Florida Boating Events | Florida Boating Info

Florida's boating calendar runs all year, from major boat shows to local fishing tournaments, boat parades and safety classes. This page explains the main types of boating events in Florida and where to find accurate, official dates and details before you plan a trip around one.

At a glance

Major boat shows run from fall through early spring, in South Florida and on the Gulf Coast.
Fishing tournaments, festivals and boat parades are usually local and seasonal.
Boating safety courses run statewide, in classrooms and online.
Always confirm dates, locations and rules on the organizer's official site.

Types of boating events

Boat shows

Boat shows let you see many boats, engines and electronics in one place and talk to builders and dealers. The major Florida shows, in calendar order through the season:

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (opens in a new tab) is held in the fall in Fort Lauderdale. It is owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida and describes itself as the largest in-water boat show in the world.
St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show (opens in a new tab) is held every January on the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront, at the Mahaffey Theater yacht basin and Albert Whitted Park. It bills itself as the largest boat show on the Gulf Coast and shows both powerboats and sailboats, in the water and on land, with seminars and on-water boat training courses.
Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show (opens in a new tab) is held in February in the Miami area and is owned by the National Marine Manufacturers Association.
Palm Beach International Boat Show (opens in a new tab) is held in March along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach, across the water from Palm Beach Island, with yachts, sportfishing boats, center consoles and marine accessories.

Dates, venues and ticket details change each year, so check each show's official site. Many regions also host smaller local and regional shows.

Fishing tournaments

Tournaments range from small club events to large offshore competitions. Each sets its own rules, but all anglers must still follow FWC licenses, limits and seasons. Read Fishing in Florida before you enter.

Festivals and community events

Coastal towns hold boat parades and waterfront festivals through the year. These events can bring heavy boat traffic, temporary restricted areas and crowded ramps, so review boating etiquette and plan your launch at boat ramps or marinas early.

Holiday boat parades. Many Florida cities, marinas and yacht clubs hold lighted boat parades around the winter holidays. Boat owners decorate their boats with lights and follow a set route after dark. If you take part, follow the organizer's rules and keep your navigation lights visible. If you watch from the water, stay clear of the parade route, expect law enforcement to control traffic and go slow in crowded areas at night. One of the best known is the Winterfest Boat Parade (opens in a new tab) in Fort Lauderdale, held each December; check its official site for the date, route and viewing areas.

Waterway clean-ups. Local governments, parks, marinas and conservation groups organize clean-ups of shorelines, mangroves, canals and spoil islands. Volunteers with boats, kayaks and paddleboards collect trash and fishing line from places that are hard to reach on foot. Organizers usually ask volunteers to register ahead so they can plan safety and disposal. Clean-ups are a good way to learn your local waters; see Environmental Rules for the protected habitats you may visit.

Boating courses and Safe Boating Week

National Safe Boating Week takes place each May in the days before Memorial Day weekend, organized through the Safe Boating Campaign (opens in a new tab). Through the year, you can take approved boating safety courses in a classroom or online, and some boat shows add seminars or on-water training. Beyond the basic course, look for classes on navigation, docking, marine radio, weather and first aid from local Coast Guard Auxiliary flotillas, power squadrons, marinas and colleges. See Boater Education for who needs a Florida boating safety education card and how to get one.

How to find local events

FWC lists approved boating safety courses (opens in a new tab), both classroom and online.
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary flotillas teach public boating courses; search by ZIP code with the Auxiliary course finder (opens in a new tab).
Local marine industry associations, marinas, yacht clubs and fishing clubs often post shows, tournaments and seminars for their area.
City and county websites announce boat parades, waterfront festivals and any related waterway closures.

Event details change. Before you travel or launch, confirm the date, location, entry rules and any on-water restrictions with the organizer.

Plan your trip around an event

Pick your destination, find parking and launch options early, and check the weather the day before. A dated Florida boating events calendar is planned for this page. Until it is ready, use the official sources above for current dates.

Frequently asked questions

When are the big Florida boat shows?

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is held in the fall, the St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show in January, the Miami International Boat Show in February and the Palm Beach International Boat Show in March. Dates change each year, so confirm them on each show's official website.

Where can I find a boating safety class near me in Florida?

FWC lists approved classroom and online boating safety courses, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has a course finder you can search by ZIP code.

Does Florida Boating Info have an events calendar?

Not yet. A dated events calendar is planned. Until then, this page explains the main types of events and where to find official dates.