Guide to Living on Fisher Island Florida

By Anthony Guerriero, Licensed Real Estate Broker | Manhattan Miami Real Estate | Updated January 2026

Living in America's most expensive zip code comes with extraordinary privileges. Fisher Island Florida is the ultimate destination for those seeking unmatched privacy, island living, world-class amenities, and neighbors who include billionaires, celebrities, and captains of industry. Accessible only by ferry, private yacht, or helicopter, this 216-acre private island just three miles off the coast of Miami Beach represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury residential living.

Fisher Island at a Glance

America's Most Expensive Zip Code

In October 2025, Fisher Island's zip code 33109 officially became the most expensive in the United States, surpassing Atherton, California's eight-year reign at the top. According to PropertyShark data, Fisher Island recorded a median home price of $9.5 million—a testament to its continued appeal among the world's wealthiest buyers.

The island's real estate values have appreciated dramatically, with properties increasing approximately 160% since 2010. Average resident income exceeds $2.5 million annually according to Bloomberg analysis of IRS data, making Fisher Island not just the most expensive but among the wealthiest communities in America.

The History of Fisher Island

Fisher Island was originally part of Miami Beach until 1905, when the dredging of Government Cut created a separate barrier island. The island takes its name from automotive parts pioneer Carl Fisher, who purchased it in 1919 from Dana Dorsey, the first African American millionaire in South Florida.

In 1920, Fisher traded the island to William K. Vanderbilt II in exchange for a yacht and just ten dollars. The Vanderbilt family transformed Fisher Island into their private winter estate, constructing the ornate Mediterranean-style mansion that remains the island's architectural centerpiece today. Designed by renowned Palm Beach architect Maurice Fatio in 1935, the Vanderbilt Mansion now serves as the heart of the exclusive Fisher Island Club.

Following Vanderbilt's death in 1944, ownership changed hands multiple times before Fisher Island Club acquired the property in 1987, developing it into the ultra-exclusive residential community it is today.

Famous Residents and Celebrity Neighbors

Fisher Island has long attracted celebrities seeking privacy away from paparazzi and public attention. Notable residents past and present include:

Media and Entertainment:

• Oprah Winfrey — Owned a 6,170 SF penthouse in Villa Del Mare (sold 2001 for $6.5M)
• Julia Roberts — Full-time resident, drawn to the island's exceptional privacy
• Mel Brooks — Longtime property owner
• Jack Nicholson — Part-time resident
• Lenny Kravitz — Known resident
• Nicky Jam — Purchased $6 million luxury condo

Sports Legends:

• Caroline Wozniacki & David Lee — The tennis star and former NBA player purchased a $18.7M penthouse in 2021, selling it in 2024 for $37 million—nearly doubling their investment in just three years
• Boris Becker — International tennis champion and property owner
• Andre Agassi — Former resident
• Mike Fratello — NBA Coach of the Year

Fashion and Models:

• Karolina Kurkova — Supermodel and resident

The island's discretion means many high-profile residents remain unknown to the public—exactly as they prefer.

The History of Fisher Island

Fisher Island was originally part of Miami Beach until 1905, when the dredging of Government Cut created a separate barrier island. The island takes its name from automotive parts pioneer Carl Fisher, who purchased it in 1919 from Dana Dorsey, the first African American millionaire in South Florida.

In 1920, Fisher traded the island to William K. Vanderbilt II in exchange for a yacht and just ten dollars. The Vanderbilt family transformed Fisher Island into their private winter estate, constructing the ornate Mediterranean-style mansion that remains the island's architectural centerpiece today. Designed by renowned Palm Beach architect Maurice Fatio in 1935, the Vanderbilt Mansion now serves as the heart of the exclusive Fisher Island Club.

Following Vanderbilt's death in 1944, ownership changed hands multiple times before Fisher Island Club acquired the property in 1987, developing it into the ultra-exclusive residential community it is today.

