Miami International Yacht Sales | IYBA Licensed Broker
How Yacht Broker Commission Works — The Complete Answer
The standard yacht broker commission is 10% of the final sale price, paid by the seller at closing. The buyer pays zero broker fees in a standard transaction — the seller’s commission covers both sides of the deal.
That’s the short answer. The longer answer — the one that actually protects buyers and sellers in South Florida transactions — covers how that 10% is divided when two brokers are involved, what buyers do pay at closing (survey, haul-out, documentation, and tax), and how commission structures change on larger superyachts where rates are negotiated rather than fixed.
Robert Lama, principal IYBA-licensed broker at Miami International Yacht Sales, has guided buyers and sellers through hundreds of South Florida yacht transactions over 14+ years. This guide reflects how commissions actually work in the Miami and Fort Lauderdale brokerage market — not how they’re sometimes misrepresented online.
✦ 14+ YEARS IN MIAMI YACHT BROKERAGE ✦ IYBA LICENSED BROKER ✦ $0 BUYER BROKER FEES ✦ OFF-MARKET ACCESS ✦
Yacht Broker Commission — Quick Reference
Key facts for buyers and sellers in the United States brokerage market. Figures reflect industry standard practice as applied by IYBA member brokerages including Miami International Yacht Sales.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Standard commission rate | 10% of the final sale price — applies to most vessels up to approximately 80 feet |
| Who pays the commission? | The seller — deducted from sale proceeds at closing |
| Does the buyer pay a broker fee? | No — buyer broker is paid from the seller’s commission, not as an additional charge |
| Co-brokerage split | 50/50 (IYBA standard under Central Listing Agreement) or 60/40 on non-IYBA listings |
| Commission on superyachts (80ft+) | Negotiated — commonly 8–10% up to $20M; 6–8% above $20M; bespoke above $50M |
| Buyer’s additional costs | Survey, haul-out, sea trial, documentation, Florida sales tax (if applicable) — paid directly by buyer |
| Commission owed if boat doesn’t sell? | No — commission is only owed at successful closing under a standard listing agreement |
Yacht Broker Commission Rate by Vessel Size
The 10% standard commission is a convention — not a regulated legal requirement. It holds most consistently for vessels up to approximately 80 feet and sale prices below $10M. On larger or higher-value vessels, commission is frequently negotiated. The figures below reflect actual market practice in the U.S. brokerage market, as observed by Robert Lama and the Miami International Yacht Sales team over 14+ years of South Florida transactions.
| Vessel Size | Sale Price Range | Typical Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30 ft | Under $100,000 | 10% (+ min fee) | Many brokerages apply a minimum fee of $2,000–$10,000 so the effective rate on low-value boats can exceed 10% |
| 30–60 ft | $100,000–$1M | 10% | Standard rate, widely applied, rarely negotiated at this size |
| 60–80 ft | $1M–$5M | 10% | Standard rate; some negotiation possible at the upper end of this range |
| 80–120 ft (Superyacht) | $5M–$20M | 8–10% | Rate is negotiated; 10% is starting point, commonly reduced to 8% on larger transactions |
| 120 ft+ (Megayacht) | $20M+ | 6–8% (bespoke) | Individually negotiated per transaction; some MYBA-standard deals are structured differently |
Important: Commission rates are not publicly regulated in Florida or the U.S. federal system. They are agreed between the seller and the listing broker at the time of signing the Central Agency Agreement (CAA). The 10% benchmark has held as a convention for decades but is not a mandatory legal figure. Robert Lama at Miami International Yacht Sales is transparent about commission terms from the first meeting with any seller client — no surprises at closing.
