What are the event hours for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show?

The event hours are as follows: Wednesday (10/28): 12PM - 7PM, Thursday (10/29): 10AM - 7PM, Friday (10/30): 10AM - 7PM, Saturday (10/31): 10AM - 7PM, Sunday (11/1): 10AM - 5PM.

Where is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show held?

The show is held at the Broward County Convention Center and spans multiple locations in Fort Lauderdale.

How many exhibitors and attendees are expected?

The show expects over 1,000 exhibitors and 100,000 attendees.

What is the economic impact of the show?

The show generates an estimated $1.79 billion in economic impact throughout the state of Florida.

Are there any seminars or clinics during the show?

Yes, there will be expert-led seminars and interactive clinics covering various topics related to boating.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Name: Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Start: 2026-10-28
End: 2026-11-01
Location: Broward County Convention Center

Event overview

Overview

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the largest in-water boat show in the world, taking place from October 28 to November 1, 2026.

Owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida and produced by Informa Markets, the show spans nearly 90 acres and features over 1,300 boats on display.

Attendees can explore a vast array of marine products and accessories, making it a must-visit event for boating enthusiasts.

TL;DR

1Largest in-water boat show in the world.
2Over 100,000 attendees expected.
31,000 exhibitors from 52 countries.
4More than 1,300 boats on display.
5$1.79 billion economic impact.

Why visit

Visitors can experience the latest in boating technology, attend expert-led seminars, and network with industry professionals. The show offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of boats and marine products, making it an essential event for anyone passionate about boating.

Why exhibit

Exhibitors gain unparalleled visibility and access to a targeted audience of boating enthusiasts and industry professionals. The show provides a platform to showcase new products, connect with potential buyers, and enhance brand recognition in the competitive marine market. 1,000 exhibitors from 52 countries. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show serves as a critical platform for the marine industry, showcasing the latest innovations and trends.

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

Boat owners and enthusiasts

Marine industry professionals

Potential buyers of boats and accessories

Families looking for recreational boating options

Investors in marine-related businesses

Tourists visiting Fort Lauderdale

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Boat manufacturers

Marine accessory suppliers

Yacht brokers

Service providers in the marine industry

Luxury lifestyle brands

Sustainable boating solutions providers

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

Luxury yachts and superyachts

Fishing boats and equipment

Sailing vessels and accessories

Marine electronics and technology

Water sports equipment

Boat maintenance and repair services

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

Broward County Convention Center

1950 Eisenhower Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, USA

Attend

Entry & tickets

Event days & opening times

DayOpening hours

WED (10/28):12:00 PM – 7:00 PM, THURS (10/29): 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, FRI (10/30): 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, SAT (10/31): 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, SUN (11/1): 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Who runs the show

Organisers

Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF)

Informa Markets

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Current edition

2026 · 100,000 visitors · 1,000 exhibitors

Forecast — not final

Exhibitors

1,000

Growth over time

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

Prior-edition figures sourced from post-show reporting for 2025; confirm against organiser press release when available. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the largest in-water boat show in the world, taking place from October 28 to November 1, 2026. Owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida and produced by Informa Markets, the show spans nearly 90 acres and features over 1,300 boats on display. Attendees can explore a vast array.

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

Visitors typically include Boat owners and enthusiasts, Marine industry professionals, Potential buyers of boats and accessories, Families looking for recreational boating options. Largest in-water boat show in the world. Over 100,000 attendees expected. 1,000 exhibitors from 52 countries. More than 1,300 boats on display. Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show attracts an audience aligned with the organiser's published visitor positioning.

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

South Florida — Fort Lauderdale / Broward County, USA (the Intracoastal Waterway and 'Yachting Capital of the World' marine cluster)

Why it matters

Fort Lauderdale is the largest in-water boat show market in the Americas and sits at the centre of a dense cluster of builders, brokers, yards, refit facilities and marine finance and insurance firms along the Intracoastal Waterway. For exhibitors, the show compresses a year of dealer, broker and end-customer conversations into five days in a market that is the gateway to US and Latin American boat buyers; for visitors it is the fastest way to compare new models, brokerage stock, electronics and refit services side by side across indoor halls and waterfront docks.

