Lea Marie Island: Waterfront Living with a Private Island Feel

by Hunt Brothers Realty

Lea Marie Island is a small gated waterfront community in Port Charlotte where approximately 20 custom-home properties create a private enclave surrounded by Southwest Florida waterways. Located off Edgewater Drive in Charlotte County, the community combines oversized homesites, custom single-family residences, saltwater canal frontage and boating access toward Charlotte Harbor. Selected properties include deeded docks, and current records document sailboat-water routes without fixed bridges. For buyers who want a low-density boating community rather than a large master-planned development, Lea Marie Island offers one of Port Charlotte's more distinctive residential settings.

Buyers can explore current opportunities on the Hunt Brothers Realty Lea Marie Island page and compare the neighborhood with other waterfront communities throughout the Charlotte Harbor area.

Quick Answers About Lea Marie Island

Where Is Lea Marie Island?

Lea Marie Island is off Edgewater Drive in Port Charlotte, Florida 33952, in Charlotte County. The gated entrance is reached from the Edgewater Drive corridor, with US 41 and central Port Charlotte accessible to the east.

How Many Homesites Are on Lea Marie Island?

Current and historical MLS records consistently describe Lea Marie Island as having approximately 20 parcels or homesites. That small scale is an important part of the community's character and distinguishes it from Port Charlotte's much larger canal neighborhoods.

Can You Boat from Lea Marie Island to Charlotte Harbor?

Yes. Current property records document saltwater canal, sailboat-water and no-fixed-bridge access toward Charlotte Harbor. Actual navigation depends on the specific dock, vessel draft, tides, channel conditions and other property-specific factors.

Does Every Property Have a Deeded Dock?

Deeded docks are documented with multiple Lea Marie Island properties, including current and recently sold homesites, but buyers should not assume identical dock rights apply to every parcel. The recorded dock assignment, dimensions, utilities, condition and vessel compatibility should be verified for the specific property.

Is Lea Marie Island Gated?

Yes. Lea Marie Island is a deed-restricted gated community. Charlotte County records also document the homeowners association's 2024 approval to replace a storm-damaged perimeter wall with a new eight-foot wall.

What Amenities Are Available?

Current property records identify tennis, basketball and playground facilities among the community amenities. Private pools, outdoor kitchens and similar features belong to individual homes and should not be confused with association amenities.

Are Vacant Homesites Still Available?

Yes. Lea Marie Island still periodically offers vacant homesites for custom construction. As of late 2026, a cleared 0.46-acre parcel at 4061 Lea Marie Island Drive is listed at approximately $175,000 and includes a deeded dock.

What Is Lea Marie Island?

Lea Marie Island is a boutique gated subdivision of custom single-family homes and homesites surrounded by canals and estuarine waterways in Port Charlotte. Despite the island-style name and secluded setting, it remains connected by road to the surrounding Port Charlotte community.

The neighborhood is exceptionally small by Charlotte County standards. Recent MLS marketing describes only 20 parcels, while Hunt Brothers Realty characterizes Lea Marie Island as a limited collection of custom single-family homes on canal and waterfront homesites.

That scale creates the private-island feel referenced in the community's name. Instead of hundreds or thousands of residences, buyers encounter a short residential street, gated entrance, custom architecture, larger parcels and water on multiple sides of the neighborhood.

What Are the Homes Like on Lea Marie Island?

Homes on Lea Marie Island are individually designed rather than built from one standardized collection of floor plans. The community includes established residences as well as newer custom construction, and vacant parcels remain available periodically for buyers who want to build.

Current inventory demonstrates how varied the neighborhood can be. A 2021 residence at 4001 Lea Marie Island Drive is currently offered at approximately $970,000. The single-story custom home has approximately 3,355 square feet of living area, four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a three-car garage on approximately 0.40 acre.

That residence also includes a private heated saltwater pool and spa, screened outdoor living area, outdoor kitchen, custom cabinetry and other upgraded features. Those characteristics belong to that specific home and are not standard features of every Lea Marie Island residence.

Older homes in the neighborhood can have different architectural styles, sizes and waterfront configurations. Buyers should therefore evaluate Lea Marie Island as a custom-home community rather than assuming one residence represents the entire neighborhood.

Why Does Lea Marie Island Feel So Private?

The combination of gated access, approximately 20 homesites and surrounding waterways gives Lea Marie Island a notably low-density residential setting. It is physically different from the large grid of residential streets that characterizes much of Port Charlotte.

The community is entered from Edgewater Drive, and the internal street primarily serves Lea Marie Island properties rather than functioning as a route through a larger neighborhood. Oversized parcels and custom homes further reinforce that small-community character.

Privacy in this context refers to the community's physical layout, gated entrance and limited number of homes. It should not be interpreted as a guarantee of security or seclusion for any individual property.

How Does Boating Work from Lea Marie Island?

Lea Marie Island offers saltwater boating access through the surrounding canal system toward Charlotte Harbor. Current MLS records for multiple properties identify sailboat water and no fixed bridges along the boating route.

