The famous names behind Fisher Island’s gates

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Published On: Dec 05th 2022

A sunset view from Fisher Island, where many residences include private waterfront pools as part of their amenities.

Fisher Island is one of the more secluded residential communities in the country. It’s just off Miami Beach, but you won’t find a bridge or a public entrance. You can either take the ferry, arrive by private boat, or fly in by helicopter.

“Who lives on Fisher Island?” is a common question, and for good reason. Known for its discretion, the island doesn’t attract attention through social media or public tours. Most residents keep a low profile, which only adds to the island’s aura of exclusivity. Still, over the years, a handful of high-profile names have been quietly associated with this ultra-private enclave.

NOTABLE RESIDENTS PAST AND PRESENT

luxury condo living room

Fisher Island homes offer privacy and views that have long attracted high-profile residents.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey owned a penthouse in the Villa Del Mare complex on Fisher Island, which she sold in 2001 for $6.5 million. The four-bedroom, 6,170-square-foot residence featured 20-foot ceilings, a chef’s kitchen, and a wraparound terrace with ocean views. Nearly two decades later, the same unit resold in 2020 for $20 million, making it one of the most notable transactions in the building’s history.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts has been listed among the celebrity homeowners on Fisher Island, according to multiple published reports. While details about the specific property aren’t publicly available, her name appears alongside other well-known residents in articles profiling the island’s exclusive appeal.

Caroline Wozniacki and David Lee

In 2021, tennis star Caroline Wozniacki and former NBA player David Lee purchased a Miami Beach penthouse on Fisher Island for $18.7 million. The 7,000-square-foot residence included five bedrooms, over 5,000 square feet of outdoor terrace space, and a private rooftop pool. They sold the property in 2024 for $37 million.

Boris Becker

Boris Becker has been named in several published reports as a property owner on Fisher Island. While details about his residence remain private, his inclusion in multiple reports about who lives on Fisher Island underscores the island’s continued draw for international athletes and public figures seeking privacy.

Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft

Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft were among the early wave of high-profile residents to buy on Fisher Island. Known for keeping a low profile off-screen, the couple chose the island for its privacy and seclusion during the height of their careers.

WHY FISHER ISLAND STILL ATTRACTS THE ELITE

Everything about Fisher Island real estate is designed for people who don’t want attention, don’t want turnover, and don’t want surprises. Here’s what sets it apart:

Access is tightly controlled: There are no bridges, public roads, or walk-ins on the island. If you aren’t a resident or on a guest list, you aren’t getting past the dock.
There are no short-term rentals: Every home is owned or leased long-term, which means no vacation crowds, no Airbnbs, and no revolving door of unfamiliar faces.
The club exists to serve owners: Fisher Island Club’s golf course, spa, restaurants, and marina are exclusively for residents and their guests.
You’re close to the city, but completely separate: The ferry puts you just minutes from Miami Beach, but the island itself is quiet, self-contained, and built to stay that way.

WHAT BUYERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FISHER ISLAND REAL ESTATE

luxury condos on Fisher Islands

Fisher Island real estate is made up entirely of private condos and villas, many with full ocean views and long-term owners.

Buying on Fisher Island is a bit different than buying in other parts of Miami. The process is more private, the inventory is harder to access, and the details matter. Here’s what you need to know before you start looking:

Pricing ranges: Homes for sale in Fisher Island typically start at around $3 million, with top-tier penthouses and waterfront units exceeding $40 million.
Property types: All residences are condos or villa-style units with water views, oversized terraces, and layouts built for either seasonal or full-time living.
Low, off-market inventory: Many deals never reach the public market. Most serious buyers rely on private networks or early access from experienced agents.
Board approval required: All buyers participate in a confidential review process by the Fisher Island board, a standard step to ensure the community remains a good fit for everyone, no matter the offer or payment terms.
Club membership required: Buying on Fisher Island includes mandatory Fisher Island Club membership. According to the club’s official site, equity membership is available only to property owners and includes access to amenities like golf, tennis, the marina, and the beach club. Membership includes a one-time initiation fee of $250,000 and annual dues starting around $20,000, depending on the fee type and chosen privileges.
Realtor relationships matter: A trusted Fisher Island Realtor can provide early notice of listings, prepare you for board approval, and navigate a process that’s intentionally closed to the general public.
Value retention is strong: Fisher Island real estate tends to hold value even during broader market shifts due to its limited inventory, tight ownership controls, and long-term retention by residents.

FAQS

What is it like to live on Fisher Island?

Daily life is quiet, private, and service-driven. Residents use golf carts to get around, the club handles everything from dining to spa appointments, and the island stays insulated from tourism or outside traffic.

Do you need to be a U.S. citizen to buy on Fisher Island?

No. International buyers can purchase property on Fisher Island without U.S. citizenship or residency. However, buyers must still go through the island’s board approval process.

Who lives on Fisher Island?

Fisher Island has attracted celebrities, former athletes, business executives, and long-time residents who value discretion. Ownership records are mostly private, and many deals happen quietly through off-market networks.

Is Fisher Island family-friendly?

Yes. The island has parks, playgrounds, a private school, and family-oriented events throughout the year. While many residents are part-time or retired, there’s a strong community of full-time families as well.

WHAT IT REALLY MEANS TO OWN ON FISHER ISLAND

The area offers both privacy and stability. And for anyone still wondering who lives on Fisher Island, the answer comes down to people who value security, quiet, and long-term consistency.

If you’re considering buying here, it’s important to work with agents who understand the nuances of this unique market. The Jills Zeder Group has closed some of the island’s biggest off-market deals and brings decades of experience, strong relationships, and a low-profile approach that fits the community. To start that conversation, reach out to the team here.