When the Spanish Explorers came to the area in 1565, they came across a beautiful harbor and named this breathtaking area Carlos Bay. The harbor remained Carlos Bay until 1775, when the English came across the sea and took control away from the Spaniards; the English then re-named the harbor in honor of their Queen, Charlotte Sophia, the wife to King George III. Charlotte Harbor did not become a bustling community until nearly a hundred years later, when the Civil War ended and America began to form. Punta Gorda, a Spanish term meaning "e;wide point"e;, was incorporated during the year 1887. Charlotte County was known as Desoto County and did not form until DeSoto County was split into different counties in 1921, at this time Punta Gorda was named the county seat. Once the railroads came through the county in the late 1800's, the tourists and many potential landowners came with it. Most of the visitors came for the fishing and the striking white sandy beaches, while investors came for a piece of the pie. The city officials resided in rental homes directly after the county was established, up until 1927 when the Board of County Commissioners purchased two lots on Taylor Street from a gentlemen named George Brown. The two lots were purchased to serve as the grounds for the County Courthouse that still stands today, minus a few renovations.

Today, Charlotte County has become the home to cities such as Cleveland, Grove City, Palm Island, Placida, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Rotonda and Solana. Located on Charlotte Harbor brings all the recreation and the beauty that comes with the Gulf of Mexico. Miles of white, sandy beaches, breathtaking sunsets and opportunities for water recreational sports are in abundance in Charlotte County, Florida. Boating, fishing, jet skiing, paddling, swimming or snorkeling to fill up a sunny afternoon is nothing less than another day in Charlotte County. If water sports are not your thing, spend a morning teeing off at the semi-private course of Blue Heron Pines in Punta Gorda or challenge yourself with the hazards of the watery course of Eagle Point Golf Club in Port Charlotte. Perhaps taking an afternoon and shopping one of the twenty five shopping centers located in Port Charlotte is more your speed. The Port Charlotte Town Center provides 800,000 square feet of shopping, an inspiring mall for even the most experienced of shoppers! For the naturalists, spend the day fishing or paddling through the mangroves of Palm Island exploring Florida in its most primitive state.

Located on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico provides Charlotte County with many luxury water front real estate options. Whether you are looking for a place to spend your golden years, spend the winter or raise a family, Charlotte County has a little something for everyone! From the small close knit community of Cleveland to the bustling city life of Port Charlotte, Charlotte County provides every style of home tempting every different taste. From single family homes, luxury waterfront estates and condos overlooking the Gulf of Mexico offers homeowners all the beauty and relaxation that only Port Charlotte can provide. Deed restricted communities with homes located on both the Golf Course and the fresh water canals is something only Rotunda can offer.