State of Living Aboard in Florida

[ScottyMR]

So, I'm new on here. That's because I just contacted a buyers broker today to start shopping for my first sailboat. I did that because I want to join the ranks of the liveaboards in Florida. Part of the idea, of course, is the occasional coastal cruise. But I still work for a living until retirement ten years away. So the other part of the idea is significant state income tax savings by relocating to Florida. Looking at a few threads here makes me think Florida is trying to run off liveaboards. Is that right? Am I on a fool's mission trying to buy a boat thinking I can live on it in a Florida marina with an annual contract...even NE Florida?

Beyond that, it dawns on me I may have just described myself as a covid poster-boy that wants to do this. I'm sure I'm not alone. Is there enough marina and mooring space to go around for everyone with that dream? Or is there a significant supply and demand issue here?

Much ado about nothing...or legitimate concerns?

[dwedeking2]

I used to live aboard at Beach Marine in jax Beach. They're under new ownership but from the pictures seemed to have plenty of space if they still accept liveaboards.

You just have to look around.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Scotty.

As with all complex questions, yours doesn't lend itself to a simple answer.
Nonetheless, I'll opine that Fl. isn't making it easy to be a live-aboard.

[LittleWing77]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Scotty.

As with all complex questions, yours doesn't lend itself to a simple answer.

Nonetheless, I'll opine that Fl. isn't making it easy to be a live-aboard.

+1

And Florida seems to be moving in a direction that will be less friendly...

Proposed Bill would make Keys Liveaboards Move Every 3 Months
https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...hs-248288.html

I'll submit that you ought to thoroughly research your idea before pulling up stakes...
LittleWing77

[Benz]

Florida doesn't want people living aboard [I]at anchor[I]
I'll bet lots of marinas will allow liveaboards far into the future, especially in undesirable places like Titusville and anywhere north. They might charge a bundle as an additional "liveaboard fee," but they'll allow it.
Lots of people with private docks are willing to rent you the space if you don't cause them trouble.

[Davy J]

I can't address the situation in NE Florida. But here on the west coast, every marina, every marina, in my area is full and has a waiting list.

I emphasized "every marina" because only a handful of marinas allow liveaboards. Some of the marinas don't even want you to stay onboard overnight.

One strategy is to buy a boat that is already in a liveaboard marina and take over the slip assignment. This is popular at the Saint Petersburg Muni Marina.

[ScottyMR]

Very interesting. And thanks for your kind responses.

I won't be pulling up stakes completely. At least not yet. I have a house in Georgia that I will maintain for a while. So due to that proximity, NE Florida will be convenient for me.

So I am curious about the comment about "anywhere north" being "undesirable". I understand there have been comments made about Titusville being run down and unfriendly to liveaboards. But beyond that, are there specific issues regarding NE Florida I should be aware of?

I will be making a trip to Florida in the next couple of weeks to search for a marina. Feet on the ground will be helpful, no doubt.

Also, regarding renting "private docks". I've wondered about that. I wonder if they'll also rent me a bathroom for an occasional "Hollywood shower"...

[GordMay]

"The Best Liveaboard Marinas In Florida” ~ by Daniel Wade, Feb. 22, 2021
➥ https://www.lifeofsailing.com/post/t...nas-in-florida


Private 'live-aboard' docks, in Ft. Lauderdale [Isle of Venice & Hendricks Isle] all have shoreside boaters' washrooms, and permanent sewerage hook-ups to docked boats.

[ScottyMR]

Thanks Gord for that link. I think I've come across that article before.

"Permanent sewage hookups"? I think I was aware that some marinas had pump-out at the slip available. Is that what you're talking about? Or are you saying you can have a constant hook-up to your boat?

[Davy J]

That article is full of BS............. Good luck on finding a private dock that will let you liveaboard.

Plus this part is also full of sh!!t.....

Central West Florida

Blind Pass Marina in Saint Pete Beach

Gulfport Municipal Marina in Gulfport

Harborage Marina in Saint Petersburg

Longboat Key Marina in Bradenton

Pasadena Marina in Saint Petersburg

Regatta Pointe Marina in Bradenton

Riviera Dunes Marina in Palmetto

Saint Petersburg Municipal Marina in Saint Pete

Twin Dolphin Marina in Bradenton

Call any of the marinas on that list and they will tell you might be able to have a slip in 2024.......

Plus..... Longboat Key Marina.... Where in the hell is that even at...??

[Davy J]

Plus..... Longboat Key Marina.... Where in the hell is that even at...??

Oh now I see, They meant Longboat Key Club Moorings........
You know, where you can buy a slip for about $175,000.00

[Davy J]

Here's a bargain, slip O-07 is only $99,000.00:

https://www.longboatkeyclub.com/slip-sales/

[Davy J]

Plus, since I'm on a roll and feel like being an A$$,

Riviera Dunes Marina, on the Manatee River, is behind two bridges. The clearance is about 35 feet.........

[Woodland Hills]

Originally Posted by ScottyMR

Very interesting. And thanks for your kind responses.

I won't be pulling up stakes completely. At least not yet. I have a house in Georgia that I will maintain for a while. So due to that proximity, NE Florida will be convenient for me.

So I am curious about the comment about "anywhere north" being "undesirable". I understand there have been comments made about Titusville being run down and unfriendly to liveaboards. But beyond that, are there specific issues regarding NE Florida I should be aware of?

I will be making a trip to Florida in the next couple of weeks to search for a marina. Feet on the ground will be helpful, no doubt.

Also, regarding renting "private docks". I've wondered about that. I wonder if they'll also rent me a bathroom for an occasional "Hollywood shower"...

You should be more concerned with how you are going to empty your holding tank at a private dock.

I’d be looking at Marina Mile in Jacksonville, there are several marinas there that allow full time cruisers. Last summer it was $10/foot per month, the power was metered and billed separately. You will still have to go to another dock to pumpout at that price. Ortega Landing may have inslip pumpouts but will be more expensive to pay for more amenities.

BTW, you will get a better response if you present yourself as a full time cruiser rather than a liveaboard.

[Delaware]

Hi,
I am currently living aboard my 1986 40’ Brewer Pilothouse in Lake Worth. The Marina I’m in has many year round liveaboards.
I am also in the early stages of considering selling because of a job opportunity.
I have been living on this boat since 2017 starting in Delaware and Stuart FL before settling here.
My slip rent with electric comes in around $1,000/ month. The slip could just be signed over to you.
I can answer any questions from my live aboard experience.
Call me at 302-245-8025 if you want. Rick