Famous Residents and Celebrity Neighbors

Fisher Island has long attracted celebrities seeking privacy away from paparazzi and public attention. Notable residents past and present include:

Media and Entertainment:

• Oprah Winfrey - Owned a 6,170 SF penthouse in Villa Del Mare (sold 2001 for $6.5M)
• Julia Roberts - Full-time resident, drawn to the island's exceptional privacy
• Mel Brooks - Longtime property owner
• Jack Nicholson - Part-time resident
• Lenny Kravitz - Known resident
• Nicky Jam - Purchased $6 million luxury condo

Sports Legends:

• Caroline Wozniacki & David Lee - The tennis star and former NBA player purchased a $18.7M penthouse in 2021, selling it in 2024 for $37 million—nearly doubling their investment in just three years
• Boris Becker - International tennis champion and property owner
• Andre Agassi - Former resident
• Mike Fratello - NBA Coach of the Year

Fashion and Models:

• Karolina Kurkova - Supermodel and resident

The island's discretion means many high-profile residents remain unknown to the public—exactly as they prefer.

Price Ranges by Property Type

Fisher Island Real Estate in 2025

Fisher Island real estate spans from luxury condominiums to sprawling waterfront estates, all within the island's exclusive 216-acre footprint. With only approximately 700 households, inventory is perpetually limited.

Current Market Statistics

Featured Buildings by Category

Ultra-Luxury & Trophy Properties (2008–2026)

Classic Fisher Island (1986–2004)

Premier Fisher Island Buildings

Palazzo Della Luna (Completed 2019)

• Address: 6800 Fisher Island Drive
• Units: 50 waterfront residences
• Size: 3,724–10,194 SF
• Features: Fisher Island's only 6-star residences, Central Park with yoga lawn and croquet green, Sunrise and Sunset pools
• Recent Sales: Trophy penthouses listed up to $85 million

Palazzo Del Sol (Completed 2016)

• Address: 7000 Fisher Island Drive
• Units: 46 ultra-private homes
• Size: 3,800–9,800 SF
• Architect: Kobi Karp
• Features: 6-star residences, 10 stories, located at the junction of Biscayne Bay and Atlantic Ocean
• Amenity: Custom $20,000 Garia golf cart included with purchase

Palazzo Del Mare (Completed 2008)

• Address: 7193 Fisher Island Drive
• Units: 32 limited-edition homes across 10 floors
• Features: Mediterranean-style, Gaggenau appliances, Atlantic Ocean and Government Cut views
• Recent Listing: $18.3M for 7,025 SF 6BR/5.5BA

Bayview

• Address: 4811–5393 Fisher Island Drive
• Units: 111 residences in six mid-rise towers
• Size: 2,000–10,000 SF
• Views: Downtown Miami skyline, Biscayne Bay, Atlantic Ocean
• Features: Private waterfront swimming pool

Villa Del Mare (Completed 1992)

• One of Fisher Island's original luxury developments
• Former home of Oprah Winfrey's penthouse

New Developments

The Residences at Six Fisher Island (Under Construction — 2026 Completion)

• Address: 6 Fisher Island Drive
• Developer: Related Group, Teddy Sagi, BH Group, Wanxiang America RE Group
• Units: 50 bespoke residences across 10 stories
• Size: 3,870–8,400 SF (averaging 4,817 SF), 3–8 bedrooms
• Architect: Kobi Karp | Interiors: Tara Bernerd and Partners
• Prices: Starting ~$15 million, targeting $4,000+/SF
• Construction Loan: $400 million from Madison Realty Capital
• Sales: 50% sold with $500M+ in total sales; two penthouses sold for combined $150 million
• Exclusive Sales: Douglas Elliman
• Amenities: Two resort-style pool decks, oceanfront wellness facility, full-service spa, VR game room, multi-sport simulator, 24/7 concierge, house car service
• Significance: First new condo development on Fisher Island in over five years, built on one of the island's final development parcels

The Links Estates at Fisher Island (Single-Family Homes)

