Francis Mauigoa, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and Giants Jaxon Dart insurance policy, enters the league with a ~$30.96 million rookie contract and an ~$18.6 million signing bonus.
Before the 330‑pound OT plays a single snap for the New York Giants though, the young man faces a financial decision that could shape the next decade of his life:
Should Francis Mauigoa stay a Florida resident, or let New York claim him and take tens of millions in taxes over the course of his pro career?
Because for a 21‑year‑old with second‑contract/extension potential, the wrong address doesn’t just cost money.
It costs millions.
APSM breaks down Mauigoa’s real estate and residency landscape across his home-state, college state and new NFL state, and suggests where the rookie should establish his primary residence to maximize his net worth:
- His home state (Florida)
- His drafted market (New York)
- His playing market (New Jersey)
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Does Francis Mauigoa Own Any Property?
Mauigoa was born in American Samoa, raised in Pago Pago, and later moved to the state of Florida, where he then starred at IMG Academy, the most elite high school football factory in the nation.
There are no public records of Mauigoa owning real estate in Florida, New York, New Jersey, or elsewhere.
Like most NIL‑era athletes, he likely:
- Rented during college
- Saved NIL earnings and lived below his means
- Waited until the draft to make major real estate decisions
Now, with an ~$18.6 million signing bonus on the way, Mauigoa’s first real estate move is a financial fork in the road. New York, especially New York City, is the single worst residency decision he could make.
Market #1: Florida
(Home State, Suggested Residency Choice)
- Median Home Price: ~$410,000
- Property Tax Rate: ~0.83%
- State Income Tax: 0%
- Cost of Living: ~10–15% above U.S. average
- Market Trend: Strong appreciation (5–8% annually in major metros)
Pros
- 0% state income tax
- No tax on signing bonus
- Strong luxury real estate markets (Miami, Tampa)
- High appreciation in coastal metros
- Familiar environment
- Best long‑term investment market of the three states
Cons
- High insurance costs (weather, hurricanes, etc.)
- Volatile luxury markets (Miami is EXPENSIVE)
APSM Take
Florida is the best financial home for Mauigoa if he wants to pocket the most of his rookie contract earnings.
It offers him:
- 0% income tax
- Strong appreciation
- Elite luxury markets
- Familiarity and family ties
If Mauigoa establishes Florida residency before his signing bonus hits, he protects every dollar from state income tax.
Market #2: New York
(Drafted Market & Tax Nightmare)
- Median Home Price: ~$650,000
- Property Tax Rate: ~1.7%
- State Income Tax: 10.9%
- NYC Income Tax: ~3.9%
- Cost of Living: ~25-40% above U.S. average
- Market Trend: Strong appreciation in prime NYC areas
Pros
- Proximity to Giants HQ
- Strong luxury rental market
- Global media and branding hub
Cons
- 10.9% state income tax
- Up to ~14.8% combined state + NYC tax
- Extremely high cost of living
- Aggressive residency audits
- Worst tax environment in the NFL for high earners
APSM Take
Mauigoa should NEVER establish New York residency.
This is the worst residency scenario in the entire draft class.
On an $18.6M signing bonus:
- Florida (0%) → $0 in state tax
- New York (10.9%) → ~$2.03M in state tax
- NYC resident (~14.8%) → ~$2.75M in combined tax
That’s $2-$2.75 million gone instantly if he slips.
Market #3: New Jersey (Playing Market, MetLife)
- Median Home Price: ~$520,000
- Property Tax Rate: ~2.2% (highest in the U.S.)
- State Income Tax: 10.75%
- Cost of Living: ~15–20% above U.S. average
- Market Trend: 3–5% annual appreciation
Pros
- Close to MetLife Stadium
- Strong suburban markets (Hoboken, Jersey City, Montclair)
Cons
- 10.75% income tax
- Highest property taxes in America
- No financial advantage for a top‑10 pick
APSM Take
New Jersey is where Mauigoa will play and practice.
It is a fine place to rent, but the Big Apple is not where he should anchor.
