With explosive growth seen in 2025 and continuing into 2026, Florida remains a top choice destination for boating enthusiasts. Offering its expansive coastlines, a variety of waterways, and world-class amenities, the state also boasts over 1 million registered boats, the largest number of recreational watercraft in the country. The National Marine Manufacturers’ Association, NMMA, estimates that Florida’s recreational boating industry contributes $31.3 billion in annual economic impact, making boating one of the biggest contributors to the tourism, hospitality, and leisure industries.
Below is a detailed analysis of Florida's top 10 boating cities for 2026, highlighting why each location is exceptional for boating. This report compares these rankings to the 2025 rankings and examines trends in Florida's boating industry.
Report Methodology
This report analyzes booking data from Getmyboat, the world’s largest boat rental marketplace, to identify Florida's top 10 boating cities, ranked by rental demand. The Sunshine State has the highest number of registered recreational watercraft in the U.S. and remains a leading global hub for boat rentals and charters.
The report contains proprietary data for each location and covers the local maritime culture, boating amenities, attractions, and overall boating experiences. Data is current as of Q1 2026.
Cities are determined based on the registration of boats within owner profiles. Outlier trip data was removed, and rental types were categorized into the major vessel types evaluated in this report.
The Top 10 Busiest Boating Cities in Florida 2026
1. Miami
Number of Vessels: 971
Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts
Average Hourly Rate: $260
Miami remains Florida's busiest boating city, with over 74,000 registered vessels, and in 2025, there was 125% year-over-year revenue growth according to booking data on Getmyboat.
Boaters in Miami enjoy Biscayne Bay, a plethora of sandbars and small islands, the Atlantic Ocean, and even access to the Florida Keys. With dozens of marinas and over 1,300 wet slips across various city marinas, Miami continues to lead the state. Miami-Dade County is responsible for 15% of the state's marine-related jobs and produces 20% of the state's marine industry GDP.
The city also hosts the world-renowned Miami International Boat Show, drawing over 100,000 visitors annually and contributing an estimated $1 billion to the state economy during the event. Other top drivers of boat rental and charter bookings in Miami include bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, and family vacation. Yachts are the most popular style of vessel booked in Miami.
2. Miami Beach
Number of Vessels: 396
Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts
Average Hourly Rate: $350
Maintaining its #2 spot, Miami Beach draws boaters with its skyline, turquoise waters, and nightlife. The nearby Nixon Sandbar is a prime spot for leisure boating, making it an ideal destination for tourists staying in Miami Beach who seek convenient adventures.
3. Fort Lauderdale
Number of Vessels: 276
Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts
Average Hourly Rate: $249
Maintaining its position in third place for the third consecutive year, the "Venice of America" offers a vast canal system and thriving marine industry. Fort Lauderdale contributes over $9 billion annually to Broward County and hosts the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), the world’s largest in-water boat show, which generated over $85 million in sales tax alone during the 2022 exhibition.
4. St. Petersburg (up from #5)
Number of Vessels: 252
Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoon
Average Hourly Rate: $210
Boat rental demand in St. Petersburg has more than doubled, seeing a 140% year over year increase. This beloved Gulf Coast city has risen in ranking due to the expansion of its marine infrastructure and a growing tourism sector. The location on Tampa Bay and near the Gulf of Mexico makes it ideal for year-round boating. St. Petersburg hosts the St. Pete Boat Show, the largest on the Gulf Coast, and offers over 10 local marinas for easy access to the water. Pontoons are the most popular style of boat here, ideal for cruising to sandbars and beaches.
5. Fort Walton Beach (down from #4)
Number of Vessels: 77
Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons
Average Hourly Rate: $182
While it dropped one place from 4th to 5th in the last year, Fort Walton Beach remains a family-friendly boating destination on Florida’s Emerald Coast. It offers access to Crab Island, pristine beaches, and popular fishing spots, making it ideal for recreational boaters and tourists. It’s a top destination for family vacations, as well as for groups on Spring Break.
6. Cape Coral
Number of Vessels: 101
Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons
Average Hourly Rate: $203
Holding strong at #6, Cape Coral saw over 80% growth in boat rentals year over year. Known as the "Waterfront Wonderland," boasts over 400 miles of canals and waterfront restaurants for “dock and dine” experiences. Located in Lee County, it also provides easy access to the Gulf of Mexico and Sanibel Island.
7. Destin
Number of Vessels: 132
Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons
Average Hourly Rate: $254
Destin retains its position at #7, shining as a top boating hub with emerald waters, renowned fishing charters, and destinations like Crab Island. Boaters are drawn to its combination of adventure and affordability. There are many budget-friendly hotels along the beaches in Destin, and here you can find captained boating experiences that won’t break the bank.
8. Clearwater (up from #9)
Number of Vessels: 231
Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons
Average Hourly Rate: $97
Clearwater has risen in ranking due to consistent demand for boating and water-based recreation. Popular for dolphin watching, sunset cruises, and access to the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater remains a favorite for families and tourists alike, with pontoons being the most popular boat rental here. They are also notably affordable - many rentals in Clearwater are bareboat, but you can find captained options too.
9. Pompano Beach (new entrant)
Number of Vessels: 57
Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats
Average Hourly Rate: $165
Pompano Beach joins the top 10 for 2026 thanks to its deep-sea fishing opportunities, accessible marinas, and thriving boating community. The boat rental revenue grew 123% year-over-year, showing strong signs that interest in local boat rentals is growing. It’s increasingly popular for tourists seeking both luxury yacht charters and leisure boating adventures.
10. Sarasota (new entrant)
Number of Vessels: 60
Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats
Average Hourly Rate: $113
Sarasota rounds out the top 10, offering a mix of cultural attractions and beautiful waterways. Its boating scene is ideal for both leisure cruising and sport fishing, with proximity to Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Notable Drop-Offs
Madeira Beach and Holmes Beach have dropped off the top 10 list in 2026. While still popular, other destinations have seen higher demand in boat rentals and charters this year.
In Summary
- Rising Popularity: St. Petersburg and Clearwater moved up the rankings due to expanding marine infrastructure and increased tourism.
- New Entrants: Pompano Beach and Sarasota make their debut on the list in 2026 reflecting rising demand in South and Southwest Florida for affordable boat rentals and captained charters.
- Sustained Leadership: Miami, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale continue to dominate due to extensive boating amenities, large local populations, and global tourism appeal.
Florida’s waterways, world-class boating infrastructure, and favorable climate ensure its ongoing status as a top destination for boaters worldwide.
About Getmyboat
Launched in 2013, Getmyboat is the world’s largest boat rental and charter marketplace, with over 150,000 listings in 184 countries covering 9,300 destinations. The platform connects individual boat owners and professional charter companies, making boating accessible for all—from local jet ski rentals to luxury yacht charters.
In 2025, the company merged with Boatsetter.
Citing This Report
Media professionals are welcome to use this data for reporting, with citations and a link to Getmyboat. For additional questions or additional proprietary data, please contact pr@getmyboat.com.
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