Punta Gorda is a small city located in Southwest Florida, United States. It is the county seat of Charlotte County and has a population of around 20,000 people.

The city is known for its picturesque waterfront location on Charlotte Harbor, a large natural bay that opens into the Gulf of Mexico. The harbor provides many opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities, and there are several marinas and boat ramps in the area.

Punta Gorda’s historic district, located in the downtown area, features many well-preserved examples of early 20th-century architecture, including Mediterranean Revival and Art Deco styles. The district also has a number of art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants.

The city has a strong sense of community and hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the annual Taste of Punta Gorda and Wine & Jazz Festival. It also has several parks and recreational facilities, including Gilchrist Park, which offers scenic views of Charlotte Harbor and features a playground, tennis courts, and a fishing pier.

Overall, Punta Gorda is a charming small city with a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere and a strong sense of history and community.

Population:

• Population (2023): 20,227
• Median age (2022): 66.3
• Residents under 18 (2023): 9.4%
• Residents over 65 (2023): 52.5%
• Population by sex (2023): 49% male, 51% female
• Homeowners and renters (2021): 81.2% homeowners, 28.8% renters
• Married population (2023): 74%
• Population change (2010 – 2020): Appx. 10% Increase
• Poverty rate compared to the US national average (2022): 8.8% vs the average of 11.5%

Demographics (2022):

• White Non Hispanic – 87%
• Multiracial Non Hispanic – 5%
• Black Non Hispanic – 2.74%

*Prices shown are based only on activity for the dates specified

Income:

• Median household income (2022): $75,898
• Avg. per capita income (2022): $54,606

Tax:

• County property tax rate: 1.03% of a property’s assessed fair market value (2023)
• Combined state and county sales tax rate: 7% (2023)

Cost of Living:

• Average cost of living compared to the US national average (2023): 6.3%
  Higher
• Cost of housing compared to the Florida average (2023): Higher
• Cost of food compared to the US national average (2023): Appx. same
• Cost of healthcare compared to the US national average (2023): 8% Higher
• Cost of utilities compared to the US national average (2023): 4% Lower
• Cost of transportation compared to the US national average (2023): 7% Higher

Political affiliation based on the 2024 election results ( Charlotte County ): 

Republican – 66.45%

Democrat – 32.59%

Other – 1%

Largest 3 employers: Bayfront Health Punta Gorda, Charlotte County Public Schools, Publix Supermarkets

School ratings: Charlotte County Public Schools has a rating of 6/10 on GreatSchools

Coastal: Yes

Average low and high temperature: Low 18.3 °C, High 26.75 °C

Location and Amenities:

 

Highways:

• Interstate 75 (I-75) is the closest major highway to Punta Gorda. It runs north-south and is located approximately 5-10 minutes from Punta Gorda.

International Airports:

• Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is the nearest major international airport. It is located in Fort Myers, approximately 30-40 minutes driving distance from Punta Gorda.
• Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is another international airport that is relatively close to Punta Gorda. It is located in Sarasota, approximately 45-60 minutes driving distance away.

Universities and Colleges:

• Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) is a public college with a campus in Punta Gorda. It is located in the downtown area.
• Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a public university located in Fort Myers, approximately 40-50 minutes driving distance from Punta Gorda.
• Other universities and colleges in the region include the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa and Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, which are both a few hours away from Punta Gorda.

Hospitals:

• Bayfront Health Punta Gorda is a hospital located in Punta Gorda itself, providing medical services to the local community.

Shopping Malls:

• Fishermen’s Village is a waterfront shopping mall and entertainment complex located in Punta Gorda.
• Port Charlotte Town Center is a larger shopping mall situated in nearby Port Charlotte, approximately 15-20 minutes driving distance from Punta Gorda.

Major Cities:

• Fort Myers is approximately 30 – 35 miles to the southeast
• Tampa is approximately 100 miles north

Amenities/attractions:

• Fishermen’s Village, Laishley Park, Peace River Wildlife Center, Military Heritage Museum

Fun facts: The name Punta Gorda ( ‘Fat Point “ ) has been on maps as early as 1851 as it refers to a piece of land that juts out of Charlotte Harbour.

Short Term Rental Regulations:

** All short term rental operations in Florida must obtain a business license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ( DBPR ) and a Florida Department of Revenue Certificate of Sales and Use. ** Short term rental regulations can be subject to change and should always be confirmed with city / towns or county departments.

Restrictions:

• Rental periods of more than 3 times per year and less than 30 Days are considered short term rental periods

For more information visit – ci.punta-gorda.fl.us