WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Florida's senators are introducing legislation that they say will give Florida's tourism an extra boost.
U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott announced Thursday that they have introduced the Canadian Snowbirds Act.
The legislation would allow some Canadian citizens to spend up to eight months a year vacationing in the United States, two months longer than they are allowed to stay now.
If passed into law, the bill would allow Canadian citizens over the age of 50 who either own or rent a residence in the U.S. to remain in the country for up to 240 days each year. The bill expressly prohibits such visitors from working for American employers or seeking public assistance while in the U.S.
Keith Nicholson who works at La Ola said he wants visitors to stay longer, but he just doesn’t think it’ll happen because of health coverage and other benefits they get back home.
“You can stay here for six months and a lot of people do. But they have a life up there, too,” he said.
Under current laws, Canadian citizens who stay in the United States for more than six months in a given year are considered U.S. residents for tax purposes, and are required to pay U.S. federal income taxes on any and all income they earn that year – regardless of what country it’s earned in.
People who live in Florida told Fox 4 Thursday, the bill isn't fair. Julie Warne visited Fort Myers Beach and said they should have to pay for their extended stay.
"Anybody that comes into the U.S. should be paying taxes like we’re paying taxes," she said.
According to the Canadian Embassy, Canadians who visit Florida contribute more than $6.5 billion each year to the state’s economy.
“Last year, Florida welcomed a record 126 million visitors, including 3.5 million visitors from Canada," says Senator Scott. "When we welcome visitors to our state, our communities thrive, businesses grow, and job opportunities are created for Florida families.
“This bill will be a huge boost to our state’s economy," says Senator Rubio.
According to VISIT Florida, approximately 3.5 million Canadians visited Florida in 2018.
Cindy Walsh said she enjoys coming to Fort Myers Beach before all the visitors come to town.
“There’s not much traffic coming over the bridge [now] and finding parking,” she said. “So the busier part is the nice part. But the busier part is always more traffic,” she said.
