Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2025: Best Practices for Purchasers

Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2025: Best Practices for Purchasers

An image from the annual Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, which brings together 1,300 boats and more than 100,000 visitors. The largest in-water boat show in the world is FLIBS 2025, which takes place from October 29 to November 2, 2025.

You can take a side-by-side tour of everything from center consoles to 300-foot megayachts as a buyer. However, preparation is necessary for a large, multi-location event. To help you find your next boat and take full advantage of FLIBS, we've included expert best practices below, covering everything from packing and planning to negotiating.

Plan Your Visit Before You Arrive

Shopping for a boat show successfully begins long before you leave home. Make an itinerary. Examine the exhibitor lists and select the boat brands and types that catch your attention.

Shortlist a manageable number of boats because trying to see 20 in a single day can be overwhelming. In order to create an effective short list, many brokers send clients an advance list of show entries and eliminate the less likely choices. Group boats by location using the official FLIBS map or app (the show takes place at seven different locations, from the Convention Center to the Superyacht Village).

Make a plan so you can effectively visit each hot spot. Plan to cover your top targets for at least a full day, ideally on a weekday when exhibits are less crowded.

Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2025: Best Practices for Purchasers

• Establish priorities and goals. Are you looking for a superyacht, a fishing boat, or a family cruiser? Determine your spending limit and essential features beforehand. This focus facilitates a speedy on-site assessment of each boat. Ask several dealers and owners at the show for the most recent information on the market to avoid being misled by friends' outdated advice.

• Make appointments. To set up VIP tours or sea trials for important models, get in touch with builders, dealers, or brokers in advance. To ensure smooth boat-shuttle transfers, FLIBS offers shuttle and water-taxi schedules ahead of time.

• Make use of the official map. Free shuttles, golf carts, and water taxis connect the seven main FLIBS locations (Bahia Mar, Convention Center, etc.). Plan effective daily routes and make a note of the locations of facilities (food, restrooms, VIP lounges). Keep in mind that the Convention Center serves as the transportation hub, offering regular shuttles to all venues and more than 3,000 parking spaces (more on this below).

• Keep yourself hydrated and energized. It can get hot in Florida. Bring a phone power bank and a reusable water bottle. Bring pens and a bag because FLIBS is also an opportunity to network with experts and collect brochures.

At the Show: Clothes and Equipment

Wear the appropriate clothing because you will be standing all day and frequently boarding boats:

• Comfortable, non-marking shoes: Slip-on deck shoes with non-skid, non-marking soles are the best shoes for boat shows. Boat decks that have white or light-colored bottoms are less likely to get scratched. You should wear shoes that are easy to take off and clean before boarding because you will be getting on and off the ship a lot. A lot of people even bring a shoe bag. Boat etiquette dictates that you take off your shoes or put on socks as soon as you get on board.

• Protection from sun and rain: The weather in South Florida is erratic. Put on polarized sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and lots of sunscreen. Because pop-up showers are frequent in Florida, pack a lightweight rain jacket or poncho in your bag. Since mornings can be cool and afternoons can be hot, layering is a smart idea.

  
  

• Clothes: Wear nautical attire that is smart-casual. A blazer or windbreaker, shorts or light pants, and polo shirts are all suitable. Remember that you will be meeting dealers and brokers. As mentioned above, comfortable walking shoes are essential.

  
  

• Additional necessities: Pack a power bank or charger, snacks, and bottled water. Taking notes or comparing features is made easier with a notebook or tablet. For quick exhibit information, keep the FLIBS mobile app or directory with you, if you have one.

Transportation & Parking

• Park smart: FLIBS's primary transportation hub is the Broward County Convention Center, located at 1950 Eisenhower Blvd. For a fixed fee of $20 per day, it provides more than 3,000 parking spots. Park here first to avoid the traffic. You can take free shuttles, golf carts, or water taxis to any show location from the Convention Center. Parking at the Convention Center simplifies logistics, even if your target boats are located elsewhere.

  
  

  Traffic into and out of FLIBS can be extremely heavy on weekends. Avoiding driving on Saturday or Sunday is advised by many locals. Alternatively, park at a hotel and shuttle in, or use Uber or Lyft. Long ride-share wait times (up to an hour after 4 pm) are to be expected when departing; using the free water taxi is a quicker option. For instance, walk to your car or taxi pickup after taking the water taxi northbound to the 17th Street Bridge area. This is frequently preferable to standing in traffic lines.

• Off-site parking: If the Convention Center lots are full, take into account neighboring garages (such as the Arts & Entertainment Garage or Las Olas Marina Garage; refer to FLIBS parking information). The majority of garages in downtown Fort Lauderdale are covered by the PayByPhone app.

  
  

• Water taxis and shuttles: Regular golf carts and shuttle buses between venues are included with your FLIBS ticket. Water taxis connect locations such as the Convention Center, Bahia Mar, Hilton Marina, and Las Olas Marina and operate before and after show hours (check schedules). Water taxi service is free for Windward VIP ticket holders. Pro tip: To avoid traffic, take the water taxi at the exit, which conveniently drops you off at important locations.

Engage in Yacht Brokerage

During the boat show, magnificent yachts waited in line at Pier Sixty-Six South. Vessels over 300 feet in length are frequently on display in FLIBS's Superyacht Village, demonstrating the upscale market. Having an experienced buyer's broker on your side is crucial because there is so much on the line. An independent broker works for you, while a listing broker or dealer's representative works for the seller.

Hiring your own broker doesn't cost you extra because the seller usually pays commissions for yacht purchases.

