Wayne Huizenga’s Florida home legacy reflects the stature of a pioneering businessman who made a lasting impact on the state’s landscape. Huizenga was not only the founder of iconic companies like Waste Management, Blockbuster Video, and AutoNation but also a prominent sports franchise owner. His Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach properties, including one designed by renowned architect Russell Pancoast and renovated in 2011, symbolize his success and deep roots in Florida House. His estates stand as a testament to his business acumen and influence in shaping Florida’s business and cultural environment. This legacy continues through his family and the significant properties they hold today.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Harry Wayne Huizenga |
| Date of Birth | December 29, 1937 |
| Date of Death | March 22, 2018 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, Entrepreneur |
| Education | Attended Calvin College (did not graduate) |
| Family Background | Son of Gerrit Huizenga (cabinet maker) and Jean Huizenga (home decorator) |
| Marital Status | Married twice: Joyce Vander Wagen (1960–1966), Martha Jean “Marti” Goldsby (1972–2017) |
| Children | Five children |
| Notable Achievements | Founded Waste Management, Blockbuster Video, AutoNation; owned Miami Dolphins, Marlins |
| Estimated Net Worth | $2.8 billion at time of death (2018); inflation adjusted estimate $3.2 billion (2024) |
| Residence History | Maintained homes in Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina; notably a summer home in Piney Flats, TN (put on market in 2025) |
| Current Residence | Deceased (no current residence) |
Who is Wayne Huizenga?
Wayne Huizenga was an American entrepreneur and businessman known for founding and building several major companies. He co-founded Waste Management, Inc., growing it rapidly by acquiring 100 companies in nine months. He later became chairman and CEO of Blockbuster LLC, expanding it from 8 to over 9,000 stores worldwide before selling it to Viacom for $8.4 billion. Huizenga also chaired multiple NYSE companies, including AutoNation and Extended Stay America, owned three professional sports teams (Miami Dolphins, Florida Marlins, and Florida Panthers), and was involved in real estate. He is notable for being the only person to have built four Fortune 500 companies and owned three professional sports teams. Born in 1937 near Chicago, he moved to Florida as a teen, worked multiple jobs, attended Calvin College briefly, and started his business career in garbage collection. He received the Horatio Alger Award and was active in philanthropy and leadership roles within that organization.
Where Does Wayne Huizenga Currently Live?
Wayne Huizenga passed away on March 22, 2018, at his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Therefore, he does not currently live anywhere as he is deceased.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| House/Property Name | Wayne Huizenga Palm City Estate, Frederica Golf Club (Georgia) |
| Location | Palm City, Florida (estate), St. Simons Island, Georgia (Frederica Golf Club) |
| Property Size | Palm City: ~17 acres, Frederica Golf Club: features a 35,000 sq ft clubhouse and various amenities |
| Architecture Design | Frederica Golf Club clubhouse: Traditional Low Country colonial-style brick with oyster shell “tabby” cement unique to area; Palm City estate – historic grandeur style |
| Notable Features | Frederica Golf Club: golf facilities, pool, fitness center, tennis courts, horse stables, trails |
| Estimated Worth | Not specifically disclosed; Huizenga’s overall net worth was billions; estate and golf club holdings substantial |
| History & Ownership | Palm City estate was Huizenga’s beloved home; Frederica Golf Club acquired by Huizenga and wife Marti; the golf club was a bank-owned community revitalized by the Huizengas |
| Address | Exact home address not publicly disclosed for privacy; Golf club located on St. Simons Island, Georgia |
| Additional Notes | Huizenga involved in real estate investments, known for business success and philanthropic activities. |
Wayne Huizenga’s Florida House Interior and Exterior
Wayne Huizenga’s Florida house, known as Tarpon Point, is a Mediterranean-style estate situated on 1.41 acres with over 590 feet of riverfront on the New River in Fort Lauderdale. The exterior features tropical landscaping, a resort-style saltwater pool, a towering three-story gazebo with a clock tower and curved staircase, a 135-foot mega yacht dock, and a five-stall barn. Architecturally, the home includes a barrel tile roof and custom hand-forged ironwork, woodwork, stone, mosaic, and iron designs both inside and out.
The interior spans about 20,653 square feet and consists of a 10-bedroom, five-building compound with cathedral ceilings, custom ironwork and finishes, and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing river and peninsula water views. The grand foyer features a crystal chandelier, while the kitchen includes a wood-burning pizza oven, a Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer, Miele and Viking appliances, a walk-in pantry, and a separate commercial caterer’s kitchen. Additional interior luxuries comprise a French-inspired glass conservatory, a main suite with a lounging area, multiple safe rooms, an elevator, gym, workshop, theater, billiards room, and staff office. The master bath features onyx floors and walls, a luxury bathtub, a shower, and a dressing island in her closet.
This estate also includes a formal living room with a vintage French-style fireplace, a large built-in fish tank, multiple fireplaces throughout, and expansive river and city skyline views visible from nearly every room. The home emphasizes artisanal finishes and elegant Mediterranean elegance, reflecting the grand lifestyle of the late billionaire and sports mogul Wayne Huizenga.
Wayne Huizenga’s Florida House History Worth and Address
Wayne Huizenga’s notable Florida house history includes a large riverfront estate in Fort Lauderdale called Tarpon Pointe. This estate sits on 1.5 acres with 600 feet of waterfront along the New River and features an 18,000-square-foot home blending Mediterranean and French architectural styles. The house has eight bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and multiple wings for family, guests, and staff, with functionality focused on luxury living. It includes a pagoda by one of its swimming pools and a dock accommodating vessels up to 140 feet. Huizenga acquired this property in 2005 from Michael Egan, and it was listed for sale after Huizenga’s death for approximately $27 million. The estate is located in the upscale Rio Vista neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale and is well known locally for its scale and waterfront features.
Another property associated with Huizenga’s family is a 4,812-square-foot Miami Beach home at 5941 Pine Tree Drive, designed originally by architect Russell Pancoast around 1929, with renovations in 2011. This home has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, 75 feet of waterfront, and a boat dock.
Huizenga was a billionaire entrepreneur known for founding Waste Management, Blockbuster Video, and AutoNation, and he owned multiple South Florida sports teams. He passed away in 2018 at age 80.
Summary table:
Property Name Location Size & Features Purchase/Sale Details Architectural Notes
| Property Name | Location | Size & Features | Purchase/Sale Details | Architectural Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarpon Pointe Estate | Rio Vista, Fort Lauderdale | 18,000 sq ft home, 8 bedrooms, 9 baths, 1.5 acres, 600 ft waterfront, dock for vessels up to 140 ft | Bought in 2005, listed for $27M after Huizenga’s death | Mediterranean/French style, includes pagoda, multiple wings |
| 5941 Pine Tree Drive | Miami Beach | 4,812 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, waterfront, boat dock | Sold to Huizenga family in recent years (2016-2022) | Designed by Russell Pancoast, renovated 2011 |
This encapsulates Wayne Huizenga’s main Florida properties’ history, architectural style, size, and ownership status.
Wayne Huizenga’s Florida House
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