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Global Business Council
GLOBAL BUSINESS COUNCIL The International “Freedom Migration” Tales from Two Countries
By: Rob Sartore, Realtor®, Coldwell Banker Realty Sarasota Downtown
F“ reedom Migration” to Florida has gone beyond U.S. borders. The facts and figures are clear. But for this article, I wanted to personalize this global phenomenon by interviewing two of my international clients to gain a more intimate perspective. Anonymity was provided to protect my clients’ privacy.
INTERNATIONAL CLIENT INTERVIEWS
Client #1 are artists from Germany, who have lived near the border of Luxemburg since 2001. Client #2 has lived in Ontario, Canada all his life. WHEN DID YOU START FEELING THE NEED TO MAKE A MOVE? #1: “In March 2020, we weren’t allowed to do events or concerts. It was getting more restrictive in early 2021. We lost so much work. Even if you had a vaccination, there were still difficulties going anywhere.” #2: “I was always interested in expanding my business in the U.S. Once Covid happened, that was postponed. As the borders began to reopen, the political situation in Canada deteriorated. So in May 2021, I started seriously exploring my options.
WHAT CAUSED YOUR TURNING POINT? #1: “We were at a private event at a local restaurant. The police came and required us to show identification because we weren’t practicing social distancing or wearing masks. The owner and all participants were fined.” #2: “A client fired me for attending a peaceful protest regarding the suspension of rights over the Canadian Covid mandates.”
WHY FLORIDA? #1: “Mother lives here.” #2: “Freedom, the government, and Florida actively passes laws protecting people’s freedoms. I spoke to Florida friends. I did my research. From a business perspective, Florida is poised for economic growth.
WHAT DID YOUR FRIENDS THINK NOW? #1: “They were very supportive, wanted to come as well, and were sad to say goodbye. They are happy for us, but sad to stay behind.”
#2: “A few were supportive, but I didn’t share my decision with many people. Most don’t even know I moved here because I work online. Some people closest to me, including my family, disagreed with my decision.”
WHAT RISKS OR SACRIFICES DID YOU ANTICIPATE? #1: “Starting a business over again.” #2: “Loss of an excellent business income at home and not working right away in the U.S.”
WHAT HADN’T YOU PLANNED ON? #1: “Rent prices and finding an affordable home that suits us.” #2: “How long it takes for my visa to be approved. Also, how fast inflation and housing have risen over the past year.”
HOW DO YOU FEEL NOW THAT YOU MOVED? #1: “Awesome, wonderful! It was the right thing to do. It feels much freer here. There are minimal restrictions.” #2: “Very happy and excited to move forward. I think I’m positioned to grow here in Florida. If I had stayed in Canada, I would have been in the same situation and never had the chance to follow my business dreams.”
IS THE MOVE PERMANENT? #1: “Permanent, yes, but we will keep our home overseas for now.” #2: “I am here on a two year business investment visa. The goal is to renew and remain. Eventually, I would like to obtain a more permanent status. No one knows what the future holds, but I am determined to follow my dream and see where we end up.”
This Florida “freedom migration” points to a robust future of more international businesses relocating here. These individuals are indicative of those in similar situations, taking risks and, in doing so, demonstrating our innate human desire for freedom. Florida has a lot to offer, those who live in more restrictive environments are longing for the freedoms and opportunities that Floridians enjoy.
GLOBAL BUSINESS COUNCIL
The Global Business Council at RASM is here to assist you in learning more about international connections and information on foreign countries. Join GBC for just $25 a year. For more information, contact the RASM GBC Staff Liaison, Denise Ricciotti, at 941952-3403 or email Global@myrasm.com. •