• Insider knowledge: A buyer's broker can set up sea trials and surveys, access exclusive listings (including some that aren't yet public), and offer advice on reasonable prices. In addition to using reputable professionals to organize your survey or sea trial, good brokers have market data on boats that are similar to yours. To put it briefly, they safeguard your deposit and make sure the deal is sound (much like a lawyer in court).

  
  

• Local advice: A local broker is familiar with the show layout, boat quality standards, and potential pitfalls to be aware of if you're new to FLIBS or the Fort Lauderdale area. They can arrange your tours in a VIP manner (some brokers have priority access), and they can even remind you of things like where to find restaurants or peaceful lounges.

  
  

• Negotiation buffer: In order to mitigate the harshness of sales pressure, many buyers bring in brokers. A skilled negotiator manages difficult price negotiations on your behalf and avoids bringing up personal feelings during the discussion. Having a listing broker guarantees that your interests come first, as one broker notes that the seller is the listing broker's top priority.

  
  

• Don't go alone: FLIBS can be demanding and risky. You won't hasten a poor choice if you have a broker (or at least one informed friend). Keep in mind that the listing broker has already made their best offer. You can find out from your broker if that price is reasonable or if you should wait and haggle after the show. Learn more about buying brokers at FLIBS.

Astute Bargaining: Following the Performance

The best bargains are frequently found off the docks, but FLIBS is a great time to compare products. Consider the show as a chance to learn. Come prepared to buy (if you truly are), as dealers are well-prepared and expect serious buyers.

"Be prepared to deal. But don't go it alone, bring a buyer's broker to help give guidance and work through negotiations, they have more insight behind the curtain of pricing than you know." - Michael J Johnson of J Brothers Yacht Sales in Tampa, Florida.

Don't feel compelled to agree on a final price right away, though. Rather, express interest and promise to follow up. Find out if show incentives are available after Closing Day by asking each seller about their "after-show pricing" policy. A seemingly generous "boat-show price" can occasionally just be the result of regular dealer promotions that last longer.

• Take advantage of competition: Due to the large number of dealers vying for customers at boat shows, they are infamously buyer's markets. During shows, manufacturers frequently sweeten the pot with exclusive financing offers or incentives. You will have more negotiating power if you mentally note any offers and keep an eye out for similar boats in the area.

  
  

• Expect fair deals (but not miracles): Keep in mind that "boats rarely sell for 50% off," but FLIBS may offer better prices than other times. Dealers want to make sales because they have made significant investments in the event. Many sellers will prioritize closing a deal over haggling over pennies if you appear prepared (finance arranged, deposit on hand).

  
  

• Negotiate after leaving the dock: After seeing the boat, it's usually best to move away. Discuss the findings of the survey, the broker's market comparisons, and the competing offers with your broker. You can negotiate more composedly and confidently if you have some time and distance from the crowd. In summary, wait for follow-up discussions to finalize the price before making a purchase.

Commonly Asked Questions

Should I try to negotiate on the dock?

A: Usually not. Connecting with sellers and conducting research are the best uses of the boat show. Due to competition, FLIBS specials may be genuine, but you are not required to lock in right away. Instead, show interest, collect offers, and then leave the finer points of the negotiation to your broker. (Serious buyers bring financing, so sellers take them seriously, as one broker points out.) Saying, "Let me talk it over and come back tomorrow," and then negotiating off-site with a clear head is acceptable.

Why not deal directly with a yacht broker?

A: A buyer's broker works for you at no additional cost. A good broker doesn't cost you anything up front because the seller pays the commission. Finding the right boats, arranging surveys and sea trials, offering pricing insights, and facilitating negotiations are all handled by your own broker. A listing broker, on the other hand, is contractually acting in the seller's best interests. VIP planning, market data, and an advocate through the paperwork are all provided by a broker at FLIBS.

What should I pack for FLIBS and what should I wear?

A: Wear comfortable boat shoes with non-marking white or light soles and dress in layers for the sun, wind, or rain. Shoes that slip on and off are perfect because you'll be getting on and off boats a lot. For outdoor exhibits, remember to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Bring your smartphone (download the FLIBS app and map), a reusable water bottle, and a portable charger. A photocopy of your driver's license, which is necessary to board some boats, and business cards or contact information should also be prepared.

Q: How do I get around and where should I park?

A: If at all possible, park at the Broward County Convention Center, which has over 3,000 spots and is the hub for free shuttle service, for $20 per day. To get to every show location from there, you can use water taxis, golf carts, or shuttle buses. Expect heavy traffic if you have to drive on the weekend. Many tourists enter via Uber or Lyft and then swiftly exit northward by water taxi (from Bahia Mar or Convention Center). In any event, to avoid long lines, purchase your tickets in advance and get there early.

Are there any price gimmicks or "boat show specials"?

A: FLIBS incentives, such as discounts on financing, trailers, electronics, etc., are frequently announced by dealers. Price reductions may result from competition among the more than 1,000 exhibitors [22]. But watch out for transient "doorbuster" promotions. A boat show price may just be a short-term markdown that dealers reverse after the show concludes, as one tipster pointed out. Always inquire if a deal is offered that will last after the event. Boats rarely sell for ridiculously low prices, so even at FLIBS, you should aim for the best fair deal rather than chasing the fabled half-price deal [23].

You'll be able to handle the Florida boat show like a pro if you follow these tips. You'll make the most of your time at FLIBS 2025 and be in the best position to buy the boat of your dreams if you prepare ahead of time, dress appropriately, and work with a reputable yacht broker.

Safe sailing, ask lots of questions, and enjoy the show!

Looking for buyer representation at the show? Learn more about our VIP program.