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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Fort Myers
Building permits are required to construct, alter, repair, move, or demolish a building or structure and for changes of occupancy. Common triggering work includes additions, air conditioners, exterior doors, driveways, drywall over 100 square feet, electrical modifications, fences, generators, pools, remodels, roofs, windows, and site-work categories.
- Completed permit application submitted through EnerGov
- Site plan
- Construction plans
- Project scope information
- Digital signature affidavit (if design professional submitting electronic documents)
- Building code
- Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023)
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must comply with local registration and licensing requirements.
Application process
Typical processing: Approximately 12 calendar days for single-family new/remodel work; 22 days for commercial new/remodel work; 18 days for multifamily new/remodel work. Timelines are inclusive of building, engineering, fire, zoning, and trade reviews.
- 01 Review Fort Myers permit requirements and determine permit type.
- 02 Prepare digital application materials and construction documents according to city formatting standards.
- 03 Submit permit application and documents through EnerGov portal.
- 04 City staff reviews completeness and routes to Building, Engineering, Fire, Zoning, and Trade departments as applicable.
- 05 Respond to plan-review comments and resubmit revised documents through EnerGov if required.
- 06 Pay remaining permit fees once reviews are approved.
- 07 Request inspections through EnerGov and schedule with permit number and 3-digit inspection code.
- 08 Pass required inspections.
- 09 Once final building inspection passes and all fees are cleared, city processes certificate of occupancy, which typically issues within a couple of business days.
Typical processing time: Approximately 12 calendar days for single-family new/remodel work; 22 days for commercial new/remodel work; 18 days for multifamily new/remodel work. Timelines are inclusive of building, engineering, fire, zoning, and trade reviews.
Source: City of Fort Myers Community Development, Building, Permitting and Inspections Division ↗
Fee schedule
Fort Myers building permit fees
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- EnerGov portal (online)
- 239-321-7920 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspection requests received after 5:30 a.m. roll to the next business day. Cancellations must be made before 5:30 a.m.; after that time, applicant must call the office.
Source: City of Fort Myers Community Development, Building, Permitting and Inspections Division ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Fort Myers permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Fort Myers, FL? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Fort Myers, FL? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Fort Myers, FL? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Fort Myers, FL? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Fort Myers, FL? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Fort Myers Community Development, Building, Permitting and Inspections Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.