Living Aboard in the Florida Keys: Your Floating Paradise Awaits

Not everyone dreams of a white picket fence.
Some people dream of a gently rocking deck, the smell of salt air, and waking up to the sound of seagulls instead of an alarm clock.

In the Florida Keys, that dream is more than possible — it’s a real way to live.
Welcome to the liveaboard lifestyle.

Why Some People Trade Houses for Hulls

Living aboard your boat isn’t just for weekend sailors.
It’s a lifestyle choice that attracts retirees, remote workers, and adventure seekers.
Here’s why:

• It can be more affordable than a waterfront home. A slip fee is often less than a mortgage.

• No yard work. Your “lawn” is the ocean.

• Freedom to move. If you don’t like the view, change it.

• Built-in community. Marina neighbors often become friends for life.

For many, it’s not about saving money — it’s about living closer to the water, every single day.

How It Works

A liveaboard marina is a marina that allows you to stay on your boat full-time or for long periods.

Some slips are rented, while others are owned like a condo.
Marinas usually offer:

• Restrooms and showers

• Laundry rooms

• Wi-Fi

• Parking

• Social spaces and events

Rules vary from marina to marina. Some allow year-round living, while others limit the number of liveaboard slips to keep a balance between transient boaters and residents.

Why the Keys Are Perfect for Liveaboards

The Florida Keys offer year-round boating weather and some of the best access to coral reefs, sandbars, and fishing in the U.S.

From Key Largo to Key West, marinas cater to different lifestyles:

• Quiet and secluded — perfect for those who want privacy.

• Bustling and social — for people who love events, happy hours, and dockside chatter.

Many buyers see living aboard as a stepping stone.
It’s a great way to enjoy the Keys now while deciding if (or where) to buy a traditional home later.

Is It Right for You?

The liveaboard life isn’t for everyone.
Here’s how to tell if it might be for you:

• You like small, cozy spaces.

• You don’t mind boat maintenance.

• You love being outdoors and close to nature.

• You’re okay with occasional visits from curious pelicans.

Your Floating Home Is Waiting

Whether you’re looking to downsize, try a new adventure, or ease into Keys living before buying property, living aboard could be your ticket to paradise.

If you’re curious about marina slips, boat-friendly neighborhoods, or even the best way to transition to island life, I can help.
Let’s find you a place where the sun sets over your own bow every evening.

Click here to see a list of liveaboard boat slips available in the Keys