What’s New for Snowbirds in Florida in 2026: Rules & Attractions
—
January 1st, 2026
Morning coffee on your Florida patio hits differently when it's 72 degrees, and your neighbor back home is scraping ice off their windshield. That's the snowbird life you know and love. But heading south in 2026 means handling a few practical realities along with the sunshine.
A bit of prep pays off. Counties across Southwest Florida are adjusting parking timelines and long-stay requirements, and storage is part of that picture. Motorhome storage options have expanded, with upgraded security, better access hours, and services that simplify arrival day.
Handled ahead of time, these details fade into the background—so you can get back to that warm cup of coffee without anything nagging at you.
Universal's Epic Universe Changes Everything
The biggest theme park news? Universal Epic Universe opened in May 2025, but the real change hits January 1, 2026—that's when park-hopping finally works across all three Universal parks.
Throughout 2025, Epic Universe needed separate tickets. If you wanted to visit both Epic Universe and Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure on the same day, you needed special multi-park packages. Regular park-to-park tickets only worked between Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
Starting January 1, 2026, new park-to-park tickets let you move freely between all three parks. Visit all three Harry Potter areas in one day, or ride every major coaster without ticket restrictions.
The new multi-day options work better for snowbirds spending months here. You can visit Epic Universe multiple times during your stay instead of making it a one-time thing. Three-, four-, and five-day park-to-park tickets now include daily Epic Universe access instead of the single-day limit from 2025.
Florida residents get discounts on three-day tickets, though prices change based on dates. If you're planning multiple visits during winter, multi-day options make more sense than single-day tickets.
New RV Resorts Built for Longer Stays
Florida keeps adding RV resorts designed for snowbirds seeking extended winter stays. While construction has slowed compared to previous years, quality properties keep appearing.
Several opened or expanded in 2025:
Olde Florida Motorcoach Resort in LaBelle opened with nearly 300 sites. The resort features a huge clubhouse, resort pool, fitness center, eight pickleball courts, outdoor movie theater, and food truck park. Sites are available for rent or purchase, giving snowbirds flexibility.
Beach House Cottage Retreat in Largo and Solana Cottage Resort in North Point both opened with park model units for the 55-and-over crowd. Both offer resort amenities like pools, spas, and fitness centers.
Several properties continue expanding through 2026. Leisure Lakes RV Resort in Pensacola is adding 35 sites, while Vacay Village of Pensacola expands by 40 RV sites plus six cabins.
For RVers storing rigs between trips, the growing resort network highlights the importance of secure, accessible storage. Our guide on choosing RV and boat storage in Florida covers what snowbirds need to consider for extended periods.
Vehicle Registration: What Actually Matters
The 90-day rule hasn't changed, but many snowbirds still get it wrong. If your vehicle stays in Florida for more than 90 days in a calendar year—even if those days aren't back-to-back—you must register that vehicle in Florida.
This catches people off guard. Six weeks in December-January plus six weeks in March-April equals 12 weeks. That's 84 days within the same year, close enough that any extra days require Florida registration.
What You Actually Need
Florida lets you use your out-of-state driver's license to register your vehicle. You don't need a Florida license just to comply. Canadian snowbirds can use their home licenses, too.
You'll need:
- Valid out-of-state title.
- Proof of Florida address (utility bill, lease, or deed)
- Florida auto insurance.
- VIN verification.
- Payment for registration fees.
Insurance That Actually Bites
Florida requires all cars used for more than 90 days to have Florida auto insurance. You're a part-time resident even if you maintain residency elsewhere.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $10,000
- Property Damage Liability (PDL): $10,000
Your home state policy doesn't automatically satisfy Florida requirements.
What Happens If You Skip It
Driving in Florida without proper registration and insurance can mean license suspension for up to three years, plus fines from $150 (first offense) to $500 (repeat violations). Worse, if you file a claim while improperly registered, your insurer may deny coverage entirely.
Practical Options for Snowbirds
Several legitimate approaches work for different situations:
Full Florida Registration: Keep your vehicle registered and insured in Florida year-round. This simplifies everything but means paying for coverage even during months when the vehicle sits unused.
