Fueled by Water: Fort Lauderdale’s Global Impact Shines Ahead of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Oct 22, 2025

“Water and boats are the lifeblood of Fort Lauderdale, in a way that’s more innate than in arguably any other American city.” When Forbes recently published a story highlighting Fort Lauderdale’s ties to the water, it celebrated an economic engine that connects neighborhoods, attracts international investment, and defines Fort Lauderdale’s place on the world stage.

Fort Lauderdale’s 165 miles of canals connect neighborhoods, businesses, and the world, fueling the city’s identity as the Yachting Capital of the World.

The numbers speak for themselves, with Fort Lauderdale home to:

• Over 165 miles of waterways and canals, five times that of Venice, Italy

• The world’s third busiest cruise port

• The planet’s largest in-water boat show

• A headquarters for the $36 billion global superyacht economy

At no time of year is this more apparent than in the days leading up to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) taking place next week from October 29^th to November 2^nd.

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show brings over a billion dollars in economic impact each year, anchoring the city’s global maritime influence.

The show, now in its 66^th year, consistently showcases the city’s role as a global superyacht headquarters and rising hub for global business. As Fort Lauderdale grows, the city continues to remain a destination where water defines daily life and the city’s identity is inseparable from its waterfront.

Here’s a dynamic range of activity to expect around FLIBS next week, reflecting Fort Lauderdale’s energy as a hub for business, culture, and lifestyle:

• Sales are well underway for Fort Lauderdale’s newest branded residences, including Viceroy Fort Lauderdale in DowntownFTL, as well as both St. Regis Bahia Mar and Riva Residenze, which will help create a new Mini-Monaco on the beach.

• The Marine Research Hub, in collaboration with local university partners such as NSU and FAU, will continue to showcase groundbreaking research that fuels Fort Lauderdale’s emerging blue economy.

• The Fort, home to the world’s only stadium pickleball complex, is hosting the annual Pickleball World Cup.

The Fort, home to the world’s only stadium pickleball complex, adds a new dimension to Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s active, outdoor lifestyle.

Looking ahead beyond the week of FLIBS, DowntownFTL’s Huizenga Park Reimagined continues to take shape and is on track to open in early 2026. FAT Village continues to emerge and is eagerly anticipated to become DowntownFTL’s newest live, work, play neighborhood and creative hub next year. Lastly, the much-anticipated opening of the expanded waterfront Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center and new Omni Hotel and Convention Center is set to transform the visitor experience soon.

Everything here in Fort Lauderdale is fueled by water. Dive deeper at ftlfueledbywater.com and read the full feature in Forbes here.