Florida has become one of the hottest destinations for celebrities looking to escape high taxes, crowded cities, and hectic lifestyles. From Miami’s glittering waterfront to the quiet shores of Boca Raton, the Sunshine State offers something for everyone.
Stars from sports, entertainment, and tech have all packed their bags and headed south. Here is a look at 20 famous faces who now call Florida home and the reasons that drew them there.
1. Tom Brady
After winning a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021, Tom Brady proved he was more than just a visitor to Florida. He made the state his permanent home, eventually settling in Miami after his retirement.
The warm weather, no state income tax, and a fresh start all played a role.
Brady has embraced the Miami lifestyle with open arms, and it is easy to see why. Florida gave him a new chapter away from the New England spotlight.
2. David Beckham
Owning a Major League Soccer team has a way of planting roots. David Beckham purchased a luxury condo in Miami after co-founding Inter Miami CF, the city’s MLS franchise.
The move made perfect sense, blending his business life with a world-class city known for style and energy.
Miami matches his personality well. The vibrant culture, international crowd, and beachside luxury made Florida a natural fit for the global soccer icon.
3. Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos traded rainy Seattle for sunny Miami, and honestly, who could blame him? The Amazon founder relocated to Florida, drawn by the relaxed urban atmosphere and, of course, the significant financial benefits of living in a state with no income tax.
For someone worth hundreds of billions, that still adds up fast.
Miami also offers a growing tech and business scene. Bezos fits right into a city that blends ambition with a laid-back coastal vibe.
4. Sylvester Stallone
Rocky himself decided it was time to hang up the gloves in California and head to Florida. Sylvester Stallone made the move in 2023 after spending decades in the Golden State.
He was looking for a quieter place to relax, enjoy retirement, and spend time with family without the chaos of Hollywood constantly knocking at his door.
Florida gave him exactly that. Warm weather and a slower pace made the transition feel like a victory lap.
5. Mark Wahlberg
Mark Wahlberg joined a very exclusive club when he moved to Delray Beach’s famous “Billionaires Row.” The actor and entrepreneur left California behind, citing high taxes and a desire to raise his family in a better environment. Florida offered him both financial relief and a more grounded lifestyle.
Wahlberg has spoken openly about wanting a fresh start. Delray Beach gave him space, sunshine, and a community that matched his new priorities perfectly.
6. Scott Baio
Scott Baio packed up and left California in 2023, and he was very clear about why. He pointed to the growing homeless crisis in Los Angeles County as a major reason for leaving.
Florida, he said, reminded him of what America felt like 50 years ago, open, friendly, and full of good people.
He described the state as “free” in a way California no longer felt. For Baio, Florida was not just a move; it was a values statement.
7. Kevin James
Kevin James brought his humor and his family to Boca Raton, one of Florida’s most charming and upscale coastal communities. The King of Queens star chose the area for its family-friendly environment and relaxed atmosphere.
Boca Raton has long been a favorite for those who want luxury without the noise of a major city.
James seems right at home in a place where golf carts and beach days are part of everyday life. Florida suits his easygoing style.
8. Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner
After their time in Washington D.C. wrapped up, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner made a bold real estate move. The power couple purchased a waterfront lot on Indian Creek Island in Miami Beach, one of the most exclusive and private addresses in the entire country.
The island is so exclusive it even has its own police force.
Miami offered them privacy, warm weather, and a fresh start. Their choice reflects Florida’s growing appeal among the country’s most influential figures.
9. Larry Page
Google co-founder Larry Page spent over 170 million dollars on properties in South Florida, which says a lot about how seriously he took this move. California’s high taxes were a big motivating factor.
Florida’s zero state income tax policy is especially attractive for billionaires who earn massive investment income every year.
Page also shifted some of his business interests to the region. South Florida’s growing tech presence made it a smart choice both personally and professionally.
10. Billy Joel
The Piano Man has more than just a song connection to Florida. Billy Joel has built a solid real estate presence in South Florida, making it one of his favorite places to put down roots.
The region’s music culture, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful coastline all align with his artistic soul and love of the good life.
