Florida tourism industry takes a hit as Canadian visitors choose to go elsewhere

Florida saw an estimated 1.68 million Canadian visitors in the first half of 2026, approximately 270,000 fewer than a year earlier, according to data from Visit Florida. 

The drop represents a 14% decline in Canadian vistors, and it follows a 7% decline the year before. 

Last year, Florida welcomed the most visitors ever, but visitors to Florida were down overall 1.4% in the first six months of 2026, The Hill reported. 

Florida's tourism marketing agency doesn't have an explanation for the drop in Canadian visitors in its latest estimates, but it comes as tensions rise between the U.S. and Canada over trade negotiations that gave way to a tariff war.