Florida Liveaboard Marinas Can Be Wonderful Communities (2024)

Liveaboard marinas can be supportive communities of like minded people, but it takes some searching to find one that is right for you and your needs.

Not all marinas allow liveaboards.

Sometimes it's a case of their government permit not allowing permanent residents on boats in the marina.

This is becoming the situation more often all over the United States.

If you are still working in a job that requires you to go to an office or factory every day, you will need to find a place near your job.

If, on the other hand, you are truly retired and can live anywhere your marina choices can be easier to make.

If you are a party animal, some marinas will be just for you. If you are a person that likes your peace and quiet, you need to look for that kind of place.

I have ruled out living aboard in marinas that have tiki bars on the property that stay open until all hours. For others of you, that could be just what you are looking for.

Marinas can be very safe places to live. Look for ones that have security gates at each dock and have a watchman on duty at night.

If you tend to use the head and shower on your boat, then the size and quality of the marina restroom facilities will not be so important.

But if you like to keep your holding tank empty and enjoy unlimited hot water in your showers, look for a great restroom when you are deciding on a marina.

I like a facility that offers a degree of privacy such as enclosed toilets and shower facilities.

Unless you have a real big yacht, you will appreciate a marina that has a clean modern laundromat with machines that work and the ability to get change.

I like marinas that have modern pedestals and finger piers. The best pedestals are equipped with hookups for electricity, water, and cable television.

A finger pier allows you to enter your boat from the side. Without one you have to climb aboard the bow or stern - whichever is nearest the main dock.

If the marina furnishes a lock box bolted to the dock next to the pedestal, you can consider that a welcome bonus.

Since your boat will be your home and the marina is your community, you might consider finding one that has a swimming pool.

I've made my home at several marinas with beautiful pools, including this one in Miami Beach.

Living-Aboard.com has compiled a list of marinas that we understand allow you to live on your boat full time. We have stayed at some of them, but you should do your own research based on what you want and need.

FLORIDA LIVEABOARD MARINAS BY REGION

NORTHWEST FLORIDA

1. Bay Point Marina, Panama City Beach
2. Panama City Marina, Panama City

NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA

1. Sea Hag Marina, Steinhatchee

NORTHEAST FLORIDA

1. Mandarin Holiday Marina, Jacksonville
2. Ortega River Yacht Club Marina, Jacksonville

CENTRAL EAST FLORIDA

1. Eau Gallie Yacht Basin, Melbourne
2. Fort Pierce City Marina, Fort Pierce
   
3. Halifax Harbor Marina, Daytona Beach
   
4. Harbortown Marina, Merritt Island
5. Melbourne Harbor Marina, Melbourne
6. New Smyrna City Marina, New Smyrna Beach
7. Titusville Municipal Marina, Titusville
8. Harbortown Marina, Fort Pierce
9. Vero Beach Municipal Marina, Vero Beach

CENTRAL FLORIDA

1. Astor Bridge Marina, Astor
2. Green Cove Springs Marina, Green Cove Springs
3. Monroe Harbour Marina, Sanford
4. Sanford Boat Works & Marina, Sanford

CENTRAL WEST FLORIDA

1. Blind Pass Marina, St. Pete Beach
2. Gulfport Municipal Marina, Gulfport
3. Harborage Marina, St. Petersburg
4. Longboat Key Marina, Longboat Key
5. Parrot Cove Marina, Bradenton
6. Pasadena Marina, St. Petersburg
7. Regatta Pointe Marina, Bradenton
8. Riviera Dunes Marina, Palmetto
9. St. Petersburg Municipal Marina, St. Pete
10. Twin Dolphin Marina, Bradenton

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

1. Burnt Store Marina, Punta Gorda
2. Calusa Island Marina, Goodland
3. Fort Myers City Yacht Basin, Fort Myers
4. Legacy Harbour Marina, Fort Myers
5. Marco Island Marina, Marco Island
6. Marinatown Yacht Harbour, N. Fort Myers
7. Old Cove Marina, Naples
8. Palm Harbor Marina, Cape Haze
9. Port of the Islands Marina, Naples
10. Snook Bight Marina, Fort Myers Beach

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA

1. Boot Key Harbor City Marina, Marathon
2. Dinner Key Marina, Coconut Grove (Miami)
   
3. Hollywood Marina, Hollywood
4. Harbour Town Marina, Dania
5. Mangrove Marina, Tavernier
6. Miami River Point Marina, Miami
7. Royale Palm Marina, Dania
8. Lauderdale Marine Center, Fort Lauderdale
9. Marina Bay Resort, Fort Lauderdale
10. Miami Beach Marina, Miami Beach
11. Palm Harbor Marina, West Palm Beach
12. Royale Palm Yacht Basin, Dania Beach

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