Thinking about splitting your year between your current home and Longboat Key? You are not alone. This 11‑mile barrier island offers a calm Gulf lifestyle with easy access to Sarasota’s culture, marinas, and beaches. In this guide, you will learn how Season works here, what daily life feels like in winter versus summer, and how to plan for rentals, healthcare, and hurricane readiness. Let’s dive in.
Season on Longboat Key: The Basics
Longboat Key follows a clear seasonal rhythm. “Season” typically runs from November through April, with the busiest stretch in December through March. The island is quieter during the hotter, wetter months of June through September, which also align with hurricane season. These shifts affect everything from restaurant reservations to marina availability.
Winters are mild and drier, while summers are hot and humid with regular afternoon storms. Average daytime highs sit in the low 70s Fahrenheit in winter and the upper 80s in summer. Water temperatures climb into the 70s and 80s by late spring and summer, which is ideal for beach and boating days. You can review monthly averages on the Longboat Key climate page from Weather‑US for a quick snapshot of temperatures and rainfall patterns here.
Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, with the highest risk usually in late August and September. If you plan to live here part‑time, you should maintain a simple hurricane plan, a storm kit, and an understanding of local evacuation zones. The National Hurricane Center maintains current season guidance and advisories here. The Town also publishes local preparedness steps, alert sign‑ups, and evacuation information here.
Longboat Key is predominantly residential, with a small‑town feel. According to the U.S. Census, the 2020 population was about 7,505, with a July 2024 estimate near 7,463. You can see the latest town snapshot on Census QuickFacts here.
Daily Life: Season vs. Summer
Dining, shopping, and hours
During Season, restaurants and waterfront spots extend hours and often require reservations on weekends. You will notice more live music and a busy scene around St. Armands Circle and downtown Sarasota. In late summer and early fall, some independent restaurants reduce hours or close briefly for renovations, so it helps to check hours in advance.
For daily needs, you have an on‑island Publix at Bay Isles and a mix of service businesses. For specialty groceries or a broader selection, you will drive to St. Armands Circle or the Sarasota and Bradenton mainland. Expect more lines and tighter parking during peak winter evenings and holidays.
Beaches and boating
Longboat Key’s beaches are peaceful by Gulf standards, but they see more visitors in winter and spring. On the water, boating is central to island life. The Longboat Key Club Moorings is a large, protected marina with slips and resort‑style services, and it is a popular hub for seasonal boaters. Learn more about slips and amenities here.
Marina Jack in downtown Sarasota offers additional transient slips, fuel, and charter options that pair well with a night out. Trailer‑boat owners commonly launch from public ramps in Bradenton or on Anna Maria Island, with Coquina Beach being a frequent starting point for Longboat Pass and Gulf trips. Demand for slips, rentals, and charters rises during Season, so book early.
Culture and day trips
One of the perks of seasonal living here is the Sarasota arts calendar. The Ringling campus, including the museums and Ca’ d’Zan, is a must for first‑season visitors. You can check hours and plan your visit here. Each winter also brings a strong lineup at venues like Van Wezel, along with performances by local orchestras and opera companies. Dates and schedules shift year to year, so review event calendars as you plan.
Getting around
Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is usually a 15 to 30 minute drive, depending on traffic and where you are on the Key. Tampa International (TPA) is a larger alternative that is typically 75 to 90 minutes away. On the island, you can combine private car use with rideshare and local trolley or on‑demand transit. Expect slower bridge traffic during peak hours in mid‑winter.
Planning Your Seasonal Home
Short‑term rentals and local rules
If you plan to rent your property when you are away, start with the Town’s rules. Longboat Key maintains a Residential Rental Registry and requires most residential properties to have a minimum rental period of 30 consecutive days, unless a property is grandfathered or located in a tourism district. Review the Rental Registry details here and the short‑term rental overview here. Zoning can be specific to each address, so confirm your property’s status with Town staff before advertising a stay.
