Going to a boat show?
Are you planning on going to a boat show? Maybe you have been eyeing a new boat from a distance and it's time to get up close to your dream watercraft.
Well, Florida is the perfect state to attend boat shows. Florida boat shows have some of the most prestigious and world-renowned boat shows in the world.
This comprehensive guide will list the names of popular boat shows in Florida, dates, ticket prices, boat show highlights, food, and travel suggestions.
What is a boat show?
Boat shows are large events that showcase boats, yachts, nautical gear, electronics, accessories, clothing, etc. Needless to say, boat shows are more than touring boats and luxury yachts.
You have access to boating brand representatives that can answer your questions and give detailed tours of the boats. While most boats are open to the public and some might be by appointment only (depends on the boat dealer's discretion).
If you have been are interested in a boat and would like a tour, it's always a good idea to contact the boat dealer prior to the show to inquire about scheduling a private tour, as some boats become extremely popular to board.
In addition to viewing boats, there are many exhibitors to visit as will be a great time to view the latest boating electronics, gear, sundeck fabric, lighting, anchors, generators, etc. You can usually find everything you're looking for (and didn't think you were looking for) at the large boat shows.
Seminars and Q & A sessions are also popular events that boat shows offer. Sometimes special ticketed events are held and the larger, more exclusive boat shows offer VIP tickets which include exclusive access to lounges, food, drinks, and private events/programs.
When are the Florida boat shows?
Most boat shows in Florida happen during the cooler months (hurricane off-season). However, you can usually find one happening in each season.
What type of weather to expect?
The weather in Florida is always unpredictable. Depending on which season the boat show is in, you may want to dress in layers.
For early fall boat shows, we suggest wearing short sleeves and shorts because it is still warm in the Sunshine state.
For late fall and winter boat shows, we suggest dressing in layers, warmer weather during the day, and cooler in the evening.
Although a lot of boat shows are located in South Florida, it can be chilly in the winter months. The large Miami boat show is in February and the weather during this month can be unpredictable, so bring warm weather to cool weather (and a rain jacket).
How to purchase boat show tickets?
You can purchase most Florida boat show tickets online as well as at the front entrance of the gate. We suggest that you first look online as some boat shows will offer ticket specials for purchasing advanced tickets and multiday tickets. Many boat shows offer free admission for kids (varies by age per show).
What is the typical boat show attire?
While there is usually not a dress code requirement, most boat show attire consists of dressy casual. But, it's really what you feel most comfortable wearing for the day's events.
Most importantly are the shoes that you wear to a boat show.
Wearing comfortable shoes that you can easily slip off before boarding a boat would be ideal (e.g., boat deck shoes, sandals).
Read our review of women's boat deck shoes and men's boat shoes.
Looking for Boaters Safety Course?
If you are interested in taking a boaters safety course then we recommend BoatTests101 which provides an online boaters course so that you can be out boating before you know it. For Florida residents, BoatTests101 also offers Florida Temporary Boat Certificate Course if you don't already have your boating license.
How has COVID-19 impacted boat shows?
Due to COVID-19, we suggest that you check each individual Florida boat show's website for additional information regarding dates, tickets, and boat show highlights. We have found that some boat shows have been postponed and some are moving forward with strict guidelines. You can find more information regarding COVID-19 on most Florida boat show's websites listed below.
POPULAR FLORIDA BOAT SHOW LIST
This is a list of popular Florida boat shows. Please note that Florida boat shows are always happening so if you know of a great one that we missed, please comment below and we will add it to our list.
We have also featured a few highlights from each boat show but please check each show's individual website for additional experience offerings and up-to-date information as dates, prices, locations, and exhibitors can change (as we are not organizers of the boat shows).
Daytona Boat Show
September 16, 17, & 18 2022
Ocean Center, Daytona Beach 101 N Atlantic Ave
Tickets: check back for details
Highlights:
Central Atlantic's premier boat show
Variety of boats
Exhibitors
Find more information here.
Emerald Coast Boat and Lifestyle Show
Panama City Beach, FL
March 3-5, 2023
Find more information here.