South Florida has always attracted musicians and entertainers. For Joel, it represents a warm and welcoming retreat from the demands of a legendary career.
11. Gloria Estefan
Few celebrities have a deeper connection to Florida than Gloria Estefan. The Miami Sound Machine singer was raised in Miami and has never really left.
Her roots in the Cuban-American community run deep, and the city shaped everything from her music to her identity. Miami is not just where she lives; it is who she is.
Estefan has invested in the city through businesses and real estate. She remains one of Florida’s most beloved and iconic residents to this day.
12. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal’s connection to Florida is long and well-documented. He played for the Orlando Magic early in his career and later bought property in the state.
After retiring from basketball, Shaq returned to Florida and has made it his base of operations for his many business ventures and media projects.
The state’s warm climate and business-friendly environment suit his larger-than-life personality. Florida has been part of Shaq’s story since the very beginning of his rise to fame.
13. Tiger Woods
Jupiter Island might be one of Florida’s best-kept secrets, but Tiger Woods made it famous when he built his dream compound there. The golf legend designed a private course on his property, which makes total sense when you think about it.
Florida’s year-round sunshine means he can practice virtually every day without worrying about snow or cold.
Woods has called Jupiter Island home for years. The privacy, the weather, and the world-class golf scene in the area make it ideal for someone of his stature.
14. Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade did not just play in Miami; he became Miami. After spending most of his NBA career with the Heat, Wade made Florida his permanent home after retirement.
The city embraced him as one of its own, and he returned that love by investing in real estate and community efforts throughout the area.
His connection to Miami goes beyond basketball. Wade has described the city as the place where he truly grew up, both as a player and as a person.
15. Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan and Florida go way back. The wrestling icon has lived in the Clearwater and Tampa Bay area for much of his life, drawn to the Gulf Coast’s beautiful beaches and relaxed vibe.
Florida has been the backdrop for many chapters of his personal life, from his wrestling career peaks to quieter days near the water.
Hogan has described the area as home in every meaningful sense. The sunshine and the beach lifestyle suit the larger-than-life legend perfectly.
16. Rush Limbaugh
Rush Limbaugh was one of the most prominent voices to champion Florida living. The late radio host made Palm Beach his home for decades, calling it one of the finest places in America to live.
He frequently praised Florida’s tax climate on his show, noting how much of a difference the lack of state income tax made for high earners.
His move helped inspire others in media and entertainment to consider Florida. Palm Beach remains one of the most sought-after addresses in the entire country.
17. Celine Dion
Celine Dion chose Jupiter Island as her Florida retreat, purchasing a stunning beachfront estate in the area. The Canadian superstar was drawn to the quiet, private community that offers a world away from the Las Vegas stages she called home for so long.
Jupiter Island is known for its exclusivity and natural beauty.
Florida gave Dion a peaceful place to recharge. The warm ocean air and serene surroundings offer a welcome contrast to the demanding life of a global superstar.
18. Venus and Serena Williams
The Williams sisters have deep Florida roots that go all the way back to their teenage years. Venus and Serena both grew up training in Palm Beach Gardens, where their father Richard moved the family to develop their tennis careers.
Florida’s climate was perfect for year-round outdoor practice and helped shape two of the greatest athletes of all time.
Both sisters have maintained Florida connections throughout their careers. The state will always hold a special place as the place where their legendary journey truly began.
19. Derek Jeter
Derek Jeter’s move to Florida was both personal and professional. The Yankees legend became the CEO and part-owner of the Miami Marlins, which naturally brought him south.
He purchased a waterfront home in the area and settled into the Miami lifestyle with the same quiet confidence he showed on the baseball diamond for two decades.
Jeter has embraced Florida’s mix of sports culture and coastal living. Running a baseball team in the Sunshine State suits the Hall of Famer just right.
20. LeBron James
LeBron James spent four seasons with the Miami Heat and fell in love with South Florida in the process. While he has since moved on to other teams, his ties to Miami have remained strong.
He has maintained property in the area, and many close to him say he has never fully left the city behind in his heart.
Miami shaped a key chapter of his career, including two NBA championships. Florida will always be part of the LeBron James story in a big way.