City Building Permits
Fort Myers, FL Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Fort Myers, Florida. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties within the incorporated City of Fort Myers.
- Department
- City of Fort Myers Community Development, Building, Permitting and Inspections Division
- Address
- 1825 Hendry St., Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Phone
- 239-321-7925
- permits@fortmyers.gov
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Tyler EnerGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Review Fort Myers permit requirements and determine permit type.
- Prepare digital application materials and construction documents according to city formatting standards.
- Submit permit application and documents through EnerGov portal.
- City staff reviews completeness and routes to Building, Engineering, Fire, Zoning, and Trade departments as applicable.
- Respond to plan-review comments and resubmit revised documents through EnerGov if required.
- Pay remaining permit fees once reviews are approved.
- Request inspections through EnerGov and schedule with permit number and 3-digit inspection code.
- Pass required inspections.
- 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
General Requirements
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.
Required Documents
- 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.
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Consult city fee schedule.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the City of Fort Myers Community Development, Building, Permitting and Inspections Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 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.
Additional Resources
- Building code: Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023)
- Verify contractor license: Florida DBPR License Lookup
- Permit Fees
- Do I Need Permits
- Certificate of Occupancy
- License lookup guide: Florida Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Florida Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Florida hub: Florida Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Fort Myers Community Development, Building, Permitting and Inspections Division before applying.
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in Fort Myers can be complicated.
Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.
Learn how Jaspector worksOther cities in Lee County
View all Lee County jurisdictions →