FLORIDA · NAICS 713930
Florida marina and boat storage projects sit on the country's deepest recreational boating demand base. Studies tie wet slip and dry storage demand to documented vessel registrations and coastal population, validate fee structure and amenity revenue, and stress-test coverage against the elevated equity expectations the program applies to this special-purpose asset class.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
Marinas are on the special-purpose list, so a study is normally required with an industry-experienced going-concern appraiser and elevated equity.
SBA 7(a) and 504 lenders funded 54 marina and boat storage projects across Florida between FY2010 and FY2026, moving $72.5 million in approved capital at an average ticket of $1.3 million. That volume places Florida at #1 of 38 states measured for marina and boat storage SBA activity, or 17.7% of national marina and boat storage dollars. The 7(a) program carried 83.3% of the loan count, with 504 taking the balance, and 6 approvals have hit the pipeline since FY2024.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 54 |
| Approved volume | $72.5 million |
| Average loan size | $1.3 million |
| 7(a) share | 83.3% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 6 |
| State rank by loan count | #1 of 38 |
Among the 45 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 0.0% reached adverse resolution — purchased, liquidated, or charged off. The national benchmark for marina and boat storage is 3.0%, against 7.3% across all industries. That performance runs below the national benchmark for this asset class, a credit-positive signal for lenders.
Source: SBA 7(a) and 504 FOIA loan-level data, as of March 31, 2026. Disbursed loans only. See data methodology.
A 0.0% adverse-resolution rate below the national marina and boat storage benchmark of 3.0% supports the credit story for well-underwritten Florida projects in this class. Across 54 SBA loans averaging $1.3 million, that track record does not eliminate the need for a third-party feasibility study, but it means a rigorous study reinforces rather than defends the projections.
Every Florida marinas and boat storage project we underwrite follows the same lender ready process: independent market analysis, site and technical review, and financial projections tested against SBA SOP 50 10 8 standards. Our SBA feasibility study consultants guide explains scope, timing, deliverables, and what lenders and CDCs expect in the report.
Florida projects often fit SBA 504 where owner-occupied real estate anchors the deal, with the 50/40/10 structure delivering up to 90 percent financing at a fixed debenture rate, while SBA 7(a) covers acquisitions, working capital, and equipment. From July 4, 2026 eligible borrowers can combine 7(a) and 504 for up to $10 million in total program credit.
Florida leads the nation in registered recreational boats, and coastal land scarcity makes rack storage and wet slip economics a supply-constrained analysis.
For a national view of this asset class, see our marina and boat storage SBA feasibility overview, and read our related analysis in the marina and boat storage lending research on our blog.
Public SBA and CDC program records, cited as program evidence
SBA 504 acquisition through PeopleFund
Lakefront resort and marina, national program evidence
Sunrise Beach, Llano County, Texas
Fifteen-minute scoping call, written proposal inside one business day, firm fixed fee before you sign.
Book a MeetingOur SBA feasibility study consultants prepare storage and vehicle storage studies for lenders, CDCs and sponsors. See pricing, methodology or request a fixed fee quote.
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