FLIBS 2025: Attendance and Sales Metrics Guiding the 2026 Market OutlookNo title found

The 66th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS 2025), held from October 29 through November 2 , confirmed the robust health and financial resilience of the luxury marine sector. The event attracted over 100,000 visitors, with nearly half (49%) traveling from outside of Florida, signifying a highly qualified global audience of serious buyers. This significant turnout generated an astounding economic output of $1.79 billion across the state of Florida through show purchases and related expenditures. Florida companies alone accounted for $709.7 million in estimated sales, underscoring FLIBS’s function as a critical regional economic engine and a primary marketplace for high-ticket assets.  

The concentration of wealth at the show was remarkable, with a fleet featuring 183 confirmed super yachts and a total listed value approaching $2 billion. Of the vessels displayed, 146 were actively listed for sale at an average asking price of $12.7 million. Analysis of the fleet revealed a strong market preference for mid-range yachts, with vessels between 24 and 40 meters dominating the super yacht attendance, representing over 74% of the total. This sales momentum was further propelled by strategic fiscal policies, specifically the bonus depreciation tax law, which incentivized U.S. buyers to finalize purchases by allowing them to potentially depreciate up to 100% of the cost in the year of acquisition. Legal strategies like offshore flagging also helped buyers circumvent significant U.S. import tariffs, ensuring sales fluidity despite geopolitical headwinds.  

The strong sales conversion and high-quality attendance at FLIBS 2025 establish a confident trajectory for the yacht market moving into 2026, with the industry expecting a steady recovery and moderate growth.The global yacht market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% and the super yacht segment alone is expected to reach $10.8 billion by 2026. This growth is heavily supported by resilient U.S. consumer activity and the explosive expansion of the luxury charter market, which acts as a crucial pipeline by introducing younger Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) to the marine lifestyle before they commit to full ownership. Therefore, the fundamental demand reflected at FLIBS provides a stable basis for sustained sales growth in the coming year.