At a glance
| Location | Barrier island town between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf, south of Anna Maria Island and north of Lido Key |
|---|---|
| Counties | Split almost equally between Manatee and Sarasota counties |
| Population | 7,505 at the 2020 census |
| Housing | 9,744 units in 2020, 48.8% held for seasonal, recreational or occasional use |
| ZIP code | 34228 |
| Government | Town with a commission-manager form of government since 1958 |
| Main road | Gulf of Mexico Drive (State Road 789) runs the length of the island |
The island and the town
Longboat Key sits between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, south of Anna Maria Island and north of Lido Key. The town covers the whole island, about 16 square miles including water, of which about 4.1 square miles are land. Gulf of Mexico Drive runs its full length. The Longboat Key Club resort covers 410 acres at the southern end.
What you can buy
The 2020 census counted 9,744 housing units, of which 56.9% were vacant on census day and 4,752, or 48.8%, were held for seasonal or occasional use. Expect Gulf-front condo buildings as well as bayfront and canal homes. Zillow does not publish a Longboat Key neighborhood value in our data set, so ask a local agent for recent sales by building or street.
For condo buildings of three or more habitable stories, ask for the milestone inspection reports and structural integrity reserve study that Florida law requires. Our Sarasota condo guide lists the documents.
Taxes depend on the county and the side of the island
On the Sarasota County side, the 2025 roll shows a countywide rate of 10.7437 mills for Longboat Key, which does not pay the county's emergency medical services levy. The town then adds its own levy. Gulf-side parcels paid 2.5543 town mills, including a Gulfside debt levy, for about 13.30 mills in total. Inland or bay-side parcels paid 2.1371 town mills, for about 12.88 mills.
The Sarasota roll also lists Longboat Key utility undergrounding assessments, which appear as non-ad valorem charges. On the Manatee side, Manatee County's rates apply instead. Ask for the parcel's last tax bill whichever side you buy on. The town posted a notice of proposed tax increase with its fiscal 2026 to 2027 budget, with a hearing set for September 28, 2026.
Steps before you make an offer
- Confirm the county on the parcel record, then pull the right county's tax bill.
- Check the side of the island. On the Sarasota County side, Gulf-side and inland parcels carry different town debt levies.
- Read the condo or HOA documents for leasing limits, pet rules and any planned special assessments.
- Ask about undergrounding and water main work on your street. The town announced a water main replacement in the Country Club Shores area starting July 6, 2026.
Flood, storms and insurance
Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key in October 2024 with water levels more than 8 feet above normal near Sarasota. On an island, ask every seller or association about water entry, repairs and permits, and get flood quotes early. FEMA now prices flood cover property by property. Our Sarasota waterfront homes guide covers seawalls, docks and insurance.
Comparing Longboat Key with nearby islands
If you like island living, compare Longboat Key with Lido Key, which is inside the City of Sarasota, and Bird Key, a single-family island off the John Ringling Causeway. Each has different taxes, associations and flood exposure.
Common questions
What county is Longboat Key in?+
Both. The Town of Longboat Key is almost equally divided between Manatee and Sarasota counties. The county determines which property appraiser, tax collector and county millage apply, and the town adds its own levy on top. Check the parcel record and last tax bill for any home you are considering.
What is the property tax rate on Longboat Key?+
On the Sarasota County side, the 2025 roll shows 10.7437 countywide mills plus the town's levy: 2.5543 mills for Gulf-side parcels and 2.1371 for inland parcels, or about 13.30 and 12.88 mills in total. Undergrounding assessments may be added. The Manatee side uses Manatee County rates.
Is Longboat Key mostly second homes?+
A large share are. The 2020 census counted 9,744 housing units on Longboat Key, and 4,752 of them, or 48.8%, were held for seasonal, recreational or occasional use. That affects how busy the island is by season and the rules some condo associations set on leasing.