New to Fort Myers? Start city water at 239-321-8100, power with FPL, get a Florida license within 30 days and file for homestead by March 1.

Last checked Oct. 8, 2026. This page links our other guides and the official start-service pages. Sources: the City of Fort Myers Establish New Water Service and Live TV pages, the Lee County Tax Collector, Lee County’s New Residents’ Guide and pet licensing page, and the utilities’ own sites.

Welcome to Fort Myers. First, check that your address is inside the city: many “Fort Myers” addresses are in unincorporated Lee County, where the county and other providers handle water, trash and permits. Use the city’s Am I in the City? map.

First-week checklist

Power

Lee County lists two electric utilities, Florida Power & Light and Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC). LCEC’s own service list (Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, Sanibel, Captiva, Pine Island, parts of Lehigh Acres and areas outside Lee County) does not include the city, so most city homes start service with FPL on its start, stop and move page. If you are in LCEC territory, use LCEC’s start, stop or move service page. Outage numbers and maps are in our power outage guide.

Water, sewer and trash

The City of Fort Myers sets up water, sewer and trash on one account. Its Establish New Water Service page says:

  • Apply online or in person at the Utility Billing Payment Center, 2925 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Applications by email or fax are no longer accepted.
  • Bring a lease or proof of ownership and a driver’s license or photo ID, and pay the service charge and deposit listed on the city’s page.
  • Complete applications received by 3 p.m. are processed the same business day.

Questions: 239-321-8100, answered 24 hours a day. Pickup days and bulk rules are in our trash and recycling guide.

Natural gas

Peoples Gas runs natural gas service in Fort Myers. Ask whether gas is available at your address and start service on its start service page; customer care is 877-832-6747. If you smell gas, call 911, then Peoples Gas.

Internet and TV

The city’s government channel, CFM-TV, is carried on Xfinity channel 98 and on Hotwire Communications (Fision TV+ channel 91 or Fision channel 1611), the city’s Live TV page says. To see every provider that reports service at your exact address, use the FCC’s National Broadband Map, then sign up on the provider’s own site, such as Xfinity or Hotwire Communications.

Driver’s license and vehicle

From the Lee County Tax Collector’s New Florida Resident page:

  • You are a Florida resident once you start a job here, enroll a child in a Florida public school, register to vote, file for homestead, or live in Florida for more than six months in a row.
  • Insure your vehicle with a Florida-licensed agent, then title and register it within 10 days.
  • Get a Florida driver’s license within 30 days of moving. You surrender your out-of-state license and must meet REAL ID document rules.
  • Service is by appointment at any tax collector office. The downtown office is at 2480 Thompson St., open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; it does not give road tests. See all locations.

Property taxes and homestead

If you bought a home you live in, file for the homestead exemption by March 1 with the Lee County Property Appraiser, 239-533-6100. Rates, due dates and appeals are in our property taxes guide.

Schools

Public schools are run by the School District of Lee County, and enrollment is online. See our schools guide for enrollment, calendars and school grades.

Voting

Register or update your address with the Lee County Supervisor of Elections at lee.vote, 239-533-8683. Dates and early voting sites are in our voting guide.

Pets

Lee County requires cats, dogs and ferrets four months or older that live in the county at least 30 days a year to be vaccinated against rabies and licensed by Lee County Domestic Animal Services. The county tag is the only one required by law. Licensing: 239-533-9215 or license@leegov.com.

Permits and who to call

Planning a renovation or a fence? Start with our building permits and zoning guide. For everything else at City Hall, see who to call, and before storm season, read our hurricane prep guide.

Related: getting around Fort Myers, population and growth and home prices.

Frequently asked questions

How do I set up water service in Fort Myers?

Apply to City of Fort Myers Utility Billing online or in person at 2925 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Bring a lease or proof of ownership and a photo ID; one account covers water, sewer and trash. Call 239-321-8100.

How long do I have to get a Florida driver’s license after moving to Fort Myers?

30 days, the Lee County Tax Collector says. Title and register your vehicle within 10 days, after buying insurance from a Florida-licensed agent. Book an appointment at leetc.com.

Who provides electricity in Fort Myers?

Lee County lists Florida Power & Light and Lee County Electric Cooperative. LCEC’s service area does not include the city of Fort Myers, so most city homes start service with FPL.

When is the homestead exemption deadline in Lee County?

March 1. Apply with the Lee County Property Appraiser, 239-533-6100.

Do I need to license my pet in Lee County?

Yes. Cats, dogs and ferrets four months or older that live in Lee County at least 30 days a year must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed by Lee County Domestic Animal Services.