How Much Does It Cost To Keep a Boat In a Marina in Florida?

Written by Desiree Vilar in Cost of Sailing

The overall cost of boat storage includes not just the cost of renting a slip in the marina, but also additional fees that could add up and cost you a fortune. To help you plan out your budget while still enjoying your boating experience, we've researched how much you will need to prepare to get a spot to keep your vessel in Florida's finest marinas without overspending.

On average, you should expect to pay between $10 and $40 per foot per month for slip rental fees in Florida marinas. The price can vary from as low as $5 per foot per month to as high as $30 per foot per month or more depending on the location, season, and length of the boat.

Florida has an abundance of marinas to choose from where you can keep your boat safe and secure, such as marinas in Jacksonville, Miami, and Key West. Let's explore these docking sites and how much they could cost you, so you can plan your budget ahead of time.

Summary

  • You can expect to pay between $10 and $40 per foot per month for slip rental fees in Florida marinas. But additional costs for maintenance and repair, insurance and registration, fuel and electricity, and other extra services and amenities are charged separately.
  • Florida has plenty of marinas to choose from, but if you're looking for budget-friendly marinas, you may choose smaller towns or rural areas like Jacksonville for their affordable rates.
  • Marinas located in popular tourist destinations or urban areas like Miami or Key West are likely to have higher fees but offer more high-end amenities and services.
  • The cost of keeping a boat in Florida may be affected by seasonal variations. During the winter, most boaters will dock and seek boat storage; therefore, prices may be higher during this time.

The Cost of Keeping a Boat in Florida's Marinas

Florida is considered a prime docking location, home to some of the top-notch marinas that offer premium services and provide access to the most popular coastal sailing waters, along with San Diego and California marinas.

If you're a boat owner in Florida, you may be wondering about the cost of keeping your vessel in this area. The truth is, the cost can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the specific location, size of the boat, amenities, boat type, and seasonal fluctuations.

On average, you should expect to pay between $10 and $40 per foot per month for slip rental fees in Florida marinas. However, daily rates are at the low end, while monthly rates fall into the upper end.

You may need to take note that staying in a marina for a few days means that you could pay up to $3.50 per foot of your boat to stay in the marina. This price can vary from as low as $5 per foot per month to as high as $30 per foot per month or more depending on the location, season, and length of the boat.

To give you a grasp of the overall costs you will need to prepare for, here's a table showing the most significant expenses you can expect to incur when keeping a boat in a marina in Florida:

Cost Item to Keep a Boat Estimated Cost Range
Slip and Dockage Fees $10 - $40 per foot per month
Maintenance and Repair Costs $1,000 - $2,000 per year
Insurance and Registration Costs $300 - $500 per year
Fuel Costs $500 to $1,000 per year
Other Additional Costs $50 - $500 per month
Security Fee $50 - $200 per month
Taxes Fee 6% - 8% of the total cost

Slip and dockage fees

On average, you can expect to pay between $10 and $40 per foot per month for slip rental fees. However, these prices can vary drastically depending on shorter vs. longer stays. These fees also vary depending on the size of your boat, the location of the marina, and the amenities that the marina offers.

Maintenance and repair costs of owning a boat

Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your boat in good condition and preventing costly repairs down the road. You can expect to spend around $1,000 to $2,000 per year on maintenance, depending on the size and age of your boat.

If your boat requires repairs, the cost can vary widely depending on the type of repair needed. For example, a minor repair such as replacing a propeller can cost a few hundred dollars, while more significant repairs like engine replacements can cost thousands of dollars.

To get a glimpse of the average maintenance costs for sailboats, read this article.

Insurance and registration costs

The cost of boat insurance varies depending on the size and value of your boat, as well as your boating experience and location. On average, you can expect to pay around $300 to $500 per year for boat insurance.

Read this article to know what should be covered in good boat insurance.

In addition to insurance, you'll also need to register your boat with the state of Florida. The cost of registration varies depending on the size of your boat, but you can expect to pay around $100 to $200 per year.

Fuel and electricity costs when keeping a boat

The cost of fuel varies depending on the size of your boat and how often you use it. On average, you can expect to spend around $500 to $1,000 per year on fuel.

Electricity costs will depend on whether your boat requires hookups for electricity. If you do require hookups, you can expect to pay additional fees for these utilities. These fees can range from $5 to $30 per day.