Property management and home‑watch
Most seasonal owners hire a home‑watch or property‑management service to keep the home secure and systems running. Typical services include routine inspections, humidity and HVAC checks, vendor coordination for AC, plumbing and pool, pre‑arrival setups, post‑departure checks, and storm preparation. Ask for proof of licensing and insurance, request references, and make sure the scope, visit frequency, and emergency procedures are clear in a seasonal contract.
Mail, utilities, and digital access
Before you depart, set simple systems for a smooth return. Use USPS Hold Mail for short absences or set up forwarding for longer periods. Enable smart‑home alerts for temperature, leaks, and security, and share access with your home‑watch provider. Place utility accounts on appropriate seasonal billing and keep a contact sheet with your vendors, alarm company, and insurance policies.
Hurricane readiness and flood insurance
Create a written hurricane checklist that covers shutters or storm‑rated protection, securing outdoor furniture and boats, testing backup power, and confirming remote access to cameras and alarms. Enroll in the Town’s emergency alerts and review local evacuation routes here. The National Hurricane Center’s season page is also helpful for current advisories and planning here.
Flood risk is property‑specific. Many coastal homes require flood insurance, and even homes outside high‑risk zones can experience flooding. Check your address on the FEMA Map Service Center here, then speak with an insurance professional about wind and flood coverage and any policy changes that affect your building.
Healthcare and prescriptions
Plan for multi‑month stays by bringing a 90‑day supply of prescriptions when possible and setting up a local pharmacy account. For acute care, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is the primary regional provider. Get familiar with nearby urgent care options and emergency routes. You can review Sarasota Memorial’s system information here.
Costs and buying considerations
Longboat Key is a higher‑end coastal market that mixes Gulf‑front condos, bayside single‑family homes, and marina‑oriented neighborhoods. Values tend to sit well above many mainland areas and can shift quickly with seasonal demand. If you are comparing condos, factor in structural inspection standards and reserve requirements that affect fees and long‑term costs, especially for older buildings.
For budgeting, plan for higher prices and tighter availability on short‑term rentals, boat slips, and charters during Season. Many owners also set aside a line item for home‑watch services, seasonal utility differences, landscaping, and insurance premiums for coastal properties. A clear annual plan makes day‑to‑day decisions easier and helps you enjoy your time on the island.
How we help seasonal buyers and owners
Choosing the right property on Longboat Key is about more than square footage. You want a home that fits your boating plans, comfort with building type and reserves, access to healthcare, and your tolerance for seasonal crowds. As waterfront specialists with second‑home expertise, we guide you through the details that matter for seasonal living. From address‑level insights about rental rules and flood maps to a vetted network of local service providers, you get clear, concierge support at every step.
Ready to explore what fits your lifestyle and timing? Connect with Jenine & Bruce Meyer to see on‑ and off‑market options and to map out a seasonal plan that works for you.
FAQs
When is Season on Longboat Key and how busy does it get?
- Season typically runs November through April, with the highest activity in December through March, so expect more reservations, traffic, and beach visitors in mid‑winter.
What are the short‑term rental rules if I want to rent my home?
- Most residential properties require a 30‑day minimum stay, and the Town maintains a Residential Rental Registry, so confirm your zoning status and register before advertising.
What should I know about hurricanes and flooding as a seasonal owner?
- Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30; enroll in Town alerts, keep a storm plan and kit, and check your address on FEMA’s flood maps to discuss wind and flood insurance.
Where can I keep a boat or find charters in Season?
- The Longboat Key Club Moorings offers protected slips and services, while nearby Sarasota marinas provide transient dockage and charters; book well ahead for winter and spring.
Which airport is most convenient for seasonal travel?
- Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is usually 15 to 30 minutes from most parts of the Key, with Tampa International (TPA) as a larger option about 75 to 90 minutes away.
How should I handle prescriptions and medical needs while in town?
- Bring a 90‑day supply when possible, set up a local pharmacy, and know that Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is the primary regional provider for emergency and specialty care.
