Frequently Asked Questions
What costs are due at move-in?
To get started at Stafford at Artisan Lakes, applicants can apply at LiveAtStafford.com. An application fee of $75 per leaseholder and a one-time $350 leasing fee are due at the time the application is submitted. At move-in, residents are responsible for prorated or full first month's rent depending on the lease start date, along with any applicable security deposits and one-time non-refundable fees such as pet fees. Recurring monthly charges include a $50 amenity fee, water and sewer utility billing, and any optional services such as garage or storage rentals.
What parking options are available?
Exterior parking is available at no additional cost for all leaseholders. Garage parking is available starting at $175 per month, offered while spaces remain. Residents may choose between detached garages or attached garage spaces with convenient access to the building breezeway. Select areas throughout the community also feature EV charging stations available through a mobile app service.
What employers or business centers are nearby?
Stafford at Artisan Lakes is conveniently located near major employers throughout Palmetto, Bradenton, and greater Manatee County, including Jabil, Tropicana Products, Bealls Inc., Manatee Memorial Hospital, HCA Florida Blake Hospital, IMG Academy, Amazon, and Port Manatee. The community's location in Palmetto also puts residents within commuting distance of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota — offering access to one of Florida's most expansive employment corridors. Direct access to I-75 and I-275 makes getting to surrounding business districts simple and convenient.
Are there shopping and dining options nearby? What are the hot spots?
Stafford at Artisan Lakes is perfectly positioned in the heart of Manatee County, with Ellenton Premium Outlets, North River Village, and Creekside Commons all just minutes away. Residents can also take advantage of the community's proximity to Tampa, St. Petersburg, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch for an even wider variety of upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment. The Gulf Coast beaches of Anna Maria Island, Lido Beach, and Siesta Key are also within easy reach for a weekend escape.
Are parks or outdoor recreation areas nearby?
Yes! Stafford at Artisan Lakes is surrounded by some of Florida's most beautiful natural destinations. Terra Ceia Preserve State Park is nearby, offering scenic nature trails, wildlife viewing, and kayaking along the waterfront. The Gulf Coast beaches of Anna Maria Island, Lido Beach, and Siesta Key are a short drive away for sun and surf. Residents can also explore parks, walking paths, and recreation areas throughout Palmetto and Bradenton, with opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing year-round.
What utilities are included in rent?
Water and sewer are sub-metered and billed monthly along with rent, with billing beginning 45–60 days into your lease. Electric service is set up through FPL (Florida Power & Light) at 1-888-988-8249 and billed separately each month. The cost of utilities is contingent on your usage.
Is public transportation easily accessible? Do you have a ride share meet-up area?
Public transportation is available through Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT), with routes connecting Palmetto, Ellenton, Bradenton, and nearby areas. Most routes run Monday through Saturday between approximately 5:30 AM and 8:00 PM. The Palmetto Transit Station at 729 19th St W serves multiple routes including 1, 13, 201, and 203 with transfer connections and a park-and-ride lot. Uber and Lyft are also widely used, with pickup available at the community entrance or clubhouse area.
What makes Stafford at Artisan Lakes special and unique?
Stafford at Artisan Lakes offers a thoughtfully designed luxury living experience in one of Florida's most strategically located communities. Situated in Palmetto, residents enjoy resort-style amenities, modern finishes, and spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes with open-concept layouts and private outdoor spaces — all while being within commuting distance of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota. On-site amenities include a resort-style pool, 24-hour fitness center, coworking spaces, outdoor gathering areas, a dog park, and a pet spa. Whether you work locally in Manatee County or commute to a major metro, Stafford delivers the perfect balance of luxury living and everyday accessibility.
Are you pet friendly?
Yes! Stafford at Artisan Lakes welcomes up to two pets per apartment home with a maximum weight of 80 lbs. There is a $350 non-refundable pet fee and $45 monthly pet rent. The following breeds (or mixes of these breeds) are not permitted: Cane Corsos, Akitas, Great Danes, Pit Bulls (also known as American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or American Pit Bull Terriers), Bull Terriers, Bull Mastiffs, German Shepherds, Huskies, Malamutes, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, Chow Chows, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Do you have workspaces available?
Yes! Stafford at Artisan Lakes has 4 coworking spaces available for resident use.
What costs are due at move-in?
To get started at Stafford at Artisan Lakes, applicants can apply at LiveAtStafford.com. An application fee of $75 per leaseholder and a one-time $350 leasing fee are due at the time the application is submitted. At move-in, residents are responsible for prorated or full first month's rent depending on the lease start date, along with any applicable security deposits and one-time non-refundable fees such as pet fees. Recurring monthly charges include a $50 amenity fee, water and sewer utility billing, and any optional services such as garage or storage rentals.
What utilities are included in rent?
