FOX News host Sean Hannity has opened up about why he left New York for Florida, saying angry restaurant crowds made his life difficult in the Big Apple.
The 63-year-old TV and radio personality revealed his troubles during the Tuesday, August 26, 2025, “Hannity” show while discussing Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani with former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Hannity said multiple issues drove him to move to Florida in January 2024, including high taxes, crime, and hostile encounters at restaurants.
“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.”
The conservative host explained that he no longer cares about New York’s mayoral race because it will not affect him, stating that he is perfectly fine with Mamdani winning, as it will not impact his life after leaving New York.
When Hannity announced his permanent move last January, he made it clear he was finished with his home state, declaring that his first broadcast would come from his new home in the free state of Florida and emphasizing that he was out, done, and finished.
The move wasn’t cheap. Hannity sold his waterfront Long Island mansion after owning it since 2008. He bought the Oyster Bay property for $8.5 million and listed it for sale in May 2024 at $13.75 million.
The 11,000-square-foot house had seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and sat on nearly six acres. It included luxury features like an 81-foot private dock, swimming pool, tennis court, and golf course.
The mansion sold quickly for $12.7 million in an all-cash deal after a bidding war. The buyer was reportedly a fan of Hannity, who also purchased all the furniture and books, bringing the total sale to more than $13 million.
Hannity didn’t downgrade in Florida. He recently bought a $23.5 million waterfront mansion in Manalapan, Palm Beach County. The nearly 12,000-square-foot home, situated on almost two acres with ocean views, features eight bedrooms and 10.5 bathrooms.
The property has a pool, a dock, and a rooftop terrace. It’s located just minutes from former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
Before this purchase, Hannity owned a smaller $5.3 million townhouse in Palm Beach, which he bought in 2021. He also previously owned a Naples condo that he bought for $4.7 million and later sold for $5.7 million.
The TV host’s real estate empire is extensive. Public records indicate that he controls nearly two dozen shell companies, which have acquired almost 900 properties across seven states. His holdings are reportedly worth at least $90 million and include properties in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, Alabama, Vermont, and New York.
Hannity isn’t the only conservative media figure who has moved to Florida. FOX News anchor Bret Baier also relocated to Palm Beach from Washington, D.C. Many wealthy people have been moving from New York to Florida in recent years, with about 91,000 New Yorkers making the move in 2022 alone.
The broadcaster praised Florida’s political leadership, mentioning Governor Ron DeSantis. He has repeatedly criticized New York for high taxes, crime, and what he sees as a poor quality of life.
Born in New York City and raised on Long Island, Hannity started his career in college radio before joining FOX News when it launched in 1996. He co-hosted “Hannity & Colmes” until 2009, then got his own show. His nationally syndicated radio program reaches more than 500 stations.
Hannity’s comments about restaurant experiences came during a discussion about Zohran Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor. The 33-year-old democratic socialist has also faced hostile crowds, recently being heckled during a campaign visit to Staten Island.
The FOX host maintains his relationship with colleague Ainsley Earhardt, who initially stayed in New York. The couple announced their engagement in December 2024 and see each other on weekends despite living in different states.
Now broadcasting both his TV and radio shows from his Florida studio, Hannity says he has no plans to return to New York. His move allows him to avoid New York’s state income tax while continuing his media career in what he considers a more welcoming environment.
