hour drive, for example, from around Toronto down to Miami," Harper said.

No fewer than 350,000 Canadians spend three to six months in Florida, according to the snowbird association. Nearly 100,000 more spend one to three months in the state.