Living near the ocean is a luxury most entrepreneurs don’t have. Because of the unique business ideas that only work next to large bodies of water, you hold an extra advantage. In addition, people worldwide come to Florida for the attractions and vacation destinations, and you’ll find yourself pretty busy during the summertime. So, keep reading to discover the top 9 ocean-based business ideas and how to research which one is right for you.

Fishing Supply

Fishing supply shops are always necessary near an ocean. You could sell or rent equipment and even provide repair services. Florida’s fishing industry is enormous, so you won’t find yourself short on business. Just ensure that you set up shop on or close to the beach, so you’re easily accessible to visitors. And don’t forget to sell snacks and refreshments so beach-goers can stay hydrated in the heat. Plus, you’ll attract more customers than just fishers.

Surfing Lessons

Surfing lessons are fun for locals and tourists alike. First, you can offer weekly programs for people who live nearby to keep steady business. Then, you can provide single sessions for out-of-town visitors just looking for a fun activity for the day. However, surfing can be dangerous, so you need to find the best workers comp insurance in Florida to protect your employees and finances from an expensive accident.

Rentals

The rental business can be lucrative. However, whether you want to rent out vacation homes, boats, or jet skis is up to you. If you’re unsure what to provide, you should consider your maintenance capabilities, risk factors, and how much you’re willing to invest. Then, you’ll need to determine how much to charge for a certain amount of rental time to make a profit and keep your equipment in top shape.

Dinner Cruises

Little dinner cruises can make a vacation memorable. Your ship could become a popular tourist destination with live music, great food, and fun activities. However, the cruise industry is highly competitive, so you’ll need to offer one-of-a-kind services to stand out. To do so, you’ll want to look at your competition’s services and aesthetics. Then, you can dig deep and get creative to bring something new to the table.

Water Vehicle Cleaning and Repair

Boats, jet skis, and other water vehicles need preventative maintenance to keep them running smoothly. However, most boat-owners don’t want to clean and repair the vessels themselves so they will look for the best person for the job. Therefore, you should set up your service as close to the marina as possible to market yourself as the most accessible.

Beach Bar

Who doesn’t love a nice drink while relaxing or partying near the ocean? A beach bar can be highly profitable if you can handle the stress of spring breakers. In the bartending business, you’ll need employees who can mix and serve drinks quickly, so you don’t lose customers to other bars for being slow.

Bed and Breakfast

Everyone loves a nice, cozy bed and breakfast near the beach. Plus, other hotels book quickly, so people will always look for another place to stay. This is where you have the advantage as a beginner. If you can offer quality service at affordable rates, you will soon become the first choice for tourists, making it easier to establish your brand.

Food Truck

Food trucks are fun for vacationers looking for a quick bite to eat. A benefit of running a food truck is that you can always move locations if one spot isn’t bringing enough business in the door. Also, being near the beach, you’ll want to offer a variety of meals and snacks, including frozen treats, to help people cool off in the summer heat.

Restaurant

If food trucks are too cramped for your style, a restaurant may be the way to go. After a day in the hot sun, people love to sit down at a nice restaurant and enjoy a large meal. Being near the ocean, you can offer locally-sourced, fresh seafood. This will give you an advantage because you’ll show customers that you support other small businesses and care about the community. Additionally, you can hold charity events to raise money for causes important to you during the summertime.

Research

Before you rush to start your business, you should conduct market research. By doing so, you can predict future demand for your industry, local competition, and ways to stand out. In addition, you will need to research any obstacles that could threaten your business, ways to avoid them, and ways to overcome them.

Conclusion

Starting an ocean-based business in Florida can be busy and profitable, especially during tourist seasons. But, while the industries may be watered down, there are still plenty of opportunities to bring something new to the market. You just have to work hard and get creative to make it happen.