⛵ Florida — Sailing Resources
Florida has more registered boats than any other state and offers year-round sailing. Long Island Sound-style protected waters on the Gulf side, open Atlantic sailing on the east coast, and the world-famous Florida Keys. Fort Lauderdale calls itself the yachting capital of the world. Strong liveaboard communities and excellent winter cruising grounds.
Boater Education
- Florida Fish & Wildlife Boater Education — Required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1988. Florida has been phasing in a requirement for all operators (regardless of age) to hold a Florida Boater Education Card.
The card is lifetime once obtained. Approved courses are widely available online and in person. Age 14+ to operate a boat alone in many cases; check current FWC rules.
Marinas & Harbors
Florida has hundreds of marinas. Here are some of the most popular and sailboat-friendly options across major regions:
- Dinner Key Marina (Coconut Grove, Miami) — Iconic sailing marina with 582 slips. Strong liveaboard community and central location for Biscayne Bay and the Keys.
- Bahia Mar Marina (Fort Lauderdale) — Historic 296-slip marina right on the Intracoastal. Prime location in the heart of the yachting capital.
- Safe Harbor Pier 66 (Fort Lauderdale) — Full-service with 142 slips, major yachting hub.
- St. Petersburg Municipal Marina — One of Florida’s largest municipal marinas (622 slips). Excellent downtown location with strong sailing community.
- Pasadena Marina (St. Petersburg) — 125 slips, liveaboard friendly, good Gulf access.
- Other notable areas: Key West (multiple marinas with Atlantic access), Jacksonville area, Tampa Bay, Pensacola, and the Florida Keys chain for long-distance cruisers.
- Dockwa — Florida Marinas
Hurricane season (June–Nov) is a major consideration. Many marinas have strict liveaboard rules and waiting lists. Transient space is widely available but book ahead in winter and during events.
Marine Surveyors
- Elite Marine Surveyors — SAMS accredited. Serves Fort Lauderdale, Naples, Jupiter and much of South Florida.
- Florida Marine Surveyors (Ian Morris, SAMS AMS®) — Fort Lauderdale based, highly regarded for pre-purchase and insurance surveys.
- Miami Marine Survey — SAMS & IAMI certified. Miami area specialist.
- TB Marine Surveyors (Stuart) — SAMS AMS® serving the Treasure Coast and beyond.
- SAMS — Find a Surveyor in Florida
- NAMS — Find a Surveyor in Florida
Florida has one of the largest concentrations of marine surveyors in the country. Many specialize in specific regions (South Florida vs. Gulf Coast vs. Keys).
Brokerages
- United Yacht Sales — One of the largest independent yacht brokerages in the U.S., headquartered in Stuart, FL with many offices across the state.
- Professional Yacht Sales International — Largo/Tampa Bay area, covers the entire state.
- World Class Yacht Sales — Multiple Florida locations; strong on Hunter, Beneteau, and similar brands.
- Galati Yacht Sales — Well-established with a major presence in Tampa Bay and other FL locations.
- Florida Sailboats for Sale — YachtWorld
Florida has one of the largest and most active used sailboat markets in the country. Many boats are sold as “turn-key” for Caribbean or Bahamas cruising.
Sailing Clubs & Resources
- Florida Sailing Clubs — US Sailing — Large directory; strong clubs in Miami, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Jacksonville, and the Keys.
- Major clubs include Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, St. Petersburg Yacht Club, and many others with active racing and cruising programs.
- Strong ASA and other sailing schools throughout the state, especially in Fort Lauderdale and the Keys.
Florida’s year-round season and proximity to the Bahamas and Caribbean make it a major hub for both racing and long-distance cruising preparation.