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Superyacht and large-yacht brokerage strength

Center-console and day-boat demand

Electrification, hybrid propulsion and onboard systems

Cost of ownership and financing pressure

Shorter, experience-led show participation

Global boat show circuit

Plan 9–12 months out: space contracts, sponsorship and hospitality allocations for the major shows are typically signed a year ahead, and hotel and crew accommodation in host cities books out early during show weeks.

Boat shows cluster into a September–February selling season, with European premieres in the autumn (Cannes, Monaco, Southampton, Genoa), a January product-launch peak at Boot Düsseldorf and a US high season starting with Miami in February. Fort Lauderdale closes the autumn US window and is the largest in-water show in the Americas.

September

European autumn premieres — Cannes, Monaco, Southampton, Genoa

January

Boot Düsseldorf — global product launch window

February

Miami International Boat Show — US east coast high season opener

Late October – early November

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show — largest in-water show in the Americas

Event names, host cities and typical months are drawn from widely published show-circuit calendars; confirm exact dates on each organiser's website before planning.

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · USD

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

FLL

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

Closest and most convenient gateway; rideshare pickup, taxi ranks and rental car centre are on-airport. Many 17th Street Causeway and beach hotels run shuttles from FLL.

Approx. 2.5–3 miles from the Broward County Convention Center

to venue

10–20 min off-peak; allow 25–35 min during show-week peak traffic

by car

MIA

Miami International Airport

Best choice for long-haul international arrivals with more nonstop options; Brightline rail links Miami and Fort Lauderdale for onward transfer.

Approx. 28 miles south of the venue

to venue

35–50 min off-peak; 60 min or more in peak I-95 traffic

by car

PBI

Palm Beach International Airport

Useful alternative when fares to FLL and MIA are high, or when combining the trip with Palm Beach appointments.

Approx. 45 miles north of the venue

to venue

50–65 min by car; roughly 40 min by Brightline plus a short transfer

by car

FXE

Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport

General aviation and private-jet gateway used by yacht owners and charter clients; no scheduled airline service.

Approx. 6–8 miles northwest of the venue

to venue

15–25 min off-peak

by car

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Budget

Airport / Dania Beach and western 17th Street corridor

USD 120–200 / night

Show-week rates run well above normal October pricing; these options require a short rideshare or shuttle ride to the Convention Center and Bahia Mar.

source

Mid-range

17th Street Causeway / Convention Center district — walkable to the venue

USD 220–380 / night

The most practical band for exhibitors and trade visitors: walking distance or a 5–10 minute transfer to the Convention Center, with marina and Intracoastal views.

source

Premium

Fort Lauderdale Beach / Intracoastal waterfront

USD 400–800 / night

Suited to executives, VIP hospitality and client entertaining; expect a 10–20 minute transfer to the venue and heavy demand during show week.

source

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)

Estimated costUSD 15–30 typical rideshare fare (surge pricing applies during show peaks)

Best forFLL airport → Broward County Convention Center

Fastest option for the short airport-to-venue hop; dedicated app pickup zones at FLL.

Taxi

Estimated costUSD 20–35 metered fare including airport surcharge

Best forFLL airport / beach hotels → Convention Center and Bahia Mar

Metered taxis are available at airport ranks and major hotel stands; useful when rideshare surge pricing is high.

Brightline intercity rail

Estimated costUSD 15–45 one-way depending on fare class and booking window

Best forMiami or West Palm Beach → Fort Lauderdale Brightline station

Comfortable option for multi-city itineraries; the Fort Lauderdale station is roughly 2 miles from the venue and a short rideshare or taxi ride away.

