Jane MusgraveCasting ballot in Gaines Park helps former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani establish residency to fight off creditors in election lawsuit.
When former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani emerged Thursday from voting at Gaines Park Community Center in West Palm Beach, the 80-year-old disbarred lawyer said it was the first time he had cast a ballot outside his beloved home state.
What he didn’t say: His 6-month-old Florida voter registration, along with his July decision to declare a $3.5 million condo in Palm Beach as his residence, is being hotly contested in federal court.
What they’re saying: “Rudolph W. Giuliani does not live in Florida. But he is pretending to in a brazen attempt to shield his luxury Palm Beach condo from his creditors.” That’s from the attorneys who are working to recover a $148 million judgment from Giuliani for defaming two Georgia election workers in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election.
Why residency matters? Florida’s constitution says a homestead can’t be seized to pay off a judgment. Florida is one of six states that provide such protection, earning it the reputation as a “debtor’s haven,” a magnet for people trying to shield assets.
How does voting fit in? Having a Florida voter’s registration card is one of several documents — along with a driver’s license and vehicle registration — that property appraisers use when granting homestead exemptions.
While Giuliani insisted the 2023 judgment will be reversed on appeal, his election-denying work for former President Donald Trump has already cost him.
A federal judge in Manhattan on Oct. 22 ordered him to turn over his $5 million New York City apartment, sports memorabilia, pricey watches and a 1980 Mercedes to the two women he falsely accused of election fraud.
- If Trump pays the $2 million that Giuliani says the former president owes him, they get that, too.
A decision about whether he will be forced to relinquish his Palm Beach condo is up to another judge, who is reviewing the legitimacy and timing of Giuliani’s Florida residency.
Court documents show:
- Giuliani said he got his Florida driver’s license on Feb. 22.
- He registered his now seized 1980 Mercedes (once owned by Hollywood star Lauren Bacall) on May 4.
- He registered to vote and filed for a homestead exemption, which was granted, on May 18.
- He filed a “declaration of Florida domicile” with the county clerk’s office on July 14.
Yes, but. Attorneys for election workers Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, took steps to seize the condo on Aug. 8. They said documents alone don’t prove residency. A person has to actually live in the house.
While Giuliani insists he does, he got the address wrong while testifying in a bankruptcy hearing.
“Gosh, I hardly have to use the address,” he said. He then said it was “316, that’s it, OK, South Lake Drive.” The address is 315 South Lake Drive.