Seasonal Registration: When heading north, surrender your Florida plates and registration, then re-register when you return. This requires more administrative work but saves money during off-season months. Note that vehicles remain uninsured during this period unless you maintain comprehensive coverage for storage.
Dual Registration: Some snowbirds maintain registration in both states, though this requires careful attention to each state's specific rules. Consult with insurance professional's familiar with multi-state coverage to ensure proper compliance.
Storage with Comprehensive Coverage: If storing your vehicle in Florida while spending time up north, you can drop liability coverage but maintain comprehensive protection against storm damage, theft, and vandalism during hurricane season.
What Canadian Snowbirds Need to Know Before Crossing
New Border Procedures Starting December 26, 2025
U.S. Customs and Border Protection will photograph all foreign nationals, including Canadian citizens, when entering or leaving the United States starting December 26, 2025. The new biometric entry/exit system creates uniform processing across all border crossings.
For Canadian snowbirds, this means verifying two things: the photo at the border (which CBP handles) and your I-94 status if you're staying more than 30 days. If you're crossing by land, check your I-94 status online after arrival. Air passengers usually get this automatically, but land crossings can be inconsistent.
The I-94 document shows you entered legally and confirms how long you can stay. Without proper registration for stays over 30 days, you could face fines up to US$5,000.
The quick fix: Check your I-94 status online right after crossing, even if everything seemed routine. It's a five-minute verification that prevents complications from happening later. Plan for slightly longer processing times at the border as these systems get implemented, especially during the first few months.
Planning Your 2026 Season
Smart snowbirds start planning early, especially for longer stays triggering registration requirements. Calculate your total Florida days for the calendar year—not just consecutive visits—to understand whether registration becomes necessary.
Contact your insurance company before heading south. Many major insurers work with snowbirds to adjust coverage between states, and early planning prevents last-minute scrambles or coverage gaps. Ask specifically about multi-state policies designed for seasonal residents.
When it comes to storing your RV or boat between visits or during your time up north, location matters more than many people realize. Facilities near major highways like I-75 provide easier access when you're arriving or departing, while professional security features protect your investment during extended absences.
Beyond Theme Parks: What Else Is Happening
The Snowbird Extravaganza returns to Lakeland's RP Funding Center at the end of January 2026, featuring exhibits, speakers, and entertainment designed for seasonal residents. This annual gathering brings together thousands of snowbirds for workshops on everything from cross-border tax issues to the best local fishing spots.
Southwest Florida communities host seasonal events throughout winter. Art festivals, farmers markets, restaurants with extended hours, touring entertainment—local businesses adjust for the increased population during snowbird season.
Spring training baseball starts in mid-February, with the Minnesota Twins playing at Hammond Stadium and the Boston Red Sox playing at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers. These games draw snowbird crowds who appreciate afternoon games and easy parking compared to regular season crowds up north.
The Sarasota Farmers Market runs downtown Saturday morning, while Venice hosts a popular Wednesday market. Both attract snowbirds looking for fresh produce and the social atmosphere that comes with regular weekly gatherings.
Charlotte Harbor hosts fishing tournaments throughout winter and spring, with redfish and snook seasons peaking when snowbirds are here. Local marinas organize group trips and tournaments specifically timed for the seasonal crowd.
Art walks in downtown Sarasota and Fifth Avenue South in Naples happen monthly, offering gallery openings, street performers, and restaurants with special menus. These evening events create natural gathering spots for snowbirds seeking culture alongside the beach time.
Making 2026 Work
Florida in 2026 offers the same sunshine you expect, plus significant new attractions like Epic Universe. The vehicle registration and insurance rules haven't changed but understanding them prevents headaches.
Calculate your expected Florida days early. Talk to insurance professionals about multi-state coverage. Get your documentation sorted. Then focus on enjoying your winter.
Whether you drive your RV down each season or keep a boat here year-round, storage location matters when you're managing a seasonal schedule. Getaway's Lakewood Ranch and Punta Gorda facilities sit right off I-75, making drop-off and pickup straightforward when you're coordinating travel.
The 24-hour access matters during those early morning departure days or late evening arrivals when you want to secure your boat without waiting for business hours.
Ready to sort out storage for the 2026 season? Contact us today to discuss options that work with your snowbird lifestyle.
Gateway Storage Blog
Categories