FOX News host Sean Hannity has discussed his reasons for moving from New York to Florida, citing challenges with hostile reactions in New York restaurants.
The 63-year-old media figure shared these experiences on the “Hannity” show on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. His conversation with former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio revolved around Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.
“You know why I left New York? High taxes, quality of life, crime. I had a hard time going to a restaurant in New York City because people would stare at me and hated me, and they had daggers in their eyes. You know what? I’m loved down here in Florida.”
Hannity expressed disinterest in New York’s mayoral race, stating that it no longer affects him. He is indifferent to Mamdani’s potential victory, having left the city permanently.
His relocation announcement came last January, marking a definitive break from his home state. Hannity’s first broadcast from his new residence in the free state of Florida underscored his intention to move on.
Hannity sold his Long Island waterfront mansion, which he had owned since 2008. Purchased for $8.5 million, he listed the Oyster Bay, New York, property for $13.75 million in May 2024.
The 11,000-square-foot residence featured seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and spanned nearly six acres. It included amenities such as an 81-foot private dock, a swimming pool, a tennis court, and a golf course.
The mansion sold quickly for $12.7 million in an all-cash transaction following a bidding war. The buyer, reportedly a fan of Hannity, also acquired all the furnishings and books, bringing the total sale to over $13 million.
Hannity upgraded in Florida, purchasing a $23.5 million waterfront estate in Manalapan, Florida. The nearly 12,000-square-foot home, situated on almost two acres, offers ocean views, eight bedrooms, and 10.5 bathrooms.
The property includes a pool, a dock, and a rooftop terrace, and is situated minutes from Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
Before this purchase, Hannity owned a $5.3 million townhouse in Palm Beach, Florida, bought in 2021. He previously owned a condo in Naples, Florida, which he purchased for $4.7 million and later sold for $5.7 million.
Hannity’s real estate portfolio is extensive. Public records indicate that he controls nearly two dozen shell companies, which have acquired almost 900 properties across seven states, valued at least $90 million. These holdings include properties in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, Alabama, Vermont, and New York.
Hannity joins other conservative media figures, such as FOX News anchor Bret Baier, in relocating to Florida. The trend includes approximately 91,000 New Yorkers who moved in 2022 alone.
He commended Florida’s political leadership, including Governor Ron DeSantis, and has been critical of New York for its high taxes, crime rates, and quality of life.
Hannity, originally from New York City and raised on Long Island, began his career in college radio before joining FOX News in 1996. He co-hosted “Hannity & Colmes” until 2009 and then launched his own show. His radio program is nationally syndicated to over 500 stations.
His remarks about dining in New York surfaced during a discussion about Zohran Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City. Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, has also encountered hostile audiences, facing heckling during a campaign stop in Staten Island.
Hannity maintains a relationship with colleague Ainsley Earhardt, who initially remained in New York. They announced their engagement in December 2024 and meet on weekends despite living in separate states.
Now hosting his shows from Florida, Hannity has no plans to return to New York, allowing him to avoid the state’s income tax while continuing his media career in what he considers a more welcoming environment.