Water and sewer are sub-metered and billed monthly along with rent, with billing beginning 45–60 days into your lease. Electric service is set up through FPL (Florida Power & Light) at 1-888-988-8249 and billed separately each month. The cost of utilities is contingent on your usage.
What makes Stafford at Artisan Lakes special and unique?
Stafford at Artisan Lakes offers a thoughtfully designed luxury living experience in one of Florida's most strategically located communities. Situated in Palmetto, residents enjoy resort-style amenities, modern finishes, and spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes with open-concept layouts and private outdoor spaces — all while being within commuting distance of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota. On-site amenities include a resort-style pool, 24-hour fitness center, coworking spaces, outdoor gathering areas, a dog park, and a pet spa. Whether you work locally in Manatee County or commute to a major metro, Stafford delivers the perfect balance of luxury living and everyday accessibility.
What parking options are available?
Exterior parking is available at no additional cost for all leaseholders. Garage parking is available starting at $175 per month, offered while spaces remain. Residents may choose between detached garages or attached garage spaces with convenient access to the building breezeway. Select areas throughout the community also feature EV charging stations available through a mobile app service.
Are you pet friendly?
Yes! Stafford at Artisan Lakes welcomes up to two pets per apartment home with a maximum weight of 80 lbs. There is a $350 non-refundable pet fee and $45 monthly pet rent. The following breeds (or mixes of these breeds) are not permitted: Cane Corsos, Akitas, Great Danes, Pit Bulls (also known as American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or American Pit Bull Terriers), Bull Terriers, Bull Mastiffs, German Shepherds, Huskies, Malamutes, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, Chow Chows, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Do you have workspaces available?
Yes! Stafford at Artisan Lakes has 4 coworking spaces available for resident use.
What employers or business centers are nearby?
Stafford at Artisan Lakes is conveniently located near major employers throughout Palmetto, Bradenton, and greater Manatee County, including Jabil, Tropicana Products, Bealls Inc., Manatee Memorial Hospital, HCA Florida Blake Hospital, IMG Academy, Amazon, and Port Manatee. The community's location in Palmetto also puts residents within commuting distance of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota — offering access to one of Florida's most expansive employment corridors. Direct access to I-75 and I-275 makes getting to surrounding business districts simple and convenient.
Are there shopping and dining options nearby? What are the hot spots?
Stafford at Artisan Lakes is perfectly positioned in the heart of Manatee County, with Ellenton Premium Outlets, North River Village, and Creekside Commons all just minutes away. Residents can also take advantage of the community's proximity to Tampa, St. Petersburg, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch for an even wider variety of upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment. The Gulf Coast beaches of Anna Maria Island, Lido Beach, and Siesta Key are also within easy reach for a weekend escape.
Are parks or outdoor recreation areas nearby?
Yes! Stafford at Artisan Lakes is surrounded by some of Florida's most beautiful natural destinations. Terra Ceia Preserve State Park is nearby, offering scenic nature trails, wildlife viewing, and kayaking along the waterfront. The Gulf Coast beaches of Anna Maria Island, Lido Beach, and Siesta Key are a short drive away for sun and surf. Residents can also explore parks, walking paths, and recreation areas throughout Palmetto and Bradenton, with opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing year-round.
Is public transportation easily accessible? Do you have a ride share meet-up area?
Public transportation is available through Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT), with routes connecting Palmetto, Ellenton, Bradenton, and nearby areas. Most routes run Monday through Saturday between approximately 5:30 AM and 8:00 PM. The Palmetto Transit Station at 729 19th St W serves multiple routes including 1, 13, 201, and 203 with transfer connections and a park-and-ride lot. Uber and Lyft are also widely used, with pickup available at the community entrance or clubhouse area.
What costs are due at move-in?
To get started at Stafford at Artisan Lakes, applicants can apply at LiveAtStafford.com. An application fee of $75 per leaseholder and a one-time $350 leasing fee are due at the time the application is submitted. At move-in, residents are responsible for prorated or full first month's rent depending on the lease start date, along with any applicable security deposits and one-time non-refundable fees such as pet fees. Recurring monthly charges include a $50 amenity fee, water and sewer utility billing, and any optional services such as garage or storage rentals.
Are you pet friendly?
Yes! Stafford at Artisan Lakes welcomes up to two pets per apartment home with a maximum weight of 80 lbs. There is a $350 non-refundable pet fee and $45 monthly pet rent. The following breeds (or mixes of these breeds) are not permitted: Cane Corsos, Akitas, Great Danes, Pit Bulls (also known as American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or American Pit Bull Terriers), Bull Terriers, Bull Mastiffs, German Shepherds, Huskies, Malamutes, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, Chow Chows, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
What parking options are available?
Exterior parking is available at no additional cost for all leaseholders. Garage parking is available starting at $175 per month, offered while spaces remain. Residents may choose between detached garages or attached garage spaces with convenient access to the building breezeway. Select areas throughout the community also feature EV charging stations available through a mobile app service.