HomeService areaSarasota
Sarasota County, FloridaHome elevators and lift service in Sarasota.
From the keys to Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota homes range from piling houses on the barrier islands to new two-story builds inland. Modern Lifts installs and services home elevators, stairlifts and platform lifts across Sarasota and Manatee counties.
- Florida registered elevator company
- All major residential brands
- Monday–Friday, 8:00am–4:30pm
Two very different kinds of Sarasota home.
On Siesta Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, Longboat Key and Casey Key, homes are built, raised or rebuilt above flood elevation, and Milton’s landfall near Siesta Key in October 2024 sped that up. A three-level house with parking below and living space above needs an elevator, and it needs one designed around flood rules and salt air from the start.
Inland, in Lakewood Ranch, Palmer Ranch, University Park and the established neighborhoods around Southside Village and Cherokee Park, the homes are drier and the questions are different. Owners planning to stay for the long term add an elevator during a renovation, or a stairlift so that the second floor stays usable.
What Sarasota homes need most.
Island elevators
Elevators for homes on the keys, with equipment above flood level and finishes chosen for salt air.
Elevators for new builds
Hoistway and power coordinated with your builder in Lakewood Ranch, Palmer Ranch and other new communities.
Stairlifts and platform lifts
Quick, affordable access to an upstairs floor or a raised entry, indoors or out.
What works in Sarasota homes.
On the keys, from Longboat to Casey Key, a conventional elevator in a planned hoistway is the usual answer, with the controller and drive above base flood elevation. Glass cabs are popular where the elevator sits in view of the Gulf or the bay. Outdoor platform lifts are a practical, lower-cost option for reaching a raised entry.
In Lakewood Ranch and the newer inland communities, many two-story homes were built without an elevator but with room for one. A shaftless elevator is often the right fit there. In older homes in Sarasota, Venice and Bradenton, a stairlift is usually the quickest way to keep the upstairs in use.
Permits in Sarasota
The City of Sarasota, the Town of Longboat Key, the City of Venice and the City of North Port each issue their own permits. Siesta Key, Casey Key, Osprey, Nokomis and the rest of unincorporated Sarasota County go through Sarasota County. Lakewood Ranch spans both Sarasota and Manatee counties, and Bradenton and the Anna Maria Island cities have their own offices. We file with the right one.
Storms and salt
Milton came ashore near Siesta Key in October 2024 two weeks after Helene, with storm surge reported at 8 to 10 feet in parts of Sarasota County. Elevators and lifts that took on water should be inspected properly before they’re used again. In new work on the islands, we keep the machine and electrical parts above flood level.
What our customers say
A few words from homeowners whose lifts we have installed and looked after.
Professional and quality service. Repeat customer.
PBPete BianchettaNaples, FL
I found Modern Lifts to be knowledgeable and friendly.
MEMarc EisemanNaples, FL
Great job and nice guy!
JBJohn BakerSanibel, FL
Looking after lifts in Sarasota.
We service the major residential elevator and lift brands, including equipment installed by other companies. A first visit covers the rails, drive, door locks, controller and safety devices, with a plain account of what’s fine and what’s worn. Seasonal owners can schedule maintenance around their time in residence.
What a home elevator costs in Sarasota.
New home elevator, installed
$25,000to$60,000
Stairlifts and platform lifts cost less.
Where yours lands depends on the drive type, the number of stops, the hoistway and the cab finish. On the keys, flood rules, extra stops and glass cabs push the price up. Inland, a shaftless elevator in an existing two-story home usually costs less than a conventional elevator, and a stairlift costs a fraction of either.
Our home elevator cost guide breaks down each factor, and the stairlift cost and funding guide covers VA, Medicaid and other help with paying for a lift.
How a project runs
In-home visit
We measure, check the structure and power, and talk through the options. It’s free.
Written quote and design
You get the equipment, price and schedule in writing. Choose a finish in the cab designer.
Permit and installation
We prepare the application for the City of Sarasota, Sarasota County, Manatee County or your town and coordinate with your builder if there is one.
Inspection and handover
After final inspection we show you how everything works and set up a maintenance plan if you want one.
Where we work in and around Sarasota.
Not listed? We cover Sarasota and Manatee counties. Call 941.312.2673 and ask.
- Downtown Sarasota
- Bird Key
- St. Armands
- Lido Key
- Longboat Key
- Siesta Key
- Casey Key
- Harbor Acres
- Cherokee Park
- Southside Village
- Palmer Ranch
- Lakewood Ranch
- University Park
- Osprey
- Nokomis
- Venice
- North Port
- Bradenton
- Anna Maria Island
Nearby: St. Petersburg · Tampa · Clearwater · Punta Gorda · full service area
Questions from Sarasota homeowners.
We’re rebuilding on Siesta Key. Where should the elevator equipment go?
Above base flood elevation. With a machine-room-less or upper-level controller, the parts that fail in salt water stay dry. We design that in from the first drawings.
Our Lakewood Ranch home has a closet that lines up between floors. Can that become an elevator?
Often, yes. Stacked closets are the classic spot for a shaftless or compact elevator. We’ll measure, check the structure and confirm before you commit.
We’re only here in season. How should the elevator be looked after?
Park it at an upper landing when you leave and keep it on a maintenance schedule. We can service it while you’re away and check it before you arrive.
Do you service elevators installed by other companies?
Yes. We service the major residential brands and can usually source parts for older equipment.
How much does a home elevator cost in Sarasota?
Most new home elevators we install cost $25,000 to $60,000. The number of stops, the drive type, the hoistway and the cab finish decide where a home in Sarasota lands. Stairlifts and platform lifts cost less. We give a written quote after a free in-home visit.
Does Medicare pay for a home elevator or stairlift?
Original Medicare does not, because it treats elevators and stairlifts as home modifications rather than medical equipment. Some Medicare Advantage plans, VA benefits and Florida Medicaid long-term care can help in certain cases. Our stairlift cost and funding guide explains each option.
Our services in Sarasota.
Home elevators
Hydraulic, traction, shaftless and glass elevators, designed around the house.
See home elevators
Repair
Diagnosis and repair for elevators that have stopped, misleveled or started making new noises.
See repair
Storm damage
Preparation before a storm and restoration after one.
See storm damageReady when you are.
Quotes and in-home consultations are free. If your lift is down, call and we’ll get a technician moving.
or call 941.312.2673 · Monday–Friday, 8:00am–4:30pm