Charlotte County
In Southwest Florida, Charlotte County is home to Charlotte Harbor the 2nd largest estuary in Florida. Charlotte Harbor spans both Charlotte County and neighboring Lee County.
Charlotte County borders the Gulf of Mexico. The county has 365 miles of canals with 190 miles of saltwater and 175 miles of freshwater. Charlotte Harbor is fed by the Peace and Myakka Rivers. Water sports enthusiasts enjoy the area for its boating, sailing, kayaking, and fishing.
Charlotte County’s estimated population is 152,814 people. Charlotte county was ranked highest in the nation for its percentage of people age 65 or older and was named the “Best Place to Retire” by Money Magazine. The median age in Charlotte County is 54.
The county seat is Punta Gorda, Florida.
Charlotte County Table of Contents
Recent Updates
Incorporate in Charlotte County Florida
The fastest way to start a business in Charlotte County is to incorporate online. The online application automates the Florida incorporation process. Charlotte County has many resources to help new businesses network and market their products or services.
Charlotte County Map
Charlotte County sits on the west coast of Florida and is bordered by Desoto County, Glades County, Hendry County, Highlands County, Lee County, and Sarasota County.
As this map illustrates, Charlotte County borders directly on the Gulf of Mexico and as a result there are many beaches and a large boating and fishing industry.
Area Codes and Zip Codes for Charlotte County
The area code for Punta Gorda - the county seat in Charlotte County - is 941.
Cities in Charlotte County Florida
Punta Gorda is the sole Incorporated City in Charlotte County.
Zip codes for Punta Gorda: 33950, 33955, 33980, 33982, 33983
The Unincorporated cities and towns in Charlotte County FL are:
- Boca Grande - zip code: 33921
- Cape Haze - zip code: 33946, 33947
- Charlotte Harbor - zip code: 33980
- Charlotte Park - zip code: 33950
- Cleveland - zip code: 33982
- Deep Creek - zip code: 33983
- Englewood - zip code: 34223
- Grove City - zip code: 34224
- Harbour Heights - zip code: 33983
- Manasota Key - zip code: 34223
- Murdock - zip code: 33938
- Placida - zip code: 33946
- Port Charlotte - zip code: 33948
- Rotonda - zip code: 33947
- Solana - zip code: 33950
Jobs and Careers in Charlotte County
Charlotte County is known for providing small city living with big city opportunities. For many years, Charlotte County was one of the fastest growing counties in Florida. The area has improved business opportunities with recent development of a City Marketplace in Punta Gorda, a new and improved business center, a homeland security training facility, a sports training park, and a Publix Distribution Center.
How to Start a Business in Charlotte County Florida
More recently, the technology and engineering business sectors have grown. Charlotte County is home to 18 industrial parks. To attract more investors to Charlotte County there are business, tax and financial incentives along with an Employment Based-Category Five Visa (EB-5) program for foreign investments.
Charlotte County’s top 5 trades with the highest number of employees:
1. Education and Health Services
2. Retail Trade
3. Public Administration
4. Leisure and Hospitality
5. Professional and Business Services
Charlotte County’s top 5 private employers:
1. Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
2. Peace River Regional Medical Center
3. Charlotte Regional Medical Center
4. Publix Super Markets Inc.
5. Fawcett Memorial Hospital
Charlotte County Resources to Find Jobs
The Workforce Council of Southwest Florida provides assistance in writing resumes, career searches, workshops, and recruiting.
Workforce Council of Southwest Florida
19500 Toledo Blade Boulevard, Suite 90
Port Charlotte, Florida 33948
Phone: 941-613-1434
Fax: 941-613-1437
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Workforce Council Website
Florida’s lead state workforce agencies, the Agency for Workforce Innovation directly manages the State of Florida’s Labor Market Statistic program as well as Unemployment Compensation and several other workforce development programs.
The Agency for Workforce Innovation
AWI General Counsel
107 East Madison Street
MSC 110 – Caldwell Building
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-4127
Phone: 850-245-7105
Fax: 850-921-3223
According to the Workforce Innovation Labor Market Statistics of 2009, the top 5 fastest growing occupation in Charlotte, Lee, Hendry, Glades and Collier County are:
1. Computer Software Engineering and Applications
2. Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
3. Network Systems and Data Communication Analysts
4. Interior Design
5. Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Charlotte County United Way & Other Charities
The United Way supports numerous non-profit human services related programs around Charlotte County.
United Way of Charlotte County
17831 Murdock Circle
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Phone: 941-627-3539
Fax: 941-627-3485
United Way of Charlotte County Website and .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Residents in Charlotte County have been positively impacted by United Way funded programs, here’s a few examples:
-350 homeless adults and children were given a safe place to sleep.
-50 isolated and frail elderly residents are assisted by a friendly outreach program who helps with their basic unmet needs.
-361 families of four, who are in financial distress, are provided with enough food for a week.
United Way of Charlotte County helps fund numerous programs including:
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Charlotte County - help positively impact the at-risk children in Charlotte County.
Guardian Ad Litem Program of Voices for Kids of Southwest Florida - the goal is to help every abused and neglected child in 5 southwest Florida counties have a court appointed Guardian ad Litem volunteer and financial assistance.
How to Volunteer in Charlotte County Florida
To volunteer around the Charlotte County area, United Way has set up the Volunteer Way which is an online program that allows adults to search on volunteer opportunities by interest or location. There can be up to 40 agencies looking for volunteers. Volunteer Way, phone is 941-627-3539.
Youth Works is a volunteer program in Charlotte County for students ages 14 to 18 years old. Every month, new volunteer programs are available for youth. If interested in youth volunteer programs, call 941-627-3539.