Longboat Key Vacation Rental Rules
Town of Longboat Key
The Town of Longboat Key spans Sarasota and Manatee counties and sets its own rental rules. Ordinance 82-10, from 1982, limits rentals of residentially zoned property, which today means each rental must last at least 30 consecutive days or one calendar month, and a town rental registry has applied since October 1, 2023.
Longboat Key seasonal rental restrictions
On residentially zoned property, every rental must last at least 30 consecutive calendar days or one entire calendar month; only tourism-zoned districts and properties grandfathered as a tourism use can rent for less. Any residential rental under six months also needs a town Residential Rental Certificate, and the certificate number must appear in every ad. The town describes Ordinance 82-10 as limiting both the duration and the frequency of rentals, but its current rental pages publish the per-rental minimum and no separate yearly count, so ask the Code Enforcement division how frequency applies to your parcel before you advertise dates. These rules are the same on the Sarasota and Manatee sides of the island; only the county that collects the tourist tax changes.
30-day minimum on residential zoning
The minimum for each individual rental period is 30 consecutive calendar days or one entire calendar month. The town can cite owners, rental agents and tenants for shorter stays: $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second and $500 for each one after that, with every day counted as a separate offense, and repeat violations can become a lien on the property. The rule survives Florida's 2011 preemption of local rental-duration rules because the ordinance behind it predates 2011.
Town Residential Rental Registry
Any residentially zoned property rented for less than six months must register with the town (in effect since October 1, 2023) and hold a town Business Tax Receipt. Registration requires a safety inspection, posted emergency information, a responsible party to respond to violations, and the certificate number in all advertising. The certificate is valid for two years. Fees are $200 initial and $150 renewal for a rental of 30 days or more, and $50 initial and $25 renewal for the town's shorter-rental category, which also needs a state DBPR license.
Know your county for tax
The county line crosses the island at about the 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive: higher numbers are in Manatee County and lower numbers in Sarasota County. Remit the 6% tourist development tax to that county's tax collector, and the 6% state sales tax plus the 1% county surtax to the Florida Department of Revenue, about 13% in total on stays of six months or less.
Effectively a mid-term market
The 30-day minimum pushes most Longboat Key homes toward monthly and seasonal stays. Units rented for under six months still need the town certificate, and its number belongs in every listing.
Frequently asked questions
Are there seasonal rental restrictions on Longboat Key?
Yes. On residentially zoned property the Town of Longboat Key requires each rental to last at least 30 consecutive days or one calendar month, under Ordinance 82-10 from 1982, which predates Florida's 2011 preemption of local rental-duration rules. Any residential rental under six months must also hold a town Residential Rental Certificate, with its number in every ad. Shorter stays are possible only in tourism-zoned districts or properties grandfathered as a tourism use.
How often can I rent my Longboat Key home?
The rule the town publishes is per rental: each rental of a residentially zoned home must run at least 30 consecutive days or one calendar month. The town describes Ordinance 82-10 as limiting both the duration and the frequency of rentals, but its rental pages give no separate yearly count, so ask the Code Enforcement division how frequency applies to your parcel. Condo and HOA documents can add their own limits.
How long is a seasonal rental on Longboat Key?
At least a month on residential property, and commonly the winter season; Visit Sarasota County puts high season at December to March. The tax line is six months: a stay of six months or less carries about 13% in sales and tourist tax, while a stay longer than six months under a written lease is exempt.
Can I do weekly rentals on Longboat Key?
Only in tourism-zoned districts or properties grandfathered as a tourism use. Residentially zoned property has a 30-day minimum, and the town can fine owners, agents and tenants $100, $250 and then $500 per offense, with each day counted separately.
What does the town registry require?
Registration before renting a residentially zoned unit for under six months, a passed safety inspection, a responsible party to respond to violations, and the certificate number in all ads. The certificate lasts two years. Fees are $200 initial and $150 renewal for a rental of 30 days or more, or $50 and $25 for the shorter-rental category that also holds a state DBPR license.
Which county tax applies?
It depends on the address. Longboat Key spans both counties: from about the 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive north is Manatee County, and lower numbers are Sarasota County. Remit the 6% tourist tax to that county; the total is about 13% either way.
More about Longboat Key
Longboat Key vacation rentals ยท All vacation rental rules
This is general guidance for the Sarasota and Manatee County area, not legal advice. Rules change, and what applies to you depends on your exact parcel, its zoning, and your HOA or condo documents. Confirm current requirements with the city or county and the Florida DBPR before you advertise or rent.
Last reviewed