Longboat Key · 34228
Water Damage Restoration on Longboat Key, FL
A barrier island roughly ten miles long, shared by Sarasota and Manatee counties, lined with condo buildings and homes on Gulf of Mexico Drive.
Water damage restoration on Longboat Key, FL deals with two main threats: the Gulf during hurricane season and unit leaks in the island's many condo buildings year-round. The island is split between Manatee and Sarasota counties, and much of its housing is condos and seasonal homes along Gulf of Mexico Drive. Through our referral line (opening soon), you can be connected with an independent restoration company that works on the island.
Helene and the island
Longboat Key has often avoided direct hits, but Hurricane Helene in September 2024 showed that a storm far offshore can still do serious damage. The town manager estimated 5.5 to 6 feet of surge, which flooded ground-floor units, garages and lobbies, and pushed sand onto the island's main road. Tropical Storm Debby earlier that summer had already flooded dozens of structures, according to a preliminary town assessment.
Condo leaks and empty units
Many owners spend part of the year away. A dripping air handler, a toilet supply line or a water heater can leak for days before anyone notices, often first by the owner below. Building managers may hold keys for emergencies, and many associations ask owners to shut off unit water when leaving. Leak sensors with phone alerts are another layer of protection.
Cleanup after surge
Surge leaves salt and sand. Soaked drywall, insulation, flooring and cabinets are usually removed, then the structure is washed down, disinfected and dried. Electrical and HVAC equipment that sat in salt water should be checked by a licensed electrician or HVAC contractor before use. Access to the island may be restricted after storms until officials reopen it.
Insurance on the key
Surge is flood, so it falls under flood policies, both the association's and each owner's. Wind and rain damage go to homeowners or condo policies, often subject to a hurricane deductible. Keep photos of the water line and every damaged room for each policy. When you are ready, email info@sarasotawaterdamagefl.com while our phone line is being set up.
Questions
Common questions
How much surge did Longboat Key get from Hurricane Helene?
Town Manager Howard Tipton estimated that Longboat Key saw between 5.5 and 6 feet of storm surge from Helene in September 2024, even without a direct hit. Many ground-floor spaces flooded, and sand piled up along Gulf of Mexico Drive.
My Longboat Key condo was empty for the summer and I found a leak. What now?
Shut off the unit's water, tell the building manager so units below and beside can be checked, photograph everything and report the loss to your HO-6 insurer. A leak that ran for weeks may raise coverage questions, so gather any records showing when the unit was last checked.
Which county is my Longboat Key home in?
It depends on where on the island you are; the north end is in Manatee County and the south end in Sarasota County. The Town of Longboat Key handles many local services for both. Your property tax bill shows the county.
Ready when you are
Get a restoration pro out to the property
An independent local company can trace where the water went, set up drying and keep a record of every step for your insurer.
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Related pages
Water damage restoration in Sarasota, FLAll servicesAll service areas