Community Services – Frequently Asked Questions
Classification: Service
KBA Code: KBA-022
Last Updated: 4/23/2024
Description
General
How much does it cost to park at beaches and boat ramps without a pass?
Parking at beaches and boat ramps costs 75 cents per hour.
How much are parking passes and where can I get one?
A parking pass costs $53.50 for one year, $37.45 for six months, $26.75 for three months, including tax.
You can also download and complete the application from our website and mail the application in. Visit CharlotteCountyFL.gov/Parks to download the application.
By Mail: Complete the application and mail it (providing a self-addressed stamped envelope helps reduce the cost of this program) with your payment to:
Charlotte County Community Services
1120 Centennial Boulevard
Port Charlotte, FL 33953
Payment may be made by check (payable to Board of County Commissioners) or credit card. Please allow 10 working days for processing and return mailing of your new pass.
In Person: You may also renew in person at the following Charlotte County Recreation Facilities:
Tringali Recreation Center, 3460 N. Access Road, Englewood (Temporarily Closed)
Centennial Park Recreation Center, 1120 Centennial Blvd., Port Charlotte
Harold Avenue Recreation Center, 23400 Harold Avenue, Port Charlotte
South County Regional Park, 670 Cooper Street, Punta Gorda
Port Charlotte Beach Recreation Center, 4500 Harbor Blvd, Port Charlotte
Ann and Chuck Dever Regional Park Pool, 7001 San Casa Drive, Englewood
Ann and Chuck Dever Regional Park Recreation Center, 6961 San Casa Drive, Englewood (Open 8 a.m.- noon, Monday-Saturday)
Charlotte County Tax Collector, 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, 410 Taylor St., Punta Gorda, 21229 Olean Blvd, Ste. B, Port Charlotte and 6868 San Casa Drive, Englewood (in person only, make check payable to the Charlotte County Tax Collector)
If I have a handicap plate or placard, do I have to pay for parking?
No. As long as you display your plate or placard you do not have to pay for parking.
Does the parking pass include Stump Pass?
No. Stump Pass is a state park. Parking passes are good for Charlotte County-run beaches and boat ramps only.
Where can I get a facility guide and Blueways Trail Guide?
You can get a copy at any of our recreation centers, libraries, pools or the Charlotte County Administration Center, 18500 Murdock Circle in Port Charlotte or one can be mailed to you. They are also available on our website: https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/departments/community-services/parks/blueway-trails.stml
Where are the recycling drop-off centers located?
There are 2 locations in Charlotte County that accept special wastes such as paint and oil from households ONLY:
West Charlotte Mini-Transfer & Recycling Facility
7070 Environmental Way, Englewood, FL
941-764-4360
Mid-County Mini-Transfer & Recycling Facility
19765 Kenilworth Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL
941- 764-4360
There is 1 location in Charlotte County which accepts commercial waste:
Zemel Road Landfill
30199 Zemel Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33955
941-764-4360
For information, visit the county Zemel Road Landfill page
Where do I get my fishing license?
The least expensive place to buy is at your local tax collector’s office. For added convenience, many bait-and-tackle shops and sports retailers (e.g., Walmart) sell licenses, for a small additional fee. Licenses are also available via the Internet or a toll-free call to credit card users, for an additional convenience fee.
For information, visit http://www.myfwc.com
How do I rent a pavilion, facility or ballfield?
Community Services has a variety of rental spaces available for public use. Insurance is required for the rental of any Charlotte County facility. Amenities and meeting rooms are available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, as available. A central registrar is always available to serve you, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Should you need any specific information regarding insurance requirements or facility availability please call 941-627-1628, or to make your reservations if you cannot reach staff directly at any of our facilities. Reservations can also be made online through ActiveNet.
Rental fees for reserved exclusive use are based on the following categories:
Category 1: Any individual renting facilities for a private function or a recreational class or a not-for-profit organization renting facilities for an organizational function, to raise funds for charity, or for the maintenance of an organization.
