AIR QUALITY FL

Air Quality in Sarasota, FL: Moderate (52 AQI)

AQI 52 · Moderate · PM2.5 · Updated 2026-05-03

Sarasota's air quality is moderate. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion.

Data: EPA AirNow, FEMA National Risk Index Last verified: 2026-05-03

Average AQI

Moderate

AQI Category

Wildfire Risk

Mold Score

ZIP Codes

What is AQI?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized scale from 0 to 500 that measures air pollution levels. 0-50 is "Good," 51-100 is "Moderate," 101-150 is "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups," and above 150 is "Unhealthy" for everyone. AQI tracks five major pollutants: ground-level ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Sarasota's average AQI of 52 falls in the "Moderate" range.

How do wildfires affect air quality?

Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that can travel hundreds of miles and dramatically spike AQI readings. During fire season, even cities far from active fires can experience unhealthy air. HEPA air purifiers (rated for PM2.5) are the most effective indoor protection. Check AirNow.gov for real-time conditions during fire season.

Air Quality Map: Sarasota, FL

Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates AQI level. Tap a dot for details.

Good (0-50) Moderate (51-100) USG (101-150) Unhealthy (151+)

Air Quality by ZIP Code in Sarasota

AQI varies across Sarasota's 18 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources and local geography.

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire	Mold
34230	52	Moderate	14	69	View report →
34231	52	Moderate	34	75	View report →
34232	52	Moderate	34	70	View report →
34233	52	Moderate	34	62	View report →
34234	52	Moderate	34	73	View report →
34235	52	Moderate	34	62	View report →
34236	52	Moderate	34	72	View report →
34237	52	Moderate	34	73	View report →
34238	52	Moderate	34	61	View report →
34239	52	Moderate	34	77	View report →
34240	52	Moderate	34	59	View report →
34241	52	Moderate	34	61	View report →
34242	52	Moderate	34	77	View report →
34243	52	Moderate	22	64	View report →
34260	52	Moderate	22	57	View report →

Showing 15 of 18 ZIP codes. View all.

Air Quality Overview

Sarasota, Florida has moderate air quality with an average AQI of 52. Air quality is acceptable, though some pollutants may be a concern for a small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. The dominant pollutant is PM2.5.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an EPA-standardized scale from 0 to 500. Values below 50 are "Good," 51-100 "Moderate," 101-150 "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups," 151-200 "Unhealthy," 201-300 "Very Unhealthy," and above 300 "Hazardous."

Dominant Pollutant: PM2.5

PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) consists of particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers — about 30 times thinner than a human hair. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.

Health effects of PM2.5 exposure:

Short-term: coughing, shortness of breath, aggravated asthma
Long-term: reduced lung function, cardiovascular disease, premature death
Most vulnerable: children, elderly, people with heart or lung disease

Common sources in urban areas: vehicle exhaust, construction dust, industrial emissions, wildfire smoke, residential wood burning.

Air Quality by ZIP Code in Sarasota

AQI varies across Sarasota's 18 ZIP codes based on proximity to pollution sources, traffic patterns, and local geography:

ZIP Code	AQI	Category	Wildfire Risk	Mold Score
34230	52	Moderate	14	69
34231	52	Moderate	34	75
34232	52	Moderate	34	70
34233	52	Moderate	34	62
34234	52	Moderate	34	73
34235	52	Moderate	34	62
34236	52	Moderate	34	72
34237	52	Moderate	34	73
34238	52	Moderate	34	61
34239	52	Moderate	34	77
34240	52	Moderate	34	59
34241	52	Moderate	34	61
34242	52	Moderate	34	77
34243	52	Moderate	22	64
34260	52	Moderate	22	57

Showing 15 of 18 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed data.

Wildfire Smoke Risk

Sarasota has an elevated wildfire smoke risk with an average smoke risk score of 32 (scale 0-100).

Metric	Value
Avg. smoke risk score	32
Max smoke risk score	34
Fires within 100 km	0
High-risk ZIP codes	0

Wildfire smoke contains PM2.5, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds. Even short-term exposure can trigger asthma attacks and respiratory distress.

Indoor Mold Risk

Sarasota has an average mold risk score of 66 out of 100, with 18 ZIP codes in the high-risk category.

Factor	Value
Mold risk score	66/100
Average humidity	78% RH
High-risk ZIPs	18
Peak season	summer high

Mold risk is influenced by humidity levels, housing age (older homes have more moisture issues), flood history, and water infrastructure quality. Indoor humidity above 60% creates favorable conditions for mold growth.

Signs of mold problems: musty odors, visible growth on walls or ceilings, worsening allergies indoors, condensation on windows. Professional mold testing ($300-$600) can identify hidden issues.

Health Recommendations

With moderate air quality (AQI 52), most people can be active outdoors. Sensitive groups should take precautions:

Sensitive groups (asthma, COPD, heart disease): consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion
Keep windows closed on high-pollution days
Use a HEPA air purifier in main living areas
Check AirNow.gov before outdoor exercise

Sarasota vs. Nearby Florida Cities

How Sarasota's air quality compares to nearby cities:

City	AQI	Category	Population
Sarasota	52	Moderate	353,485
Odessa	54	Moderate	351,400
Anna Maria	54	Moderate	347,800
Bradenton Beach	55	Moderate	347,800

ZIP Codes in Sarasota

Sarasota covers 18 ZIP codes. Air quality can vary by neighborhood based on proximity to highways, industrial areas, and green spaces. Check your specific ZIP code for localized data.

Data Sources

Air quality: EPA AirNow — real-time and historical AQI data
Wildfire risk: FEMA National Risk Index
Mold risk: Derived from EPA, FEMA, Census ACS (humidity, housing age, flood history)
Monthly AQI: EPA Air Quality Statistics

Updated daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the air safe to breathe in Sarasota?

Sarasota's average AQI is 52 (Moderate). Air quality is acceptable, but unusually sensitive individuals may experience respiratory symptoms during peak pollution times.

How many unhealthy air days does Sarasota have?

Sarasota has zero recorded unhealthy air quality days, which is excellent. Air quality can still vary seasonally due to wildfire smoke, pollen, or industrial activity.

What is the AQI in Sarasota?

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Sarasota is 52, categorized as Moderate. The primary pollutant is PM2.5. AQI ranges from 0-500, where 0-50 is Good, 51-100 Moderate, 101-150 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, and 151+ Unhealthy.

What is the wildfire risk in Sarasota?

Sarasota has a wildfire risk score of 32 out of 100. Moderate wildfire risk means smoke events are possible. Having a HEPA air purifier available is recommended.

Is mold a concern in Sarasota?

Sarasota has a mold risk score of 66 out of 100, based on humidity, precipitation, and temperature data. This is elevated — proper ventilation, dehumidifiers, and regular inspection of basements and bathrooms are important.

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