Larry Ellison, the Oracle billionaire, has made a significant move as he shifts his primary residence from his Hawaiian island to Manalapan, Florida, strategically relocating just 20 minutes from President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. The 81-year-old billionaire’s $173 million estate and a hefty $450 million real estate portfolio in Florida signal not only a personal shift but also a potential alignment with political power.
Ellison formally changed his voter registration to Florida in April 2023, moving from Lanai, Hawaii, where he purchased a property for $300 million in 2012. This move is seen not only as a home change but also as a financial strategy. By relocating before selling Oracle stock, he potentially avoided about $1 billion in Hawaii state taxes, paving his way into a network of political connections and business opportunities that are burgeoning in Florida.
His lavish Manalapan estate spans 16 acres and boasts both beachfront and lakefront access, making it not just a place of residence but a major investment. Ellison purchased his first Trump-adjacent property in 2021 for $80 million and followed it up with the record-breaking Manalapan mansion a year later. His ave to expand within the area has seen him acquire multiple homes in the vicinity. Notably, in August 2024, he made waves with a $277 million purchase of the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa.
Manalapan has become an enclave for the ultra-wealthy, drawing in other notable billionaires such as Jeff Bezos and Ken Griffin. The small barrier island, home to just 400 residents, has seen its real estate market flourish, with Ellison’s investments playing a significant role in this transformation. Mayor John Deese has expressed enthusiasm for the influx of wealth, highlighting how the elevated real estate market has made Manalapan one of the most desirable communities in the U.S.
Ellison’s strategic relationship with power also extends into the tech and media realms, where he has nurtured significant business connections. His participation in a recent Stargate AI announcement with Trump and his son David’s role at Paramount underscore a merging of interests that could lead to substantial opportunities moving forward. His corporation’s lobbying efforts, which reached $11.5 million last year, highlight the seriousness of his alignment with regulatory ecosystems favorable to his business ambitions.
The ongoing renovations at his estate signify long-term plans rather than mere luxury appetites. Initiatives such as collaborative projects with golf course developers and the addition of fine dining options at the Eau Palm Beach symbolize a commitment to creating a legacy.
While critics have raised concerns about the costs tied to such proximity to political power, the potential for profitable returns remains substantial, especially as Ellison’s family dynamics intertwine with influential circles. As speculation continues around issues like potential mergers and acquisitions, the path Ellison has chosen indicates a calculated gamble that may very well transform both his business landscape and bring about notable political influence in the years to come.