Indian Creek, an artificial island spanning approximately 121 hectares off the coast of Miami, Florida, is home to only 41 residential lots. Known for attracting celebrities and the ultra-wealthy, including Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Tom Brady, Carl Icahn, Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner, it has earned the moniker "billionaire bunker".

However, wealth and fame do not exempt homeowners from the island's extensive rulebook, which exceeds 100 pages.

Indian Creek island in Miami, Florida, US. Photo: Ny Post

One of the most notable prohibitions on Indian Creek is the construction of helipads or the landing of helicopters within private properties. Even billionaires who own private jets must land at an airport outside the island, then travel by car or boat.

Residences on the island are subject to minimum size requirements. Each mansion must have a total floor area of at least 465 square meters, with 75% of this area under the main roof. However, structures may only occupy a maximum of 25% of the lot, leaving at least 55% for greenery and open space.

Properties facing the bay must maintain a minimum setback of 30 meters from the waterline. Each lot is permitted to have only two accessory structures, with each not exceeding 74 square meters in area, and these cannot be used as independent residences, except for staff quarters.

Indian Creek also prohibits the subdivision of land and requires each lot to have at least 61 meters of waterfrontage. This regulation explains why the 121-hectare island features only 41 residential lots, all encircling an 18-hole golf course.

Even minor details are meticulously controlled. Fences cannot exceed 2,1 meters in height, and grass must not grow taller than 15 cm. Families wishing to own more than three animals of the same species must seek approval from the council. Additionally, generators used during hurricane season must be placed at specific distances from homes, roads, and the waterline.

Intentional violators face penalties of up to 500 USD daily, potential lawsuits, or the revocation of construction permits. Indian Creek can enforce such stringent measures because it operates as an independent administrative unit with its own government and police force.

Despite these strictures, the island remains highly sought after by the ultra-rich. Located near Miami Beach, all mansions on the island face the bay, yet it is connected to the mainland by only one bridge equipped with a checkpoint. Police patrol both the roads and the surrounding waterways. According to the 2020 US census, the island has only 84 residents, all belonging to the super-wealthy elite.

By Ngoc Ngan (Source: NY Post, Indian Creek Village)