Public bus (Broward County Transit)

Estimated costUSD 2 per ride; day passes available at a modest premium

Best forUS-1 / 17th Street Causeway corridors to the Convention Center area

Lowest-cost option for visitors staying along the beach or downtown corridors; allow extra time during show week.

Official show shuttle

Estimated costFree with show admission

Best forDesignated park-and-ride lots and venue-to-venue connections (Convention Center, Bahia Mar, Superyacht Village)

The show operates its own shuttle network between venues and remote parking; check the organiser's transport page for this year's routes and hours.

Water Taxi

Estimated costApprox. USD 20–35 for a day pass at show-week rates

Best forIntracoastal Waterway stops linking beach hotels, downtown and the show waterfront

A practical and scenic way to move between waterfront venues and beach-side accommodation; schedules are weather dependent.

taxi

Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district

Best forFort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Broward County Convention Center

taxi

Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district

Best forMiami International Airport (MIA) to Broward County Convention Center

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa not required

ATA Carnet: check with organiser

Weather

Late October in Fort Lauderdale is warm and humid: typical daytime highs around 28–30°C (low-to-mid 80s°F) and overnight lows around 22–24°C (low 70s°F), with frequent short showers — the South Florida wet season winds down in October but a week can still bring several inches of rain. The Atlantic hurricane season runs to 30 November, so monitor forecasts and travel insurance terms in the run-up to the show.

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

Tipping

Tipping is expected in the USA: 18–20% on restaurant bills (check whether service is already included for larger groups), USD 2–5 per bag for hotel porters housekeeping, and USD 1–2 per drink at bars. Rideshare and taxi apps prompt for a tip in-app, typically 10–20%.

Dress and show etiquette

Boat show dress is smart casual and practical — deck-friendly shoes for dock and marina visits, sunscreen and a hat for waterfront venues, and business casual (collared shirt, no tie) for stand meetings. Meetings run to schedule; arrive on time and keep stand appointments tight.

Language, currency and payments

English is the working language; the US dollar is the only currency. Card and mobile payments are accepted almost everywhere, but carry a small amount of cash for tips, water taxis and shuttle-adjacent vendors.

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Destination: FLL

Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Fort Lauderdale; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.

Visa

Most international visitors travelling to the United States for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show need either a US B-1 (business visitor) or B-2 (tourism) visa, or — if they hold a passport from a Visa Waiver Program country — an approved ESTA before boarding. Canadian citizens are generally visa-exempt for short business visits; travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries must have an ESTA approved (recommended at least 72 hours before departure). Apply for a B-1/B-2 well ahead of the show: interview appointment wait times at US consulates vary widely by post and can exceed several weeks to months in peak season. Carry printed confirmation of show registration, an exhibitor invitation or a business letter at the port of entry, and be ready to show proof of onward travel and accommodation. Alcohol, food products, restricted plant/animal items and vessels/spare parts shipped for the show have separate CBP and, for boats, USCG documentation requirements — confirm with the organiser and US Customs and Border Protection before shipping.

Estimated cost: Not yet confirmed

Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

Hotels

Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

Areas to stay

17th Street Causeway / Convention Center district — walkable to the venue · Airport / Dania Beach and western 17th Street corridor · Fort Lauderdale Beach / Intracoastal waterfront

budget

$120-$200 USD/night

Book

mid range

$220-$380 USD/night

Book

premium

$400-$800 USD/night

Book

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): 10–20 min off-peak; allow 25–35 min during show-week peak traffic; Miami International Airport (MIA): 35–50 min off-peak; 60 min or more in peak I-95 traffic; Palm Beach International Airport (PBI): 50–65 min by car; roughly 40 min by Brightline plus a short transfer; Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE): 15–25 min off-peak. Allow road or rail time to Broward County Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available

Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Broward County Convention Center: Airport / Dania Beach and western 17th Street corridor: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Lauderdale Airport, Hampton Inn Fort Lauderdale Airport North, Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port; 17th Street Causeway / Convention Center district — walkable to the venue: Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale 17th Street Convention Center, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel; Fort Lauderdale Be

Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Fort Lauderdale; confirm local availability before travel.

Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to Broward County Convention Center.

Parking: On-site parking is available at Broward County Convention Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: October 2026

Temperature: Daytime highs around 28–30°C (82–86°F) with overnight lows near 22–24°C (71–75°F); humid with strong midday sun.

Seasonality: Late October sits at the tail of the South Florida wet season: short, heavy afternoon showers are common (roughly 5–7 inches of rain across the month) and the Atlantic hurricane season continues through 30 November. Pack a light rain jacket or compact umbrella, breathable clothing and sun protection for waterfront venues.

Packing: Late October sits at the tail of the South Florida wet season: short, heavy afternoon showers are common (roughly 5–7 inches of rain across the month) and the Atlantic hurricane season continues through 30 November. Pack a light rain jacket or compact umbrella, breathable clothing and sun protection

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: Thursday, October 29, 2026 (day two of the run)

The five-day run (Wed 28 Oct – Sun 1 Nov 2026) opens with the midweek premier/preview day and builds to the busiest consumer traffic at the weekend. Thursday gives the fullest exhibitor attendance with senior staff still on the stands, shorter queues at the Convention Center halls and dock shuttles, and enough working hours to cover both the indoor halls and the Bahia Mar waterfront in one day. If your priority is trade-only access and press/product launches, target the Wednesday premier day instead; avoid Saturday and Sunday if your objectives are commercial rather than consumer-led.

Confirm passport validity and US entry eligibility — Most international visitors need an approved ESTA or a B1/B2 business visitor visa for the United States; check the rule for your nationality well before booking.

Book flights into South Florida — Target Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) or Miami International (MIA) and arrive before the Oct 28, 2026 opening day.

Reserve a hotel near the show venues — Stay close to the Broward County Convention Center and the Fort Lauderdale waterfront so you can reach the in-water docks easily.

Complete visitor registration online — Register through the official flibs.com attend pages and save your badge confirmation for on-site pickup.

Download the official show map and programme — The show spans land exhibits and in-water displays; mark the docks and halls you most want to see.

Shortlist seminars and clinics — Review the seminar and clinic schedule on flibs.com and reserve seats for the sessions most relevant to you.

Pre-schedule meetings with exhibitors and brokers — Request appointments with boat builders, yacht brokers and equipment suppliers before travel.

Arrange airport transfer and local transport — Plan rideshare, taxi or shuttle options between the airport, your hotel and the multiple show locations.

Check South Florida late-October weather — Expect warm, humid conditions with a chance of afternoon showers; pack light rain gear, sun protection and comfortable deck-friendly shoes.

Prepare meeting documents and materials — Bring business cards, a shortlist of target products and any specification sheets for supplier discussions.

Verify travel documents and approvals — Confirm ESTA or visa approval status and keep a digital and printed copy of your documents.

Plan a Day-1 arrival buffer — Arrive early on Oct 28 to collect your badge and orient yourself across the venue before peak crowds.

Networking spots

Broward County Convention Center exhibitor halls

Indoor B2B Floor

Bahia Mar Yachting Center docks

Waterfront Brokerage and New-Model Hub

17th Street Causeway marina district

Evening Networking

Budget

Costs & budget

Cost reference

Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

visa_fee

visitor · B-1/B-2 applicant

USD 185 / per applicant

official

visa_fee

visitor · ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)

USD 21 / per applicant

official

visitor_ticket

visitor · general admission (1 day)

USD 40–65 / per person per day

estimate

visitor_ticket

visitor · multi-day / VIP (Windward Club)

USD 90–400 / per person

estimate

exhibitor_stand

exhibitor · land-based booth, small footprint

USD 3000–12000 / per stand space (show duration)

estimate

Item	For	Tier	Estimated range	Status
visa_fee	visitor	B-1/B-2 applicant	USD 185 / per applicant	official
visa_fee	visitor	ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)	USD 21 / per applicant	official
visitor_ticket	visitor	general admission (1 day)	USD 40–65 / per person per day	estimate
visitor_ticket	visitor	multi-day / VIP (Windward Club)	USD 90–400 / per person	estimate
exhibitor_stand	exhibitor	land-based booth, small footprint	USD 3000–12000 / per stand space (show duration)	estimate

Decision

Visit, exhibit, or skip?

