A simmering cross-border discussion about tourism and politics has escalated, putting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Ontario Premier Doug Ford in an unexpected spotlight. The debate centres on whether a boycott of travel to Florida by Canadians would impact the Sunshine State's economy.
The Political Standoff Over Travel
The controversy was highlighted by Sun political columnist Brian Lilley in his column "LILLEY UNLEASHED: U.S. travel boycott leaving Canadians out in the cold," published on December 16, 2025. In it, Lilley details the exchange of verbal jabs between the two leaders. Premier Doug Ford has publicly stated he will not be travelling to Florida, a comment seen by some as a suggestion for others to follow suit.
Governor Ron DeSantis, however, has fired back with a clear message: Florida's tourism industry is doing just fine. The Governor's retort suggests that any potential drop in visitors from Ontario would not make a significant dent in the state's robust tourism numbers. Lilley expressed a wish that DeSantis would "leave the Stanley Cup out of it," hinting at the potential for the dispute to draw in other cultural touchstones.
Florida's Tourism Resilience
DeSantis's confidence appears rooted in Florida's continued status as a top global destination. The state recently celebrated the maiden voyage of Royal Caribbean's "Icon of the Seas" from the Port of Miami in January 2024, billed as the world's largest cruise ship. This event symbolizes the scale and health of the region's tourism and hospitality sector.
The underlying tension reflects broader discussions about the economic interdependence between Canadian snowbirds and Florida's winter economy. For decades, Canadians have been a staple of Florida's seasonal tourism, contributing significantly to local businesses from December to April.
Public Reaction and Commentary
The original article invited significant public engagement, asking readers "What do YOU think?" and prompting them to share their thoughts in the comments or via a Letter to the Editor. This indicates the topic resonates with many Canadians who have personal or financial ties to Florida travel.
Brian Lilley's column frames the issue as one where political posturing may have unintended consequences for everyday Canadians who enjoy vacationing in Florida, suggesting they could be "left out in the cold" by the rhetoric. The standoff presents a scenario where political statements collide with personal travel plans and economic realities.
As the debate continues, the key question remains whether this political discourse will translate into a tangible shift in travel patterns or if, as Governor DeSantis asserts, the allure of Florida's beaches and sunshine will prove stronger than any call for a boycott.
