Florida is surrounded by oceans and boasts hundreds of inland lakes, rivers, springs and wetlands, making boat-related activities dominate outdoor recreation during the state’s endless summers.
With more than a million registered vessels, Florida is the “Boating Capital of the Nation,” and it should come as no surprise that more than two dozen major boat shows are held here each year, including some of the largest boat shows in the world.
2025-26 Florida Boat Shows
June
June 7-8, 2025. Causeway Cove Marine Flea Market and Boat Show. New and used boat sale. Buy, sell, trade your marine gear and boats. Hours: 9 am-5 pm both days. Admission: $7. Causeway Cove Marina, 601 Seaway Dr. , Ft. Pierce, FL 34949. Web site: flnauticalfleamarket.com
June 20-22, 2025. West Palm Beach Summer Boat Show. 128,000 square feet showcasing powerboats up to 40′ including center consoles, walkarounds, cruisers, deck boats, pontoons, bass, personal watercraft, and accessories. Admission $10. Hours: Fri, 12-7 pm; Sat, 11 am-7 pm; Sun, 10 am-5 pm. South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center, 9067 Southern Boulevard West Palm Beach, FL 33411. Web site: www.southflaboatshow.com
June 27-29, 2025. Tampa Bay Boat Show. The largest boating event in the Tampa Bay area showcases area boat dealers and manufacturers, from yachts to cruisers, kayaks to standup paddle-boards along with multiple vendors for the latest in boating and fishing supplies and accessories. Free admission. Parking subject to fairgrounds event pricing. 10 am-5 pm. Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301, Tampa, FL 33610. Web site: tampabay.com/expos/boat-show
July-August
No boat shows scheduled.
September-October-November
September 26-28, 2025. Daytona Boat Show. 16 of Central Florida’s finest boat dealers representing over 50 boat manufacturers, all in one location and see boats of all types at the show. Admission: $5. Friday & Saturday 10am to 7pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm. Daytona Beach Ocean Center, 101 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL Web site: daytonaboatshow.com
Oct. 29 – Nov. 2, 2025. Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. One of the world’s largest and best-known boat shows, the Fort Lauderdale show attracts more than 100,000 visitors and occupies three million square-feet of exhibits at seven locations. Boats include everything from 100-foot mega-yachts to flats fishing skiffs, with hundreds of booths with related products and accessories, dozens of seminars and more than 100 food vendors. Admission: Adult one-day, $46. Multi-day passes available online. Locations: Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall Of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Pier Sixty-Six Marina, and Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six South. Web site: www.flibs.com
Nov. 13-16, 2025. Fort Myers Boat Show. Largest display of boats, boating products, and services on Florida’s west coast, featuring over 500 boats on land, indoors and in the water, representing over 130 manufacturers. Hundreds of accessory exhibits feature everything from engines and electronics to boat lifts, boating services, fishing gear, clothing. Popular four-day event in downtown Ft. Myers on the Caloosahatchee River, with boats displayed in-water as well as on land, in addition to an indoor venue stuffed with accessories. Admission: $20. Centennial Park, 2000 W First St., Fort Myers, FL. Web site: goboatingflorida.com…2025-fort-myers-boat-show
Nov. 22-23, 2025. Vero Beach Fall Boat Show. Boat dealers and suppliers from our local area will be displaying their product lines and will have staff available to answer your questions. From standup paddleboards and jet skis, to deck boats and pontoon boats, shallow water skiffs to offshore fishing machines and cruisers, and marine accessories and services. Admission and parking are free. Riverside Park, 3001 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach (just west of the Riverside Theater).Web site: verobeachboatshow.com/
December.
No boat shows scheduled for December.
