Longboat Key, FL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Longboat Key Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Longboat Key delivers a compelling blend of coastal appeal and above-average occupancy for short-term rental investors. With an average occupancy rate of 61% — well above the 54% Florida state average — and annual revenue averaging $71,833 per listing, this barrier-island market benefits from consistent demand driven by beachgoers and seasonal visitors. The 135 active listings keep supply relatively tight, though average home values near $2.2 million mean investors need to weigh strong revenue performance against a below-average revenue-to-price ratio.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Longboat Key short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Longboat Key

Longboat Key attracts investors with its tight supply, above-average occupancy, and strong seasonal demand patterns on a premium Gulf Coast barrier island.

Expert Market Assessment

"Longboat Key represents an attractive opportunity for investors who can absorb the higher entry cost of a $2.2 million average home value. Revenue fundamentals are sound: a $232 RevPAN, 61% occupancy, and clear seasonal peaks create a reliable income profile anchored by a blockbuster March ($12,057 average revenue). The market's softer months — September through November — bring revenues down to the $2,500–$4,200 range, which is typical of Gulf Coast beach destinations and manageable within a well-capitalized portfolio. Investors targeting two- and three-bedroom properties will find the strongest balance of demand and earnings potential in this tight-supply island market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Longboat Key

Average revenue by month in Longboat Key

Longboat Key shows sharp seasonality, with March delivering $12,057 in average revenue — nearly five times the September low of $2,568. A secondary summer peak in July ($7,980) provides a mid-year revenue boost, while the November-through-January shoulder season averages around $4,200–$5,300, giving investors a clear roadmap for dynamic pricing throughout the year.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Longboat Key

Two-bedroom units dominate supply with 72 of the 135 active listings (53%), followed by 1-bedrooms at 43 listings. Three-bedroom properties are notably scarce with just 9 listings, which — combined with their strong revenue performance — may signal an undersupplied niche worth targeting.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Longboat Key

ADR scales meaningfully with size, climbing from $281 for 1-bedrooms to $561 for 3-bedroom properties — a premium of nearly 100%. Studios command a $328 ADR that actually exceeds 1-bedrooms, likely reflecting boutique or waterfront positioning, while 2-bedrooms at $402 sit close to the market-wide $382 average.

Average RevPAN by property size in Longboat Key

Three-bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $318, significantly outpacing studios and 1-bedrooms, which tie at $192. Two-bedrooms hold a solid middle ground at $229, making them a dependable choice, though 3-bedrooms clearly deliver the strongest revenue per available night for investors willing to acquire larger units.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Longboat Key

One-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy at 68%, well above the 57–59% range shared by studios, 2-bedrooms, and 3-bedrooms. For investors prioritizing consistent bookings and cash-flow predictability, 1-bedrooms offer the most stable utilization, while larger properties compensate with higher nightly rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Longboat Key

Three-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $9,191 — roughly 76% more than the $5,227 generated by 1-bedrooms. Two-bedrooms earn $6,173 per month, while studios ($5,239) and 1-bedrooms perform nearly identically, suggesting that incremental bedroom count above two is where the real revenue jump occurs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Longboat Key

At $110,292 annually, 3-bedroom listings earn roughly 49% more than 2-bedrooms ($74,075) and 76% more than 1-bedrooms ($62,728). Studios trail only slightly behind 1-bedrooms at $62,878, indicating that the biggest revenue jump comes when moving from two to three bedrooms — a key consideration for acquisition strategy on the island.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Longboat Key

Kitchen (100%), parking (99%), and in-unit laundry (98%) are virtually universal, establishing them as baseline expectations rather than differentiators. Pool access (92%) and BBQ grills (84%) are also widespread, while beach access (65%) and waterfront positioning (54%) can serve as competitive advantages — investors who secure properties with these features are better positioned to command premium rates.

