Short-Term Rental Rules in Longboat Key, Florida

Q: Can I rent my residential property for less than 30 days?

Only if your property is grandfathered as a tourism use or located in a tourism-zoned district. Otherwise, the 30-day minimum stay requirement applies to all residentially-zoned properties. Check with the Town of Longboat Key to confirm your property's status.

Q: What happens if I list my property without the registration certificate number?

You must include your registration certificate number in all advertisements on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Failing to do so violates town ordinances. The certificate must also be posted physically in the property.

Q: How much does registration cost and how often do I renew?

Initial registration costs $200. Renewals cost $150 and are required every two years. The registration requirement became mandatory on October 1, 2023.

Q: Which county tax office should I contact for my state tax certificate?

It depends on your property's location. Longboat Key spans Sarasota and Manatee counties. Contact the tax office for the county where your property is located. Your property deed or tax assessment will indicate which county handles your property.

# Short-Term Rental Rules in Longboat Key, Florida ## Quick Answer Longboat Key requires a **30-day minimum stay** for residential properties and mandatory **registration ($200 initial, $150 every two years)** for rentals under six months. Properties must be in tourism zones or grandfathered to qualify for shorter stays. State tax registration and lodging tax collection are also required. --- ## Overview Longboat Key enforces strict **short-term rental (STR) regulations** through its original **1982 Ordinance 82-10** and the **2023 Residential Rental Registry (Chapter 115)**. The town was **grandfathered under Florida state law** (which passed preemption rules in 2011) because its STR ordinance predated June 1, 2011. This rare status allows Longboat Key to maintain comprehensive local control over vacation rentals. The regulations distinguish between **residentially-zoned properties** and **tourism-zoned properties**, with different rules applying to each. Understanding these rules before listing your property is essential to avoid violations. --- ## What Properties Are Regulated? **Residentially-zoned properties** are subject to Longboat Key's registration and minimum-stay requirements. However, certain properties are **exempt from registration**, including: - Properties in **tourism-zoned districts** - **Grandfathered tourism-use properties**, including: - Sand Cay - Zota Beach Resort - Four Winds Beach Resort - The Residences at St. Regis Longboat Key If your property is in one of these exempt categories, you may still need to register with the state for tax purposes. Verify your property's zoning with the [Town of Longboat Key](https://www.longboatkey.org) before listing. --- ## What Permits Do You Need? ### Step 1: Determine if Registration is Required You must register with the Town of Longboat Key if: - Your property is **residentially-zoned** - You offer **rentals of six months or less** - Your property is **not grandfathered** as a tourism use - Your property is **not in a tourism-zoned district** ### Step 2: Complete Town Registration - **Initial registration fee:** $200 - **Renewal fee:** $150 every two years - **Effective date:** October 1, 2023 (mandatory for new registrations) - Submit registration through the [Town of Longboat Key's residential rental registration portal](https://www.longboatkey.org/i-want-to/get/residential-rental-registration) ### Step 3: Obtain State Tax Certificate - Register with **Sarasota County or Manatee County tax office** (depending on property location) - Obtain a **state tax certificate** required for all vacation rental operators - This is separate from and in addition to town registration ### Step 4: Post Registration Certificate - **Display the registration certificate** in your physical property - **Include the certificate number** in all advertisements (Airbnb, VRBO, booking sites, etc.) - Failure to display or advertise the certificate number violates town ordinances --- ## What Are the Key Requirements? ### Minimum Stay Requirements - **Residentially-zoned properties:** **30 consecutive calendar days** minimum per rental period - **Tourism-zoned or grandfathered properties:** No minimum stay restriction - This ordinance has been in effect since 1982 and is strictly enforced ### Guest Information Requirements All rental properties must provide guests with: - **Owner's phone number** (for emergencies and complaints) - **Maximum number of vehicles allowed** on the property - **Noise regulations** and quiet hours - **Garbage and recycling information** - **Emergency evacuation maps** This information should be provided in writing before check-in or clearly posted in the rental unit. ### Zoning Compliance - Verify your property's **zoning classification** before listing - Only residentially-zoned properties face the 30-day minimum stay requirement - Tourism-zoned properties and grandfathered properties have fewer restrictions --- ## Do You Need to Pay Taxes? ### State Tax Registration - **All vacation rental operators** must obtain a state tax certificate - Register with **Sarasota County Tax Collector** or **Manatee County Tax Collector** (based on property location) - This registration is mandatory and separate from town registration ### Lodging Tax Collection - You are responsible for **collecting and remitting lodging taxes** to the county - Tax rates vary; verify the current rate with your county tax collector - Most counties require **regular tax filings** (typically monthly or quarterly) ### Sales Tax - **Sales tax** may apply to rentals in Florida - Consult with your county tax office regarding your specific obligations For more information on Florida vacation rental taxes, see our [comprehensive Florida STR rules guide](/florida-str-rules). --- ## What About Enforcement and Penalties? The Town of Longboat Key enforces its STR regulations through the Residential Rental Registry. While specific penalty amounts are not detailed in publicly available sources, **violations may result in:** - **Fines and citations** for operating without registration - **Failure to post** the registration certificate number in advertisements - **Non-compliance with guest information requirements** (owner contact, vehicle limits, noise rules, etc.) - **Violations of the 30-day minimum stay** requirement on residential properties The town has authority to **investigate complaints** and enforce compliance. We recommend reviewing the full [Chapter 115 ordinance](https://www.longboatkey.org/i-want-to/get/residential-rental-registration) on the town's website for detailed enforcement provisions. **Important:** Rules change periodically. Always verify current requirements with the Town of Longboat Key before listing your property. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: Can I rent my residential property for less than 30 days?** A: Only if your property is **grandfathered as a tourism use** or located in a **tourism-zoned district**. Otherwise, the **30-day minimum stay requirement** applies to all residentially-zoned properties. Check with the Town of Longboat Key to confirm your property's status. **Q: Do I need to register if my property is grandfathered or in a tourism zone?** A: Grandfathered properties and those in tourism-zoned districts are **exempt from the town's registration requirement**. However, you still must register with the state for tax purposes and collect/remit lodging taxes. **Q: What happens if I list my property without the registration certificate number?** A: You must **include your registration certificate number in all advertisements** on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and booking sites. Failing to do so violates town ordinances. Also, the certificate must be **posted physically in the property**. **Q: How much does registration cost and how often do I renew?** A: Initial registration costs **$200**. Renewals cost **$150 and are required every two years**. The registration requirement became mandatory on October 1, 2023. **Q: Which county tax office should I contact for my state tax certificate?** A: It depends on your property's location. Longboat Key spans **Sarasota and Manatee counties**. Contact the tax office for the county where your property is located. Your property deed or tax assessment will indicate which county handles your property. --- ## Need Help? Navigating Longboat Key's STR regulations can be complex, especially regarding zoning determinations and tax requirements. If you're unsure about your property's classification or registration status, **[contact local experts who specialize in Longboat Key vacation rentals](/get-help)**. For general Florida STR information, check our [Florida Short-Term Rental Rules guide](/florida-str-rules). --- > **Disclaimer:** This page summarizes publicly available information from official sources and is not legal advice. Rules change frequently—always verify with the Town of Longboat Key before listing your property. Contact the town directly at [longboatkey.org](https://www.longboatkey.org) or call their offices for the most current requirements.

Short-Term Rental Rules in Longboat Key, Florida

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