What Is a Dockominium? The Complete Guide to Buying a Boat Slip
Published March 2026 · 6 min read
A dockominium is a boat slip that you own as real property — just like a condominium, but for your boat instead of your body. You get a deed, you pay property taxes, and you can sell it on the open market.
Think of it this way: instead of renting a slip at a marina for $1,500 to $5,000 per month, you buy one outright. No more rental increases, no more waiting lists, no more getting kicked out when the marina sells to a developer.
How Dockominiums Work
Ownership Structure
You own the slip itself as deeded real property. Common areas — fuel docks, parking, restrooms, docks, seawalls — are shared with other slip owners through an HOA, just like a condo association. You receive a warranty deed and title insurance.
HOA Fees
Monthly HOA fees typically range from $200 to $1,500 depending on the marina's amenities. These cover maintenance of docks, seawalls, common areas, insurance on shared structures, and sometimes utilities like water and electric at your slip.
Property Taxes
Since you own real property, you pay property taxes. In Florida, dockominium taxes are based on assessed value, typically much lower than residential property. A $300,000 slip might carry $3,000 to $5,000 in annual property taxes.
What Do Dockominiums Cost?
Prices vary enormously based on location, slip size, and amenities. In South Florida:
Pros of Buying a Dockominium
No more rent increases
Monthly marina rent in South Florida increases 5 to 10 percent annually. Owning locks in your costs.
Equity building
Slip values in South Florida have appreciated steadily. A slip purchased for $200,000 five years ago might be worth $350,000 today.
Tax benefits
Property taxes, HOA fees, and interest on a loan used to purchase the slip may be tax-deductible. Consult your accountant.
Guaranteed access
You can't be evicted. Marina waitlists in Fort Lauderdale can be 2 to 5 years. Ownership skips the line.
Rental income
When your boat is away, you can rent your slip to other boaters. Some owners earn $1,000 to $5,000 per month in rental income.
Cons to Consider
Financing can be tricky
Not all banks finance dockominiums. You may need a specialized lender or pay cash. Interest rates are often higher than residential mortgages.
HOA assessments
Major repairs — seawall replacement, hurricane damage — can trigger special assessments of $10,000 to $50,000 or more per owner.
Insurance costs
Windstorm and flood insurance for waterfront structures in Florida is expensive and rising.
Limited appreciation ceiling
While values appreciate, they don't grow as fast as residential real estate in most markets.
HOA restrictions
Some dockominium associations restrict liveaboard use, rental, or vessel type. Read the bylaws carefully before buying.
Who Should Buy a Dockominium?
Dockominiums make sense if you own a boat and plan to keep it in South Florida long-term. If you're spending $2,000 per month on slip rent, that's $24,000 per year going to zero equity. A dockominium purchase converts that expense into ownership.
They're also popular with investors who don't own boats. A well-located slip can generate consistent rental income with minimal maintenance — there's no kitchen to renovate, no roof to replace.
If you want a waterfront lifestyle but can't afford a waterfront home, buying a dockominium gives you a permanent spot on the water for a fraction of the cost of a dock home.
Browse Dockominiums for Sale
DockOnly lists dockominiums across South Florida — from 30-foot slips to mega-yacht berths. Filter by size, price, and location.
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