Sarasota sits on the Gulf Coast of southwest Florida in Sarasota County — a city of about 60,000 known for Siesta Key (consistently ranked among the top beaches in the United States for its powdered quartz sand), the Sarasota Opera, the Ringling Museum of Art (featuring the largest collection of Rubens paintings in North America), and a culinary and arts scene that punches well above the city's size. Sarasota has emerged as one of Florida's most sought-after relocation destinations — for retirees from the Northeast and Midwest, for remote workers who want Gulf Coast quality of life at prices below Miami or Naples, and for investors attracted to Siesta Key's STR occupancy rates. Sarasota County's 2026 conforming limit is $832,750. Median prices range from $450,000 in Sarasota proper to $1.5M+ on Siesta Key waterfront. Tayton Capital serves Sarasota and Sarasota County. NMLS #2106875.
Siesta Key and the Vacation Rental Market
Siesta Key — an 8-mile barrier island connected to Sarasota by two bridges — is the investment jewel of Sarasota County. Siesta Beach's powdered quartz sand stays cool to the touch in summer, a physical property that drives extraordinary repeat visitor loyalty and occupancy consistency unavailable in most Gulf Coast markets. Siesta Key vacation rental properties at established STR listings routinely achieve occupancy rates above 80% annually — summer with families, winter with snowbirds, shoulder seasons with a mix of both. DSCR financing qualifies on this documented rental income.
Loan programs we run
- DSCR — Siesta Key and Sarasota County STR investment financing.
- Conventional — Primary and second home under $832,750.
- Jumbo — Siesta Key waterfront and Casey Key above $832,750.
- VA — 0% down for veterans — Sarasota has a significant veteran population.
- Bank Statement — Self-employed buyers and retirees with complex income.
- FHA — 3.5% down for first-time buyers in Sarasota proper.
Areas we serve
- Sarasota (downtown, Laurel Park, Southside Village)
- Siesta Key
- Longboat Key (north — shared with Manatee County)
- Casey Key (south — ultra-exclusive, no bridges to mainland except drawbridge)
- Venice (15 miles south — more affordable, VA-active market)
- North Port (25 miles south — most affordable Sarasota County community)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Siesta Key the best STR investment in Sarasota County?
For consistent, year-round occupancy — yes. Siesta Beach's quartz sand creates repeat-visitor loyalty that most beach markets don't have. The key variables for DSCR on Siesta Key are HOA rental restrictions (not all Siesta Key communities allow STR), proximity to the beach, and the specific condo project's warrantability.
Are VA loans common in Sarasota?
Yes — Sarasota's substantial veteran and retiree population makes VA loans a meaningful share of the purchase market. We process VA transactions in Sarasota County regularly, including for veterans relocating from military bases elsewhere in Florida.
Is Casey Key different to finance than Siesta Key?
Significantly — Casey Key is an extremely exclusive barrier island accessible only by drawbridge, with a full-time population of a few hundred. Properties there are largely in the $2M–$10M range with unique access and construction characteristics. Portfolio and private banking financing is more common than standard jumbo at Casey Key's price points.
What's the most affordable entry point in Sarasota County?
North Port (25 miles south) is Sarasota County's most affordable community — single-family homes in the $300,000–$450,000 range. Venice (15 miles south) is more affordable than Sarasota proper ($350,000–$600,000) and has an active VA buyer market given its large veteran and retiree population.