• Units: 12 custom mansions
• Size: Averaging 10,000 SF on 0.3 to 0.5-acre lots
• Architect: Portuondo Perotti Architects
• Interiors: Indelux (Italian design firm)
• Landscaping: Enzo Enea
• Builder: ASR Construction
• Prices: Starting ~$3,300/SF (averaging $33 million)
• Significance: Rare single-family home opportunity on Fisher Island

Future Development (Proposed)

Fisher Island Fuel Terminal Site (Proposed — 2027 Groundbreaking)

• Land Sale: $180 million (October 2025) — record price for Fisher Island
• Developers: Related Group, HRP Group, Raycliff Capital, GFO Investments
• Developer Lead: Jon Paul Perez (CEO of Related Group)
• Plans: Two 13-story ultra-luxury condo towers
• Pricing: Starting ~$5,000/SF, penthouses expected around $100 million
• Total Sell-out Value: Estimated $2 billion
• Timeline: 2-year leaseback with current operator, groundbreaking expected 2027, completion ~2030
• Status: ⚠️ CONTROVERSIAL — The 10-acre site currently houses a 700,000-barrel fuel depot critical for PortMiami operations. Miami-Dade County officials and cruise industry leaders (including Royal Caribbean's CEO) are opposing the development, with some commissioners calling for eminent domain proceedings. Mediation between developers and the county is ongoing as of late 2025. Environmental cleanup will be required before construction.

Note: This development remains uncertain pending resolution of the dispute with Miami-Dade County.

How to Get to Fisher Island

Unlike other Miami luxury enclaves connected by bridges, Fisher Island maintains its exclusivity through controlled access. There are only three ways to reach the island:

Ferry Service

• Departures: Every 5 minutes, 24/7/365
• Travel Time: 7.5 minutes
• Route: From Terminal Island (via MacArthur Causeway) to Fisher Island
• Note: Residents can drive their cars onto the ferry

Private Yacht or Boat

• Two world-class marinas with 100+ slips
• Accommodates vessels up to 250 feet
• Only private deep-water marina in Miami
• 8-foot internal harbor depth

Helicopter

• Private helipad at the Vanderbilt Mansion
• Available to all Fisher Island Club members

Travel Times from Fisher Island:

• South Beach: ~10 minutes
• Downtown Miami/Brickell: ~18 minutes
• Miami International Airport: ~25 minutes

Once on island, residents travel primarily by golf cart, with limited personal parking spaces available.

Fisher Island Club Membership

The Fisher Island Club is the social and recreational heart of the island. Membership is available only to property owners (equity membership) or through annual non-resident memberships.

2025 Membership Costs

Equity Membership Includes:

• Primary member, spouse, and dependent children under 24
• Ownership stake in the club
• Access to all club facilities
• Priority reservations

Guest Fees: Approximately $250/day for two guests, plus $100/day for each additional adult guest

Fisher Island Amenities

Fisher Island offers a self-contained lifestyle with world-class amenities rivaling the finest resorts anywhere in the world.

The Vanderbilt Mansion and Club Facilities

The historic Vanderbilt Mansion houses:

• Garwood Lounge & Piano Bar — 1930s-styled steakhouse
• Snooker Club Billiards
• City View Café
• Library Drawing Room and Salon
• Café Tangier
• Grand Ballroom
• Heated Saltwater Pool

Dining (9 Restaurants)

• Garwood Lounge & Piano Bar — Fine dining steakhouse in the Vanderbilt Mansion
• La Trattoria — Casual Italian cuisine overlooking the marina
• Porto Cervo — World-class Mediterranean dining near the golf course
• Beach Club & Sunset Bar — Casual dining with spectacular Biscayne Bay views
• Plus five additional dining venues

Recreation and Sports

Golf:

• P.B. Dye-designed championship course
• Described as "18 holes in 9"
• Ranked #8 among all 9-hole courses in the US by Golf Digest
• Full practice range and short game area
• PGA professional instruction

