Longboat Key is the long, quiet barrier island just north of Lido Key and St. Armands Circle. Gulf beaches on one side, bay views on the other, and one main road, Gulf of Mexico Drive, running its length. It’s an island town of its own, with a slower pace and easy access to downtown Sarasota.

I’m Bill Garrison with RE/MAX Palm Realty, a 40+ year local. I started selling properties on Siesta Key in 2012 and have a very nice office there today. Here’s what to know about Longboat Key, plus a live search of every home for sale there.

About the Town of Longboat Key

• Its own town: Longboat Key incorporated in 1955 and had 7,505 residents in the 2020 census.
• Two counties: the north end is in Manatee County and the south end is in Sarasota County. Taxes and some services depend on which side you’re on.
• Getting there: from the south, cross the John Ringling Causeway through St. Armands; from the north, cross from Anna Maria Island.
• ZIP code: 34228 for the whole island.

Life on Longboat Key

The Gulf side is lined with beaches, many reached through public beach accesses along Gulf of Mexico Drive. The bay side has canals and docks for boaters. Golf, tennis, walking and biking are a big part of island life, and St. Armands Circle’s shops and restaurants are a few minutes south.

A little history: John Ringling started a grand Ritz-Carlton hotel on the south end in 1926 but never finished it. In 1959 Arvida bought much of the island’s south half, which shaped many of the communities you see today.

Homes on Longboat Key

Most homes for sale are condos, from older low-rise buildings to luxury Gulf-front towers. There are also single-family homes, many on canals with boat docks, and villas in gated communities. The live search shows what’s available right now.

What to Know Before You Buy

• Which county: confirm whether the home is in Manatee or Sarasota County. It affects property taxes and some services.
• Condo rules & reserves: Florida’s condo safety law requires milestone inspections and funded reserves for older buildings. Ask for the inspection reports, reserve study and any planned assessments.
• Rentals: many associations limit rentals. Check the documents if renting matters to you.
• Flood zones & insurance: most of the island is in a flood zone. Get quotes early. See my flood zone guide and flood insurance info.

Longboat Key, Lido Key or Venice?

Longboat is the quietest of Sarasota’s keys. Lido puts you closest to St. Armands and downtown. Venice gives you a small-town island with Gulf beaches and generally lower prices. I help buyers in all of them. Compare them on my Sarasota page.