Deer Island — Tavares, Florida
Gated · Golf · Waterfront · Single-family
Quick answer
Deer Island is a gated island community in the Harris Chain of Lakes near Tavares, with a golf course and a limited number of single-family homesites. Access is by a causeway. Buyers should verify association dues, golf club structure, flood zone, and insurance availability before making an offer.
Overview
Deer Island is an unusual Lake County community: an island setting within the Harris Chain of Lakes, reached by a causeway, with a golf course and a small number of homes and homesites. Water views and privacy are the defining characteristics.
What buyers should look at here
- Island access means evaluating causeway maintenance and emergency access.
- Insurance and flood-zone requirements deserve early attention — check FEMA maps and get quotes before your inspection period ends.
- Confirm the current status and ownership of the golf operation.
Honest tradeoffs
- Limited comparable sales can complicate appraisals and pricing.
- Water and island exposure typically increases insurance cost.
HOA and CDD
Association dues apply. Request the budget, reserves, and any pending assessments.
Verify on the parcel's tax record.
Amounts change and vary by parcel — confirm current figures on the specific property before you write an offer. HOA vs CDD explained →
Amenities
- Golf course
- Gated entry
- Water access
- Clubhouse (verify current operation)
Nearby
- Harris Chain of Lakes
- Tavares seaplane base
- US-441
Chris's local take
Chris Sanford covers this area personally. Call 407-285-9724 or email him for first-hand notes on current conditions, recent activity, and what to watch for here.
Where to verify this yourself
Figures that change — prices, taxes, insurance, HOA and CDD amounts, flood status, incentives and inventory — vary by property and should be verified before you make an offer. These are the official sources we point clients to.
- Lake County Property Appraiser — Lake County, Florida
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center — FEMA
Last verified: not yet reviewed by Chris. See our editorial standards.