Sunshine State Shuffle: A-List Celebrities Trade Hollywood for Florida's Warm Embrace

The glittering lights of Hollywood may have once been irresistible to many celebrities, but the allure of sun, sand, and serenity is drawing an increasing number of stars to the peaceful shores of Florida. In a heartfelt Instagram video shared in April 2025, Real Housewives of New York alum Bethenny Frankel announced her decision to join the ranks of the Florida-based A-listers.

"Florida has captured my heart for both personal and professional reasons," she revealed. The move was designed to support her daughter Bryn's academic and athletic goals, making West Palm Beach their primary residence, while maintaining a presence in New York City and the Hamptons. Meanwhile, Dancing With the Stars pro Witney Carson and her husband, Carson McAllister, found their dream home in Orlando with their two sons, Leo and Jet.

The couple's emotional connection to Florida was strengthened by a serendipitous discovery of lion motifs throughout the house, reminding them of Carson's late father-in-law Kevin Leo McAllister. The Real Housewives franchise continues to make its mark in the Sunshine State, with Rachel Fuda, a former star of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, revealing via Instagram in August 2026 that she and her husband were moving to Florida.

Frankel's move was driven by a commitment to prioritizing Bryn's well-being. "Bryn is Bethenny's top priority, and the decision to move to Florida was all about supporting her," a source close to Frankel shared with Us Weekly at the time of the announcement. In October 2024, reports emerged that Frankel had purchased a waterfront condo in West Palm Beach as part of her new Florida lifestyle.

Joining the Florida-based RHONY alums is Dancing With the Stars pro Jules Wainstein, who relocated to Florida following her split from Michael Wainstein in 2016. In March 2023, Carson shared that her husband and son Leo were also moving south, embracing the adventure as a family. As they settle into their new home, Carson has found joy in the decorating process.

"The process of decorating a house has been so much fun," she gushed to Us Weekly one year later. "Now we’re finally settled and excited to create memories here." Other celebrities have also chosen Florida as their preferred destination, with former pro footballer Tom Brady moving there in 2023 after retiring from the sport. The golfer expressed his delight at the outdoor activities available in the state, particularly golfing and water sports.

In August 2023, soccer superstar Lionel Messi relocated to Florida following a move to Inter Miami, marking his first residence in the United States. "We were convinced we wanted to come here," he told CNN Sports. "The people made it very easy, the people in the club and the people I see day to day in the streets and the amazing city, it makes living here very easy and happy." Florida has also become a popular choice for families seeking a change of pace, with The Little Couple stars and their children Will and Zoey moving there in October 2018.

Actors Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin announced their plans to relocate to Florida in February 2024, citing a desire for a different lifestyle. Tennis champion Venus Williams has long been associated with the state, having learned to play tennis on its courts. In an interview with Architectural Digest, she shared her enthusiasm for interior design, revealing that she had redesigned her Florida home herself.

Even golfing legend Tiger Woods left California behind in 1996 in search of the perfect golfing climate, finding it in Florida. "Coming to Florida and learning how to putt on Bermuda grass, learning how to chip on Bermuda, it took years," he shared in an episode of Golf Digest’s My Game: Tiger Woods — Shotmaking Secrets. Celebrities seeking a change of scenery have been turning to Florida's sunny shores in increasing numbers, with its warm embrace offering the perfect balance between work and relaxation.

As more stars continue to make the move, it seems that the Sunshine State is quickly becoming a sought-after celebrity hotspot.