Longboat Key Homes for Sale & Living Guide

Longboat Key is a quiet, residential barrier island between the Gulf and Sarasota Bay, known for Gulf-front condos, golf and boating communities and uncrowded beaches. Whether you're buying a seasonal retreat, a full-time home or selling, we're Eric and Traci Bolen of Sand + Sea Homes with eXp Realty.

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Life on Longboat Key

Longboat Key is a long, narrow barrier island whose town spans both Manatee and Sarasota counties. One main road, Gulf of Mexico Drive (State Road 789), runs the length of the island. Life here is calm and residential, with beach walks, tennis, golf and boating. St. Armands Circle and downtown Sarasota are just across the bridges to the south, and Anna Maria Island is to the north. Many owners are seasonal, so winter is busier.

Neighborhoods and Communities

Gulf-front condos. Towers and mid-rise buildings with beach access, which make up much of the island's housing.
Bayside and canal homes. Single-family homes with dock potential on Sarasota Bay and the canals.
Golf and club communities. Club-oriented neighborhoods, including areas around the Longboat Key Club on the south end.
Longbeach Village. The historic north-end neighborhood, with smaller, older homes and cottages.

Home Types and Prices

Condos dominate, followed by single-family homes, villas and luxury estates. Water frontage, views and building age drive prices.

Longboat Key FL housing market, September 2026: median sale price $941,052 (up 0.6% year over year), 118 homes sold, 132 median days on market, 93.7% sale-to-list ratio, with a 12-month median price trend chart. Source: Redfin.

As a reference point, Redfin reported a median sale price of $941,052 for Longboat Key in September 2026, up 0.6% from a year earlier. There were 118 homes sold that month, with a median of 132 days on market (30 more than a year earlier), and homes sold for about 93.7% of list price on average. Medians mix condos and houses, so ask us for building- or street-level comps.

Selling? See our selling page or get a home value estimate.

Flood Zones, Insurance, Condo Rules and Rentals

Flood zones. As a barrier island, much of Longboat Key is in FEMA flood zones. Check each property's flood zone and elevation, and get flood quotes early.
Insurance. See whether Florida home insurance rates are coming down.
Condo inspections and reserves. Florida requires milestone structural inspections and Structural Integrity Reserve Studies for condo buildings three or more stories tall, which can lead to special assessments. Start with what to know before buying a Florida condo.
Rental limits. Under Town of Longboat Key rules, residentially zoned properties must be rented for at least 30 consecutive days (or one calendar month) unless they're grandfathered or in a tourism-zoned district. Rentals shorter than six months require a Town rental registration. Condo associations may add their own limits. See buying a second home or investment property.
Full cost picture. See the hidden costs of buying a home in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte County.

Schools

There are no public schools on the island. Because the town spans two counties, students are served by Sarasota County Schools or the School District of Manatee County depending on the address. Confirm the assignment with the district, and ask us about nearby private options.

Getting Around

Gulf of Mexico Drive connects the island to St. Armands Circle and downtown Sarasota to the south, and to Anna Maria Island and Bradenton to the north. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is on the mainland. Bikes are popular on the island's paths, and boaters have easy access to the bay and Gulf. Expect slower traffic near St. Armands in season.

Why Work With Sand + Sea Homes

We're Eric and Traci Bolen, a husband-and-wife team of REALTORS with eXp Realty. We help buyers look past the views to condo reserves, insurance, flood zones and rental rules, and we help sellers price and market island homes well. If you're new to the area, our buying page walks you through the process, and our step-by-step buying timeline shows what to expect.

Ready to explore Longboat Key? Call or text Eric & Traci at (941) 352-2121, search the homes above, or get your home's value.

Longboat Key FAQ

Can I rent out my Longboat Key condo short-term?
Usually not for less than 30 days. Town rules require residentially zoned properties to be rented for at least 30 consecutive days or a calendar month unless they're grandfathered or in a tourism zone, and condo associations may set stricter limits.

How much does a home cost on Longboat Key?
Redfin reported a median sale price of $941,052 for Longboat Key in September 2026, up 0.6% from a year earlier. Condos, bayside homes and Gulf-front estates vary widely.

Is Longboat Key in Sarasota or Manatee County?
Both. The Town of Longboat Key spans Manatee and Sarasota counties, so taxes and schools depend on the address.

What should I check before buying a Longboat Key condo?
Ask for the building's milestone inspection and Structural Integrity Reserve Study, the budget and reserves, any planned special assessments, and the association's rental and pet rules.

Do I need flood insurance on Longboat Key?
Many properties are in FEMA flood zones, and lenders typically require flood insurance in high-risk zones. Check the flood zone and get quotes before you make an offer.