Understanding Longboat Key's ROI Score: 57/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Longboat Key's ROI Score of 57 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven by above-average occupancy stability and positive market growth trends that indicate strengthening demand. The primary drag on the score is a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — a direct consequence of the island's $2.2 million average home value, which requires substantial revenue to justify the investment. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and a clear understanding of their financing structure to determine whether the market's strong demand fundamentals offset the premium entry point.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Longboat Key

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Longboat Key. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Longboat Key, Florida are generally required to register with both the state Division of Hotels and Restaurants and the local municipality. Investors should verify current permit and licensing requirements directly with the Town of Longboat Key and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Gulf Coast communities like Longboat Key may include minimum stay requirements, occupancy limits based on property size, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA and condo association rules can impose additional constraints — particularly relevant given that much of the island's inventory is in managed communities — so reviewing governing documents before purchase is essential.

Tax Obligations

Florida imposes a state sales tax and a county tourist development tax on short-term rentals, which platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm applicable Manatee and Sarasota county transient rental tax rates, as Longboat Key spans both counties, and ensure full compliance with all filing obligations.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Longboat Key can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Longboat Key's pronounced seasonality — with March revenues nearly five times September's — suggests continued strong winter and spring demand as snowbirds and vacationers flock to the Gulf Coast. Occupancy stability, rated above average in our analysis, indicates the market should maintain rates in the 58–64% range annually. ADR could see modest increases of 2–4% as supply remains constrained at roughly 135 listings, though investors should watch the 90% year-over-year listing growth for signs of rising competition. Summer months provide a secondary revenue peak around July, offering a revenue cushion that many seasonal Florida markets lack."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Longboat Key, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Longboat Key?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Longboat Key is currently 61%, which is notably higher than the 54% Florida state average. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom units leading at 68%, while studios, 2-bedrooms, and 3-bedrooms hover around 57–59%. This above-average occupancy reflects consistent demand from vacationers and seasonal residents drawn to the island's Gulf Coast beaches.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Longboat Key?

Airbnb hosts in Longboat Key earn an average of $5,986 per month, which translates to approximately $71,833 per year based on trailing 12-month historical performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 3-bedroom listings average $110,292 annually, while 1-bedrooms come in around $62,728. Seasonality also plays a major role, with March being the peak month at $12,057 and September the slowest at $2,568.

Is Longboat Key a good market for Airbnb investment?

Longboat Key scores a 57 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and positive growth trends, though the revenue-to-price ratio is below average due to high property values (averaging $2.2 million). Investors who can manage the higher entry cost will find strong seasonal demand and limited competition, with only 135 active listings on this exclusive barrier island.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Longboat Key?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Longboat Key is $382, which is below the $498 Florida state average. ADR increases with property size, ranging from $281 for 1-bedroom units to $561 for 3-bedroom properties. Studios command a $328 ADR, while 2-bedrooms average $402 — reflecting the premium guests are willing to pay for more spacious accommodations on the island.

Are short-term rentals legal in Longboat Key?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Longboat Key, Florida, though operators must comply with state and local licensing requirements. This includes registering with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and potentially obtaining a local business tax receipt from the Town of Longboat Key. Regulations, zoning rules, and HOA restrictions can vary, so investors should consult directly with local authorities and review any community association bylaws before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Longboat Key?

Peak season in Longboat Key runs from February through April, with March standing out as the highest-earning month at $12,057 in average revenue. February follows at $8,004, and April rounds out the high season at $6,924. A secondary peak occurs in July ($7,980), driven by summer vacationers. The slowest months are September ($2,568) and October ($3,194), which is typical of Gulf Coast beach destinations.

How many Airbnbs are there in Longboat Key?

There are currently 135 active Airbnb listings in Longboat Key as of April 2026. The market is dominated by 2-bedroom properties (72 listings), followed by 1-bedrooms (43 listings), 3-bedrooms (9 listings), and studios (8 listings). Year-over-year listing growth has been significant at 90%, which investors should monitor as new supply could gradually affect occupancy and pricing dynamics.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Longboat Key?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Longboat Key are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks (like March at $12,057) and slower months (like September at $2,568). Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the island, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts for Longboat Key and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence data across active short-term rental listings

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages as of April 2026 and may not capture recent regulatory changes or market shifts. Individual property performance will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.