Additional costs to consider keeping a boat in a marina

Beyond the basic dockage fees, here are some of the additional costs you should be aware of:

  • Electricity
  • Water
  • Wi-Fi
  • Cable TV
  • Laundry facilities
  • Showers and restrooms
  • Fueling services
  • Pump-out services
  • Boat cleaning and maintenance services

Security and restrictions to protect your boat

Marinas often have security measures in place to protect your boat, but these measures can come at an additional cost. Some marinas may require you to purchase a security pass or provide additional information about your boat and its owner.

Additionally, marinas may have restrictions on the type of boats they allow or the hours they are open, so you may need to be aware of these restrictions before choosing a marina.

Taxes and other fees to keep your boat in a marina

Some marinas may charge a sales tax on the dockage fees, and there may be additional fees for things like boat registration or environmental fees.

Slip Rates from Different Marinas in Florida

The Sunshine State has an abundance of marinas to choose from, each with its own unique charm and amenities. Below is a table showing specific marinas you can find in Florida, as well as their slip rates per foot per month.

Marina Name Location Number of Slips Slip Rates (per foot per month)
Sadler Point Marina St. Johns River 350 $13.50
Julington Creek Marina Julington Creek 200 $12.50
Ortega River Marina Ortega River 192 $11.50
Miami Beach Marina South Beach 400 $28.00
Miamarina at Bayside Downtown Miami 130 $26.00
Dinner Key Marina Coconut Grove 582 $25.00
Key West Bight Marina Old Town Key West 100 $19.00
Garrison Bight Marina North side of Key West 140 $18.00
Stock Island Marina Village Stock Island 220 $20.00

Disclaimer: The slip rates listed are based on the information available at the time of writing and are subject to change. Please contact the marinas directly for the most up-to-date information.

Jacksonville marinas offer excellent services and amenities

Here are a few marinas to consider:

  • Sadler Point Marina: This marina is located on the St. Johns River and offers easy access to downtown Jacksonville. It has 350 slips, a fuel dock, and a ship store.

  • Julington Creek Marina: This marina is located on Julington Creek and has 200 slips, a fuel dock, and a ship store. It's a great option for boaters who want to explore the nearby waterways.

  • Ortega River Marina: This marina is located on the Ortega River and has 192 slips, a fuel dock, and a ship store. It's a good option for boaters who want to explore the nearby Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.

Miami Beach offers some of the top-notch marinas in Florida

Miami is known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches, but it's also home to some top-notch marinas. Here are a few marinas to consider:

  • Miami Beach Marina: This marina is located in the heart of South Beach and offers easy access to the Atlantic Ocean. It has 400 slips, a fuel dock, and a ship store.

  • Miamarina at Bayside: This marina is located in downtown Miami and offers easy access to Biscayne Bay. It has 130 slips, a fuel dock, and a ship store.

  • Dinner Key Marina: This marina is located in Coconut Grove and has 582 slips, a fuel dock, and a ship store. It's a great option for boaters who want to explore the nearby islands and coves.

Key West offers marinas with crystal-clear waters and breath-taking view

Key West is a boater's paradise, with crystal-clear waters and stunning sunsets. Here are a few marinas to consider:

  • Key West Bight Marina: This marina is located in the heart of Old Town Key West and offers easy access to the Gulf of Mexico. It has 100 slips, a fuel dock, and a ship store.

  • Garrison Bight Marina: This marina is located on the north side of Key West and has 140 slips, a fuel dock, and a ship store. It's a good option for boaters who want to explore the nearby mangrove islands.

  • Stock Island Marina Village: This marina is located on Stock Island and has 220 slips, a fuel dock, and a ship store. It's a great option for boaters who want to explore the nearby coral reefs.

Factors Affecting The Cost of Keeping a Boat in a Marina

Location influences the cost of boat-keeping in a marina

Marinas located in popular tourist destinations or urban areas like Miami or Key West are likely to have higher fees than those located in smaller towns or rural areas like Jacksonville. The proximity to popular waterways and attractions can also impact the cost.

Size and type of boat can impact dockage fees

Most marinas charge by foot, so the longer your boat is, the more you can expect to pay. Additionally, the type of boat you have can also affect the cost. For example, larger boats like yachts or catamarans may require a more expensive slip rental due to their size and amenities.

Here's an article about the perfect size of a catamaran fit for sailing.

Seasonal variations can influence the overall costs of boat storage

In Florida, the winter season is typically the busiest time for marinas, and prices may be higher during this time. Additionally, some marinas may offer discounted rates during the off-season or for longer-term rentals.


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