Island Boat Show
January 21-23, 2022
Hawks Cay Island Resort- Duck Key
Tickets: $10 admission
Highlights:
Variety of boats
Fishing seminars
Find more information here.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIPBS)
October 26, 27, 28, 29, & 30 2022
Bahia Mar Yachting Center
Tickets: $39.00 Adults, Adult 2 day ticket $66, Child 1 day ticket $15, VIP 1 day ticket $300,
Highlights:
One of the largest boat shows in the world
Seminars
Special events
Culinary experiences
Newest in marine technology
Winward VIP experience
Superyacht Village (luxury boats over 300 feet)
Find more information here.
Fort Myers Boat Show- Centennial Park
Fort Myers, FL
November 10, 11, 12, & 13
Find more information here.
Lakeland Boat Show- Details coming soon
Lakeland, FL
Find more information here.
Miami International Boat Show-
February 15, 15, 17, 18, & 19, 2023
Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin, Virginia Key
Tickets: Check back for details
Highlights:
VIP experience
Educational programs
Virtual reality boating experience
Top sailboat brands
On-water training
Career day
Free water taxis and shuttles
Food/entertainment
Find more information here.
Miami Yacht Show- Postponed as of January 2021
Biscayne Bay
February 15, 16, 17, 18, & 19 2023
Tickets: Check back for details
Highlights:
More than 500+ boats and yachts (new and preowned)
Seminars
Free shuttles and water taxis
Find more information here.
Naples Boat Show
January 19, 20, 21, & 22, 2023
Naples Airport (land) and Naples City Dock (water)
Tickets: $12.00 General Admission, Kids 12 and under are free with paying adult
Highlights:
Complimentary transportation between Naples Airport and Naples City Dock
Boating and fishing seminars
Boating industry vendors and products
Free event parking
Find more information here.
Orlando Boat Show
August 12, 13, & 14 2022
Orange County Convention Center
Tickets: $9 Adult, Kids 12 and under are free
Highlights:
One of Central Florida's premier boat show
Over 500 boats on display
Fishing and Boating seminars
Boat giveaway
Kids activities
Find more information here.
Palm Beach International Boat Show
March 23, 24, 25, & 26, 2023
West Palm Beach, FL
Tickets: $22 Adults, Children (6-15) are$12, Children 5 and under are free
Highlights:
Everything from inflatable boats to super yachts
Seminars and classes
Free youth fishing clinic
VIP experience and lounge
Food and live music
Find more information here.
Sarasota Suncoast Boat Show
April (dates haven't been published yet, check back for updates)
Marina Jack
Tickets: $16 Adults, Kids 15 and under are free
Highlights:
Various boat types: motor yachts, cruisers, center consoles, bowriders, inflatables, etc.
Free kids fishing clinic
Food, drinks, and music
Find more information here.
St. Petersberg Power and Sailboat Show
January 19, 20, 21, & 22, 2023
Duke Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin, and Albert Whitted Park
Tickets: $19 Adults, Kids 15 and under are free, free for veterans and active-duty military who show proof of military service.
Highlights:
Seminars for cruising and sailing
Free sailboat rides
Free kids fishing clinics
Find more information here.
Stuart Boat Show
January (Check back for 2023 show dates)
Stuart, FL
Tickets: $14 Adults, $12 Veterans, $7 Children 12 and under (infants free)
Highlights:
Boats
Exhibitors
Seminars
Music/food/drinks
Find more information here.
Tampa Boat Show- (Merged with St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show)
Tickets: $12 (Ages 13 and up), Kids 12 and under are free
Highlights:
Hundreds of boats on display
Seminars
Virtual reality boating experience
Sunday family day
Find more information here.
Vero Beach Boat Show
November 19, 20, 2022
Riverside Park, Vero Beach
Tickets: Free
Highlights:
Free admission
Free parking
Paddleboards, kayaks, variety of boats
Food and drinks
Find more information here.
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Hello! I'm Tiffany, a creative travel writer, mother to three awesome kids, and Floridian. We like to visit beautiful Florida resorts and beaches, Florida State Parks, and explore destinations by boat. I like to write about our travel adventures and provide tips to other families traveling or relocating to the Sunshine State.