Lake Nona’s story isn’t just about growth—it’s about vision. Unlike most neighborhoods that evolved gradually, Lake Nona was master-planned from scratch by the Tavistock Group in the early 2000s with a single goal: build a community of the future.

What started as a stretch of open land southeast of the Orlando International Airport is now a 17-square-mile innovation hub, anchored by health, wellness, education, and technology. At the heart of this vision is Lake Nona Medical City—a collaborative ecosystem that includes:

• UCF Health Sciences Campus

• Nemours Children’s Hospital

• Orlando VA Medical Center

• UCF Lake Nona Hospital

This wasn’t just suburban sprawl—it was purpose-built for innovation. The area attracted biotech companies, research institutions, sports science organizations, and global businesses like KPMG and Johnson & Johnson.

Tavistock didn’t stop with hospitals and labs. They laid the groundwork for a smart city—integrating gigabit fiber internet, autonomous shuttles, and wellness infrastructure like the Lake Nona Performance Club and Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen.

Today, Lake Nona is considered one of the most successful master-planned communities in America—often cited by sources like Forbes, Smart Cities Dive, and Orlando Economic Partnership.

“Lake Nona is what happens when a city is built with innovation, health, and community in mind—from the ground up.”

Its growth is still accelerating, with more housing, schools, and commerce blending into a vision that remains one of Florida’s boldest experiments in city planning.

Lake Nona is technically part of the City of Orlando, but much of the day-to-day operations—like utilities, permitting, and zoning—are managed by Orange County. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or business owner, knowing which agency to contact can save you time and stress.

Here’s a breakdown of the core services that keep Lake Nona running smoothly:

Utilities & Environmental Services

Water, sewer, garbage, and stormwater drainage are managed by Orange County Utilities. They handle everything from trash collection schedules to water quality testing.

• Need to start or stop utility service? Do it online here.

Permits & Building Services

If you’re planning a home renovation, opening a new business, or remodeling an investment property, you’ll likely work with the City of Orlando Permitting Office. They handle:

• Building permits

• Code enforcement

• Site plan reviews
  For unincorporated areas of Lake Nona (like Storey Park), Orange County’s Division of Building Safety is your go-to.

Local Representation & Civic Engagement

Lake Nona falls under Orange County District 4, represented by Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero. Residents can attend public meetings, voice concerns, and participate in neighborhood planning through the Board of County Commissioners.

Business Support & Networking

Whether you’re launching a local service business or expanding your real estate firm, the Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Commerce is a vital resource. They provide:

• Small business advocacy

• Local networking events

• Economic development workshops

• Community volunteer opportunities

Pro Tip: If you’re a contractor, landlord, or home service provider working in Lake Nona, it’s wise to register with both the City and County databases to stay compliant.

Healthcare is one of Lake Nona’s superpowers.

• Orlando VA Medical Center

• Nemours Children’s Hospital

• UCF Lake Nona Hospital

• AdventHealth Lake Nona ER

• Walk-in care? GuideWell Emergency Doctors and CareSpot Lake Nona have you covered

Lake Nona was designed to be a “wellness community”, and it shows in everything from the hospital layout to fitness trails and mental health services built into the local infrastructure.

Lake Nona is one of Orlando’s most connected communities:

• LYNX Bus Service runs daily routes to Downtown Orlando, UCF, and OIA.

• Bee Line Shuttle links key areas like Laureate Park and Medical City.

• SR-417 and Narcoossee Road give drivers fast access to I-4 and the greater Orlando area.

• Future-forward planning includes autonomous shuttles and EV charging stations built into commercial centers and neighborhoods.

• Laureate Park Elementary – A STEM magnet with strong parent involvement and enrichment programs
  📍Google Maps

• Lake Nona Middle School – A-rated public school with technology-integrated learning and high academic performance
  📍Google Maps

• Lake Nona High School – A high-performing school offering AP and dual enrollment programs
  📍Google Maps

• Valencia College – Lake Nona Campus – Community college offering medical, science, and transfer degree tracks
  📍Google Maps

• Lake Nona Medical City – A 650‑acre medical and innovation hub 

• UCF Lake Nona Hospital – Full-service teaching hospital since 2021

• Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute – Global HQ is located here

• Lake Nona Performance Club – Premier fitness, wellness, and sports facility

• USTA National Campus – Largest tennis facility in the U.S., located in Lake Nona

• Boxi Park – Shipping-container park with food & live music

• Nona Adventure Park – Floating obstacle courses & wakeboarding

• Drive Shack – High-tech golf and social play

• Heroes Community Park – Trails, sports fields & playgrounds

• Lake Nona Sculpture Garden – Outdoor art installations and green space

• Lake Nona Town Center – 100-acre mixed-use destination for retail, dining, events & art lakenona.com

• Lake Nona Village – Boutique retail + professional services in a walkable setting nonaorlandoproperties.com

• Laureate Park Village Center – Local shops, restaurants, and farmers market each first Wednesday

• Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen – Global small plates located at Town Center

• Canvas Restaurant & Market – Waterfront seasonal and local dishes

• Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine – Elegant Turkish dining

• Park Pizza & Brewing Co. – Family-style pizza & brewpub at Town Center

• Laureate Park – A modern smart-city neighborhood with gigabit internet, walkable streets, and eco-friendly design.
  • Laureate Park HOA
  • Village Center Events
  • Lake Nona Performance Club
  • Lake Nona Medical City Info

• Eagle Creek – A gated golf course community with Spanish-style homes, a championship 18-hole course, and top-rated schools.
  • Eagle Creek Golf Club
  • Eagle Creek HOA

• VillageWalk at Lake Nona – Resort-style neighborhood with 24-hour guard gate, canals, bridges, and a town center with amenities.
  • VillageWalk HOA Portal
  • VillageWalk Community Calendar

• NorthLake Park – A family-focused neighborhood featuring access to the YMCA, schools within walking distance, and tons of green space.
  • YMCA at NorthLake Park
  • Community Events & News

• Isles of Lake Nona – Tavistock’s latest luxury development with coastal-inspired homes, gated entries, and resort pools.
  • Pulte Homes at Isles
  • Community Overview

• Storey Park – An energy-efficient, solar-ready community built around nature trails, dog parks, and top OCPS schools.
  • Storey Park HOA
  • Lennar Community Info