A recently sold parcel at 4041 Lea Marie Island Drive illustrates the waterfront configuration. The approximately 0.54-acre homesite had roughly 130 feet of saltwater canal frontage and deeded Dock 16 with electricity and water available at the dock. MLS information identified sailboat water and no fixed bridges.

Current land inventory at 4061 Lea Marie Island Drive is also marketed with a deeded dock and deep-water sailboat access toward Charlotte Harbor without fixed bridges.

Does No Fixed Bridges Mean Any Boat Will Fit?

No. The absence of fixed bridges removes one type of boating constraint, but it does not establish adequate depth, width or clearance for every vessel. Draft, tides, channel depth, dock dimensions and current navigation conditions remain important.

A buyer purchasing specifically for a sailboat or larger powerboat should verify the entire route and the specific dock with the appropriate association representatives, marine professionals and local authorities before relying on published marketing descriptions.

Where Can You Boat from Lea Marie Island?

Lea Marie Island's canal system leads toward the open waters of Charlotte Harbor, connecting residents to the broader Southwest Florida boating network. Once on Charlotte Harbor, boaters can navigate toward the Peace River, Myakka River, Punta Gorda waterfront, Cape Haze, Boca Grande and Gulf waters.

A 2026 Lea Marie Island listing describes the community as approximately one-half mile from Charlotte Harbor's open water. Actual boating distance and travel time depend on the starting dock, route, vessel, tides, weather and navigation conditions.

Buyers comparing different boating environments can also explore Punta Gorda Isles, Burnt Store Marina, Gulf Cove and South Gulf Cove.

Do Lea Marie Island Properties Have Private Docks?

Private and deeded dock rights are documented with multiple Lea Marie Island properties, but dock arrangements should always be verified parcel by parcel. A dock is an important real estate right, and the existence of a community boating lifestyle does not establish that every property has identical docking privileges.

For example, the 0.54-acre parcel at 4041 Lea Marie Island Drive sold in September 2026 with deeded Dock 16. Current marketing for 4061 Lea Marie Island Drive also specifically identifies a deeded dock.

Before purchasing, a boating-focused buyer should confirm:

Recorded dock ownership or assignment
Whether the dock transfers with the property
Dock dimensions and condition
Water and electrical service
Current water depth
Vessel-size limitations
Lift installation or replacement rules
Association architectural requirements
Permitting requirements
Current navigation conditions to Charlotte Harbor

Questions involving deeded dock rights, easements or ownership should be reviewed with a qualified Florida real estate attorney or title professional when individualized legal guidance is required. Dock condition, depth and vessel compatibility should be evaluated with appropriate marine professionals.

What Amenities Does Lea Marie Island Have?

Lea Marie Island has a small collection of neighborhood recreational amenities rather than the extensive facilities of a large resort community. Current MLS information documents tennis, basketball and playground facilities within the gated neighborhood.

Verified community characteristics include:

Gated entrance
Deed restrictions
Tennis court
Basketball court
Playground
Water access
Custom single-family homes
Oversized homesites
Underground utilities reported in current listings

The community does not function like a large country-club development with a golf course, restaurant complex or extensive clubhouse program. Its principal attractions are the low-density setting, boating access and custom-home environment.

Can You Build a New Home on Lea Marie Island?

Yes. Vacant homesites remain available periodically, allowing buyers to consider new custom construction inside the established gated community. The limited number of parcels means land inventory can be particularly thin.

As of late 2026, 4061 Lea Marie Island Drive is offered at approximately $175,000. The cleared parcel contains approximately 0.46 acre and is marketed with public utilities available, a deeded dock and boating access toward Charlotte Harbor.

Another approximately 0.54-acre parcel at 4041 Lea Marie Island Drive sold for $125,000 on September 15, 2026. That property had approximately 130 feet of saltwater canal frontage and a deeded dock.

What Should Buyers Verify Before Building?

A vacant waterfront lot should be evaluated for much more than acreage and asking price. Buyers should verify zoning, setbacks, association architectural standards, utilities, drainage, wetlands, flood requirements, finished-floor elevation, dock rights and site-preparation requirements before relying on a particular building concept.

Construction feasibility and costs should be reviewed with qualified builders, contractors, engineers and other appropriate professionals. Permitting and development requirements should be confirmed with Charlotte County and the Lea Marie Island homeowners association before making a purchasing decision based on a proposed design.

How Much Are the Lea Marie Island HOA Fees?

Current 2026 records demonstrate why Lea Marie Island HOA fees should be verified for the individual property rather than quoted from older marketing. The current listing for 4061 Lea Marie Island Drive reports an HOA assessment of $1,016 quarterly, approximately $339 per month when annualized.

The current home at 4001 Lea Marie Island Drive reports approximately $4,000 annually, or about $333 per month. By comparison, the recently sold 4041 Lea Marie Island Drive parcel had previously been marketed with a lower $840 quarterly figure.

These figures can reflect different reporting dates, changes in assessments or other property-specific circumstances. Buyers should obtain the current HOA budget, assessment schedule, reserves, governing documents and estoppel directly through the appropriate transaction and association channels.

What Should Buyers Know About Flood and Insurance Considerations?