Yacht Broker Commission — Dollar Amount Examples
The table below shows what a 10% standard commission looks like in dollar terms at common sale price points. Seller net is shown before loan payoff, agreed repairs, and any closing adjustments.
| Sale Price | 10% Commission | Seller Nets* | Per Broker (50/50) | Per Broker (60/40) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $5,000 | $45,000 | $2,500 each | $3,000 / $2,000 |
| $300,000 | $30,000 | $270,000 | $15,000 each | $18,000 / $12,000 |
| $850,000 | $85,000 | $765,000 | $42,500 each | $51,000 / $34,000 |
| $1,500,000 | $150,000 | $1,350,000 | $75,000 each | $90,000 / $60,000 |
| $2,500,000 | $250,000 | $2,250,000 | $125,000 each | $150,000 / $100,000 |
| $5,000,000 | $500,000 | $4,500,000 | $250,000 each | $300,000 / $200,000 |
| $10,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $9,000,000 | $500,000 each | $600,000 / $400,000 |
*Seller net is before any loan payoff, agreed repairs, haul-out costs, or other adjustments. 60/40 split: first figure is listing broker’s share, second is buyer’s broker’s share.
Co-Brokerage Splits — How Commission Is Divided Between Two Brokers
When a buyer uses their own broker — separate from the listing broker — the total commission is split between the two brokerage firms. This is called co-brokerage. The buyer is not charged twice. The single commission paid by the seller is divided according to an agreement between the two brokerages.
| Split Type | Listing Broker Gets | Buyer’s Broker Gets | When This Applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50/50 (IYBA Standard) | 5% of sale price | 5% of sale price | IYBA Central Listing Agreement (CLA) — standard for IYBA member firms including Miami International Yacht Sales |
| 60/40 | 6% of sale price | 4% of sale price | Common when listing was not placed through IYBA MLS, or with international / non-member listings |
| 100/0 (In-House) | 10% of sale price | N/A | Buyer and seller both represented by same brokerage firm (dual agency) — or buyer has no broker |
What the split means for buyers: When you hire Robert Lama at Miami International Yacht Sales as your buyer’s broker, his firm receives its share of the seller’s commission. You are not charged an additional fee. The IYBA Central Listing Agreement — the standard agreement used in the South Florida market — explicitly defines how the commission is split and ensures buyer’s brokers are compensated for representing you through the transaction.
What the split means for sellers: Whether or not a buyer brings their own broker, you pay the same total commission (typically 10%). A co-brokered sale does not cost the seller more — the commission is simply divided between the two firms. If the listing broker sells the boat in-house (no outside buyer’s broker), the listing brokerage retains the full commission. Robert Lama discloses this clearly in every listing agreement signed at Miami International Yacht Sales.
What Buyers Actually Pay at Closing — Beyond the Broker Commission
While buyers pay zero broker commission in a standard transaction, there are legitimate buyer costs at closing that are separate from the brokerage fee. Robert Lama reviews all expected buyer costs with clients before any offer is made — so there are no surprises when it comes time to close.
| Buyer Cost | Typical Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Purchase Survey | ~$25–$30 per foot (approx. $1,500 for a 50-ft vessel) | A certified marine surveyor inspects the vessel’s structural condition, systems, and compliance. The buyer selects and pays for the surveyor independently |
| Haul-Out (Out of Water Inspection) | Varies by marina and vessel size | Most surveyors require the vessel be hauled out of the water during inspection to assess the hull below the waterline. Marina haul-out fee paid by buyer |
| Sea Trial | Usually no charge — standard part of the sales process | Buyer has the right to a sea trial before accepting the vessel. Fuel costs may apply; practice varies by seller and transaction |
| U.S. Coast Guard Documentation | $133 initial; $26 annual renewal | Federal vessel documentation through the U.S. Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center. Required for vessels used in commerce or flagged for offshore use |
| Florida Title Transfer | $5.25 (electronic) or $7.75 (paper) | State title fee, low cost; expedited processing $11. Additional $4 if vessel was previously registered outside Florida |
| Florida Sales Tax | 6% state rate + ~0.5–1% county surtax; capped at $18,000 | Florida sales tax on vessel purchases is capped at $18,000 regardless of purchase price — a significant advantage for buyers of high-value yachts. Example: $500,000 purchase would owe ~$30,000 at 6%, but the cap applies for purchases above $300,000 |
| Florida State Registration | Varies by vessel length | Annual or biennial FWC registration required for all vessels in Florida. Fee is tiered by length; confirm current rates with your broker or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission |
Florida’s $18,000 Sales Tax Cap — What It Means for Buyers
Florida caps sales tax on vessel purchases at $18,000, regardless of the purchase price. For a $1M yacht, the cap means the buyer pays $18,000 in tax rather than $60,000+ at the standard 6% rate. This is one of several reasons South Florida is a preferred location to close high-value yacht transactions. Robert Lama advises all international buyers to confirm their tax situation with a maritime attorney before closing, as tax obligations vary based on residency and the vessel’s registered use.
