You’ve seen the rumors. Maybe you were scrolling through a classic rock forum or saw a random post on social media claiming that David Marks, the "lost" Beach Boy, is living a quiet, retired life somewhere in the Sunshine State. With the recent, heavy news of Brian Wilson’s passing in June 2025, fans have been checking in on the surviving members of the Hawthorne pack more than ever.
Is David Marks still alive in Florida?
The short answer is yes—David Marks is very much alive. But the "Florida" part? That’s where things get a little murky and where most people get the story twisted.
Where is David Marks Actually Living?
Honestly, the Florida connection is a bit of a localized myth. While there is a David Marks who is a prominent real estate broker in Aventura, Florida, that isn't the guy who played the iconic rhythm guitar on "Surfin' USA."
Our David Marks—the one who grew up across the street from the Wilsons—actually moved back to Southern California over a decade ago. After spending about ten years living in North Salem, New York, he and his wife, Carrieann, headed back to the West Coast in 2013.
Most recent reports and sightings place him around the Los Angeles area, specifically Burbank. He’s a California kid at heart. It makes sense. You can take the boy out of the surf, but the reverse? Not so much.
The State of His Health in 2026
For a guy who has been through the rock-and-roll ringer, Marks is doing remarkably well. He’s 77 now.
He’s been open about his health struggles in the past, particularly his battle with Hepatitis C. He was diagnosed almost by accident back in 1999 after a doctor noticed elevated liver enzymes while treating him for a completely unrelated cracked rib.
He went through a brutal year of interferon and ribavirin treatments. It wasn't pretty. But he cleared the virus in 2004 and has been a vocal advocate for liver health ever since. He often says that the diagnosis was a "blessing in disguise" because it forced him to quit drinking and actually start taking care of himself.
In 2026, he’s still active. He hasn't hung up the guitar.
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What is He Up to These Days?
He isn't just sitting on a porch. Marks has stayed surprisingly busy with the Surf City Allstars.
This is basically the "A-Team" of touring surf musicians. David tours with them alongside Al Jardine, and they still pull in crowds that want to hear those original 1960s riffs played by the guy who actually created them.
- The Disney+ Documentary: He appeared in the 2024 The Beach Boys documentary, looking healthy and providing that essential "outsider-insider" perspective.
- The 2026 Tour Circuit: While Mike Love and Bruce Johnston continue to tour under the official "Beach Boys" name, Marks and Jardine have been doing their own thing, often billed as founding members. They have dates lined up through 2026.
- The Brian Wilson Legacy: Since Brian's death in 2025, David has been one of the primary voices keeping the original spirit of the 1962-1963 era alive. He was the one who filled in for Al Jardine when Al went off to dental school. He’s on the first four albums. That’s a heavy legacy to carry.
Why the Florida Rumors Persist
It’s basically a case of "Same Name Syndrome."
If you search for "David Marks Florida," you’ll find addresses, business listings, and even some old obituaries for people with the same name. Florida is a massive hub for retirees, and "David Marks" isn't exactly a rare name.
Also, the Surf City Allstars play a lot of shows in Florida. They hit the amphitheaters in Boca Raton, Clearwater, and St. Augustine constantly. Fans see him on stage in the humidity, see him grabbing a Cuban sandwich in Miami, and assume he moved there.
He didn't. He’s a visitor.
The "Lost Beach Boy" Reality
People forget how young David was during the height of Beatlemania and the surf craze. He was just 13 or 14 when he was touring the country.
He left the band in 1963 because of a massive blowout with Murry Wilson (the brothers' notorious father and manager). It’s one of the great "what ifs" of music history. If he hadn't left, he might have been right there in the studio for Pet Sounds.
Instead, he went his own way, led David & the Marksmen, and eventually found his way back to the fold for the 50th-anniversary tour in 2012.
Today, he seems at peace with it all. He isn't the "lost" member anymore; he’s very much found.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to keep up with what David is actually doing—and avoid the Florida real estate confusion—follow these steps:
- Check the Surf City Allstars Schedule: This is the most reliable way to see him live. They are currently booking into late 2026.
- Read "The Lost Beach Boy": If you haven't read his autobiography (co-written with Jon Stebbins), do it. It clears up a lot of the myths about his departure and his relationship with the Wilsons.
- Verify via Al Jardine’s Official Channels: Al and David are very close. If David is making a guest appearance or starting a new project, Al’s site is usually the first to mention it.
- Ignore the "Resident" Scraper Sites: Those automated "People Search" sites often conflate his data with the David Marks who lives in Aventura. Stick to music-specific news sources.
The legend is alive, healthy, and still rocking the rhythm. Just don't expect to find him living in a condo in West Palm Beach. He’s a California boy, through and through.
Next Steps
To see the most accurate current touring roster for David Marks, visit the official Surf City Allstars website or check Al Jardine's "News" section for 2026 tour updates.