Fort Myers permits run through the city's EnerGov portal; a home remodel averages 12 days. Permits: 239-321-7925. Planning and zoning: 239-321-7975.
Last checked Oct. 8, 2026. Sources: the City of Fort Myers Building, Permitting and Inspections division, its permit list and fee page, the Planning Division and the list of city boards.
Permits and zoning in Fort Myers are handled by two divisions that share an office at 1825 Hendry St. downtown. Building, Permitting and Inspections (BPI) issues construction permits and inspects the work. The Planning Division handles zoning, rezonings, variances and historic districts. First, make sure the property is in the city at all: much of the area with a Fort Myers mailing address is unincorporated Lee County, which has its own permit office. The city’s Am I in the City? map answers that.
Who to call
- Permitting: 239-321-7925 (permits@fortmyers.gov)
- Inspections: 239-321-7923; same-day cancellations after 5:30 a.m., 239-321-7920
- Plan review: 239-321-7915
- Flood questions: 239-321-7931
- Planning and zoning: 239-321-7975
- Office: 1825 Hendry St., Suite 101, Fort Myers
- Apply online: EnerGov Customer Self Service portal
Applying for a permit
Everything runs through the city’s EnerGov portal: apply, upload plans, pay fees, check status and book inspections. The division has posted how-to videos for applying and inspections. Fees can also be paid in person at the Hendry Street office.
The city’s posted average turnaround, in calendar days, including review by building, engineering, fire and zoning:
| Project | Intake | Plan review | Processing | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-family new or remodel | 3 | 7 | 2 | 12 |
| Multifamily new or remodel | 3 | 13 | 2 | 18 |
| Commercial new or remodel | 3 | 17 | 2 | 22 |
Permit fees were last revised by City Council in Resolution 2025-96, effective Aug. 5, 2025. The city publishes fee calculators on its permit fees page instead of a flat price list.
Do I need a permit?
The city requires a building permit to build, alter, repair, move or demolish a building, or to change how it is used. Its permit list says these common home projects need a permit:
- Fences and walls, sheds, screen enclosures and lanai cages
- Roofs (repairs and new), shutters, exterior doors, garage doors and windows
- Air conditioners, generators and propane tanks
- Additions and remodels, drywall over 100 square feet
- Driveways, sidewalks, docks, bulkheads and seawalls
- Above-ground and in-ground pools, and removing native trees
Exterior painting does not need a permit, and residential landscaping is exempt. When in doubt, call 239-321-7925 before the work starts.
Inspections
Book inspections in EnerGov with your permit number and the three-digit inspection code. Requests received after 5:30 a.m. go on the next business day. To cancel after 5:30 a.m. on inspection day, call 239-321-7920.
Hiring a contractor
Florida law requires construction contractors to be licensed. The city warns that a contractor who wants a large deposit up front, or asks you to pull a “homeowner permit,” may be unlicensed. Look up any license with the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Zoning
The Planning Division interprets the Land Development Code, checks building permits and business tax applications for zoning, and takes applications for rezonings, planned unit developments, conditional uses, variances, lot splits and annexation. Tools:
- Zoning map
- Land Development Code on Municode
- Applications and process guides on the Planning page
Fort Myers has four local historic districts: Downtown, Dean Park, Edison Park and Seminole Park. Exterior work there needs a Certificate of Review from the Historic Preservation Commission.
Garage sales no longer need a city permit or sign, but the limit of two sales a year remains, under Ordinance No. 3879.
Where decisions are made
| Board | Regular meeting | Next date |
|---|---|---|
| Planning Board | 1 p.m., first Wednesday, City Hall, 2200 Second St. | Wednesday, Nov. 4 |
| Board of Adjustments (variances, conditional uses, appeals) | 1:30 p.m., fourth Wednesday (third Wednesday in November), City Hall | Wednesday, Oct. 28 |
| Historic Preservation Commission | 4 p.m., fourth Thursday, City Hall | Thursday, Oct. 22 |
| Building and Zoning Oversight Committee | 9 to 11 a.m., fourth Thursday | Thursday, Oct. 22 |
Dates follow each board’s published schedule; agendas are posted in the city’s Agenda Center before each meeting. Rezonings go on to the City Council for a final vote.
What this means for you
- Check city limits first; county parcels go to Lee County.
- Most exterior work, from roofs to fences, needs a permit.
- Hire only a licensed contractor and never pull a homeowner permit for one.
Related: property taxes, moving to Fort Myers, who to call at City Hall and history and landmarks.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a building permit in Fort Myers?
Apply, pay and track permits online through the city’s EnerGov Customer Self Service portal, or in person at 1825 Hendry St., Suite 101. The permitting desk is 239-321-7925.
How long does a residential permit take in Fort Myers?
The city’s posted average for a new single-family home or remodel is 12 calendar days: three for intake, seven in plan review and two for processing.
Do I need a permit for a fence or a new roof in Fort Myers?
Yes. The city’s permit list includes fences and walls, roofs, sheds, shutters, generators, air conditioners, windows, driveways and pools. Exterior painting does not need one.
How do I find my zoning in Fort Myers?
Use the city’s online zoning map, or call the Planning Division at 239-321-7975. First check that your address is inside city limits with the city’s ‘Am I in the City?’ map.
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