Wealthy New Yorkers are reportedly preparing to relocate to Florida as Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani leads in polls for New York City mayor, raising concerns about potential tax hikes on the rich, Fox News just reported.
Mamdani, the Democratic nominee, has built his campaign around increasing taxes on high-income earners. A Suffolk University poll just released shows him leading with 43.8% support among likely voters — roughly ten points ahead of independent candidate and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Miami-based Fox News correspondent Danamarie McNicholl reported on America Reports that Palm Beach realtors are noticing a surge of interest from New York buyers.
“These are families, empty nesters, looking to buy a home and gain Florida residency,” McNicholl said. “Some New Yorkers are taking a closer look at Florida’s no-state income tax, especially as a potential tax hike looms. Raising taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers has been one of Mamdani’s key campaign promises.”
Luxury real estate agent Johnny DelPrete told Fox News the trend is noticeable.
“High-net-worth people, you know, they’re paying those taxes,” DelPrete said. “So they really want to know what they’re getting for what they’re paying. There definitely has been more traffic, more showings.”
Local officials in Florida have also taken note.
“The mayor of Boca Raton says the Mamdani effect is real,” McNicholl reported. “He’s been fielding calls from worried New Yorkers.”
Boca Raton even launched NewYorkToBoca.com earlier this year to attract potential transplants — a campaign that has drawn thousands of visitors and even a Times Square billboard, according to Fox News.
“In addition to higher taxes, some prospective movers cite fears of rising crime if Mamdani is elected,” said Republican Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer.
Mamdani’s platform includes a proposed 2% tax increase on New York City’s top 1% of earners — those making over $1 million annually — to fund initiatives such as rent freezes, free public buses, and city-owned grocery stores. The candidate has also stated that “billionaires should not exist.”
Even outside New York, the race has drawn political attention. In June, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis predicted that a Mamdani victory could trigger another wave of migration to Florida.
“If this socialist mayor candidate wins, you’re gonna see real estate values skyrocket in Palm Beach because people are gonna get out of that city,” DeSantis said at a bill-signing event. “As bad as [Bill] de Blasio was, this guy is going to be way, way worse.”
Source: Daily Caller
