Decades before the world's richest people began leaving high-tax states like California and New York for Florida and Texas, one tech mogul quietly found his own way to avoid local taxes, strict building rules, and the need for a permanent home.

Decades before the world's richest people began leaving high-tax states like California and New York for Florida and Texas, one tech mogul quietly found his own way to avoid local…

Charles Simonyi, known for Microsoft Word and Excel, avoided property taxes by living on a superyacht. His custom-built vessel, Skat, offered waterfront views and freedom from…