Hurricane Protection and Remodeling Services on Longboat Key

Coastal Protection for Longboat Key

Longboat Key is one town that spans two counties. The north end, including the Village, is in Manatee County, and the south end runs into Sarasota County toward St. Armands. Along its eleven miles you will find Gulf front condo towers, estate homes, canal neighborhoods like Country Club Shores, and the golf communities of Bay Isles. The 2024 season reminded everyone how exposed the island is. Helene and Milton moved a large share of the sand the town had placed on its beaches in recent years, and surge flooded low streets and ground floors along both shores.

West Shore Construction has installed hurricane protection and handled remodeling along the Gulf Coast since 1985. On Longboat Key we work with homeowners, condo owners and associations. Here is how we approach it.

One Building Department, Two Counties

Even though Longboat Key crosses a county line, the Town of Longboat Key runs its own building department, so permitting is consistent from one end of the island to the other. The whole key sits in Florida’s wind borne debris region, which means new and replacement windows and doors must be impact rated or protected by an approved system.

Gulf front parcels seaward of the state’s Coastal Construction Control Line can need state review as well. For homes in flood zones, remodeling is measured against the structure’s value under the FEMA substantial improvement rule. We check every one of those before quoting.

Complete Storm & Home Restoration

Condos and Associations

A lot of Longboat Key homeowners live in condominiums, and most associations control what can be installed on the building. Many have already chosen a standard product, color and frame style. We work directly with boards and managers to match those requirements, whether it is replacing a single unit’s sliders or protecting a full building. Our commercial hurricane protection page covers larger multifamily work.

Impact Windows and Doors

For most Longboat Key homes, impact windows and sliders are the protection that makes sense. Many owners are here for the winter and gone for the heart of hurricane season, and impact glass protects the house with no one on site. It also blocks heat and UV that fade interiors while the house is closed up. We specify frames and hardware built for direct salt exposure.

Shutters and Screens

Motorized rolling shutters hide in a compact housing above the opening and close in seconds, which suits the larger bayfront and Gulf front homes on the key. Motorized hurricane screens protect lanais and pool areas without blocking the view, and they work as sun screens every day. Combined with our automated hurricane protection, a property manager can close the whole house from a phone. Compare all options on our shutters page.

Hurricane Fabric

Hurricane fabric such as astroGuard is a light, affordable way to cover tall or oddly shaped glass, and it lets daylight through. It works best for full time residents who are comfortable putting up their own protection.

Remodeling on Longboat Key

Updating an older condo unit or a 1970s and 1980s key home often goes hand in hand with new windows and doors. As a state certified building contractor, West Shore handles whole home remodeling, kitchens and bathrooms, and we can schedule the work while you are away for the season.

Insurance and Grants

Protected openings are one of the most valuable wind mitigation credits on a Florida homeowners policy. West Shore is an eligible My Safe Florida Home contractor, a state program offering matching grants to qualifying homesteaded owners, and financing is available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Protection on Longboat Key

Can you install impact windows in my Longboat Key condo?

Yes, with association approval. Many buildings have a required product and frame style, and we work with the board or manager to match it.

Does it matter whether my home is in the Manatee or Sarasota part of Longboat Key?

Not for permitting. The Town of Longboat Key handles building permits for the whole island.

Can the work be done while I am away for the summer?

Yes. Many Longboat Key projects are scheduled while owners are out of town, with updates by phone and email.

Nearby Areas We Serve

West Shore also serves homeowners in Bradenton Beach, Lido Key and Sarasota.

Request a Quote on Longboat Key

West Shore is a state certified building contractor (CBC044653) with more than 40 years of experience. We handle permits with the Town of Longboat Key and coordinate with owners who are out of state.