FAQ
We are here to help answer your questions. If you prefer to talk to a visitor information specialist, please dial 941-706-1253 or visit us at our downtown Sarasota Visitor Center located at 1945 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, FL 34236 Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. (check the webpage for exact opening days and hours). We also have visitor information specialists available at our other visitor centers in the County. If you like to receive additional information, sign up here to receive our e-newsletter.
FAQ Topics
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Florida Health maintains a public advisory to wear masks in public if social distancing is not possible. Additionally, the CDC has issued an order that requires face masks to be worn by all travelers while on public transportation (which includes all passengers and all personnel operating conveyances).
On September 25, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis said “all outstanding fines and penalties that have been applied against individuals are suspended” as part of his announcement that the state would be moving into Phase 3 of Florida’s plan for re-opening.
Businesses are allowed to have their own requirements, and customers are encouraged to check with individual businesses about whether a mask is necessary for service.
The City of Sarasota
In accordance with CDC guidelines, the City of Sarasota now requires face coverings be worn in indoor and outdoor public locations and businesses located within the city limits. Face masks are not required within residences or places of lodging, or when proper physical or social distancing. The ordinance started on July 1. There are also FAQs that The City prepared for you to review.
Currently, there are no ordinances for Sarasota County, only for the City of Sarasota. Popular areas within City Limits are downtown Sarasota (including Selby Gardens), Lido Key (including St. Armands and Lido Beach), the Hillview area near Sarasota Memorial Hospital, North Sarasota along U.S. 41 (including Jungle Gardens and The Ringling) and more. To see a Google Map outlining the City Limits, click here.
The City of Venice
The Venice City Council approved a resolution urging the use of face coverings when indoors and outdoors where social distancing cannot be met. On August 25, the City passed an ordinance requiring face coverings.
A note that there are 14 exceptions to the ordinance, including those observing social distancing, children under 6, those exercising, and persons whose compliance would be detrimental to their health, safety or welfare are not required to wear a face covering.
For more information about the City of Venice's COVID-19 response, click here.
Sarasota County beaches are open with the following restrictions:
- Keep groups to 10 or less and 6 feet apart.
Learn more from Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources.
You can also refer to these articles for insight:
Florida Health has recommendations for travelers who believe they were exposed.
You can also call Florida Health at 1-866-779-6121 or email [email protected].
You may also want to review the CDC’s information about COVID-19.
Effective September 25, Florida entered Phase 3 of Governor DeSantis' Plan for Recovery, known as Safe. Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. This phase is regulated by Executive Order 20-244. This means all vacation rental restrictions are removed.
You can review that information and more from Florida Health: Information for Travelers.
Visit Sarasota County is not in a position to advise anyone regarding travel at this time. We defer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the State of Florida. See more information below.
Learn about the CDC's Considerations for Travelers.
Read What you need to know now about COVID-19 in Florida from Florida Health.
Effective September 25, Florida entered Phase 3 of Governor DeSantis' Plan for Recovery, known as Safe. Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. This phase is regulated by Executive Order 20-244. Under this Order, there are no restrictions regarding travel in Florida. You can review that information and more from Florida Health: Information for Travelers.
Visit Sarasota County has gathered a variety of resources that provide guidance and assistance to local businesses relative to COVID-19. View the COVID-19 business resources here.
There are lots of great options. For a full listing of things to do with children, view our digital brochure here.
You can visit our event calendar, pick up the weekly Sarasota Herald-Tribune Ticket at our downtown Sarasota Visitor Center or read it online here.
The downtown Sarasota historical area is located near our Visitor Center located at 1945 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, FL 34236. It is the area east of U.S. 41 and west of U.S. 301 along Main Street.
Sarasota County offers a variety of dining options and many of its restaurants are Zagat-rated, making it a favorite stop for foodies from around the world. Search restaurants on our website here. If you have the name of a restaurant, you can add it in the search tab on our website . The Visitor Centers carry a dining and culinary guide which you can also download here. Do not forget to check out local restaurants that participate in the Savor Sarasota which takes place June 1-14 every year since 2006!
This area is within walking distance to Lido Key Beach and the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Featuring distinct European flair and an eclectic variety of elegant dining and shopping options. You can explore the Circle with a self-guided history tour of its statutes or simply shop, eat and enjoy a drink in a beautiful setting.
We have several vendors offering different trolley tours, including historical, culinary and architectural tours.
Depending on your interests, you can explore area attractions such as The Ringling, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. We also have several beautiful beaches, shopping options, and outdoor activities on the water or in our parks. Don’t forget to eat local while you’re here!