Everything You Need to Know About Sarasota County

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Sarasota County, or the “culture coast” is located in southwest Florida, on the Gulf Coast. It’s one of the top destinations in the USA for retirees. Its largest city is North Port, with a population of approximately 65,000 people. This county contains much of the Myakka River State Park. The land size of Sarasota County is 556 square miles, and about 169 square miles of water. Sarasota County was founded in 1921, and is now home to over 400,000 people. This area of Florida has seen continuous growth, with both population and migration marginally increasing year over year.

We all know what Southern Florida implies: sunshine, heat, and a promising escape from cruel northern winters. Sarasota County gets 0 inches of snow each year - ZERO! You can expect over 250 days of sun, which is much higher than the U.S. average. Summer temperatures average around 91°F, it will feel even hotter with humidity. The average January temperature is 50°F, and average rainfall per year is 54 inches. Sarasota does have a low elevation (as does all of Florida), so be cautious about severe rainfalls!

Aside from absolutely awesome weather, Sarasota County offers a great diversity in landscapes. It ranges, of course, from beaches and oceanside, to forested preserves, rivers and waterways, and a wide variety of trails. You can explore the county by boat, fishing for different specimen on the way. Or you can drive to different preserves and parks to take in the trails by horseback, or walking.

If you’re looking to move to Florida, don’t delay. Sarasota County may very well be the last affordable coastal town in the state!

The cost of living in Sarasota County is slightly higher than the U.S. average. The biggest factor in cost of living is the housing, which has a higher value than average. It’s important to note that land in Sarasota County is still quite reasonably priced, and in some subdivisions is still under-valued - so don’t be discouraged! The county cares about its residents, and spends time creating plans and goals around a variety of topics such as sustainability, green transportation, and neighborhood planning.

The Mission of Sarasota County Government is to provide and enhance quality programs, services, and facilities that reflect the goals of the community while always promoting health, safety, public welfare and quality of life for its citizens.

If you’re beginning to browse land in Sarasota County, know that living in an RV is not permitted, unless it is within an RV park.

When looking at different options, it’s always advisable to check with the county’s Planning and Development Services, to double check the less obvious restrictions like loads, size restrictions per acre, and potential hazards.

If you’re planning on building, check the Sarasota County Code of Ordinances (see Chapter 22). As described in the document, any development or construction site in Sarasota County must have the following:

Building Permit
Zoning Certificate (may be part of the Building Permit)
Plan and Building Specifications

Legal hunting is allowed only on Wildlife Management Areas, Public Small Game hunting areas, certain military bases, and National Wildlife Refuges within certain zones of the county.

Permits for the appropriate land area and a legal hunting license are required. Popular game for hunting are deer, turkey, migratory birds, waterfowl, quail, and alligator.

This area of Florida boasts a world-class fishing environment. Note that a freshwater or saltwater license is required even if you do not catch anything. What you might catch depends on whether you’re fishing the Gulf of Mexico, deep sea, or the Intracoastal waterway.

As you might expect, Florida offers a wide variety of beaches and outdoor activities. The eight-mile island of Siesta Key is comprised of Siesta Beach, which is one of the most highly regarded beaches in the world, Crescent Beach, and Turtle Beach.

Florida is blessed with one of the longest golf seasons in the U.S., plenty of time to perfect your swing! There are over 30 golf courses in the area to choose from, some of these are private clubs, and others are open to the public.

The Myakka State Forest is a must visit in Sarasota County. The Myakka River flows through the northeastern portion of the forest, dividing it into two tracts. This ensures plenty of recreational activities such as biking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, hunting, paddling, and picnics.

Sarasota County has fun to offer for the entire family, and plenty of activities to keep you busy on vacation! It’s one of the best places to retire in the USA, and the top four retirement destinations in Florida. Its rich culture offers something for everyone, so be sure to check it out soon!