Life on Longboat Key is defined by the unhurried elegance of its Gulf setting, the quality of its residential communities, and access to Sarasota's extraordinary cultural and culinary offerings. The island's beaches — 12 miles of Gulf-front white sand — are among the least crowded of any comparably positioned Florida barrier island, a direct benefit of the community's residential rather than tourist orientation.
Dining on Longboat Key is exceptional: The Shore serves Gulf seafood with sweeping water views; The Drydock Waterfront Grill has been recognized as one of the 100 best al fresco dining experiences in the US; and the Chart House offers a refined steakhouse with Gulf terrace seating. The Longboat Key Club provides golf, tennis, spa, and beach access for members, while the St. Regis has elevated the island's profile for ultra-luxury buyers.
What is the difference between Longboat Key and Siesta Key?
Longboat Key and Siesta Key are both Sarasota-area barrier islands on the Gulf of Mexico, but they have distinctly different characters. Longboat Key is quieter, more residential, and more exclusive — it enforces a 30-day minimum rental policy that prohibits short-term vacation rentals. Siesta Key is more tourist-oriented, permits short-term rentals, has the more famous beach (with powder-white quartz sand), and has a more active, village-oriented social scene. Longboat Key appeals to buyers seeking privacy, quiet, and long-term appreciation; Siesta Key appeals to buyers who also want rental income potential or a more vibrant island atmosphere.
Can you do short-term rentals on Longboat Key?
No. Longboat Key enforces a 30-day minimum rental ordinance that prohibits short-term vacation rentals (including Airbnb, VRBO, or any rental shorter than 30 days) throughout the island. This is one of the defining characteristics that separates Longboat Key from Siesta Key and most other Florida barrier islands. Buyers seeking investment properties with short-term rental income should look elsewhere; buyers seeking a quiet, high-value residential island will find the 30-day minimum a significant advantage.
What are the best communities on Longboat Key?
The best community on Longboat Key depends on your lifestyle priorities. South Key offers the St. Regis Resort & Residences, Bay Isles, and Country Club Shores for resort-adjacent ultra-luxury and gated privacy. Mid-Key's Water Club, L'Ambiance, and Grand Bay offer panoramic Gulf views from luxury high-rise condominiums. North Key (The Village) area provides an Old Florida character with low-rise estates and private residences. Each zone offers a fundamentally different lifestyle at different price points.
What is the St. Regis Longboat Key?
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort & Residences is a full-service ultra-luxury resort and private residence development on the southern tip of Longboat Key. The property sits on 17 Gulf-front acres and offers a Forbes-caliber resort experience — multiple pools, a private Gulf beach, multiple dining venues, a full-service spa, and the legendary St. Regis Butler service — alongside whole-ownership private residences ranging from two-bedroom condominiums to penthouse units. It is the most prestigious address on Longboat Key and one of the most significant luxury developments on Florida's Gulf Coast.
How long is Longboat Key?
Longboat Key is approximately 12 miles long, stretching along the Gulf of Mexico in Sarasota County, Florida. It is connected to the mainland at its north end via the Longboat Pass Bridge (entering from Bradenton Beach/Manatee County) and at its south end via the New Pass Bridge from Sarasota. The island runs from north to south, with the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Sarasota Bay to the east.
Is Longboat Key a good investment?
Longboat Key is widely regarded as one of the strongest long-term real estate investments on Florida's Gulf Coast. Its 30-day minimum rental policy protects property values and neighborhood character, and the island's limited land supply creates genuine scarcity. The arrival of the St. Regis Resort & Residences has further elevated the island's profile and set a new ceiling for ultra-luxury pricing. Buyers focused on long-term appreciation and equity growth consistently find Longboat Key among the most compelling markets in the region.
7,512 people live in Longboat Key, where the median age is 71.5 and the average individual income is $138,251. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
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Longboat Key has 4,172 households, with an average household size of 1.8. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Longboat Key do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 7,512 people call Longboat Key home. The population density is 1,842 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Here are some key statistics as of October 2024
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