Waterfront property in Lea Marie Island requires property-specific flood and insurance due diligence. Charlotte County's 2024 approval for replacement of the community perimeter wall specifically notes that the project location is within a flood zone and that the replacement structure must be designed for applicable flood loads.

The current vacant parcel at 4061 Lea Marie Island Drive is reported in FEMA Zone AE. That designation should not automatically be applied to every home or homesite in the community.

Flood zones, elevations, construction dates, roof condition, impact protection, wind-mitigation features and building design can materially affect insurance availability and cost. Buyers should obtain current property-specific homeowners and flood insurance quotes and review coverage with a qualified Florida insurance professional before purchasing.

How Does Lea Marie Island Compare with Other Charlotte Harbor Boating Communities?

Lea Marie Island's biggest distinction is scale. With only about 20 homesites, it provides a very different residential environment from the region's larger boating communities.

Lea Marie Island vs. Punta Gorda Isles

Punta Gorda Isles is one of the region's largest established waterfront communities, with an extensive canal system and a broad range of homes and condominiums. Lea Marie Island is dramatically smaller, gated and limited to a compact collection of custom single-family properties.

Lea Marie Island vs. Burnt Store Marina

Burnt Store Marina is a much larger master-planned community with a commercial marina, golf, dining, condominiums, villas and single-family neighborhoods. Lea Marie Island has no comparable commercial marina or golf complex and instead emphasizes private residential dockage and a small neighborhood setting.

Lea Marie Island vs. Gulf Cove

Gulf Cove is a much larger residential area along the Myakka River with waterfront and non-waterfront properties. Lea Marie Island is gated, substantially smaller and oriented around a limited collection of custom homes and canal properties.

Lea Marie Island vs. South Gulf Cove

South Gulf Cove has a large man-made canal network and hundreds of waterfront properties. Lea Marie Island provides a much smaller gated setting with only about 20 homesites and no-fixed-bridge access documented for current waterfront properties.

What Is Near Lea Marie Island?

Lea Marie Island feels tucked away from major through traffic while remaining connected to Port Charlotte's everyday services. Edgewater Drive provides access back toward US 41, shopping, dining, medical services and other destinations throughout Port Charlotte.

Downtown Punta Gorda lies across the Peace River and offers waterfront parks, restaurants, cultural venues and Fishermen's Village. Driving times vary with traffic and destination.

The neighborhood therefore combines a small waterfront setting with access to the larger Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda area rather than functioning as an isolated resort community.

What Should Buyers Verify Before Purchasing on Lea Marie Island?

Buying in a small waterfront community requires evaluating both the individual property and the association. Boating access, flood exposure, dock rights and custom-home construction add additional property-specific considerations.

Important items to verify include:

Current HOA assessment
Association budget and reserves
Current deed restrictions
Architectural requirements
Pet and leasing restrictions
Exact dock ownership or assignment
Dock and seawall condition
Water depth and vessel compatibility
Current navigation conditions
Flood-zone and elevation information
Homeowners and flood insurance availability
Survey and property boundaries
Wetlands or environmental conditions affecting vacant parcels
Permitting requirements for construction, docks and lifts

Existing homes should receive inspections appropriate to their age, construction and waterfront features. Inspection findings should be evaluated with the relevant licensed inspector, contractor, structural engineer, marine contractor or other qualified professional. Legal questions involving title, dock rights, easements or association restrictions should be reviewed with a qualified Florida real estate attorney or title professional when individualized guidance is needed.

Lea Marie Island Offers a Different Kind of Port Charlotte Waterfront Living

Lea Marie Island's appeal begins with its scale. Approximately 20 homesites, gated access and surrounding waterways create a residential setting that is difficult to duplicate in a much larger subdivision.

For boat owners, documented deeded docks, sailboat-water access and routes without fixed bridges can be particularly important. For buyers interested in custom construction, the remaining vacant parcels provide opportunities to design a home within an established waterfront community.

The small-community format also means buyers should pay close attention to association finances, maintenance obligations and current governing documents. Waterfront due diligence should extend to docks, seawalls, flood exposure, insurance and navigation conditions.

For buyers who want custom-home living, gated access and boating near Charlotte Harbor without moving into a large resort development, Lea Marie Island deserves consideration alongside Port Charlotte's other established waterfront neighborhoods.

Explore Lea Marie Island with Hunt Brothers Realty

Hunt Brothers Realty can help buyers compare homes and building sites on Lea Marie Island with other waterfront properties throughout Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and the Charlotte Harbor region.

Start with the Lea Marie Island property search, then compare boating communities including Punta Gorda Isles, Burnt Store Marina, Gulf Cove and South Gulf Cove.

For help evaluating a current Lea Marie Island home, vacant lot or another Charlotte Harbor waterfront property, contact Hunt Brothers Realty.

Informational notice: This article is provided for general real estate and educational purposes only and is not individualized legal, financial, tax, insurance, lending, inspection, engineering, construction, marine or other professional advice. Property availability, asking prices, HOA assessments, association rules, dock rights, water depths, navigation conditions, flood information, insurance costs and construction requirements can change. Buyers should verify property-specific information with the homeowners association, applicable government agencies and the appropriate qualified professionals before making a purchasing decision.