Howard Schultz Moves to Miami After Washington Approves 9.9% Tax on Incomes Over $1 Million

Howard Schultz and his wife Sheri have moved after four decades in Seattle to a new home in Miami, framing the change as a retirement move and a chance to be closer to adult children on the U.S. East Coast.

“Former CEO and principal driver of Starbucks' global growth, Howard Schultz, confirmed that he and his wife, Sheri Schultz, have moved their residence from Washington to Florida, coinciding with the state legislature's approval in Washington of a new 9”

Infobae

The Times of India reports Schultz “announced that he and his wife have moved from their longtime home in Seattle, Washington, where they lived for 40 years, to Miami, Florida,” and that he said on LinkedIn they have entered “the retirement phase” and look forward to “our next adventure together” in South Florida.

Infobae

Infobae similarly notes that “Howard Schultz... confirmed that he and his wife, Sheri Schultz, have moved their residence from Washington to Florida,” and that Schultz publicly invoked climate and family appeal as reasons for the decision.

While Schultz emphasised family and retirement, media coverage highlights the timing alongside recent state tax changes.

The immediate policy context is Washington state’s recently approved House measure that would add a 9.9% tax on annual incomes above $1 million, a proposal now awaiting Senate consideration and eventual signature by Governor Bob Ferguson if passed.

The Times of India summarises that “Washington’s Democratic‑controlled House of Representatives recently passed a bill that would impose a 9.9 percent income tax on individuals earning more than $1 million per year.”

The Times of India

Infobae identifies the change as “the wealth tax approved in Washington, which would take effect in early 2028,” and cites estimates that it could raise roughly $3.5 billion annually.

Infobae also names the legislation as “Senate Bill 6346” and says the plan is to direct funds toward reducing other tax burdens and expanding the Working Families Tax Credit.

Reporting highlights both concrete and speculative angles: Infobae cites a Wall Street Journal report that Schultz’s relocation followed the purchase of a roughly $44 million penthouse at the Four Seasons Private Residences at Surf Club in Surfside, Miami, while The Times of India notes Schultz did not explicitly say the move was motivated by taxes even as the timing has “raised eyebrows.”

“Former CEO and principal driver of Starbucks' global growth, Howard Schultz, confirmed that he and his wife, Sheri Schultz, have moved their residence from Washington to Florida, coinciding with the state legislature's approval in Washington of a new 9”

Infobae

Infobae’s account links the luxury real‑estate purchase with national discussions over whether wealthy individuals relocate in response to higher state levies, while Times of India emphasises Schultz’s stated reasons — retirement and family proximity — and his longstanding role building Starbucks into a global brand.

Observers place the move in the wider pattern of migration to low‑tax states: both sources note Florida’s lack of a state income tax and frame Schultz’s relocation within a broader debate about capital and talent flowing to places with lighter tax regimes.

The Times of India points out “Florida does not have a state income tax.”

The Times of India

Infobae describes a “growing national debate in the United States about the migration of capital and talent to states with lower tax burdens.”

Commentators and outlets are treating Schultz’s announcement as part personal life change and part emblematic example in that debate.