Category 2: Commercial, business or individual renting facilities for the purpose of publicity, advertising, sales or any other for-profit purposes.
Damage Deposit
There is a $100 deposit per one-time event rental (over 30 people and/or use of alcohol). The deposit will be required and must accompany the returned contract. This deposit is refundable after facility inspection.
Insurance
Reserving any facility, shelter, or open space within Charlotte County Community Services is a contractual agreement and requires insurance. The specific type and amount of insurance required is dependent upon the nature of the activity, program, or event that will be occurring.
Alcohol
The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in any County parks and recreation facility located within a Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) and between sunset and sunrise in all other parks and recreation facilities, except where alcoholic consumption is expressly authorized by the terms of a county lease, outdoor festival license or other similar county event or temporary use permit. Parks and facilities within a CRA are as follows:
Charlotte Harbor CRA - Bayshore Live Oak Park, Edgewater Park, Chester Roberts Park
Parkside CRA - McGuire Park, Lake Betty Park
Murdock Village CRA - Centennial Park
How do I become a vendor at beaches or parks?
Charlotte County accepts applications for independent contractors (recreation equipment rentals only). Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
For information, call the Community Services Department at 941-625-7529.
Applications may be downloaded here.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and will be date stamped as they come in. Applicants will be required to provide:
Applicable licenses from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, if applicable. Contact them at 850-487-1395 or visit their website at: http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/
Local Business Tax Receipt from the Charlotte County Tax Collector’s office. Contact them at 941-743-1350 download the application at http://taxcollector.charlottecountyfl.gov/bustaxforms.html
Selected contractors will be required to provide proof of business liability insurance. Liability limits vary with the type of concession. A criminal background check will be required for all selected contractors. Completed applications and copies of appropriate licenses may be mailed, emailed or faxed to the Community Services administrative office. An interview is required and can be scheduled to coincide with submitting the application. Base compensation is set at $25/day, $75/week, or $190/month per location. Contracts may be individually customized as mutually beneficial for contractors and Charlotte County. Contract terms will be set using the existing Community Services independent contractor forms. Questions regarding the seasonal independent contractor concessions can be referred to Mike Koenig at 941-625-7529.
How can I give my feedback on the county website?
The best way to leave feedback for the County is to post it on the County Facebook page:
- Facebook username: CharlotteCountyFlorida
Feedback for specific Parks and/or Recreation:
- Facebook username: CharlotteFLParksRec
To report and track specific issues or to find general information, you can visit the "Contact Us" page on our county website, Contact Us | Charlotte County, FL (charlottecountyfl.gov)
How do I appeal a parking ticket?
Most parking tickets will provide a specific number you can contact and details of setting a court date on the back of the ticket in case you decide to dispute or appeal the ticket.
Charlotte County Clerk of Courts - Traffic Ticket phone number is 941-637-2176.
Additionally, they can visit either facility in person:
Charlotte County Justice Center
350 E. Marion Ave.
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
941-505-4716
Charlotte County Administration Center
18500 Murdock Circle
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
941-743-1400
Is there a link to ActiveNET?
Is alcohol allowed in county parks and beaches?
The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in any county parks and recreation facility located within a Community Redevelopment Area and between sunset and sunrise in all other parks and recreation facilities, except where alcoholic consumption is expressly authorized by the terms of a county lease, outdoor festival license, or other similar county event or temporary use permit.
How do I get a library card?
Library cards are free of charge to any Charlotte County resident. Children under the age of 16 must have a parent or legal guardian present to apply for a library card. Acceptable proofs of residency forms include the following:
Valid Florida driver's license with Charlotte County address
Charlotte County voter's registration
Charlotte County property tax receipt
Florida I.D. card (Issued by driver's license bureau)
Certificate of residency
Business license issued in Charlotte County
Employment ID
Charlotte County school ID
Charlotte County utility bill
Non-residents may have a card for:
$10 for 3 months
$20 for 6 months
$35 for 12 months