2026 Boat Shows in Florida
January 2026
January 8-11, 2026. Charlotte County Boat Show. Features hundreds of boats from major dealers, plus marine accessories and services. Boats are outdoors with accessory booths inside the exhibition hall. Be In The Know Zone offers valuable boating info and fishing tips and tricks from a local charter captain. Admission: $5 (16 and under free). Thurs-Sun, 10 am-5 pm. Charlotte County Fairgrounds, 2333 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte, FL, 33948. Web site: goboatingflorida.com
January 16-18, 2026. Stuart Boat Show. Largest boat show on Florida’s Treasure Coast featuring over 205 local, national and international exhibitors displaying hundreds of boats in-water and on land. Additional exhibits include personal watercraft, marine electronics, outboard and inboard engines, safety equipment, accessories, boat lifts, fishing gear, nautical clothing and jewelry. Plenty of music, delicious food and drinks add to the festivities. Admission: $18. Waterfront marina, 55 NW Dixie Highway, Stuart, FL 34994. Web site: stuartboatshow.com
January 15-18, 2026. St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show. The Gulf Coast’s largest boat show. An impressive lineup of powerboats and sailboats displayed in-water and on land, as well as a 40,000 sq. ft. tent housing marine equipment and accessories. Other show attractions include educational seminars, kids fishing clinics and boat training courses. Admission: $22 per day. Thurs-Sun, 10 am-6 pm. The Arts Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park, 400 1st St South, in St. Petersburg. Web site: stpeteboatshow.com
January 22-25 2026. Naples Boat Show. The show will feature displays by Marinas, Boat Dealers, and other marine-related businesses. The Naples Boat Show is owned and managed by the Marine Industries Association of Collier County. 10 am-5 pm. Admission: $15. Preferred parking at Sugden Park Complimentary parking at the Collier County Government Center Complimentary shuttle service to all locations. Sugden Regional Park and Naples City Dock. Web site: naplesboatshow.com
2026 Dates TBA. 11th Annual Island Boat Show. See top boat brands, shop from a variety of merchandise, bid on silent auction items, eat great food while listening to live music, and more. Hours: Fri, 1-5 pm; Sat, 10 am-5 pm; Sun, 10 am-3 pm. Admission: $10. Island Community Church, north campus, 83400 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL. Web site: islandboatshow.com
2026 Dates TBA Jacksonville (January) Boat Show. 77th Anniversary of the Jacksonville Boat Show! Large variety of boats on display, from skiing, fishing, cruisers, personal water-crafts and more. Admission: $15. Parking: $10. Friday 11am – 6pm; Saturday 10am – 6pm; Sunday 10am – 4pm Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, 1000 Water St., Jacksonville, FL. Web site: boatjax.com
February
February 11-15, 2026. Miami International Boat Show. The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show is the largest boat and yacht show in the world. Here you’ll discover everything — from kayaks to superyachts to the latest aquatic innovations. This show attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees. Six locations: Miami Beach Convention Center, Pride Park, Venetian Marina, Herald Plaza, Museum Park Marina. Also, SUPERYACHT MIAMI — This show, a five-day mega-festival studded with seminars, special events, and extraordinary yachts, runs at the same time as the Miami International Boat Show. IGY Yacht Haven Grande Miami. Web site: www.miamiboatshow.com
February 26- March 1, 2026. Bonita Springs Boat Show. A boat for every budget with hundreds on display by all of the area’s major dealers. In addition to boats, you will find plenty of marine accessories, engines, electronics, boat lifts, services, and how-to boat info. Admission: $10. Hours: Thurs-Sun, 10 am-5 pm. Bonita Springs Poker Room, 28010 Race Track Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. Web site: goboatingflorida.com
March
March 6-8, 2026. Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show. Fishing, Fitness, Boating, Cycling, Kayaking, Outdoors, Paddleboarding and golf carts. Live entertainment and food trucks. Benefit PCB Rotary. AARON BESSANT PARK, 500 W Park Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32413. Web site: emeraldcoastboatshow.com
March 25 – 29, 2026. Palm Beach International Boat Show. featuring more than $1.2 billion worth of yachts and accessories, including hundreds of boats ranging from 8-foot inflatables to superyachts nearly 300 feet in length. Admission: TBA. Wed-Sunday, 10 am-7 pm. Downtown Waterfront, 101 S Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach Fl 33401. Web site: pbboatshow.com
2026 Dates TBA. Outdoors Expo and Boat Show. Boats of all shapes and sizes, boating accessories, fishing gear, apparel, outdoor supplies, and much more. Check out high end luxury vessels, ski and sportfishing boats, pontoon, family, and speed boats. Tour boats in the water, the Armature Works Food Hall, dog friendly outdoor space, and activities throughout the whole weekend. Free admission. Along the Hillsborough River at Armature Works, 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa FL 33602. Web site: wfla.com/outdoors-expo-and-boat-show/
