Longboat Key vacation rentals from Florida Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals are mostly monthly and seasonal stays in beachfront condos and private homes. We are a local, family-run company managing more than 50 properties on Longboat Key, Lido Key and St. Armands, and most of our Longboat Key guests stay a month or longer, often returning winter after winter.
About Longboat Key
Longboat Key is a barrier island of roughly 11 to 12 miles between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, straddling Sarasota and Manatee counties. Gulf of Mexico Drive runs the full length of the island. It connects to Lido Key and St. Armands Circle across New Pass to the south, and to Anna Maria Island across Longboat Pass to the north.
The island is quiet and mostly residential. There are no high-rise hotels lining a boardwalk, no T-shirt shops and very little traffic outside of season. What it does have is a long, uncrowded Gulf beach of soft white sand, nesting sea turtles in summer, the golf and tennis of the Longboat Key Club, and an easy 10 to 15 minute drive from the south end to the shops and restaurants of St. Armands Circle and downtown Sarasota.
Why most Longboat Key rentals are a month or longer
Since 1982 the Town of Longboat Key has required residential properties to be rented for at least 30 days at a time, and listings must state that minimum. Only properties zoned for tourism can rent by the week or night. That is why the island suits snowbirds, remote workers and families who want to settle in, and why most of our Longboat Key homes and condos rent by the month. Many condo associations add their own longer minimums of 60 or 90 days. Our monthly and seasonal rentals guide explains which communities allow what.
Longboat Key communities we manage
Beachfront condo communities
- Beachplace: our largest community, with 30+ condos. A gated resort on the south end with 31 acres, about 1,450 feet of beach, chairs and umbrellas set up daily, a large heated pool, tennis, pickleball and fitness centers. Typically a one-month minimum.
- The Pierre: an elegant gated beachfront building with a concierge lobby, heated pool, spa and tennis. Seasonal stays of 90 days or longer.
- Islands West: Gulf-front high-rise near the south-end shopping center, with a heated pool, tennis, pickleball and a remodeled clubhouse. Three-month minimum.
- The Promenade: gated, with 24-hour security, a large pool, Har-Tru tennis and garden grounds on the south end. 90-day minimum.
- The Privateer: behind the Longboat Key Club gates, with direct beach access and an Olympic-size heated pool. 90 days or longer.
- Arbomar: a boutique Gulf-front building of just 29 residences with a heated beachfront pool.
- Club Longboat: mid-key beach and tennis community with two heated pools and eight Har-Tru courts. One-month minimum.
- Seaplace: a 42-acre gated family complex of mid-rise, garden and townhouse units. Two-month minimum.
- Inn on the Beach: tourism-zoned, so it is one of the few places on the island where we can offer short stays of a few nights.
Bayside and canal communities
- Grand Bay: distinctive curved towers inside gated Bay Isles, with Sarasota Bay views and access to the Bay Isles Beach Club. Three-month minimum.
- Beach Harbor Club: runs from Sarasota Bay to the Gulf, with a marina, kayak launch and deeded beach access. Three-month minimum.
- Longboat Harbour: a canal-front community with four pools, boat berths and a private Gulf beach pavilion across the road.
Private homes
- 1001 Longboat Club Road: a five-bedroom estate built in 2025 inside the Longboat Key Club, one block from the beach.
- 714 Norton Street: a three-bedroom canal-front home with a private pool, boat lift and outdoor kitchen.
Longboat Key beaches: what to know
- The beach is continuous along the Gulf side, but public access points are few and parking at each is limited. Most of our condos have private beach access, so you will rarely need public parking.
- Public accesses have few or no restrooms or concessions, which keeps the sand quiet.
- Dogs and alcohol are not allowed on Longboat Key public beaches.
- For lifeguards, a pool and a beach café, head 10 minutes south to Lido Beach.
- Sea turtles nest here from spring through fall, so beachfront lights are dimmed at night.
More on nearby beaches: Best beaches near Longboat Key and Lido Key.
Longboat Key rental questions
Can I rent on Longboat Key for less than a month?
Mostly no. Residential properties on Longboat Key must be rented for at least 30 days. A few tourism-zoned properties, such as Inn on the Beach, allow shorter stays, and our Lido Key homes rent by the week. Call us at 941-879-9300 for short-stay options.
When should I book a winter rental on Longboat Key?
As early as you can. February and March fill first, often a year ahead, and many of our seasonal guests rebook before they leave. Our website takes bookings up to 12 months out; for dates further ahead, call us.
Which Longboat Key condos are directly on the beach?
Beachplace, The Pierre, Islands West, The Promenade, The Privateer, Arbomar, Club Longboat and Seaplace all sit on the Gulf. Grand Bay, Beach Harbor Club and Longboat Harbour are on the bay side with deeded or club beach access.
How far is Longboat Key from St. Armands Circle and Sarasota?
From the south end of Longboat Key, St. Armands Circle is about 10 minutes by car and downtown Sarasota about 15 to 20 minutes. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is typically 25 to 35 minutes away.
Do your Longboat Key rentals include utilities and Wi-Fi?
Most of our monthly condos include electric, water, Wi-Fi and cable in the rent. Each property page lists exactly what is included, and we confirm it in writing before you book.
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.