Driving from Canada to Florida is truly part of the adventure. With the right preparation and a good understanding of customs allowances, you’ll return home without any unexpected fees or headaches.
Before jumping into the details, make sure to always double-check the official sources shared at the end of this post. I will do my best to keep this post updated, but with so many changes, it’s a good idea to verify the information using the official links.
The freedom to pack whatever will fit in your car (no airline bag fees here!) is only one of the best benefits of driving down to Florida. We did this twice and we have no regrets.
But, there’s one important topic that we Canadians often worry about: customs limits and how much you can bring back without paying duty or taxes.
This post breaks it all down.
The Route: What to Expect on the Drive
Most drivers will enter the U.S. through Ontario or Quebec and head south through New York, Pennsylvania, the Carolinas, Georgia, and into Florida.
Expect:
- Approx. 20–24 hours driving time, depending on route
- Fuel stops every 2–4 hours
- Lots of food & hotel options along I-75 or I-95
🧾 Duty-Free Allowance After 48 Hours in the U.S.
You may bring back up to $800 CAD worth of goods per person, duty-free, without paying GST/HST.
This includes souvenirs, clothing, electronics, toys, Disney merch, etc.
Important: What if you go over $800?
You must declare everything. You may have to pay duty and taxes only on the amount exceeding the limit, not the full amount.
Here are some official sources you can use to double‑check the duty‑free allowances and rules for Canadians returning from a trip abroad with more than 48 hours away.
➡️What you can bring home to Canada
➡️How the tariff applies at the border
➡️A guide for residents returning to Canada
🧳 Tips to Make the Border Crossing Smooth
- Keep all receipts together in one envelope or folder
- Convert U.S. prices into CAD
- Declare everything. If in doubt, tell them anyway
- If multiple people are in one car, each gets their own $800 allowance. And yes! Kids also have an $800 goods allowance!