Jeff Bezos has expressed a deep affinity for Miami, describing a palpable energy he feels each time he lands in the city. A content creator with expertise in real estate has highlighted his words as a testament to South Florida's booming economy.
Real estate agent Carolina Muñoz (@soycaromunoz_) shared a reel on Instagram featuring excerpts from the Amazon founder's speech at the America Business Forum held in Miami in November 2025.
At the event, Bezos appeared as a surprise closing speaker, sharing his personal admiration for the "Magic City." He spoke about his connection to Latin culture, particularly the Cuban influence.
"Miami has transformed dramatically over the past 40 years. It's an amazing city. I love the Latin part of the culture here. There's so much energy! It's so vibrant! And I have personal reasons too. My dad is Cuban. He's here in Miami. This city has such a great vibe that you can feel it. As soon as I land, I sense that energy. As soon as the plane touches down, I feel it."
The "personal reasons" Bezos refers to are his Cuban roots. His adoptive father, Miguel "Mike" Bezos, was born in Santiago de Cuba and came to the United States in 1962 at the age of 16 via Operation Pedro Pan, initially staying at a refugee camp in Miami.
Jeff was adopted by Mike at the age of four and has always publicly acknowledged him as his true father.
This familial connection partly explains why Bezos chose Miami as a place to reside. Between 2023 and 2024, the businessman purchased three properties on Indian Creek Island—known as the "billionaire bunker"—for approximately $237 million in total: the first for $68 million, the second for $79 million, and the third for around $90 million.
The Economic Rise of Miami
Carolina Muñoz uses Bezos' testimony to paint a picture of the city's economic landscape. "The man who built Amazon chose this city to live in," she notes in her post.
The real estate agent also references the World's Wealthiest Cities Report 2025 by Henley & Partners, which indicates that Miami saw a 94% increase in the number of millionaires over the past decade—the highest growth of any American city—and is now home to nearly 40,000 residents with at least one million dollars in liquid assets.
Muñoz points out that Florida does not impose a state personal income tax, nor does it tax estates or capital gains at the state level, making it an attractive destination for high-net-worth capital migrating from places like New York.
Among Bezos' neighbors on Indian Creek are Julio Iglesias, Carl Icahn, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Mark Zuckerberg, who purchased a mansion on the island for $170 million in early 2026.
Muñoz concludes her analysis with straightforward advice for those considering investing in the region: "Where capital flows, everything else follows—jobs, development, housing demand, and appreciation. Miami's economy isn't just trendy—it's undergoing a transformation."
Miami's Economic Transformation and Celebrity Residents
Why does Jeff Bezos feel a connection to Miami?
Jeff Bezos feels a connection to Miami because of its vibrant energy and his personal ties to the Cuban culture, as his adoptive father is Cuban and resides in Miami.
What makes Miami attractive to high-net-worth individuals?
Miami attracts high-net-worth individuals due to its lack of state income, estate, and capital gains taxes, as well as its significant economic growth and cultural vibrancy.
Who are some of Jeff Bezos' neighbors on Indian Creek Island?
Some of Jeff Bezos' neighbors on Indian Creek Island include Julio Iglesias, Carl Icahn, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Mark Zuckerberg.