What Is the Butler Chain of Lakes in Windermere? (2026)
Quick answer
The Butler Chain of Lakes is 13 connected lakes in southwest Orange County, near the Town of Windermere, with over 5,000 surface acres and 32 navigable canals, per the Orange County Water Atlas. State rule lists its Outstanding Florida Water designation as March 1, 1984. Lake Butler is the largest.
| Fact | Figure |
|---|---|
| Lakes in the chain | 13 |
| Total surface water | Over 5,000 acres |
| Navigable canals | 32 |
| Lake Butler | 1,600 acres |
| Lake Tibet-Butler | 1,200 acres |
| Lake Down | 900 acres |
| Lake Sheen | 656 acres |
| Lake Louise | 140 acres |
| Lake Chase | 135 acres |
| Pocket Lake (private) | 126 acres |
| Lake Blanche | 121 acres |
| Wauseon Bay | 100 acres |
| Lake Isleworth | 86 acres |
| Little Lake Down and Fish Lake | 23 acres each |
| Outstanding Florida Water, main chain | March 1, 1984 |
| Outstanding Florida Water, Lake Blanche | February 18, 1987 |
| Public boat ramp | R.D. Keene Park, 10900 Chase Road, on Lake Isleworth |
Sources: Orange County Water Atlas, Butler Chain of Lakes (lake count, acreage and canals); Florida Administrative Code Rule 62-302.700(9) (designation dates); Orange County Parks, R.D. Keene Park (all checked Nov 12, 2026).
Which lakes are in the Butler Chain of Lakes?
Thirteen lakes connected by 32 navigable canals. The Orange County Water Atlas, produced with the USF Water Institute, lists more than 5,000 acres of surface water, including Down (900 acres), Butler (1,600) and Tibet-Butler (1,200).
The Atlas says the chain flows south toward Reedy Creek, the Kissimmee River, Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades, and that it is part of the 8,676-acre Cypress Creek watershed. Orange County describes the Town of Windermere as surrounded by sand-bottom lakes, with a canal system connecting the Butler Chain.
What does Outstanding Florida Water status mean for the Butler Chain?
It is the state’s highest level of water quality protection. Florida Administrative Code Rule 62-302.700 says it is Department of Environmental Protection policy to give Outstanding Florida Waters the highest protection, and that no degradation of water quality is permitted other than narrow exceptions in a separate rule, even where other rules would allow some lowering.
The same rule lists the Butler Chain of Lakes, made up of Lake Butler, Lake Down, Wauseon Bay, Lake Louise, Lake Palmer (also known as Lake Isleworth), Lake Chase, Lake Tibet, Lake Sheen, Pocket Lake, Fish Lake and the connecting waterways, with a designation date of March 1, 1984. Lake Blanche and its connecting waterway were added on February 18, 1987.
Who oversees boating and docks on the Butler Chain?
Orange County, through the Windermere Water and Navigation Control District. The Water Atlas says the Butler Chain lakes are part of that district, which also includes 14 other lakes, for 27 lakes and more than 6,000 acres of surface water in total. Its duties include regulating watercraft speed and operation, water levels, canal work, dredging and filling, and setting rules for building docks.
A five-member Butler Chain of Lakes Advisory Board advises the county on boating rules, waterfront construction, canal maintenance and pollution control. The Atlas says it meets the third Monday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at Windermere Town Hall. Since 1988, a multi-agency Butler Patrol has enforced boating and environmental laws on the lakes and canals.
Can the public get onto the Butler Chain by boat?
Yes. Orange County Parks says R.D. Keene Park, at 10900 Chase Road in Windermere, has a public boat ramp on Lake Isleworth that gives access to the Butler Chain. The ramp has parking for up to 49 vehicles and trailers, and the entry gate closes when the lot is full and reopens after 2 p.m.
The county lists a $5 daily fee for a vehicle with a trailer and motorized watercraft, no charge for non-motorized craft or vehicles only, and a $150 annual pass sold at the Tibet-Butler Preserve office. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. in summer and 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter. Confirm current fees and hours with the park before you go.
