09/01/2026
Town of Windermere officials share a commitment to finding a solution in the ongoing lawsuit over boathouses on Lake Butler.
For decades, a small cluster of boathouses along Lake Butler has existed. The Town of Windermere has consistently maintained that it owns the underlying property up to the State’s ownership of the Lake and the rights of water access in this area, while private individuals have owned the structures themselves and used them under informal and formal agreements with the Town. Leases were established in 1986 as part of a legal resolution intended to clarify responsibilities and preserve the structures temporarily – not to permanently transfer public waterfront into private ownership. Interpretations of boundaries, water lines, and jurisdiction have been called into question, creating uncertainty that has now surfaced through litigation.
The Town appealed a court ruling, not to “take” property, but to resolve questions about ownership, water boundaries, and longstanding legal principles. The case is now in the appellate courts, with both parties continuing settlement negotiations. The Town’s priorities remain the same: protecting public assets, correcting factual misunderstandings, using taxpayer dollars responsibly, and working toward an outcome that serves the entire Windermere community.
“A resolution to the Windermere boathouse litigation has been a long time coming. I sincerely appreciate the time, effort, and good-faith work of everyone involved. It is my hope—and my belief—that all parties share the desire to bring this matter to a respectful conclusion, put it behind us, and move forward together,” said Mayor Andy Williams.
For more information, visit: https://www.town.windermere.fl.us/page/lake-butler-boathouses