What Sellers Pay — Commission and Beyond
The seller’s primary cost is the broker commission. Under a standard listing agreement, the seller also bears certain costs related to maintaining the listing and presenting the vessel for sale.
| Seller Cost | Typical Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Broker Commission | 10% of sale price (standard) | Paid at closing from proceeds; covers both listing broker and buyer’s broker in a co-brokered sale |
| Listing Fees / Marketing | None under standard listing agreement | At Miami International Yacht Sales, marketing costs (photography, yacht portal listings, broker network distribution) are covered by the brokerage — no upfront seller cost |
| Haul-Out / Detailing | Agreed case-by-case | Sellers may agree to cover haul-out costs during the buyer’s survey, or negotiate this as part of the sales contract |
| Agreed Repairs | Varies; negotiated post-survey | If the buyer’s survey reveals defects, sellers may agree to make repairs or reduce the purchase price. This is a negotiated cost, not a fixed commission item |
| Slip / Marina Costs During Listing | Ongoing monthly cost | Seller continues to pay slip and maintenance costs while the vessel is listed. In premium South Florida marinas, dockage runs $3–$5 per foot per month during peak season |
Robert Lama’s seller guidance: At Miami International Yacht Sales, sellers sign a standard Central Agency Agreement (CAA) that clearly outlines the commission rate, the listing period, and the scope of marketing services. There are no upfront fees, no listing surcharges, and no administrative charges separate from the commission. The only cost at closing is the agreed commission — paid from the proceeds, not in addition to them.
How Commission Works on Superyachts (80ft and Above)
Superyacht brokerage commissions follow the same fundamental principle — seller pays at closing, buyer pays zero broker fees — but the rate and structure become more flexible above 80 feet. On vessels priced above $10M, the 10% standard is frequently the starting point for negotiation rather than the fixed outcome.
For a full breakdown of how superyacht brokerage fees work — including MYBA-standard terms, international transactions, and the role of the central agency — see our dedicated guide: Superyacht Brokerage Fees — What You Should Know.
UP TO 80 FT
10%
Standard rate, rarely negotiated. Applies across most U.S. brokerage transactions in this size class.
80–120 FT / UP TO $20M
8–10%
Negotiated at signing. 10% is a common starting point; 8% is frequently reached on transactions in this range.
120 FT+ / $20M+
6–8%
Bespoke per transaction. Some international megayacht deals use MYBA-framework terms with different commission structures.
BUYER REPRESENTATION — $0 BROKER FEES
Work With Robert Lama — Your Buyer’s Broker in South Florida
Robert Lama is the principal IYBA-licensed yacht broker at Miami International Yacht Sales. With 14+ years representing buyers and sellers in the South Florida market, Robert Lama provides professional buyer representation at zero cost to you. In a standard transaction, the seller pays the entire commission — your broker is paid from that, not as an additional charge to you.
Whether you’re purchasing a 30-foot center console or a 100-foot motor yacht, Robert Lama handles every step: vessel identification, offer negotiation, survey coordination, closing paperwork, and title transfer. Buyers who work with Robert Lama routinely negotiate purchase prices well below asking — which covers the commission many times over.
Frequently Asked Questions — Yacht Broker Commission
How much does a yacht broker charge?
The standard yacht broker commission is 10% of the final sale price, paid by the seller at closing. This 10% benchmark applies to most U.S. brokerage transactions on vessels up to approximately 80 feet. On larger superyachts and higher-value transactions above $10M, the rate is negotiated and commonly falls between 6% and 10% depending on vessel size and transaction complexity. There are no listing fees, upfront marketing charges, or administrative surcharges in a standard listing agreement.
Who pays the yacht broker commission — buyer or seller?
