Lagoon & Lake Easements

Do you have an easement for use of your lake/lagoon strip?

What are easements for lake/lagoon strips?

When Palmetto Dunes was originally laid out, the developer kept title to strips of land between each lot and the lake/lagoon.  This strip of land may vary from 5 to 20 feet in width but is commonly 10 feet.  Owners that originally purchased property in the Mariners section of the community did not own the property all the way to the water.  In Leamington and in the Inverness section of Palmetto Dunes, there are no lagoon strips as the lots were deeded all the way to the water line.

Who owns the lake/lagoon strips now?

Over the years the developer granted many Owners a perpetual permanent easement over the lake/lagoon strip enabling Owners to put in a dock, bulkhead or other improvements on the strip.  The easement expressly states that you have all the same rights over the easement as you would have if you had received title through a deed.  This right may be passed on to any subsequent Owner of your lot.

Since transition, PDPOA has continued to grant perpetual permanent easements for the strips to Owners, at no cost.  With that said, some lake/lagoon Owners still do not have an easement to the lake/lagoon strip adjacent to their property.

Why should you care?

Your property may be more attractive to potential buyers if you have a dock or other improvements.  The easement gives you the same rights as ownership. Without an easement, you would not be able to construct or repair a bulkhead or a dock.  If you do not have an easement and you have an existing bulkhead or dock, it is important to know that PDPOA does not provide maintenance or replacement of these improvements and has the right to remove them if they become unsightly/unsafe.

Confirm Whether Your Property Has an Easement

If you are unsure whether an easement is associated with your property, now is a good time to confirm its status. An easement helps clarify your rights to use and maintain the lake/lagoon strip adjacent to your property.

If no easement is currently in place, PDPOA can grant one without any fee or payment.

Who do you contact?

If you have questions please call Cary Kelley, Community Standards Manager, for PDPOA at (843) 785-1109 or email [email protected]