2026 Dates TBA. Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival. This long-running, three-day annual festival splashes into Lake Dora in Tavares, made even more lively with events like a captain’s party, seaplane rides, live music, beer garden and a flea market. Web site: acbs-sunnyland.org
April
April 17-19, 2026. Suncoast Boat Show (Sarasota). The Gulf Coast’s Premier Boat Show along 65,000 sq. ft. of dock space and features a selection of vessels in-water and on-land. From power boats and motor yachts to center consoles and sportfishers. You’ll also find tents packed with marine products and retail items like electronics, accessories, clothing, jewelry, art, and more. Hours: 10 am-6 pm. Marina Jack, 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236. Web site: suncoastboatshow.com
2026 Dates TBA. Orlando Spring Boat Show. More than 600 boats. Admission: $10. Parking in the North A Lot is $21.65; credit card only.. Orange County Convention Center, North Hall, 9400 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32189. Web site: orlandoboatshow.com
2026 Dates TBA. 6th Annual Florida Outdoor Expo — South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach hosts this event; it strives to bring the community together to discover outdoor activities and sports, including boating. Admission: $15. Friday: 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm; Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33411
2026 Dates TBA. Vero Beach Spring Boat Show. From stand-up paddle boards and jet skis, to deck boats and pontoon boats, shallow water skiffs to offshore fishing machines and cruisers, and marine accessories and services. Free admission; free parking. Hours: 10 am-5 pm. Riverside Park, 3280 Riverside Park Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963. Web site: verobeachboatshow.com
2026 Dates TBA. Jacksonville Spring Boat Show. Large variety of boats on display, from skiing, fishing, cruisers, personal water-crafts, seminars. Food Vendors, Live Music Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 pm. Special surprises for the kids as well as Seminars and Education for the Adults. Admission: $12. Hours: Fri. 11am – 7pm; Sat. 10am–6pm; Sun. 10am–4pm. Metropolitan Park, 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd., Jacksonville, FL. Web site: boatjax.com/jaxspringshow
May
2026 Dates TBA. SoFlo Boat Show. SoFlo Boat Show is not your typical boat show, but a vibrant lifestyle event for the sandbar Sunday addicts, fishing fanatics, and island living aficionados. Admission: TBA. Miami Marine Stadium, 3501 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149
Other Florda Rambler calendars of interest:
Boat Show FAQ
Is financing available at boat shows?
Yes. Representatives of both finance companies and insurance agencies specializing in boating are almost always available at boat shows, most often through the participating dealers. It’s always smart to research interest rates and get insurance quotes ahead of the shows. Sometimes, the dealer does have the best financing, but don’t bet on it. Same with insurance, which varies widely from insurer to insurer.
Do boat shows carry smaller boats, such as kayaks, canoe and jon boats?
Most boat shows carry boats in all sizes, but in my experience, the selection gets slimmer as boat size gets smaller. If your goal is to purchase a kayak, canoe or a jon boat, don’t get your hopes up. There are, of course, exceptions to the rule.
What about dinghys and personal watercraft?
Dinghys and personal watercraft are likely to have a greater presence at boat shows than kayaks, canoes or jon boats simply because they are often considered “accessories” to the larger boats that dominate boat shows.
Where should I go to buy a kayak?
Call a local kayak dealer and ask them when they are hosting “demo days” at a local park or beach. Kayaks are personal, and a great way to try one or buy one is during dealers’ demo days.
What are the registration requirements for a boat?
All boats over 16 feet and any boat with a motor must be registered with the state of Florida through your local tax collector’s office. For more information, visit flhsmv.gov.
Are there exceptions?
Non-motorized vessels less than 16 feet, non-motorized canoes, kayaks, racing shells, or rowing sculls, and vessels exclusively operated on private lakes or ponds are exempt from registration with the state of Florida.
What if my boat is registered in another state?
When visiting Florida, non-resident boaters may use their registration from another state for up to 90 days. After 90 days, the boat must be registered in Florida.
Do you need a license to operate a boat in Florida?
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, needs a Boating Safety Education ID Card to legally operate a motorized vessel in Florida waters. This card is obtained by completing an approved boater education course. (For info, go here.) Non-residents can obtain a temporary certificate from approved vendors for short-term boating trips.
Is there a minimum age to operate a personal watercraft, such as a jet ski, in Florida?
A person must be at least 14 years old to operate a personal watercraft in Florida and at least 18 to rent one.