Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Longboat Key, FL?

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Longboat Key, Florida. However, the town has specific regulations that differentiate between residential and tourism-zoned properties. For residentially zoned properties, the minimum rental period is 30 consecutive calendar days, one entire calendar month, or longer. Properties classified as tourism-zoned (grandfathered from a 1982 ordinance) can be rented for periods less than 30 days. The town has maintained this regulatory authority through a grandfather clause that dates back to Ordinance 82-10 from 1982, allowing Longboat Key to continue regulating short-term rentals despite statewide preemption that occurred in 2011.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Longboat Key

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Verify Zoning and Grandfather Status

• Check your property's zoning district using the Interactive Zoning Map
• Contact the Planning, Zoning & Building Department at 941-316-1966 to confirm whether your property is grandfathered as tourism use

Step 2: Business Tax Receipt (BTR) Application

• Apply for a Business Tax Receipt through the Town Clerk's office
• Contact: 941-316-1999
• Fees vary based on rental duration classification:
  • D1-BTR: Required for rentals less than 1 month
  • D2-BTR: Required for rentals greater than 1 month

Step 3: Residential Rental Registration (Required for rentals under 6 months)

• Complete the online application or call Town Hall at 941-316-1999
• Pay applicable fees to the Town Clerk
• NEW REQUIREMENT: This became mandatory starting October 1, 2023

Step 4: Schedule and Pass Safety Inspection

• Call Code Enforcement at 941-316-1966 to schedule a Rental Safety Inspection
• The inspection ensures compliance with life/safety standards
• After passing inspection, you will receive your Rental Certificate

Step 5: State Licensing and Tax Registration

• Obtain Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Transient Accommodations License if renting less than 30 days
• Register for state tax certificate and county lodging tax
• Set up lodging tax collection and remittance systems

Step 6: Compliance Setup

• Display the Rental Certificate prominently within the rental property
• Create guest information packet including:
  • Owner or responsible party contact information
  • Maximum number of vehicles allowed to park at property
  • Noise regulations
  • Garbage and recycling information
  • Emergency evacuation maps
• Include Rental Certificate Number in all advertisements

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Municipal Requirements

• Business Tax Receipt (BTR) - Contact Town Clerk at 941-316-1999
• Residential Rental Certificate of Registration - Required for rentals under 6 months
• Life/Safety Inspection Certificate - Must pass Code Enforcement inspection
• Proof of Certification - Must be included in all advertising

State Requirements

• DBPR Transient Accommodations License - Required for rentals under 30 days
• State Tax Certificate - For collecting state lodging taxes
• Florida Business Registration - General business operation requirements

County Requirements

• Sarasota County or Manatee County lodging tax registration - Based on property location
• County Business Tax Receipt - If applicable

Advertisement Requirements

• Rental Certificate Number - Must appear in all listings (VRBO, Airbnb, etc.)
• Minimum Stay Declaration - Must specify 30-day minimum for residential properties
• Property Information - Complete contact and property details

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Town of Longboat Key (Municipal) Regulations

Minimum Stay Requirements:

• Residential Properties: Minimum 30 consecutive calendar days or one full calendar month
• Tourism-Zoned Properties: No minimum stay requirement (grandfathered status)
• Violations: Each day rented in violation constitutes a separate offense

Registration Requirements:

• Mandatory for all rentals under 6 months duration
• Certificate must be posted visibly within the rental property
• Valid for 2 years, then requires renewal

Safety and Compliance Standards:

• Enhanced Rental Safety Inspection required
• Emergency contact information must be provided
• Guest information packet must include evacuation maps and regulations

Sarasota County Regulations

• Lodging tax applies to rentals 6 months or less
• Tourist Development Tax collection and remittance required
• Airbnb and Vrbo automatically collect and remit county taxes for properties in Sarasota County

Manatee County Regulations

• Lodging tax applies to rentals 6 months or less
• Tourist Development Tax collection and remittance required
• Important: Airbnb and Vrbo do not automatically collect Manatee County taxes

Florida State Regulations

• DBPR Licensing: Required for vacation rentals under 30 days
• Hosted Rentals: No state license required if host remains on-site
• Lodging Tax: State and local taxes must be collected and remitted
• Preemption Protection: Longboat Key's 1982 ordinance provides grandfather protection from 2011 state preemption

Enforcement and Penalties

• First Offense: $100 citation fine
• Second Offense: $250 citation fine
• Subsequent Offenses: $500 citation fine each
• Additional Penalties: Repeat violations may result in liens against the property
• Enforcement Method: Citations (not magistrate hearings)

Contact Information

Town of Longboat Key - Primary Contacts

Town Clerk (Business Tax Receipts)

• Phone: (941) 316-1999
• Address: Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228
• Hours: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Code Enforcement Division

• Phone: 941-316-1966
• Extension 2520 (STR Violation Reporting)
• Email: codeenforcement@longboatkey.org
• Contact for rental safety inspections and compliance

Planning, Zoning & Building Department

• Phone: 941-316-1966
• Director: Allen Parsons, AICP - Extension 2510
• Email: Available through town website contact form

Key Staff Contacts

• Allen Parsons, AICP (Director): (941) 316-1966, ext. 2510
• John Simmons (Code Enforcement Officer): (941) 316-1966, ext. 2524

State Contacts

• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
  • Website: www.myfloridalicense.com
  • Transient Accommodations Licensing: Available online
  • Phone: Contact through DBPR website

County Tax Collectors

Sarasota County Tax Collector

• Website: Sarasota County Tax Collector online portal
• Contact for lodging tax registration and filing

Manatee County Tax Collector

• Website: Manatee County Tax Collector online portal
• Contact for lodging tax registration and filing

Links to Source Pages

1. Town of Longboat Key - Short-Term Rentals Information www.longboatkey.org/town-government/departments/planning-zoning-building/short-term-rentals

2. Residential Rental Registry Program www.longboatkey.org/town-government/departments/planning-zoning-building/code-enforcement-division/residential-rental-registry

3. Interactive Zoning Map www.longboatkey.org/town-government/departments/planning-zoning-building/planning-and-zoning-division/interactive-zoning-map#!/

4. Municipal Code - Chapter 158, Section 158.104 www.longboatkey.org/?splash=https%3a%2f%2flibrary.municode.com%2ffl%2flongboat_key%2fcodes%2fcode_of_ordinances%3fnodeId%3dTIT15LADECO_CH158ZOCO_ARTVSUDEST_DIV6SPUSRE_158.104TOUS&____isexternal=true

5. Avalara MyLodgeTax - STR Registration Analysis www.avalara.com/mylodgetax/en/blog/2023/03/longboat-key-will-require-str-hosts-to-register-starting-october-1.html

6. Your Observer - Registration Program Discussion www.yourobserver.com/news/2022/nov/08/town-to-consider-short-term-rental-registration-program/

7. Town Contact Information www.longboatkey.org/i-want-to/contact

8. Business Tax Receipt Information www.longboatkey.org/business/business-tax-receipts

Important Note: This guide reflects regulations as of the content provided. Short-term rental regulations frequently change. Always verify current requirements with the Town of Longboat Key before making investment decisions or operational changes.