Can you rent a boat to live on in Florida?
Michael Henderson
Published Feb 17, 2026
Can you rent a boat to live on in Florida?
Houseboat rentals in Florida are a great way to maximize your stay, and you can find everything from classically designed houseboats to ultra-modern, luxe floating condos. While most people think of stationary houseboats permanently docked in a community, you can find nontraditional houseboat rentals on GetMyBoat too.
Can you live on a sailboat in Florida?
Why might someone want to live aboard their boat in Florida? Florida is a fantastic place to live. There is so much to do, so much to see, and the work opportunities are abundant. Florida may have a reputation for being a weird state, but that’s all talk.
Where can I liveaboard in Florida?
9 Best Liveaboard Marinas in Florida; Prices, Security, and Nearby Attractions
- Rivera Dunes Marina.
- Harborage Yacht Club and Marina.
- Titusville Marina.
- Melbourne Harbor Marina.
- EAU Gallie Yacht Basin.
- Legacy Harbor Marina.
- Marco Island Marina.
- Twin Dolphin Marina.
Where can you live on a sailboat in Florida?
In no particular order, here are the top 12 boating communities in Southwest Florida:
- Bonita Bay.
- Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club.
- Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club.
- Port Royal.
- Park Shore.
- Bay Beach.
- Town & River Estates.
- Cape Harbour.
Can you live on a boat in a marina?
Most marinas require an application for you to move aboard permanently. In some areas, liveaboards aren’t permitted or there are long waiting lists. Liveaboard slip fees are usually higher and your insurance rates may increase if your boat becomes your primary residence.
How much does a liveaboard slip cost?
The price depends on location, season, and length of the boat. On average, a dock slip in the US costs anywhere between $12/ft per year to $240/ft per year, with an average of roughly $50/ft per year.
How much does a liveaboard slip cost in Florida?
A Florida liveaboard marina costs high $200/month. One charged a monthly rate of $9.00 a foot plus $35.00 for utilities, while another one charges $275.00 a month for a boat up to 28 feet.
How much does a liveaboard sailboat cost?
Liveaboard sailboats in clean and operational condition cost anywhere between $10,000 and $30,000, but some excellent vessels cost less. Finding an affordable sailboat can greatly reduce the overall cost of living the liveaboard lifestyle.
What qualifies as a live aboard boat?
Liveaboard can mean: Someone who makes a boat, typically a small yacht in a marina, their primary residence. Powerboats and cruising sailboats are commonly used for living aboard, as well as houseboats which are designed primarily as a residence.
Can you anchor anywhere in Florida?
Florida Anchoring Laws as of late 2017 are as follows: You may not anchor or moor within 150 of any marina, boat ramp, boatyard, or other vessel launching or loading facility. You may not anchor within 300 feet of a facility that services or repairs a yacht with a water line of 120 feet or more in length.
Where can I rent a liveaboard boat in Florida?
Liveaboard Boat Slip is available for annual, seasonal or monthly rental. View from Cove Inn dock; liveaboard boat slip for rent in Naples, Florida. Come live aboard your boat in paradise at the Cove Inn Marina in Naples, Florida.
How much does it cost to rent a 40-foot sailboat in Florida?
Monthly slips in Florida for a 40-foot vessel realistically range from about $800 to well over $2,000 per month. In popular resort towns like Miami Beach or Key West, you’ll probably pay double that.
Is it worth it to live on a boat in Florida?
There are some lovely parts of Florida worth considering, and while slips are generally quite pricy, some bargains can be found in the quieter areas. First off, a bitter truth—Florida is one of the least friendly states for liveaboard boaters. Slip fees are expensive, and there are very few marinas that allow people to live aboard their boats.
Is it possible to live on a boat alone?
If you are lucky enough to be able to live aboard your boat, the world is your oyster. Yes, truly. The world. You have a luxury that very few people do. You can pick pretty much any marina in the world and live there. So long as you can afford the Marina fees, you should have no trouble at all.