Published on
October 17, 2025
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is here to bring its magic to the “Yachting Capital of the World,” Fort Lauderdale, Florida from October 29 to November 2, 2025. This 5-day event is the largest in-water boat show in the world. Each year, FLIBS features the most impressive and newest technologically advance boats and the best in the marine industry.
Whether superyachts, accessories or anything in the wide marine life, the event is oversaturated with enthusiasts, industry leaders, and luxury consumers. Every year FLIBS is a key event and the extensive exhibits plus the large participation from the industry helps in cementing FLIBS as an important destination. FLIBS spans across several sites, forming an enormous, interlinked marine market.
Objectives of the Event
The event’s primary goal is to provide a premier global platform for conducting business and generating significant sales within the recreational marine sector. It focuses on facilitating connections between manufacturers and dealers, enabling them to launch new models and showcase cutting-edge marine technologies to an international audience. The show also aims to educate attendees through specialized seminars and workshops, promoting best practices in areas such as navigation, fishing techniques, and vessel maintenance. Furthermore, the event underscores Fort Lauderdale’s status as a world-class maritime hub, driving substantial economic impact for the city and the state of Florida.
The Profile of Exhibitors and Buyers
Exhibitors at FLIBS include a diverse mix of the world’s leading boat builders, marine product manufacturers, and service providers. Attendees will see everything from the smallest personal watercraft and center consoles to massive superyachts, including numerous global and North American debuts. The exhibitor list consistently features top names representing various segments of the luxury yachting and recreational marine market.
The audience profile is equally diverse, drawing in high-net-worth individuals interested in purchasing luxury vessels, chartering services, and specialized marine toys, alongside a substantial number of industry professionals, including brokers, designers, and maritime press. These attendees travel from around the world, making the show a truly global marketplace.
Exclusive Networking Opportunities
FLIBS acts as a vital nexus for networking within the marine industry. Professionals find crucial opportunities to forge partnerships, discuss market trends, and secure new business contracts. Specialized areas, such as the Superyacht Village and the Windward VIP Experience, cater to the luxury segment, providing exclusive lounges and private viewing access that foster high-level interactions.
Beyond formal appointments, the vibrant social atmosphere, complete with various entertainment venues, bars, and food offerings across the show’s seven locations, encourages casual yet valuable professional exchanges, driving innovation and collaboration across the industry.
Media Partners and Coverage
Major domestic and international marine publications, luxury lifestyle magazines, and global news outlets cover the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show extensively. Media partnerships ensure wide-reaching visibility for the vessels and products on display, amplifying the impact of new product launches. Journalists and photographers attend to document the latest trends, interview industry leaders, and capture the sheer spectacle of the world’s most luxurious yachts. This coverage positions FLIBS as the primary source for marine industry news and luxury boating trends each fall.
Testimonials from Previous Participants
Past participants frequently express their satisfaction with the show’s unparalleled commercial importance and its sophisticated organization. Exhibitors consistently report strong sales figures and the establishment of valuable client relationships. Visitors praise the convenience of the transportation system connecting the multi-venue layout and the sheer quality of the vessels displayed. The positive feedback highlights the show’s effectiveness in delivering a comprehensive, luxurious, and highly professional experience for everyone involved.
Guide for Travelers
Fort Lauderdale, known as the “Venice of America,” is an exceptional destination. The city boasts 24 miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean beach, a sophisticated arts and culture scene, and over 300 miles of navigable waterways perfect for exploration via water taxi or gondola.
Dates and Hours: The show runs from Wednesday, October 29, to Sunday, November 2. Wednesday’s preview day opens at 12:00 PM and closes at 7:00 PM. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday operate from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Sunday closes earlier at 5:00 PM.Getting There: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is the primary gateway, located just a few miles from the main show sites.Navigation: The show utilizes a comprehensive transportation network—including water taxis, shuttle buses, and golf carts—connecting the seven show locations, which include Bahia Mar, the Broward County Convention Center, and Superyacht Village. Use the Broward County Convention Center as a central transportation hub and parking area.Accommodation: Book accommodations early; the city offers numerous luxury hotels and boutique properties. Check official tourism resources like the Visit Lauderdale and Visit Florida government-verified websites for guidance on lodging and activities outside the show.Tickets: Purchase tickets online in advance through the official FLIBS website for seamless entry, as on-site box offices may not be available.Overview
The 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show will once again be one of the biggest events in the marine industry. Fort Lauderdale will always be one of the best places in the world to buy, sell, and showcase exquisite vessels and marine innovations. Fort Lauderdale will once again be the destination of world-class marine events and innovations. Please plan your visit to Fort Lauderdale accordingly.
