When you think about the booming Florida real estate market, one name consistently comes up Itzhak Ezratti. As the founder and long-time leader of GL Homes, Ezratti has been instrumental in shaping Florida’s residential landscape for more than four decades. From humble beginnings in the 1970s to running one of the nation’s largest privately held homebuilders, Ezratti’s journey reflects resilience, vision, and strategic brilliance.
His success has also translated into immense personal wealth. As of 2025, Ezratti’s net worth is estimated at around $1.9 billion, according to Forbes. Some sources place his wealth within the range of $700 million to $1.9 billion, but the consensus is clear Ezratti is among the wealthiest real estate magnates in Florida.
This article takes a closer look at Itzhak Ezratti’s net worth, the foundations of his wealth, and the broader legacy he has built through GL Homes.
Early Life and the Birth of GL Homes
Itzhak Ezratti’s story begins in the mid-1970s when he founded GL Homes in Florida. At the time, the company was a small regional builder competing in a crowded market. But Ezratti had a sharp eye for consumer demand and community-focused development.
Rather than focusing only on individual houses, he envisioned entire neighborhoods complete with schools, recreation facilities, and carefully planned infrastructure. This forward-thinking approach soon differentiated GL Homes from its competitors.
By the 1980s and 1990s, Florida was experiencing a housing boom, and Ezratti’s strategy of building master-planned communities paid off handsomely. GL Homes quickly scaled operations, earning a reputation for both quality construction and long-term customer trust.
The Growth of GL Homes
Today, GL Homes is a titan in Florida real estate. According to company data and industry reports:
- Annual Revenue: Around $1.9 billion
- Assets Under Management: Approximately $3.75 billion
- Communities Built: Thousands of homes across Florida, including luxury developments and 55+ active-adult communities
One of Ezratti’s strengths has been his ability to diversify within the housing sector. GL Homes caters to a wide audience, from first-time buyers to retirees seeking active-lifestyle communities. By balancing these markets, the company has remained profitable through economic ups and downs, including the 2008 financial crisis and the recent post-pandemic housing surge.
This robust financial performance directly contributes to Ezratti’s personal net worth, as he retains a significant ownership stake in GL Homes.
Itzhak Ezratti Net Worth: Breaking Down the Numbers
The question on many minds is: How much is Itzhak Ezratti really worth?
Estimates of His Wealth
- Forbes (2025): A confirmed $1.9 billion
- Tuko & OddCulture: Also cite the $1.9 billion figure
While exact private wealth figures are hard to pin down due to the privately-held nature of GL Homes, Ezratti’s fortune is largely tied to:
- GL Homes’ Private Valuation – With billions in assets and revenues, Ezratti’s majority stake translates into massive personal equity.
- Land Bank Holdings – GL Homes has accumulated thousands of acres of valuable Florida land, which has appreciated tremendously.
- Luxury Real Estate Developments – High-end projects in areas like Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and Tampa have brought in premium profits.
The Foundations of Itzhak Ezratti Wealth
Ezratti’s fortune didn’t happen overnight it was built on smart strategies and consistent leadership.
1. Master-Planned Communities
Unlike traditional builders, Ezratti focused on entire lifestyle-based communities. This meant building not just homes but ecosystems with parks, schools, and recreational centers. Such developments command higher long-term value and customer loyalty.
2. Targeting Active Adults
Florida is one of the top retirement destinations in the U.S., and GL Homes capitalized early by offering 55+ active-adult communities. These have proven to be incredibly profitable and recession-resistant.
3. Long-Term Land Strategy
Ezratti believed in banking land early. GL Homes bought thousands of acres before Florida’s real estate boom, allowing the company to build at relatively low costs while watching property values soar.
4. Private Ownership Advantage
Because GL Homes remains privately held, Ezratti has retained tight control over decision-making and long-term growth strategies. This independence has shielded the company from shareholder pressures that public builders often face.
Lifestyle, Philanthropy, and Influence
Itzhak Ezratti is known to be private about his personal life, but industry insiders recognize his strong influence in both real estate and philanthropy.
- Lifestyle: As a billionaire, Ezratti enjoys the luxuries afforded by his wealth, but he is not known for being overly flashy. Instead, his reputation leans toward being a builder of value and trust.
- Philanthropy: While less publicly documented than some peers, Ezratti and GL Homes have supported various community initiatives, including education and social welfare programs in Florida.
- Industry Influence: Ezratti is widely respected as one of Florida’s most influential real estate developers. His work has directly impacted the state’s economic growth, especially in residential housing.
The Legacy of Itzhak Ezratti
More than just numbers, Ezratti’s true legacy lies in the communities he has helped shape. GL Homes neighborhoods are home to thousands of families, retirees, and professionals who benefit from the vision and planning principles he established.
He represents a model of leadership that values:
- Trust and customer loyalty
- Innovation in community design
- Sustainable long-term growth
His philosophy shows that building wealth is not just about profits it’s about creating lasting value for people and communities.
Conclusion
As of 2025, Itzhak Ezratti’s net worth stands at approximately $1.9 billion, making him one of the wealthiest real estate developers in Florida. His fortune is deeply tied to the success of GL Homes, which he founded in 1976 and grew into a powerhouse of the housing market.
But Ezratti’s story is not just about billions in the bank. It’s about vision, perseverance, and the creation of communities that have transformed Florida’s residential landscape. From master-planned neighborhoods to active-adult communities, his influence will be felt for decades to come.
In short, Itzhak Ezratti is more than a billionaire — he is a builder of both wealth and legacy.
Q1. Who is Itzhak Ezratti?
Itzhak Ezratti is the founder and chairman of GL Homes, one of the largest privately held homebuilders in the United States. Under his leadership, GL Homes has become well-known for creating master-planned communities and luxury homes in Florida.
Q2. Who is the CEO of GL Homes?
The current CEO of GL Homes is Misha Ezratti, who is also the son of founder Itzhak Ezratti. He leads the company’s day-to-day operations and continues to build on its reputation for quality and innovation in homebuilding.
Q3. Who founded GL Homes?
GL Homes was founded by Itzhak Ezratti in 1976. Starting as a small homebuilding company, it has grown into one of Florida’s most respected and successful residential developers.
Q4. Who is Itzhak Ezratti’s wife?
Itzhak Ezratti’s wife is Anna Ezratti. She is known for maintaining a very private life, staying away from public attention while supporting her husband and family.