Google Co-Founders May Be Leaving California—And It’s Not Just About the Weather
Are Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin really leaving California? Recent filings suggest yes—and tax policy may be the driving force. According to a New York Times report, both billionaires have significantly scaled back their legal and financial footprints in the state where they launched one of the world’s most influential tech companies. With a controversial ballot measure proposing a 5% one-time tax on billionaires, their moves could signal a broader shift among ultra-wealthy Californians.
Why Now? The Billionaire Tax Looms Large
At the heart of this exodus is a proposed California ballot initiative that would impose a one-time 5% tax on individuals with net worths exceeding $1 billion. If approved by voters in November 2026 and enacted, the tax would apply retroactively to anyone who was a California resident as of January 1, 2026. For billionaires like Page and Brin—each worth tens of billions—the potential liability could reach hundreds of millions of dollars. That’s more than enough incentive to rethink residency status.
Sergey Brin’s Quiet Exit Strategy
In December 2025, Brin dissolved or converted 15 limited liability companies tied to his California-based assets into Nevada entities. These weren’t just shell corporations—they managed tangible luxury assets, including one of his superyachts and a private aviation terminal at San Jose International Airport. Nevada, known for its business-friendly laws and lack of state income tax, offers a strategic alternative for high-net-worth individuals seeking to minimize tax exposure without fully severing ties to the West Coast.
Larry Page Doubles Down on Florida
Meanwhile, Larry Page has taken even more visible steps. Public records show that 45 of his California LLCs have recently gone inactive or relocated. Most notably, a trust linked to Page dropped $71.9 million on a Miami mansion in early January 2026. Florida—another state with no income tax—has become a magnet for tech elites, from Elon Musk to Jeff Yass. Page’s move aligns with a growing trend: relocating not just capital, but lifestyle, to lower-tax jurisdictions.
But Are They Really Leaving?
It’s important to note that neither Brin nor Page has completely abandoned California. Both still maintain residences in the state, and their departures appear more administrative than absolute. For the ultra-wealthy, “residency” is a fluid legal concept—one that can be manipulated through trusts, LLC structures, and strategic property ownership. Still, the scale of their corporate reorganization suggests serious intent to reduce future tax liabilities tied to California domicile.
The Ripple Effect on Silicon Valley
If two of Silicon Valley’s founding figures are pulling back, what does that mean for the region’s future? While Google (now under Alphabet) remains headquartered in Mountain View, the symbolic weight of its creators distancing themselves from California could influence other tech leaders. Venture capital firms, startup founders, and even mid-tier executives may begin reassessing their own ties to the state—especially if the billionaire tax gains traction.
California’s Revenue Gamble
State lawmakers argue the proposed tax could raise up to $8 billion—funds earmarked for housing, wildfire prevention, and mental health services. But critics warn it could backfire by accelerating an outflow of wealth and investment. California already faces challenges with business retention; losing high-profile residents like Page and Brin might amplify perceptions of the state as hostile to success, regardless of the policy’s social merits.
A National Trend with Local Consequences
This isn’t just a California story. Across the U.S., states are grappling with how to tax extreme wealth without triggering capital flight. New York, Illinois, and Washington have all seen similar debates. But California’s tech-centric economy makes it uniquely vulnerable. When your innovation ecosystem is built on founder-led startups, the departure—even partial—of iconic entrepreneurs sends a powerful message.
What This Means for Everyday Californians
While most residents won’t face a billionaire tax, the fallout could affect public services and economic growth. If the measure passes but wealthy individuals successfully restructure to avoid it, the state might collect far less revenue than projected. Conversely, if it deters future investment, job creation in tech hubs like San Francisco and Los Angeles could slow. The stakes extend beyond headlines about yachts and mansions.
The Legal Gray Zone of Wealth Mobility
Tax attorneys emphasize that changing residency isn’t as simple as buying a home elsewhere. California aggressively audits former residents to ensure they’ve truly severed ties—down to counting days spent in the state and tracking credit card usage. Yet for billionaires with teams of lawyers and accountants, navigating these rules is part of the game. Page and Brin aren’t breaking laws; they’re using them to their advantage.
November’s Make-or-Break Vote
All eyes now turn to the November 2026 ballot. If the billionaire tax passes, California will become the first state to implement such a levy. If it fails, the exodus may slow—but the message has already been sent. The era of unquestioned loyalty between tech titans and their home state may be ending, replaced by a more transactional relationship shaped by fiscal policy and personal risk calculus.
A Symbolic Shift in Tech’s Power Center
Whether temporary or permanent, the moves by Google’s co-founders mark a turning point. Silicon Valley once symbolized limitless opportunity within California’s borders. Now, its pioneers are voting with their feet—and their LLCs—suggesting that even the most iconic success stories may no longer see the Golden State as essential to their futures. In the high-stakes game of wealth and governance, geography is becoming increasingly optional.
