Longboat Key DUI Lawyer

Longboat Key has a detail that surprises many people charged with DUI there: the island sits in two counties. The Town of Longboat Key describes the northern half of the island as part of Manatee County and the southern half as part of Sarasota County. The county where the stop or arrest happened can decide which clerk files the case, which courthouse hears it and which prosecutors' office handles it. Former prosecutor Daniel D. Nawara represents people charged with DUI in both Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Which county and courthouse?

Both counties are in Florida's Twelfth Judicial Circuit, and the Twelfth Circuit State Attorney prosecutes cases in both. The courthouses are different:

Sarasota County portion (south end of the island): Longboat Key is north of Blackburn Point Road, outside Sarasota's South County Judicial District. A misdemeanor DUI from the Sarasota side is normally heard at the Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center, 2002 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota. See the Sarasota criminal court guide.
Manatee County portion (north end of the island): Cases are filed with the Manatee County Clerk and heard at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton. See the Manatee criminal court guide.

The Longboat Key Police Department notes that traffic citations must be paid to the Clerk of Court in the county where the citation was issued, either Sarasota or Manatee. Criminal DUI cases follow the same county-based filing. Check the county on your citation or arrest affidavit, then confirm the court date through Sarasota ClerkNet or the Manatee Clerk's court records search.

Who makes DUI arrests on Longboat Key?

The Town of Longboat Key Police Department, at 5460 Gulf of Mexico Drive, is the town's own police agency. It serves both county portions of the island and has a marine unit. Neither county sheriff provides the town's primary police service. Under an interlocal agreement, Sarasota County and the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office handle dispatch and 911 communications for the town. The Florida Highway Patrol, Troop F, covers both Sarasota and Manatee counties and may be involved on state roads. After leaving the island, a stop could fall to other agencies:

The City of Sarasota or the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, to the south via St. Armands.
Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach or the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, to the north on Anna Maria Island.

Where you may have been booked

Booking generally follows the county. Sarasota County arrests are booked at the Sarasota County jail, 2020 Main Street, Sarasota. Manatee County arrests are booked at the Manatee County Central Jail, 14470 Harlee Road, Palmetto.

The 10-day license deadline applies either way

The administrative suspension is a statewide FLHSMV process, regardless of county. After a breath result of 0.08 or higher, or a refusal, you have 10 days from the notice of suspension to request formal or informal review, or to ask about a restricted license (s. 322.2615). Suspensions are:

6 months for a first unlawful-BAC suspension.
1 year for a first refusal.
18 months after a prior refusal suspension.

Read the 10-day rule, formal review hearing and hardship license pages.

Penalties and defense issues

The penalties under section 316.193 are the same in both counties:

First conviction: a fine of $500 to $1,000 and up to 6 months in jail.
BAC of 0.15 or higher, or a minor in the vehicle: a fine of $1,000 to $2,000 and up to 9 months.
Also required: probation, 50 hours of community service, DUI school, 10 days of vehicle impoundment, and a license revocation of 180 days to 1 year (s. 322.28).

Local programs and procedures can differ by county. For example, the State Attorney's DETER initiative is described on our Sarasota DUI page. For Manatee-side cases, see Bradenton DUI defense and first DUI in Bradenton.

Defense review looks at:

The basis for the stop on Gulf of Mexico Drive or the bridges.
The roadside exercises.
Breath-test compliance with FDLE rules.
Transport and observation times.

See breath test defense and field sobriety tests.

Frequently asked questions

Is my Longboat Key DUI in Sarasota or Manatee court?

It depends on which part of the island the offense happened in. The northern half is in Manatee County, and the southern half is in Sarasota County. Your citation or arrest paperwork should show the county, and the case is filed with that county's clerk.

Who patrols Longboat Key?

The Town of Longboat Key Police Department, which serves the whole island. FHP and nearby agencies may be involved for stops on state roads or after you leave the island.

Does the county change the license suspension?

No. The administrative suspension and the 10-day review deadline under section 322.2615 are statewide FLHSMV procedures.

Can one lawyer handle a case in either county?

Daniel D. Nawara represents clients in both Sarasota and Manatee County courts. Ask about scope and fees during the free consultation.

I am a seasonal resident. What if I leave Florida before court?

Leaving does not end the case or excuse appearances. Talk with counsel about which appearances are required and how to handle scheduling.

Talk with a DUI lawyer about your Longboat Key arrest

Call (941) 920-5514 or request a free consultation. Bring the citation, notice of suspension and any court paperwork so the county and deadlines can be confirmed. Ask about fees and payment plans.

Updated October 1, 2026. General information only, not legal advice. Court assignments and procedures can change; your notice and orders control. No outcome is guaranteed. Contacting the firm does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship.

Sources: Longboat Key Police Department; Town of Longboat Key annual financial report (two-county description); SMFR/Manatee interlocal agreement; AO 2026-12.2; Manatee County Sheriff jail intake; Fla. Stat. § 316.193, § 322.2615, § 322.28.