Should you go?

Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

QUESTION 1 OF 6

What is your primary role?

Decision matrix

Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

visit

You need supplier meetings, competitive pricing or market intelligence, and can cover travel from an existing regional base or a booked-in-advance flight

Best for

Buyers, brokers, OEM dealer principals and marine-industry professionals scouting product, pricing and partners without committing to floor space

Min. budget

$900.00

Timeline

4–8 weeks — show-week hotels on the 17th Street Causeway and beach corridor sell out early; international visitors need visa/ESTA lead time on top of that

Risks

Show-week hotel rates spike sharply versus normal Fort Lauderdale October rates

Rideshare and parking congestion around the Convention Center and Bahia Mar at peak hours

Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

exhibit

You have US/South Florida sales coverage, a boat or product to display, and can staff the stand for the full five-day run

Best for

Boat builders, dealers, marine electronics/equipment brands, marinas, finance and insurance providers with a defined sales pipeline in the Americas

Min. budget

$4,500.00

Timeline

6–12 months — prime indoor and in-water space, plus adjoining dock slots, is contracted well ahead of the show

Risks

Space allocation is competitive; in-water and waterfront slots are limited and priced on application

Staffing, crew, dockage, freight and boat-move costs sit outside the stand fee

Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

skip

The Americas is out of scope for the next 12 months or budget is fully allocated to a closer regional show

Best for

Vendors with no Americas sales channel, no budget for travel, or teams already committed to the February Miami show and September European circuit

Min. budget

Not yet confirmed

Timeline

Not applicable — revisit for the next edition if the Americas becomes a target market

Risks

Missing relationship-building with South Florida dealers and brokers who concentrate at this show

Losing a year of competitive pricing and new-product intelligence

Gallery

Photos

Official imagery from Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Host venue exterior — Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Official Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show event branding

FAQs & glossary

Answers

Frequently asked

Glossary

In-water boat show: A boat show where boats are displayed in the water rather than on land.
Exhibitor: A company or individual that displays products or services at a trade show.
Marine industry: The sector involved in the design, manufacturing, and sale of boats and marine equipment.
Yacht: A medium-sized vessel for pleasure or sports.
Superyacht: A luxury yacht that is typically over 24 meters in length.
Boat handling: The skills and techniques required to operate and maneuver a boat.
Boating safety: Practices and regulations designed to ensure the safety of individuals while boating.
Fishing clinic: An instructional session focused on fishing techniques and skills.
Economic impact: The effect of an event on the economy of a region, typically measured in terms of revenue generated.
Networking: The act of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.

Trust footer

Sources

References

Publishers

Date checked

Marine Industries Association of South Florida

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Lang: EN
event_website

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Instagram - FLIBS Official
Lang: EN
event_social
Facebook - Fort Lauderdale Boat Show
Lang: EN
event_social
Twitter - FLIBS Official
Lang: EN
event_social

Informa Markets

YouTube - Informa US Boat Shows
Lang: EN
event_social
LinkedIn - Informa US Boat Shows
Lang: EN
event_social

Digital business cards for the show floor

Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.

Create a free card

Exhibiting at this event?

Enter your business email to get a free first Exclusive Spotlight worth 250$.

Explore Spotlights

Build your event team

Compare trusted stand builders, logistics teams and local event suppliers in one request.

Explore Vendor Marketplace

Are you a delegate or visitor at this event?

Habsy.ai helps you scan badges, share your digital card, and keep every connection on the show floor. Exclusive premium tool worth $100.

Digital business cards for the show floor

Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.

Create a free card