Best Housing Markets, Rental Markets & Appreciation Rates
Florida
- Best Housing Markets: Miami (Brickell, Coconut Grove), Tampa
- Best Rental Markets: Miami, Tampa, Orlando
- Appreciation Rates: 5-8% annually
New York
- Best Housing Markets: Manhattan (Upper West Side, Tribeca), Brooklyn (DUMBO, Williamsburg)
- Best Rental Markets: Manhattan, Jersey City, Hoboken
- Appreciation Rates: 3–6% annually
New Jersey
- Best Housing Markets: Hoboken, Montclair, Short Hills
- Best Rental Markets: Jersey City, Hoboken
- Appreciation Rates: 3-5% annually
Residency Impact on Mauigoa’s Signing Bonus
- Gross Signing Bonus: $18,600,000
- Federal Tax (37%): $11,718,000
| Residency State | State/Local Tax Rate | State Tax on Bonus | Estimated Net Signing Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 0% | $0 | ~$11.72M |
| New York | 10.9% | $2.03M | ~$9.69M |
| New York City | ~14.8% | $2.75M | ~$8.97M |
| New Jersey | 10.75% | $2.0M | ~$9.72M |
Florida could save Mauigoa:
- ~$2M vs New York
- ~$2.75M vs NYC
- ~$2M vs New Jersey
This is a multi‑million‑dollar residency decision.
Investment Scenario:
Turning $11.7M Into Real Wealth
Using the Florida residency scenario:
| ROI Rate (5 Years) | Projected Value |
|---|---|
| 10% Return | ~$18.9M |
| 12% Return | ~$20.6M |
| 15% Return | ~$23.6M |
| 20% Return | ~$29.2M |
If Mauigoa invests his entire net signing bonus and lives below his means, he can turn ~$11.7M into $20-30+ million before touching a single nickel.
This is how you beat the
70% of athletes who go broke after retirement.
Jock Tax Considerations
New York also comes with some of the highest jock-tax obligations in the league as well.
Especially compared to Florida, which does not even tax capital gains and has a relatively moderate property tax rate, considering insurance costs and natural disaster potential.
Florida Advantage
- 0% income tax
- No tax on signing bonuses
- Best long‑term wealth compounding
New York / NYC Disadvantage
- 10.9%-14.8% income tax
- Aggressive residency audits
- Worst tax environment in the NFL
New Jersey Disadvantage
- 10.75% income tax
- Highest property taxes in the U.S.
Mauigoa should treat New York as the place he works,
not the place he lives on paper.
APSM Real Estate Verdict
Florida Should Be His Primary Residence.
New York & New Jersey Should Only Be Rental Markets.
If Francis Mauigoa wants to maximize his rookie earnings, protect his signing bonus, and build long‑term wealth, the move is simple:
- Keep Florida residency.
- Rent in New Jersey for convenience.
- Avoid New York residency at all costs.
- Invest aggressively from Day 1.
Suggested Real Estate Strategy
for Francis Mauigoa
- Primary residence: Florida (Miami, Tampa, or Orlando)
- Work base: Short‑term rental in New Jersey
- Avoid: New York residency
- Invest: Majority of signing bonus into index funds
- Goal: Turn ~$11.7M into $20-30M+ by Year 5
Mauigoa has one of the best financial setups in the entire draft.
He can be young, rich, private, and tax‑efficient,
the perfect combination for long‑term wealth.
Next Reads
- 2026 NFL Draft: Every 1st Round Contract Details, Net Income & Residency Analysis
- Giants #5 Pick Arvell Reese Is Headed to the Big Apple: Real Estate Suggestions, Residency Analysis and A Multi-Million Dollar Trap Awaiting the Rookie in Manhattan
- Jets #2 Pick David Bailey Is Headed to New York: The $36.8M Residency Mistake That Could Cost the Rookie Millions
- Garrett Wilson’s $130 Million Contract with the New York Jets
- Jalen Brunson New York Knicks $156.5 Million Contract: Taxes, Residency & Net Income Explained
Credits
- Written By: Aidan Anderson
- Research & Analysis: Apostle Sports Media LLC
- Sources: NFL Draft Data, Sportico, Spotrac, Zillow / Redfin Market Research, ESPN, WSJ, APSM Proprietary Analysis
- Featured Image: Public Domain / Instagram
- Disclaimer: This article contains general financial information for educational purposes and does not constitute professional financial advice.
