The City of Winter Park encourages all residents to use and enjoy our aquatic resources. No matter what your idea of recreation on a lake is, the waters in and around Winter Park can offer what you seek. The chain of lakes is a popular boating and skiing destination for residents who prefer active recreational activities. The chain is also popular among area anglers, most of whom ply the waters of the chain early in the morning, or during the week, when boat traffic is lighter. Remember that a Winter Park boat sticker or day pass is required before launching motorboats on the chain of lakes.
Fishermen who prefer quieter surroundings can try their luck at Lake Baldwin. The ramp at Lake Baldwin Park on Lakemont Avenue can accommodate most fishing boats. The City Commission has designated the lake a “no motor boat lake” so you’ll have to use your electric motors, or oars (fishing boats with gas engines may be launched but only electric, sail or manual power may be used). The status as a no motor lake is somewhat tentative since most of the lake is within the City of Orlando, and they have not made any decisions on the future use of the lake. For the time being, however, Lake Baldwin offers a peaceful alternative. People who like to sail, canoe and kayak will also enjoy the quiet surroundings.
Please note: For the Annual Boat License, you must first register on our Permitting Self Service Portal.
Locations to purchase a Boat Permit
Winter Park City Hall
401 South Park Avenue
Winter Park, Florida 32789
Hours
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Winter Park Library
1052 West Morse Boulevard
Winter Park, Florida 32789
Hours
Monday-Thursday › 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday-Saturday › 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Maitland Community Park
1400 Mayo Avenue
Maitland, Florida 32751
Hours
7 days a week
For regular & holiday hours,
please call 407-539-0042.
Please note: Boat launch and trailer parking are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at Dinky Dock Park. If trailer parking spaces are full, parking will have to be secured offsite. The length of any boat to be launched or operated on the Winter Park Chain of Lakes must be less than 24 feet. No boat exceeding a width of 8 feet shall enter any canal. There is no fee for canoes, kayaks and paddleboards.
Boat Permit Information
Day passes may be purchased directly on this page, from City Hall and the Winter Park Library. Parking is available at Dinky Dock Park on a first-come, first-serve basis. If trailer parking spaces are full, parking will have to be secured offsite. There is no fee for launching canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.
Boat permit costs are computed according to a formula based upon the horsepower (hp) of the motor, plus (+) the length of the boat in feet (lg) as reported on the State of Florida registration for the boat, times (*) a set amount.
Fractional boat lengths are rounded up (a 19.2 foot boat is considered to be 20 feet.)
The maximum length of any boat to be launched or operated on the city chain of lakes shall not exceed 24 feet. No boat exceeding a width of eight feet shall enter any canal.
Canoes and kayaks can be used in all city lakes unless otherwise posted. If you are using a car or truck to haul your boat, please obey all parking restrictions. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed and/or towed.
Boating Regulations
Fishing on the lakes of Winter Park can be great. The rules governing fishing in all of Florida are developed, implemented and enforced by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Access the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission – Fishing Section website to find information on license requirements, length and bag limits.
Once you know the rules, accessing the bathymetric maps and ramp locations can help you catch that big one.
- City Boating Regulations (Winter Park Police Department Lakes Patrol)
- State of Florida Boating Regulations
- Chain of Lakes bathymetry, boat ramp locations, water flow & navigable canals
| Permit Type | Designation | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual residential | Resident Non-resident | hp + lg * $0.50 hp + lg * $0.75 |
| Annual commercial | Resident Non-resident | hp + lg * $1.00 hp + lg * $1.50 |
| Half year (Jan 1 through Jun 30) | Resident Non-resident | hp + lg * $0.25 hp + lg * $0.375 |
| Daily user | Regardless of size of boat or horsepower of motor | $6 |