Do you know what makes a lake private in Florida?
The citizens are the owners of water bodies in Florida, and the state government makes sure that the public has access to the waterways.
You can only say a waterway is private if all the lands around it are owned by private individuals, and there is no water access from any public area to it.
There are public boat ramps in most large lakes in Florida.
These public boat ramps have been in use for so many years.
This made fishing popular among Floridians and visitors as well.
For instance, there are some large waterfront parks at Harris Chain that have many ramps and parking lots.
These ramps and parking lots are so big they can host National Boating and Fishing Tournaments.
The truth is that our area is home to lots of publicly accessible lakes that you may find difficult to choose which to visit.
Lake County
Lake County is one of the lakes in our area, and it is bound by St.
John’s River on the east.
There is a historic and scenic waterway in our area which the locals named the “Bass Capital of the World”.
From deep Central Florida, this waterway runs towards the north, to Jacksonville, and terminated at the Atlantic Ocean.
About 100 miles on the northern side of Mount Dora, at Welaka, the Harris Chain runs into St.
John’s Rive.
The Harris Chain is also among the Ocklawaha River system.
The waterfront has many restaurants, boat ramps, and resorts.
These are the features that make the place popular among fishermen and tourists.
A lot of small lakes in Central Florida have springs as their source of water.
That is why they are good for swimming and water skiing.
Most lakes that get their water supply from springs are not big enough for water skiing.
Florida is home to some lakes that are excellent for waterskiing, but many people are rather interested in the properties on the lakefronts because they are scarce and much desired.
For some time developers are trying to lure people who desire to buy a waterfront home with man-made canals and rock pits as lakes.
If you want to avoid causing wake damage or having any trouble with irate fishermen, and landowners on the shoreline, it is better you go skiing in bigger public waterways.
Other popular water activities in Florida are cruising and fishing.
This is why you see many waterfront restaurants and miles of cruising waters in Harris Chain.
Harris Chain is a good destination for bass and crappie fishing.
There are many public ramps in the lake, giving everyone the opportunity for enjoyment.
Are there private lakes in Florida?
Yes, there are many private lakes in Florida.
In addition, there are thousands of small natural lakes in Lake County.
Many of the small lakes in our region have their water supply from springs.
That is the reason they have fresh water always.
Many of the lakes are private, but there are public boat ramps in some of them which predated the country’s development.
The small lakes have a quiet natural setting and beautiful natural views.
The other popular small lakes we have in this area are;
Lake Gertrude
Lake Gertrude is located in Mount Dora.
Its other name is “Doctor’s Lake”.
It is rated among the most prestigious and expensive lakes in America.
The lake has crystal-clear water.
There is plenty of fish in it which you can see from any boat dock.
The lake has limited public access.
Only a small canoe launch area on the west side is exempted.
The owners of the properties at the lakefront always come in to swim, fish, and water Skye.
The Crooked Lakes
Eustis, a city in Florida is home to East and West Crooked Lakes.
The two lakes source their water from springs, and they all have white sand at their bottom.
There were formally joined but some years ago a small road was built between them, that separated them into two different lakes.
The beauty of East Crooked Lake is exceptional, and its surrounding hills are adorned with luxury homes.
Lake Loch Leven
Lake Loch Leven is located in Northern Mount Dora.
It occupies 187 acres of land and has clear water.
On the west side of the lake, there is a gated community that bears the same name as the Lake.
The houses in the community are unique.
They are a mix of modern upscale homes and an in-town lakefront setting.
The east side of the lake faces the Mount Dora Country Club Golf Community, but there are few lakefront homes in that community.
Lake Joanna
Lake Joanna is a privately owned lake.
It occupies 335 acres of land.
The lake has a beautiful housing development on its northeast side known as Park Place.
The water of the lake is clear, and there is white sand on its bottom.
There are few lakefront homes in Park Place.
Deeded access to the lake and use of the community private boat ramp was issued to all the people living around it.
Waterskiing in this lake is fun.
Lake Saunders
The City limits of Tavares are home to Lake Saunders, and Lake Saunders is situated on about 300 acres of land.
The space is big enough for waterskiing.
The lake has nice water and a wonderful fishing experience.
It has some modest lakefront houses and two housing developments.
The age of the houses on the housing developments is not up to 10 years, and the houses in the lakefront homes can be a lakefront bargain.
All the houses built in the newer housing development are installed with city water and sewers.
Lake Dorr
You will see Lake Dorr at the Ocala National Forest which is about 5 minute’s drive to the north side of the City of Umatilla.
It is among the largest lakes that make the Ocala National Forest popular.
It is situated on about 1,700 acres of land.
All around the lake are beautiful forests that look like the wilderness travel log of Canada.
About three-quarters of these lakes do not stand the chance of being developed because they are in the forest.
There are few lakefront homes on this beautiful lake.
The few it has been much sought after and expensive.
It is common to see deer, black bears, water birds, large woodpeckers, and all kinds of animals around the lake.
The many cypress trees around the lake pollute its water, however, the water quality is excellent.
FAQs
Who owns lakes in Florida?
People.
All the water in Florida belongs to the people but is held in trust for them by the government.
What makes a lake private in Florida?
Legally, the waters in Florida belong to her people.
That is why the right of the public to access the state waterways is necessary and should be protected.
It is only when all the land surrounding a lake is owned by an individual and there is no other water access from any public area to the lake the waterway is said to be private.
What is the largest privately owned lake?
Lake Spivey is privately owned.
It is situated on about 600 acres of land.
You will see the lake located in Clayton County and Henry County, Georgia close to Jonesboro.