The seller pays the broker commission — always. It is deducted from the sale proceeds at closing. The buyer does not pay a broker fee in a standard transaction. When the buyer has their own broker (buyer’s broker), that broker is paid from the seller’s commission through a co-brokerage split, not as an additional charge to the buyer. This is industry-standard practice in both the U.S. and international yacht brokerage markets.
Does the buyer pay a broker fee when buying a yacht?
No. Buyers pay zero broker fees in a standard U.S. yacht brokerage transaction. The seller pays the full commission (typically 10%), and if the buyer uses their own independent broker, that broker receives their share from the seller’s commission via the co-brokerage split. This means buyers can — and should — engage an independent buyer’s broker like Robert Lama at Miami International Yacht Sales at no additional cost. Professional buyer representation is free to the buyer.
How is commission split between two brokers?
When a buyer and seller each have their own broker, the total commission (typically 10%) is split between the two brokerage firms. Under the IYBA Central Listing Agreement — the standard in South Florida — the split is 50/50: 5% to the listing broker and 5% to the buyer’s broker. A 60/40 split (6% listing, 4% buyer’s broker) is common when the listing was not placed through the IYBA MLS. The buyer is not charged twice. The total commission stays the same regardless of how many brokers are involved.
What is the yacht broker commission percentage on a $1M boat?
On a $1,000,000 sale at the standard 10% rate, the total commission is $100,000, paid by the seller. If the transaction is co-brokered with a 50/50 IYBA split, each broker’s firm receives $50,000. At 60/40, the listing firm receives $60,000 and the buyer’s broker firm receives $40,000. The buyer pays $0 in brokerage fees. At sale prices above $10M, the rate may be negotiated below 10% — at $1M, the 10% standard rate typically applies.
What does a buyer pay at closing besides the purchase price?
Buyers in a Florida yacht transaction typically pay for: (1) pre-purchase survey — approximately $25–$30 per foot; (2) haul-out for the survey inspection; (3) U.S. Coast Guard documentation — $133 initial fee; (4) Florida title transfer — $5.25–$7.75; and (5) Florida sales tax — 6% state rate plus county surtax, capped at $18,000 regardless of purchase price. The broker commission is not a buyer cost. Robert Lama walks every client through expected closing costs before any offer is submitted.
Is yacht broker commission negotiable?
On vessels up to 80 feet and sale prices below $5M, the 10% rate is a strong industry convention and is rarely negotiated down. On larger superyachts and transactions above $10M, commission rate is typically negotiated at the time of signing the listing agreement. The 10% figure is not set by law in the United States — it is an industry standard convention. Sellers should be aware that a listing broker who offers a significantly reduced commission may also offer reduced market exposure, fewer co-brokerage relationships, or reduced marketing investment in the listing.
What is a Central Agency Agreement in yacht brokerage?
A Central Agency Agreement (CAA) is the listing contract between a seller and their chosen yacht broker. It grants the listing brokerage the exclusive right to market and sell the vessel for a defined period. Under the CAA, the listing broker agrees to cooperate with other IYBA member brokers — sharing the listing through the IYBA MLS and splitting the commission on a co-brokered sale. The CAA is the standard listing agreement for IYBA-affiliated brokerages including Miami International Yacht Sales. Robert Lama reviews the complete terms of every CAA with seller clients before signing.
What is Florida’s $18,000 sales tax cap on yacht purchases?
Florida imposes a 6% state sales tax on vessel purchases, plus a county discretionary surtax of approximately 0.5–1%. However, Florida caps the total sales tax on a single vessel purchase at $18,000, regardless of the purchase price. On a $500,000 yacht, the tax at 6% would be $30,000 — but the cap means a buyer pays no more than $18,000. This cap applies from approximately $300,000 and above, making Florida one of the most tax-advantageous states for large yacht purchases. Buyers should confirm their specific tax obligation with a maritime attorney or tax professional, as residency and vessel use affect the calculation.
Questions About Broker Commission? Ask Robert Lama Directly.
Robert Lama at Miami International Yacht Sales answers commission and fee questions directly — no sales pitch, no pressure. Whether you are buying or selling a vessel in South Florida, get clear answers from an IYBA-licensed broker with 14+ years in the Miami market.