Boating Safety Speed Zones

Of course being an island, Lido Key is a popular place for boaters. There are several marinas in Sarasota and a public boat launch at Turtle Beach on Siesta Key and at Centennial Park. Many boaters choose Lido 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 Lido Key a boating paradise.
As a public service, below is a map of boating safety speed zones in and around Lido Key. The maps below run from Longboat Key to Casey Key. Click Here for maps from Casey Key to Englewood.

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.

Normal Safe Operation	Idle Speed No Wake	Slow Speed Minimum Wake	Sports Area 35 MPH	25 MPH
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.


CAUTION: Endangered manatees inhabit these waters. Please observe all posted speed limits for your boating safety and manatee protection. For more information call the Sarasota County Natural Resources Department at 941-378-6142.