The Rise of Southwest Florida’s Ultra-Wealthy: Who’s Living Among Us?

Southwest Florida is fast becoming a magnet for the ultra-rich. A recent analysis shows that among the wealthiest Americans, a surprising number now call this region home. With its luxury real estate, privacy, favorable tax climate, and coastal lifestyle, Southwest Florida is drawing billionaires and multimillionaires alike.

Why So Many High Net Worth Individuals Are Choosing SWFL

Several factors fuel the migration of wealthy elites to this part of the state:

• Tax advantages: Florida has no state income tax, which is a major draw for high earners.

• Lifestyle & amenities: From miles of beachfront and upscale golf communities to fine dining and cultural institutions, SWFL offers the kind of access that appeals to the affluent.

• Privacy & security: Many gated communities and luxury enclaves offer seclusion that high-profile individuals often seek.

• Real estate as status and investment: High-end properties in Naples, Marco Island, and nearby areas have become both prestige statements and long-term wealth preservation vehicles.

Who Are Some of These Wealthy Residents?

Five of the wealthiest Americans now list Naples addresses. Each of them has appeared before on Forbes’ rankings, but together, they highlight the city’s growing reputation as a billionaire’s playground.

• Shahid Khan (Net Worth: $14.3B | Rank: No. 74)
  Owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Flex-N-Gate, Khan remains the wealthiest Naples resident. His fortune grew $1 billion over the past year, even though his overall ranking slipped due to the broader surge in billionaire wealth.

• Tom Golisano (Net Worth: $6.5B | Rank: No. 224)
  Founder of Paychex and noted local philanthropist, Golisano saw his net worth climb from $6.2B last year. Despite the gain, he fell slightly in rank as others on the list experienced even larger growth.

• Reinhold Schmieding (Net Worth: $6B | Rank: No. 246)
  Founder of Arthrex, one of Collier County’s largest employers, Schmieding saw his fortune dip from $6.9B last year. His drop in rank reflects a cooling in the medical device sector relative to tech and finance.

• Scott Kapnick (Net Worth: $5B | Rank: No. 301)
  Founder and CEO of HPS Investment Partners, Kapnick’s fortune jumped from $3.6B in 2024, moving him up more than 70 spots. His firm manages nearly $150 billion in assets, solidifying his rise as a financial power player.

• Richard Schulze (Net Worth: $4.4B | Rank: No. 341)
  The Best Buy founder remains its largest shareholder and has pledged to give away $1 billion of his wealth. His net worth dipped slightly this year, but his foundation continues to fuel major philanthropic efforts across the region.

The Billionaire Landscape in Florida

Florida ranks third nationally for billionaire residents, trailing only California and New York. Nearly 50 Floridians made the Forbes 400 in 2025, with a combined wealth of $716 billion — a jump from $605 billion the year before. In South Florida, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos tops the state’s list with $241 billion.

Nationally, Elon Musk remains at the very top, with an astounding $428 billion. The bar to even make the Forbes 400 has risen dramatically, now requiring $3.8 billion, compared to $1.7 billion just a decade ago.

Impacts on Naples and Beyond

• Luxury real estate: More demand for waterfront estates and high-rise penthouses.

• Business growth: Upscale services, private aviation, and boutique finance thrive.

• Philanthropy: From hospital donations to arts funding, billionaire dollars ripple through the community.

• Community dynamics: Rising wealth raises questions about affordability and sustainability for the region’s broader population.

Naples’ reputation as a haven for the wealthy is no longer a quiet fact — it’s firmly on the national stage. With billionaires investing in homes, businesses, and philanthropy here, Southwest Florida is evolving into one of the most concentrated hubs of wealth in the country.