Stretching some twelve sun-drenched miles between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, Longboat Key and Lido Key provide an ideal setting for a Florida vacation. Out of the way, out of the ordinary and easily accessible, this island paradise offers a relaxed, secluded atmosphere, far from traffic, noise and everyday hustle.

A popular destination for visitors from around the world, Longboat Key is free of mini-malls, towering billboards and glaring neon signs. Instead you are welcomed to a land of tasteful luxury, tempting quiet pleasures, and an average year round temperature of 73 degrees. Relaxing activities abound - shelling, biking, shopping, fishing, dining, golfing and tennis. Accommodations range from private suites in plush resorts to beach front cottages.

This island paradise is only minutes from Sarasota's many cultural activities. World-class shopping is even closer on St. Armand's Circle, just a bridge away. So, come and be dazzled by the special charms of Longboat Key.

While Longboat Key, Lido Key and St. Armands Key offer a beautiful setting for vacationers, it is also a prime real estate market with a thriving residential community. The islands boast a mix of condominiums, single family homes and tourist units. The average sale price of a single family home on Longboat Key is $1,341,312 and the average sale price for a condominium is $832,641, The average sale price of a single family home on Lido Key and St. Armands Key is $1,615,226 and the average sale price for a condominium is $1,426,182, (2005)

Easiest way to become a state resident is to file a Declaration of Domicile. There is not minimum length of time you must reside in the state to be declared a resident. Manatee County residents should contact the Clerk of Court's office at 741-4040. Sarasota County residents should contact the Sarasota County Clerk of Circuit Courts at 362-4066.
You may register to vote when you receive or renew your driver's license or at several other convenient locations. Call the Supervisor of Elections office in Manatee County at 742-5939 or in Sarasota County call 951-5307.
Newcomers must register their vehicles within 10 days of gaining employment or enrolling their children in school. To register, bring your driver's license, proof of Florida automobile insurance, vehicle title and prior registration. If lien holder is holding your title, bring your payment book or lien holder's name and address and your account number. Manatee County Tax Collector's office number is 741-4804 and the Sarasota County Tax Collector's office number is 861-8300.
New residents have 30 days to apply for a Florida driver's license. State law requires that you first register your vehicle with the tax collector. For more information on Sarasota County call 361-6217 or in Manatee County call 708-6430. Compulsory no-fault insurance or personal injury protection insurance is required on all private passenger and commercial motor vehicles registered and licensed in Florida, as well as on automobiles of non-residents who have been physically in the state for more than 90 days during the preceding year. To check the list of states that Florida requires additional documentation from when applying for a driver's license to hsmv.state
Florida residents are eligible to declare the first $50,000 of their home's value as exempt for tax purposes, thereby reducing the ad valorem tax bill. To file for homestead exemption, you must establish residency by December 31st prior to the year you will claim the exemption. File for the exemption in January or February of the year being claimed. After March 1, an application may be filed for the following year.

For more information contact the property appraisers office; in Sarasota County call 861-8200 and in Manatee County call 748-8208.
Electricity: Florida Power & Light 917-0708
Telephone: Verizon 800-483-4000
Gas: People Gas/TECO Manatee County - 746-1888 - Sarasota County - 366-4277
Water & Sewer: Longboat Key - 316-1988, Lido Key, St. Armands Key - 955-4838
Cable: Comcast Cable 371-6700

Longboat Key - Lido Key - St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce
6960 Gulf of Mexico Drive • Longboat Key, FL 34228
(941) 383-2466
Fax: 941-383-8217

Longboat Key - Lido Key - St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce.
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