For many relocating individuals, cost considerations played a major role in choosing Florida, with added advantages such as pleasant climate and absence of state income tax serving as extra incentives. Florida has grown somewhat less budget-friendly in recent times. Yet for celebrities with sufficient resources, the remaining advantages make the shift worthwhile.

Florida is commonly seen as a final destination or a spot for retirement relaxation. While this holds true for some, including Sylvester Stallone who settled there in 2023 following many years in California, others recognize potential for Florida to develop into a leading business hub.

Google cofounder Larry Page invested over $170 million in two South Florida properties and relocated his operations there, as California's tax rates proved excessive.

The shift in wealth distribution has boosted popularity for certain areas, with Florida standing out as an attractive residence for affluent individuals.

Business Insider compiled details on 16 celebrities and business figures who departed various regions to establish homes and, in select cases, their enterprises in sunny Florida, listed alphabetically by last name.

Scott Baio moved to Florida due to California’s homeless issue.

The actor known for Happy Days and Charles in Charge announced on X in May 2023 his departure from California after 45 years, pointing to challenges with homelessness in LA County.

Florida captures the essence of America from 50 years ago, Baio shared with Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo shortly after the announcement. It features people enjoying open spaces, a sense of freedom, and consistently friendly encounters.

David Beckham bought a massive condo in Miami after taking ownership of its Major League Soccer team.

Retired soccer star David Beckham now spends increased time in Miami.

He and his wife Victoria Beckham acquired a $24 million five-bedroom condo in 2020 complete with a pool and rooftop helipad. The pair relocated to Miami following Beckham's role as co-owner and president of Major League Soccer team Inter Miami CF.

Miami serves as the gateway to the Americas and welcomes individuals from across the globe, Beckham noted on his site regarding his vision for Inter Miami.

Jeff Bezos left Seattle's tech hub for a more laid-back city in Miami.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos purchased a $68 million Biscayne Bay mansion in August 2023. Two months later he acquired an adjacent seven-bedroom residence for $79 million. In April he added another Florida property valued at $90 million.

Bezos explained his move from Seattle, home to Amazon headquarters, to Miami to be nearer his parents and Blue Origin operations.

I have resided in Seattle longer than anywhere else and hold many fond memories, Bezos stated in an Instagram post. Though the relocation brings excitement, it carries emotional weight.

Tom Brady has lived in Florida since winning a Super Bowl in Tampa Bay.

Following his 2020 signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a Super Bowl victory prior to his 2023 NFL retirement, Brady has remained in Florida.

He initially occupied a 1.2-acre mansion during his Buccaneers tenure while married to Gisele Bündchen, a former Derek Jeter property.

Post-divorce he relocated to Miami, where his residence includes floor-to-ceiling windows and indoor-outdoor areas with a fireplace and pool, as shown in his Instagram posts.

I spent considerable time as a native Californian, then 25 years elsewhere, and have no plans to return to the Northeast, Brady remarked in 2020 about his New England Patriots period. The warm weather appeals greatly and feels wonderful.

Guy Fieri has an estate near West Palm Beach that can dock a 100-foot yacht.

The Flavortown personality built his career primarily on the West Coast after studies in Las Vegas and restaurant ventures in California. With his family advancing and his status as a leading food figure, he is considering future phases.

Fieri acquired a waterfront home near West Palm Beach in 2023 for $7.3 million, per The Palm Beach Post.

The property offers five bedrooms, five bathrooms, 6,621 square feet of living space, and a 5-foot infinity pool. Its 230-foot Intracoastal Waterway frontage accommodates a 100-foot yacht.

Even a cloudy day in Florida proves enjoyable, he noted while launching a Chicken Guy location in Winter Park, Florida in 2023. I will spend far more time in Florida than anticipated.

Citadel CEO Ken Griffin moved his family and his business to South Florida.

Ken Griffin established Citadel in Chicago in 1990 yet later shifted from the Windy City to Miami's warmer setting.

Griffin relocated both his firm, managing roughly $58 billion in assets, and himself to Florida. He intends to construct a $1 billion headquarters and has invested substantially in personal properties.

In 2022 Griffin bought waterfront real estate for more than $106 million, surpassing his own prior record from the previous year when he paid $75 million for a Star Island home.

Karlie Kloss and Jared Kushner left Manhattan for South Florida.

Venture capitalist Josh Kushner, brother to Jared Kushner, departed Manhattan for a $23.5 million Miami Beach property in 2020.

Kushner and his wife, model Karlie Kloss, settled into an eight-bedroom, 14,000-square-foot waterfront mansion.

Architectural Digest reported their 2021 Manhattan purchase, yet records confirm ongoing ownership of the Miami Beach residence.

Lionel Messi enjoys his Fort Lauderdale mansion when he's not playing for Inter Miami CF.

Three years after acquiring the team, David Beckham secured the services of arguably the top soccer talent worldwide.

Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami CF in 2023 and, away from matches, resides in a $10.75 million waterfront Fort Lauderdale mansion.

The 10,500-square-foot two-story home includes 10 bedrooms, nine bathrooms, two docks, and 170 feet of waterfront, according to the Miami Herald.

Adapting has been straightforward, Messi stated at a 2023 press event. We felt certain about coming here, and the welcoming atmosphere from club members, daily street interactions, and the vibrant city has made settling in simple and pleasant.

Adam Neumann is establishing himself in Florida and has a large footprint to work with.

In 2021 WeWork cofounder Adam Neumann sold his Bay Area compound for $22.4 million and acquired two Miami properties.

Neumann purchased adjacent waterfront lots totaling 50,000 square feet for $44 million in an exclusive Miami Beach section.

Google cofounder Larry Page is ditching California to dodge a proposed billionaire tax.

With a November 2026 vote approaching on a one-time 5 percent tax on billionaires' net worth in California, Google cofounder Larry Page opted to relocate and reportedly acquired two properties in Miami's Coconut Grove area.

The measure would apply retroactively to billionaires residing in California from January 1. Page, with a net worth of $269 billion, completed his first Florida purchase in December 2025.

His two properties exceed $170 million in value and sit less than a mile apart. He also transferred his business interests out of California.

Larry Robbins vacated New York to live in Florida, but will still commute for work.

Billionaire hedge-fund manager Larry Robbins is departing New York City without relocating his company.

Robbins, CEO of Glenview Capital Management, purchased a Palm Beach Gardens home for $13.9 million earlier in 2024, per The Real Deal.