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1452spunky's avatar
1452spunky
Explorer
Jul 21, 2021

Future Canadian Snowbird questions

Hi there, look forward to browsing through this forum, lots of good tips and info in here !

Ok, so I plan on keeping an RV in a park here in Canada year round, but only living here for 7 or 8 months its open.

In the Winter months, I plan on buying and keeping an RV somewhere, that I can store it during the off season....lets say Texas or Florida, not sure yet.

In order to save a ton of money and the longevity of the RV itself, I have decided to not buy a large vehicle to tow it...I will pay someone to move it, if/when I want to...

Ok, so first big question, as a Canuck, I am pondering buying a newer used camping trailer, or 5th wheel, from Montana.

I know there is much debate on doing this for tax purposes, but if I buy an RV from the states and it never leaves the states, why should I pay tax on it ?

So, if anyone has any experience, or opinions, I welcome all.

So, buy a RV in Montana, have it moved to a park in Florida or Texas, should I just title in MT and leave it like that ? It won't be going down the road, unless I change to a different park after a season.
  • Transportation from Montana to FL will cost more than the taxes.

    If you have enough money for two RV's you can pay the taxes and license.
  • Might be best to consult Canada tax laws, plus the states you're moving it to. Is this an LLC question? I see you listed your state as TX
  • Why not buy a unit already in a park in Florida or Texas. There are almost always units in the park we Winter in Florida, many previously owned by Canadians.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    After owning a RV for 6 months you can move it to Fla with no sales tax. Less than 6 months of ownership you’ll have to pay Fla sales tax. The cost jot move one from MT will be more than $2000.
  • Thank you for the replies and info.

    1/ The cost to have someone haul it from MT to TX or FL is nowhere near the cost of the taxes...but, ok.
    2/ Canada tax laws will only apply to an rv if I bring it into Canada...
    3/ I very much agree with finding a unit in the state I plan to park my butt in, but I am looking at all my options.
    4/ Ok so if I transport a unit from MT to FL and park it, how is the FL Gov't even going to know it entered the state ? Again, I plan on parking it in one place without moving it, for at least the first season...so not sure how I could be asked to pay a tax in FL...
  • With Florida if the Park is following the Law all units must have current registration, either Florida or owners home state.
    Now some parks don't seem to care while other enforce it.
  • Since you aren't a resident of Montana, I take it you are going to form an LLC? How much will that cost - up front and yearly maintenance fees to keep the LLC going.

    If you aren't going to move the trailer, why not buy a Park Model in whatever park you choose - - thousands of them are bought and sold every year, a lot owned by Canadians.