Take a look inside the most expensive zip code in Florida, the mysterious members-only island where millionaires pay $250,000 for access

"Tax refugees" are fleeing to Miami and snapping up ultra-luxury real-estate in the $10 million to $50 million range.
Miami Beach's man-made Fisher Island is the most expensive zip code in Florida and one of the top spots these wealthy transplants are flocking to.
Less than 20% of the island's residents permanently reside there.
Residents must pay membership dues, which includes an initial contribution of $250,000 and an annual fee of $22,256.

Fisher Island, Florida, is as exclusive as it gets.

The 216-acre, man-made island sitting pretty off the coastof Miami Beach is reachable only by boat most often yacht. It's considered America's most millionaire-dense zip code and the most expensive zip code in Florida, but less than 20% of the island's residents permanently reside there.

It's also one of the top Miami areas that wealthy "tax refugees" from New York and San Francisco are flocking to, as Business Insider's Katie Warren recently reported.

With its mix of condos, private homes, and hotel rooms, the lush island exists as a retreat for the ultra-wealthy, who spend their days golfing, playing tennis, lounging on the beach, boating, and simply relaxing.

According to 2015 IRS data analyzed by Bloomberg , Fisher Island residents have an average annual salary of$668,900.

The illustrious Vanderbilt family were the original stewards of Fisher Island, and their penchant for opulence remains.

Below, find out how Fisher Island became America's most affluent enclave.

Though Fisher Island is billed as a world-class travel destination, about 650 families live in private residences on the island. More than 80% of them are seasonal residents. The median home value on Fisher Island is about $3 million as of November, according to Zillow.

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Courtesy of Elena Bluntzer, ONE Sotheby's International Realty

Source: Zillow , Fisher Island Club

Fisher Island maintains more than 100 boat slips for yacht-owning residents. Yacht and 24/7 public ferry are the only way to access the island.

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Felix Mizioznikov/Shutterstock

Source: Fisher Island Club

Fisher Island has been rumored to draw celebrities in search of privacy. Oprah Winfrey owned a condo on Fisher Island for several years, but listed the property for just over $2 million in 2008. Other past residents reportedly include tennis legend Boris Becker and actor Mel Brooks.

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Lisa Maree Williams / Getty

Source: Variety , Forbes

To use the islands resort-style amenities, residents must pay membership dues, which includes an initial contribution of $250,000 and an annual fee of $22,256. Frequent visitors can become members for a one-time initiation fee of $42,800 and an annual payment of $29,907.

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Fisher Island Club & Resort

Source: Fisher Island Club

Access to the golf course costs an extra $4,280 to $5,055 a year for both guests and property owners.

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Fisher Island Club & Resort/Facebook

Source: Fisher Island Club

The small island, located off the southern coast of Miami Beach near Biscayne Bay, was originally created by the Florida government in 1906. It was briefly owned by Dana Dorsey, one of Floridas first black billionaires, but he sold the land to Carl Fisher, an auto entrepreneur and real estate developer, in 1919.

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Felix Mizioznikov/Shutterstock

Source: Fisher Island Club

In the mid-1920s, Fisher met William K. Vanderbilt II, one of Americas wealthiest residents, and proposed a trade: seven acres of Fisher Island for Vanderbilts 250-foot yacht.

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Google Maps

Source: Fisher Island Club

The railroad baron obliged and drew up plans for Fisher Islands first residence, "Alva Base," a Mediterranean-style compound with guest houses, tennis courts, and pools. Vanderbilt completed construction on his winter retreat in 1941 and spent a few years entertaining and hosting wealthy friends until his death in 1944.

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Fisher Island Club & Resort/Facebook

Source: Fisher Island Club

The Vanderbilt mansion and cottages remain the centerpiece of the island and are available for booking. The nightly rate for a guest cottage starts at $1,375.

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Fisher Island & Resort/Facebook

"Rosemarys Cottage" was originally built as an art studio for Vanderbilts stepdaughter. Now part of the islands hotel, it rents for $4,000 a night.

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Fisher Island Club & Resort/Facebook

Source: Fisher Island Club

In 2014, Fisher Island Club completed a $60 million revitalization project that included the addition of a new golf course, tennis courts, a spa and salon, restaurants, a beach club and marina, and a hotel.

BusinessInsider USA Images

Fisher Island Club & Resort/Facebok

Source: Fisher Island Club

Take a look inside the most expensive zip code in Florida, the mysterious members-only island where millionaires pay $250,000 for access

Though Fisher Island is billed as a world-class travel destination, about 650 families live in private residences on the island. More than 80% of them are seasonal residents. The median home value on Fisher Island is about $3 million as of November, according to Zillow.

Fisher Island maintains more than 100 boat slips for yacht-owning residents. Yacht and 24/7 public ferry are the only way to access the island.

Fisher Island has been rumored to draw celebrities in search of privacy. Oprah Winfrey owned a condo on Fisher Island for several years, but listed the property for just over $2 million in 2008. Other past residents reportedly include tennis legend Boris Becker and actor Mel Brooks.

To use the islands resort-style amenities, residents must pay membership dues, which includes an initial contribution of $250,000 and an annual fee of $22,256. Frequent visitors can become members for a one-time initiation fee of $42,800 and an annual payment of $29,907.

Access to the golf course costs an extra $4,280 to $5,055 a year for both guests and property owners.

In the mid-1920s, Fisher met William K. Vanderbilt II, one of Americas wealthiest residents, and proposed a trade: seven acres of Fisher Island for Vanderbilts 250-foot yacht.

The Vanderbilt mansion and cottages remain the centerpiece of the island and are available for booking. The nightly rate for a guest cottage starts at $1,375.

"Rosemarys Cottage" was originally built as an art studio for Vanderbilts stepdaughter. Now part of the islands hotel, it rents for $4,000 a night.

In 2014, Fisher Island Club completed a $60 million revitalization project that included the addition of a new golf course, tennis courts, a spa and salon, restaurants, a beach club and marina, and a hotel.

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