Canadian companies have a strong presence in South Florida, where they operate in a variety of sectors, including real estate, infrastructure, finance, retail, hospitality, and technology. In fact, just by looking at the pages of this newspaper and the annual Accès Floride guide, it is easy to see the strong presence of Canadian companies in the region. They contribute not only to the local economy through their investments, but also to the creation of jobs and large-scale projects. Examples include real estate development plans, major infrastructure projects, and subsidiaries of Canadian companies such as Alimentation Couche-Tard (Circle K). And let’s not forget that all these companies bearing the maple leaf logo also serve the many Canadians who visit the Sunshine State every year!
Key sectors and examples
Real estate: Canadian companies are active in the development, sale, management, and ownership of real estate.
• H&R REIT is involved in a large mixed-use project at River Landing, along the Miami River.
• Brookfield Asset Management has already made high-profile acquisitions and sales, such as the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina hotel and the Diplomat Beach Resort.
• There are also Montreal-based real estate developers building condo hotels in Pompano Beach, such as Efstathios and Nicolas Tsatas.
• Not to mention the many Canadian real estate agents and brokers operating throughout the state!
Infrastructure and consulting: Canadian engineering and consulting firms play a major role in Florida’s infrastructure development.
• Companies such as Stantec, AtkinsRealis, EXP, and WSP are involved in projects such as the modernization of the I-75 corridor and drinking water initiatives.
• Plenary Americas manages public infrastructure, including the Miami-Dade County Courthouse.
Retail and consumer goods: Major Canadian retail chains have a strong presence in South Florida.
• Alimentation Couche-Tard operates its Circle K stores in the region. According to ScrapeHero, the company has expanded its network by acquiring convenience store chains such as Dion’s Enterprises in the Florida Keys and continues to operate a large number of stores across the state.
• According to Extended Reach Florida, Tim Hortons, which previously operated in Florida in the 1980s and early 1990s, plans to reopen this fall at the Heritage Harbour location in Bradenton on the west coast.
• And we can’t forget the many restaurants run by Canadians, such as Dairy Belle, Frenchie’s Bar & Grill, EzEat, Mammy’s Cantine, and more.
Finance: Financial institutions with Canadian parent companies have subsidiaries and operations in Florida.
• They are well known in the Sunshine State: Natbank, Desjardins Bank, RBC, TD, and BMO.
Technology: Information technology is another area of Canadian investment in Florida.
• The CGI Group has a subsidiary, CGI Group Inc., which operates in the state.
Figures from the Consulate General of Canada in Miami
Sylvia Cesaratto, Consul General of Canada in Miami, reports in Accès Floride that in 2024, « more than 3.3 million Canadians visited Florida, many of them to stay in their own homes. In fact, Canada is the largest foreign investor in Florida real estate, having invested US$2.4 billion in 2024. She adds: “Canada is also the largest international commercial investor. More than 1,500 Canadian companies have a presence in the Sunshine State, employing more than 60,000 people. Canadian investments support local economies, contributing significantly to state taxes.”
