Quick Facts
- County
- Lake
- Entity type
- Golf community near Tavares
- Major roads
- CR 44, SR 19, US 441
- Housing types
- Single-family, golf and lake frontage
- Lake access
- Harris Chain and Oklawaha River
- Golf
- Deer Island Country Club on site
- New construction
- Limited
Deer Island Map
Quick Overview
Deer Island is a golf community in Lake County near Tavares, developed around roughly 270 lots that wrap an 18-hole layout designed by Joe Lee and opened in 1994. The Deer Island Country Club occupies about 400 acres within the Harris Chain of Lakes and the Oklawaha River basin, and the community describes its course as the only island golf course in Central Florida.
Deer Island is an all-ages community. As with any golf community, the residential association, the club, and the course are separate organizations: homeownership does not automatically include membership, and current membership terms come from the club.
For relocation buyers, Deer Island offers golf-front and lakefront living in a quieter, more natural part of Lake County, close to Tavares, Eustis, and Leesburg for services.
Neighborhoods
The community's streets and lots are arranged around the course and the surrounding water, with golf-front and lakeside positions carrying the premiums. The island setting means bridges, canals, and natural shoreline define the edges of the development.
Because inventory is limited and the community is established, homes turn over slowly. Buyers typically negotiate resale condition and lot position, with golf and water frontage the main variables.
The low density is a defining trait. With only a few hundred homes spread around a full-length course and miles of shoreline, residents get wide-open views and privacy that denser golf communities cannot match. The tradeoff is that the community is fairly isolated from retail, so most errands require a drive into Tavares or Eustis.
Housing
Housing in Deer Island is single-family and resort-styled, with golf-front and lakefront lots. Most homes are resale, and construction spans the community's history from the 1990s onward.
Waterfront and island lots bring flood zone, seawall, and dock considerations, and HOA fees apply. Members who want golf and club privileges arrange membership with the country club separately.
Transportation
Deer Island is accessible from CR 44 and SR 19, with US 441 connecting the Tavares-Eustis area to the rest of Lake County. The community sits in the northern part of the county, away from the region's main expressways.
Drive times depend on traffic, route, and exact address. Depending on conditions, Tavares is about 15 to 25 minutes away, Leesburg about 20 to 30 minutes, Mount Dora about 25 to 35 minutes, and Downtown Orlando roughly 55 to 70 minutes.
Daily Life
Daily life at Deer Island centers on golf and the water. The country club anchors recreation with its course, practice areas, and dining, while the Harris Chain and Oklawaha River provide boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing right outside the community.
The natural setting is the community's defining feature. Egret, heron, and osprey are common along the shores, and the Oklawaha's slow-moving water is a key part of the St. Johns River system, which makes the neighborhood popular with residents who want both a golf community and a nature setting.
Tavares, the county seat and "America's Seaplane City," and Eustis supply everyday services, restaurants, and lakefront parks nearby. The quieter setting means less traffic and more wildlife than the suburban corridors of South Lake County.
Schools
Deer Island is in the Tavares area of Lake County and is served by Lake County Schools, with assignments varying by address.
Verify the assignment for any specific address with the Lake County Schools school locator before buying.
Things to Consider Before Moving to Deer Island
Membership is separate
Golf and club access follow the country club's membership terms, which are separate from homeownership and the HOA.
Waterfront costs
Island and lakeside lots may sit in flood zones and carry seawall, dock, and shoreline maintenance costs.
Commute distance
Downtown Orlando is roughly 55 to 70 minutes away. Most daily needs are in Tavares, Eustis, or Leesburg.
Limited inventory
About 270 lots means a thin resale market. Buyers may need patience to find the right lot position.
Nearby Communities to Explore
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Deer Island?
Deer Island is a golf community in Lake County near Tavares, in the Harris Chain of Lakes and Oklawaha River basin.
Is Deer Island a 55+ community?
No. Deer Island is an all-ages golf community.
Does Deer Island have golf?
Yes. The community was developed around an 18-hole Joe Lee course at the Deer Island Country Club, with membership separate from homeownership.
Is Deer Island on the water?
The community is set within the Harris Chain and Oklawaha basin, with lake and canal frontage on many lots.
Is there new construction in Deer Island?
Limited. The community is established, and the market is dominated by resale homes.
Last updated: October 22, 2026. Published by Moving to Orlando Guide with Tyler Gibson.
