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Investing in Palm Beach & Miami is accelerating on Billionaire tax bill. Learn how policy shifts are driving demand for South Florida Real Estate.

Why California’s Tax Bill is fueling Wealth Migration & Reshaping Luxury Real Estate in Florida

When Policy Changes, People Move

California helped create some of the wealthiest individuals in the world. But today, many of those same entrepreneurs and investors are quietly reassessing where they live, invest, and anchor their families.

A proposed one-time 5% wealth tax on residents with net worth over $1 billion — targeted for January 1, 2026 — has turned 2025 into a decisive “moving year.” High-profile founders and investors are already repositioning, with Florida emerging as a primary destination.

This is where investing in Palm Beach to Miami strategic becomes more than a trend.

Because when capital moves, real estate is often the first and most important step.

1. This Isn’t Just a Tax Story — It’s a Migration Story

Wealth has always been mobile. What’s changed is how quickly policy decisions now influence residency and capital allocation.

For many California households with complex balance sheets, this is not about ideology — it’s about structure.

  1. A wealth tax reshapes long-term estate and liquidity planning
  2. Residency becomes a strategic lever
  3. Timing matters more than ever

Florida continues to attract long-term wealth because it offers clarity, predictability, and scale — not just tax advantages.

This explains why South Florida is seeing primary residence relocations, not just seasonal ownership.

2. Why Investing in South Florida Appeals to High-Net-Worth Buyers

For affluent families, investing in South Florida is rarely speculative.

It’s about alignment.

Alignment between lifestyle, capital preservation, privacy, and simplicity.

Palm Beach to Miami delivers:

  1. Global accessibility
  2. A tax-efficient environment
  3. A mature luxury market
  4. A lifestyle that works for families and entrepreneurs alike

For buyers who already own property in multiple cities, Palm Beach to Miami functions exceptionally well as a secondary primary residence — usable year-round, without operational friction.

3. When Capital Moves, Real Estate Responds

Migration at the top of the wealth spectrum creates predictable market effects.

  1. Primary residences shift to policy-stable states
  2. Trophy properties gain strategic value
  3. Full-service buildings outperform discretionary assets

South Florida has evolved from a lifestyle destination into a global capital hub.

This supports:

  1. Long-term demand for luxury condominiums
  2. Strong pricing in buildings with security and amenities
  3. Continued absorption of new development inventory

Luxury markets behave differently. They are driven less by interest rates and more by structural demographic shifts.

4. Experience Matters When Navigating These Shifts

Over the past 23 years, I’ve had the privilege of successfully funding and closing over $2.25 billion in real estate transactions, working with entrepreneurs, executives, and families navigating complex, multi-market decisions.

I work closely with some of the most respected professionals in the industry, including Josh Altman (Million Dollar Listing), Chad Carroll and the Carroll Group — the #1 Compass team in Florida — and I serve as the number one partner with DeLeon Realty in Silicon Valley, recognized by the Wall Street Journal as the #1 Realtor in the world.

As a NAR Certified Global Realtor, and as part of the extraordinary Carroll Group powerhouse team, I understand the importance of “going the distance.”

Not just finding a property — but helping clients make decisions that hold up over time, across markets, and through policy cycles.

5. The Strength Behind the Strategy: Compass & Chris Pessy with The Carroll Group

Access and execution matter — especially at the luxury level.

The Carroll Group at Compass represents:

  1. $1.1B+ in annual recent production
  2. $1B+ in annual recent production
  3. #1 Compass Team in Florida
  4. A nationally recognized, top-tier team by volume

This scale provides clients with real-time market intelligence, off-market access, and a depth of experience that becomes critical during periods of migration and market transition.

6. Why Acting Early Matters

Policy changes rarely occur in isolation.

They often signal broader economic and behavioral shifts.

History consistently shows that those who act early tend to:

  1. Secure better positioning
  2. Maintain flexibility
  3. Avoid reactive decisions

Waiting until headlines become law often means competing with momentum — instead of benefiting from foresight.

Wealth Is Mobile — Strategy Should Be Too

Whether one agrees or disagrees with proposed tax policy, the message is clear.

  1. Wealth moves
  2. Policy matters
  3. Real estate is often the first move

Palm Beach to Miami continues to attract long-term wealth because it offers simplicity, security, and global relevance — especially through well-positioned luxury condominium assets.

If you or your clients are considering a move, exploring South Florida as a secondary residence, or simply want clarity on how these shifts may affect your real estate strategy, I welcome a private conversation.

📩 Reply directly or schedule a confidential discussion to explore what makes sense for you — before decisions become urgent instead of strategic.

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Chris
Pessy
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I’ve always been impressed with Chris’s approach. I've worked with many professionals Internationally in the industry, but Chris truly stands out. His 24/7 unwavering commitment make a stressful day feel like a breeze.
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Andrea & Veronica Bocelli
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Chris goes above and beyond for our clients! His dedication to excellence and unwavering commitment to excellence set him apart in the industry. Our shared passions for people and delivering results for clients make collaborating with him fun and successful" —
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Josh Altman / Million Dollar Listing
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"As a seasoned real estate investor, I was thoroughly impressed by Chris's unparalleled professionalism and market expertise. Chris navigated the complexities of the transaction process with ease, always providing insightful guidance and an exceptional level of availability.”
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Miguel Forbes / Forbes Family Trust.
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“From the moment I engaged with Chris, I knew I was in good hands. His professionalism and ability to “line up all the stars” months in advance of making my offer resulted in my first off-market dream home purchase becoming a reality." —
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Rob Garza / Founder Thievery Corporation
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Coming from the world of hospitality, working with Chris has been a pleasure! His big heart, extensive network and deep understanding of the luxury real estate landscape gave the Mina Family access to the right opportunities and people to get the job done”
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Michael Mina / Founder The Mina Group
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"Chris is more than just a Real Estate Veteran and Influencer – he's a trusted advisor and friend. His genuine care for his clients and passion for his work shine through in everything he does.”
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My mission is to provide an unparalleled level of service and build genuine connections, ensuring every client's real estate journey is seamless, transparent, and rooted in trust.

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