What should buyers check on a Butler Chain lakefront home?
Check the water access, the dock and the permits. Ask whether the lot fronts an open lake or a canal, and whether a dock or boathouse on the property was permitted, since the navigation district regulates dock construction, canal work and filling along the shoreline. The district also regulates minimum fill elevations for residential building in the floodplain, so review flood zone and elevation information too.
Water quality has been generally excellent, according to the Water Atlas, though it notes short-term algae blooms in past years and that Lake Butler was included on a 2005 draft list of impaired waters before its water quality returned to its historic average in 2009 and it was removed. If a home sits inside the Town of Windermere, also ask the town whether any town permits apply to docks or boathouses.
Have questions about buying or selling here? Call or text 407-706-5000 or visit jaredjones.com.
Jared Jones Team, Brokered by eXp Realty.
Frequently asked questions
How many lakes are in the Butler Chain of Lakes?
Thirteen, according to the Orange County Water Atlas: Down, Little Lake Down, Wauseon Bay, Butler, Louise, Isleworth, Blanche, Chase, Tibet-Butler, an unnamed lake, Sheen, Pocket and Fish. They cover more than 5,000 acres of surface water and are linked by 32 navigable canals. The wider navigation district that manages them includes 27 lakes and more than 6,000 acres.
What is the biggest lake in the Butler Chain?
Lake Butler, at about 1,600 acres, per the Orange County Water Atlas. Lake Tibet-Butler is next at about 1,200 acres, followed by Lake Down at about 900 acres and Lake Sheen at about 656 acres. The smallest named lakes in the chain, Little Lake Down and Fish Lake, are about 23 acres each.
When was the Butler Chain named an Outstanding Florida Water?
Florida Administrative Code Rule 62-302.700 lists a designation date of March 1, 1984, for the Butler Chain and its connecting waterways. Lake Blanche and its connecting waterway were added on February 18, 1987. The designation gives the lakes the state’s highest level of water quality protection under Department of Environmental Protection policy.
Is there a public boat ramp on the Butler Chain?
Yes. Orange County Parks operates a public boat ramp at R.D. Keene Park, 10900 Chase Road in Windermere, on Lake Isleworth, with access to the Butler Chain. The county lists parking for up to 49 vehicles and trailers and a $5 daily fee for a trailer with motorized watercraft. Non-motorized craft launch free.
Are all Windermere homes on the Butler Chain of Lakes?
No. The chain is 13 specific lakes in southwest Orange County, and many homes with a Windermere address sit on other lakes, on canals or away from the water. Some lakes in the same navigation district, such as Lake Bessie and Lake Crescent, are not part of the Butler Chain itself. Check the exact lake and access before you buy.
Who enforces boating rules on the Butler Chain?
The Butler Patrol, created in 1988 by the Windermere Water and Navigation Control District, enforces boating and environmental laws on the lakes and canals. The Orange County Water Atlas says it includes officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Park Patrol and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and also helps with search, rescue and boating accidents.
Sources
- Orange County Water Atlas (USF Water Institute): Butler Chain of Lakes (13 lakes, over 5,000 surface acres, 32 navigable canals, lake-by-lake acreage, navigation district duties, advisory board and Butler Patrol; checked Nov 12, 2026)
- Florida Administrative Code Rule 62-302.700, Special Protection, Outstanding Florida Waters (highest protection policy; Butler Chain designated March 1, 1984; Lake Blanche February 18, 1987; checked Nov 12, 2026)
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection: Outstanding Florida Waters reports available electronically (lists Butler Chain of Lakes (3-1-84) and Lake Blanche (2-18-87); checked Nov 12, 2026)
- Orange County Parks and Recreation: R.D. Keene Park (public boat ramp on Lake Isleworth; parking, fees and hours; checked Nov 12, 2026)
- Orange County District 1: Town of Windermere (sand-bottom lakes and the Butler Chain canal system; checked Nov 12, 2026)
- Jared Jones – Orlando Living (YouTube): Don’t Make THIS Mistake: Windermere vs Winter Park! (published May 31, 2026)