Longboat Key Apartment Complexes — Pros & Cons From Real Resident Reviews
1 communities reviewed · Updated Jul 2026
Longboat Key is an upscale, low-density barrier-island town split between Sarasota and Manatee counties, and its housing stock is dominated by owner-occupied condominiums and single-family homes rather than traditional apartment complexes. Renters looking for a standard multifamily community will find almost none on the island itself.
As of mid-2026, available rentals on Longboat Key are almost entirely individually owned condo units inside large associations (e.g., Windward Bay, Fairway Bay/Bayport Way, Islander Club), with asking rents commonly $3,000-$11,000/month depending on season, furnishing, and lease length; renters seeking conventional unfurnished apartment pricing typically look to nearby Bradenton, Sarasota, or Cortez instead.
Quick comparison
| Complex | Neighborhood | Beds | Advertised rents | Built |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windward Bay Condominiums | 2 BR | $7,000/mo (single furnished seasonal 2BR unit observed; unfurnished annual rates not publicly listed) | — |
Rents are approximate, from public listings at review time — confirm with the property.
Other
Florida renter essentials
Renters insurance is not optional here. Most Florida leases require it, and standard policies do NOT cover flood damage — that needs a separate flood policy, even in an apartment. Before signing, look up the building's flood zone on FEMA's flood map service and ask which evacuation zone it sits in.
Ask about the real monthly cost. The most common complaint in Florida apartment reviews isn't noise — it's fee stacking: valet trash, common-area electric, mandatory bulk internet, pest control, admin and tech fees. Get the full itemized monthly figure in writing before you apply.
Tour with the AC running and ask about hurricanes. Humidity control is the difference between a fine unit and a moldy one; ask how old the AC is. And ask directly how the building handled the last major storm — communities that performed well say so happily, and reviewers call out the ones that didn't.
Moving to Longboat Key?
Once you've picked a place, our Longboat Key directory covers the rest of the move — movers, internet, utilities setup, and every home service you'll need.
Longboat Key home services → Florida relocation guide → Cost estimator →