Tennis:

• 18 courts total
• French Open and Wimbledon-quality surfaces
• Professional instruction available

Beach and Water:

• One-mile stretch of private beach
• Imported Bermuda sand from the Bahamas
• Two full-service marinas
• Deep-water yacht docking up to 250 feet

Fitness and Wellness:

• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Spa Internazionale and Salon di Bellezza
• Holistic wellness programs
• Scenic biking and hiking trails
• Bird watching sanctuary

Convenience Services

• Fisher Island Day School — Preschool through 8th grade
• UHealth Center — On-island medical facility
• Island Market — Gourmet groceries and provisions
• Bank — Full-service banking
• Fire & Emergency Station
• Post Office
• 24-Hour Security

Fisher Island Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Fisher Island?

Fisher Island is accessible only by private ferry (departing every 5 minutes from Terminal Island), private yacht, or helicopter. There are no bridges. Residents can drive their vehicles onto the ferry, but most island transportation is by golf cart.

What is the Fisher Island Club membership fee?

Property owners pay a $250,000 initiation fee plus $19,260–$25,520 in annual dues for equity membership. This includes access to all club amenities—golf course, tennis courts, spa, restaurants, beach club, and marinas. Golf privileges require an additional $3,950–$4,650 annually.

Why is Fisher Island the most expensive ZIP code in America?

Fisher Island (33109) became America's #1 most expensive ZIP code in October 2025 with a $9.5 million median sale price—a 65% increase from 2024. The combination of absolute privacy (ferry-only access), limited inventory (~700 households on 216 acres), world-class amenities, and proximity to Miami drives ultra-premium pricing. The most expensive 2025 sale reached $23.7 million.

What are HOA fees on Fisher Island?

Monthly maintenance fees vary significantly by building: older buildings like Bayside Village range $1,500–$3,000/month, while Palazzo properties run $4,000–$8,000+ monthly. These fees cover building maintenance, reserves, and basic club access, but golf membership and certain services require additional fees.

Can I rent my Fisher Island condo?

Rental policies vary by building. Most associations permit annual rentals with board approval. Short-term rentals (under 6–12 months) are generally prohibited or heavily restricted. Some buildings limit rental frequency to once or twice per year.

What schools serve Fisher Island?

Fisher Island Day School provides on-island education from preschool through 8th grade. For high school, students typically attend private schools in Miami Beach or Miami (Ransom Everglades, Miami Country Day, MAST Academy). Public school zoning falls under Miami-Dade County schools.

How does Fisher Island compare to Indian Creek?

Both represent Miami's ultra-luxury pinnacle. Indian Creek ("Billionaire Bunker") is smaller (~40 estates) and even more exclusive, home to Jeff Bezos and Tom Brady, with no condos—only single-family estates. Fisher Island offers more housing options (condos + estates) and resort-style amenities, while Indian Creek is purely residential with minimal shared facilities.

What new developments are coming to Fisher Island?

The Residences at Six Fisher Island (50 units, 2026) is under construction—the first new condo in 5+ years. A controversial fuel terminal redevelopment (two 13-story towers, ~$100M penthouses) was announced in late 2025 but faces opposition from Miami-Dade County and cruise industry; eminent domain proceedings are possible.

Are there any waterfront estates for sale?

The Links Estates offers 12 custom single-family mansions (avg. 10,000 SF on 0.3–0.5 acre lots) ranging from $31M–$55M+. Some buyers are combining lots for $100M+ compounds. These represent rare single-family opportunities on an island dominated by condos.

What medical facilities are available?

Fisher Island has an on-island UHealth medical center for routine care and emergencies. Mount Sinai Medical Center (Miami Beach) is approximately 15 minutes away for advanced care.

How long do homes take to sell on Fisher Island?

Average days on market range from 140–300 days, reflecting the ultra-luxury price points and limited buyer pool. Trophy properties over $20M often take longer, while well-priced units in established buildings may sell faster.

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