Lee County

Home permits and project costs in Fort Myers, FL

Post-hurricane rebuild volume in Lee County has lengthened inspection scheduling in peak periods.

Model reviewed August 2026

Local cost index

+9%

vs national average

Permit fee index

+12%

vs national baseline

Population

95,949

Homeownership

52%

Do you need a permit in Fort Myers?

For most structural work, yes

Fort Myers enforces florida building code, 8th edition (2023) through Lee County. Roofing, electrical, plumbing, structural, pools and most exterior additions require a permit and inspection. Cosmetic work — paint, flooring, cabinet swaps — generally does not.

Project costs in Fort Myers

National baselines adjusted by the local labor and materials index.

Project	Typical cost	Permit	Deep pages
Roof Replacement	$11,400 – $38,200	required	Cost·Permit
AC Replacement	$6,000 – $17,800	required	Cost·Permit
Fence Installation	$2,700 – $12,500	usually required	Cost·Permit
Water Heater Replacement	$1,400 – $6,200	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Installation	$44,400 – $134,400	required	Cost·Permit
Window Replacement	$8,800 – $40,000	required	Cost·Permit
Electrical Panel Replacement	$2,200 – $7,900	required	Cost·Permit
Generator Installation	$7,500 – $25,500	required	Cost·Permit
Solar Panel Installation	$17,200 – $55,100	required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Remodel	$20,100 – $102,600	conditional	Cost·Permit
Bathroom Remodel	$10,100 – $46,900	conditional	Cost·Permit
Driveway Replacement	$4,800 – $21,700	usually required	Cost·Permit
Paver Patio & Walkway	$3,900 – $17,900	conditional	Cost·Permit
Deck Construction	$6,300 – $32,300	required	Cost·Permit
Shed Installation	$2,000 – $13,400	conditional	Cost·Permit
Whole-House Repipe	$5,200 – $18,500	required	Cost·Permit
EV Charger Installation	$900 – $4,900	required	Cost·Permit
Hurricane Shutter Installation	$3,800 – $21,400	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Enclosure / Screen Cage	$10,600 – $49,500	required	Cost·Permit
Septic System Replacement	$8,800 – $33,000	required	Cost·Permit
Impact Window Installation	$10,700 – $50,000	required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Door Replacement	$1,100 – $7,600	usually required	Cost·Permit
Garage Door Replacement	$1,600 – $8,800	required	Cost·Permit
Siding Installation	$9,300 – $44,000	usually required	Cost·Permit
Stucco Repair	$1,000 – $17,900	conditional	Cost·Permit
Soffit & Fascia Replacement	$2,100 – $12,700	conditional	Cost·Permit
Gutter Installation	$1,000 – $7,200	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Roof Repair	$500 – $5,600	conditional	Cost·Permit
Flat Roof Replacement	$7,100 – $33,200	required	Cost·Permit
Attic Insulation	$1,300 – $8,200	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Ductwork Replacement	$2,900 – $13,800	required	Cost·Permit
Mini Split Installation	$2,800 – $14,400	required	Cost·Permit
Flooring Installation	$2,800 – $22,100	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tile Installation	$2,000 – $17,700	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Interior Painting	$1,700 – $10,600	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Painting	$3,100 – $16,700	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Drywall Repair	$400 – $5,000	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing	$5,000 – $22,100	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Countertop Replacement	$2,400 – $13,200	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tub to Shower Conversion	$4,000 – $18,300	usually required	Cost·Permit
Sod Installation	$1,000 – $7,700	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Irrigation System Installation	$2,500 – $11,200	conditional	Cost·Permit
Tree Removal	$500 – $6,200	conditional	Cost·Permit
Outdoor Kitchen	$6,800 – $51,300	usually required	Cost·Permit
Seawall Repair	$9,500 – $113,000	required	Cost·Permit
Dock Construction	$10,700 – $101,100	required	Cost·Permit
Well Installation	$6,400 – $29,300	required	Cost·Permit
Mold Remediation	$1,700 – $17,100	conditional	Cost·Permit
Water Softener Installation	$1,400 – $7,400	usually required	Cost·Permit
Home Addition	$53,400 – $332,400	required	Cost·Permit
Heat Pump Replacement	$7,500 – $25,300	required	Cost·Permit
Furnace Replacement	$3,700 – $13,200	required	Cost·Permit
Foundation Repair	$3,200 – $36,400	usually required	Cost·Permit
Basement Waterproofing	$3,400 – $20,100	conditional	Cost·Permit
Drain Field Replacement	$6,900 – $28,900	required	Cost·Permit
Toilet Installation	$300 – $1,200	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Hot Tub Installation	$6,300 – $25,100	usually required	Cost·Permit

Fort Myers permitting basics

Jurisdiction	Fort Myers, Lee County
Building department	Official site
Permit portal	Apply online
Owner-builder permits	Owner-builder exemption available on an owner-occupied home under FS 489.103(7)
Contractor verification	Verify any license with Florida Building Commission before signing

Sources

Sources & verification

Model vintage August 2026. The links above are the issuing agencies' own pages — we publish them so you can confirm the current rule yourself, not as evidence that each fact on this page was re-checked with them today. Cost figures are modeled estimates based on national baselines adjusted for local labor and material pricing, not quotes. Permit rules change; confirm with the building department before starting work.