Sarasota Per Diem Rate (FY2026)
Sarasota · Florida · Official U.S. GSA federal per diem
For fiscal year 2026, the GSA per diem rate for Sarasota is $86/day for meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) and $131–$205/night for lodging depending on the month, compared with the standard $178/day CONUS rate ($110 lodging + $68 M&IE). Lodging peaks in February and is lowest in May.
A 4-night business trip to Sarasota in February totals $1,207: $820 lodging (4 nights) + $387 M&IE (5 days, first & last day at 75%).
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Sarasota lodging rate by month (FY2026)
Nightly lodging caps for Sarasota. M&IE is flat at $86/day and does not change by month.
| Month | Lodging / night | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | $145 | · |
| Feb | $205 | Peak |
| Mar | $205 | Peak |
| Apr | $205 | Peak |
| May | $131 | Low |
| Jun | $131 | Low |
| Jul | $131 | Low |
| Aug | $131 | Low |
| Sep | $131 | Low |
| Oct | $145 | · |
| Nov | $145 | · |
| Dec | $145 | · |
How does Sarasota compare with other Florida per diem areas?
Sarasota ranks #14 of 22 Florida non-standard per diem areas by peak lodging cap, at $205/night — $17 below the state's $222/night NSA average.
Lodging in Sarasota swings 56% across the year — from $131/night in May to $205/night in February — so the same 4-night stay reimburses $296 more at the peak. M&IE stays flat at $86/day regardless of season.
Flexible on location? The next cheaper Florida area is Tampa / St. Petersburg at $200/night peak, and the next step up is Cocoa Beach at $208/night.
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Sarasota per diem FAQ
- What is the per diem rate for Sarasota?
- For FY2026, the GSA per diem rate for Sarasota, Florida is $86 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) and $131–$205/night for lodging depending on the month. The standard CONUS rate, for comparison, is $178 per day ($110 lodging + $68 M&IE).
- What is the meal reimbursement (M&IE) rate in Sarasota?
- $86 per day for FY2026: $22 breakfast, $23 lunch, $36 dinner and $5 incidentals. The first and last day of travel reimburse at 75%, or $64.50.
- Why does lodging per diem in Sarasota change by month?
- GSA sets seasonal lodging caps for high-demand areas. In Sarasota, lodging is highest in February at $205/night and lowest in May at $131/night. M&IE stays flat at $86/day all year.
- What is the tax-free travel nurse stipend cap in Sarasota?
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel nurses are capped at the GSA per diem for the assignment location. In Sarasota the full daily cap is up to $291 (peak-month lodging + $86 M&IE). The portion above the GSA rate is taxable wages, and the stipend is only tax-free at all if you maintain a qualifying tax home.