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Manatee County, FL

Longboat Key

Quiet, upscale barrier island living between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay

Overview

Longboat Key is a narrow barrier island west of Bradenton and Sarasota, divided between Manatee County to the north and Sarasota County to the south. Its single main road, Gulf of Mexico Drive, runs the length of the key past golf courses, gated communities, and stretches of protected shoreline.

The island has long maintained low-density zoning, which keeps traffic light and preserves the privacy that draws many buyers here in the first place. Housing ranges from Gulf-front and bayfront condominiums to single-family estates on the interior and along the water, with the Longboat Key Club anchoring much of the island's golf and club life.

Because so much of the inventory here is condominiums, buyers need to look closely at association rules, reserve funding, and any rental restrictions before making an offer, and sellers benefit from a marketing approach built around those same details. Legacy Real Estate Associates works with buyers and sellers throughout Longboat Key and the surrounding barrier islands.

Location

Longboat Key is a barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico, separated from the mainland by Sarasota Bay. Its northern end, in Manatee County, connects to Anna Maria Island by the Longboat Pass Bridge; its southern end, in Sarasota County, connects toward St. Armands Key and downtown Sarasota.

Manatee County, FL

Property types

Common property types in Longboat Key

  • Gulf-front and bayfront luxury condominiums
  • Single-family estates on the interior and canals
  • Golf course and country club community homes
  • Low-rise and mid-rise condominium buildings
  • A smaller number of vacant homesites for custom construction

Lifestyle

Lifestyle & convenience

  • Golf and club life centered on the Longboat Key Club
  • A quiet, low-traffic pace shaped by strict density limits
  • Boating and fishing access from bayside marinas
  • Beach walking and shelling along the Gulf shoreline
  • Proximity to St. Armands Circle and downtown Sarasota for dining and shopping

Nearby

Nearby attractions

Longboat Key Club golf and tennis facilities St. Armands Circle shopping and dining district Anna Maria Island beaches, across the Longboat Pass Bridge Downtown Sarasota's waterfront and arts venues Lido Key and Siesta Key beaches

Property management

Property management is available in Longboat Key

Legacy manages residential rental property throughout Manatee County and Sarasota County, Florida, which includes Longboat Key. From tenant placement to full-service management, we handle the day-to-day so your investment works for you.

What we handle

  • Rental-market analysis & pricing
  • Marketing, showings & applicant screening
  • Rent collection & owner reporting
  • Maintenance coordination
  • Lease renewals & move-out coordination

Search homes for sale in Longboat Key

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Questions

Longboat Key FAQ

Is Longboat Key in Manatee County or Sarasota County?
Both. The island is divided between the two counties, with the northern portion in Manatee County and the southern portion in Sarasota County. This affects which property appraiser and tax roll a given property falls under, which is worth confirming early in a purchase.
What should buyers know about condominium living on Longboat Key?
Most of the housing stock on the island is condominiums, so buyers should review association budgets, reserve funding, and any rental or pet restrictions closely, since these vary significantly from building to building. Older buildings may also face milestone inspection or reserve requirements under Florida condominium law.
Is Longboat Key mostly seasonal, or do people live there year-round?
It is a mix. Longboat Key has a strong seasonal population that grows in the winter months, alongside a base of full-time residents, and that seasonality can affect both pricing and how quickly a property moves at different times of year.
How does Legacy help sellers on Longboat Key?
We price and market island property with its specific buyer pool in mind, factoring in association details, view and exposure, and the seasonal rhythm of the market. Because condominium documents and disclosures are more involved here than in a typical single-family sale, we also help sellers get those materials in order early.

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