Longboat Key, Florida Boating

Of course, being an island, Longboat Key is a popular place for boaters. There are several marinas on Longboat Key. Many boaters choose Longboat Key for their home because of the easy access to the Gulf of Mexico for their power boat or sailboat. The many canals and protected bays along the Intracoastal Waterway make Longboat Key an ideal boaters paradise. A number of the restaurants on Longboat Key have docks and welcome boaters.

Boating safely is very important. To protect boaters and wildlife.

As a public service, here is a map of boating safety speed zones in and around Longboat Key.
Some regulations you should be aware of when boating around Sarasota and public beaches in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

No person shall operate any watercraft in excess of IDLE SPEED within 300 feet of any land in Sarasota County fronting on the Gulf of Mexico.

No person shall operate any watercraft within a swimming area which has been marked with buoys, nor within 500 feet of any public beach on the Gulf of Mexico.

Idle Speed, No Wake is that speed which is necessary to maintain steerage. The speed which you dock your boat is idle speed, no wake. Generally this is a speed of 1 to 3 miles per hour.

Slow Speed, Minimum Wake is that speed which allows your boat to be completely settled in the water with very little or no wake. Your boat is not on plane. Generally this is a speed of 5 to 7 miles per hour.

For the full PDF file of Sarasota County Manatee Protection Zones, visit the FWC web site.