On Longboat Key, most vacation rentals must be at least 30 days long, and many condo communities require 60 or 90 days. This guide explains the rule, compares the minimum stays at every community we manage, and shows how to plan a monthly or snowbird season on Longboat Key, Lido Key and St. Armands.
The Longboat Key 30-day rental rule
The Town of Longboat Key has required residential properties to be rented for at least 30 days at a time since 1982. Because the rule predates Florida’s 2011 limits on local vacation-rental laws, it still applies. Owners must register their rentals with the town and state the 30-day minimum in their listings. Properties zoned for tourism, such as hotels and a few resort condos like Inn on the Beach, can rent for shorter stays.
On top of the town rule, each condominium association sets its own rental rules. Some allow a single month; others require 60 or 90 days, limit the number of rentals per year, or require an association application before arrival. We handle that paperwork for you.
Lido Key and St. Armands Key are in the City of Sarasota, which has different rules, so weekly stays are possible there in many homes.
Minimum stays by community
Typical minimums at the communities we manage. Minimums are set per arrival date and can be longer around holidays and in February and March, so each property’s calendar has the final word.
| Community | Island | Typical minimum | On the beach | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beachplace | Longboat Key (south) | 1 month | Yes | 30+ condos, chairs and umbrellas daily, large heated pool, tennis, pickleball |
| Club Longboat | Longboat Key (mid) | 1 month | Yes | Two heated pools, eight Har-Tru tennis courts |
| Lido Towers | Lido Key | 1 month | Deeded access | Steps to Lido Beach and St. Armands |
| Seaplace | Longboat Key | 2 months | Yes | 42-acre family complex |
| Longboat Harbour | Longboat Key (mid) | 2 months | Beach pavilion | Canal-front, four pools, boat berths |
| Beach Residences (Ritz-Carlton) | Lido Key | 2 months+, by arrangement | Yes | Ritz-Carlton Beach Club access |
| The Pierre | Longboat Key | 90 days | Yes | Concierge lobby, heated pool, tennis |
| Islands West | Longboat Key (south) | 90 days | Yes | High-rise Gulf views, pickleball, new clubhouse |
| The Promenade | Longboat Key (south) | 90 days | Yes | 24-hour security, large pool, Har-Tru tennis |
| The Privateer | Longboat Key (south) | 90 days | Yes | Inside Longboat Key Club gates |
| Arbomar | Longboat Key | 90 days | Yes | Boutique building of 29 residences |
| Grand Bay | Longboat Key (Bay Isles) | 90 days | Beach club | Bay views, two pools, clay tennis |
| Beach Harbor Club | Longboat Key (mid) | 90 days | Deeded access | Bay to beach, marina, kayak launch |
Need a week instead? Our Lido Key homes and Inn on the Beach on Longboat Key take shorter stays.
Planning a snowbird season
- Book early for February and March. These months fill first, often a year or more ahead. Many of our guests rebook their unit before they check out.
- January and April are easier. They usually have more choice, and a January or April month can often be booked on its own.
- Our website books up to 12 months ahead. For dates further out, call us and we will hold your place on our list.
- Ask about longer stays. Some owners offer savings for stays of six months or more.
- Allow time for association approval. Several gated communities ask guests to complete a short application before arrival.
What a monthly rental includes
Our monthly condos and homes come fully furnished, with a full kitchen, linens and towels, washer and dryer, and usually Wi-Fi, cable, water and electric included. Most beachfront communities provide pools, fitness rooms and tennis or pickleball, and several, including Beachplace, set up beach chairs and umbrellas every day. Each listing spells out what is included, plus any cleaning, registration and association fees.
Monthly rental questions
What is the minimum rental period on Longboat Key?
30 days for residential properties, under a town rule in place since 1982. Many condo associations require 60 or 90 days. Tourism-zoned properties, such as Inn on the Beach, can rent for shorter stays.
Which Longboat Key condos allow one-month rentals?
Among the communities we manage, Beachplace and Club Longboat usually allow one-month stays, as does Lido Towers on Lido Key. Seaplace and Longboat Harbour typically require two months, and The Pierre, Islands West, The Promenade, The Privateer, Arbomar, Grand Bay and Beach Harbor Club typically require 90 days.
Do monthly rentals have to start on the 1st?
In peak season, most one-month properties run on calendar months. From August through November, many accept arrivals on any day. Each property calendar shows what is possible for your dates.
Can I rent for two or three months?
Yes, and many of our guests do. January-through-March stays are common, and some owners offer savings for six to eleven months.
How far ahead should I book a winter month?
For February or March, a year ahead is not too early. Our site books up to 12 months ahead; call 941-879-9300 for anything further out.
Not sure which one fits? Call or text Rick and Katie at 941-879-9300, or send us your dates. We know every building and will tell you honestly which unit suits your stay.