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1. When is a permit required? See the list of projects that require a permit and projects that do not. Watch an educational session about permits that was held during a meeting of Town Council.

Per Florida Building Code (102.2), a permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, alter, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system; the installation of which is regulated by technical code. 

It is best to contact the Town's Building Services Department early on in the planning process of any kind of building or remodeling project to find out what permits are needed.  

 239-765-0202 ext. 1303

buildingpermits@fmbgov.com 

Visit the permitting section on the Town's website. 

Watch an educational session about permitting conducted at a Town Council meeting and led by staff from the Building Services Department. 

Session starts at 1:30:43

In general, condo remodeling of any kind almost always requires a permit due to the potential impact on other condos in the building.  New construction of any building or structure large or small (pool, porch, deck, garage, house) will require some level of permitting. The below lists are a  general guide for common projects in homes or condos.

PLEASE ALWAYS CONTACT THE TOWN when you are planning a project to find out what permits are required for your specific project. Every project has differences that could make permitting  necessary.  Speaking directly with the Town's permitting staff is the best course of action to make sure your particular project is properly covered by the appropriate permits.

Common projects that DO require a permit:

• Bathtub - remodeling, removal
• Driveway and parking lot - recoating
• Dryer vent - new installation
• Electric shades or blinds - new installation with new electrical work
• Exhaust fan - new installation
• Hot tub - new installation or removal
• Kitchen Cabinets (condo) - new installation or removal for remodel
• Lighting - new installation 
• Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Tanks - above ground or underground
• Pool - new installation or removal
• Popcorn ceiling - removal
• Shower tile or floor pan - removal
• Stairs - inside and outside
• Storm shutters - new installation
• Sprinkler system - inside or outside
• Tile floor (condo) - new installation

 Common projects that DO NOT require a permit:

• Air conditioning - new installation
• Back splash - new installation 
• Bathroom fixture - replacement
• Blinds - manual
• Bug infestation - treatment
• Carpet - new or replacement
• Ceiling fans - new installation or replacement
• Countertop - replacement 
• Electric sockets - replacement
• Exhaust fan - replacement
• Garbage disposal - new installation or replacement
• Kitchen sink (condo) - replacement
• Lighting - replacement
• Light switch - replacement
• Locks - new
• Painting - inside or out
• Satellite TV - new installation or replacement
• Sewer - jetting or snaking
• Shades - new installation
• Sliders and shutters - manual
• Sink - replacement
• Toilet - replacement
• Water heater - replacement

 Please call us to discuss these common projects as the specifics of the situation may or may not make a permit necessary.

• Debris removal from a bathroom remodel
• Flood damage remediation
• Irrigation system installation in the yard
• Mold removal

2. Do I need a contractor?

If you live in a condominium you need a contractor. If you own and occupy your one and two-family house you may be eligible to act as your own contractor per State statute (489.103 (7) If owner is acting as contractor, they must sign the Owner Builder Disclosure Affidavit and must be able to complete all the work themselves, you must supervise the work, and/or hire licensed trade sub-contractors i.e (electrical, plumbing, hvac, roof). This is needed with the application.

3. What happens if I choose not to obtain the required permits?

Building & Zoning Code Compliance will issue a notice of violation. Once a permit is obtained, the cost  could be 3 to 5 times the building permit fee for an "After the Fact"permit. Additionally, there may be fees from a third party engineer evaluation if areas of work are obscured.

4. How long is my permit good for?

Permits expire and become null and void if work is not started and an inspection requested within 180 days from the issuance date of the permit. Once the permit has been issued, a permit continues to extend with every passing inspection. 

 Extensions may be granted upon request before the expiration of the permit and will be extended 90 days if approved. If the permit becomes expired, a completion may be re-open upon request for 6 months.

5. How does a contractor get registered with the Town of Fort Myers Beach?

A Contractors registration form. A copy of your State of Florida contractors license or Lee County Certificate of Competency license, proof of worker’s compensation insurance/ exemption, proof of liability adding Town of Fort Myers Beach, 2525 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL. 33931.

6. How do I extend my permit that is issued but about to expire?

Contractor- Submit a request on a contractors letterhead requesting an extension. The letter will need to include, the permit #, address and a authorized signature from the company.

Owner Builder- Submit a written request requesting  an extension. The letter will need to include, the permit #, address and a notarized signature from the owner.

7. If my permit has "failed" an inspection, is there an extra fee charged?

Yes, in most cases. A $50.00 re-inspection fee can be charged to cover the additional trip and labor required for re-inspection.

8. What is the current review period for building permits?

Allow five to ten days for residential permits and ten to fifteen for commercial permits for review. If your permits require corrections, it may take longer. When the review is complete, you will be contacted by Community Development Department. To find the status of your permit please click here.

9. What do I need if I live in a condo and want to replace my windows?

A shutter, window or Door permit application, Notice of Commencement, Condo letter from condo association giving approval of work being done, if any shutters that are going to be installed you will also need a shutter worksheet. Florida state approvals #’s for windows /shutters/doors. Three copies of a floor plan indicating all openings which will be affected, means of escape (egress) with all window/ shutters being numbered

10. Do I need a permit to Erect/ Replace a fence?

Yes. A fence permit is required for all work done in conjunction with the erection/replacement of any fence. We will need a Fence/ Wall Application. Three copies of a Site Plan showing property dimensions/ lines, setbacks, easements, and existing buildings on property, location, and size of proposed fence. Three copies of construction drawings of the material and design, overall product height, gate and latch details.

11. Do I need a permit for a deck?

You will need to bring in three copies of a site plan showing required setbacks along with the location of deck. If deck is 30 inches above grade, you will need to submit 3 copies of engineered drawings from a licensed Florida engineer or Architect. If less than 30 inches and is not attached to the building (must be free standing) you can bring in construction drawings on how your building the deck, however If in v-zone, you will need an engineer to certify that it won’t break up and cause damage. The authority having jurisdiction has determined that Fort Myers Beach is exposure D.

Required specs are as noted:
Column size and width
Spacing- size of joists
Railing detail
Width of steps and riser distance
Size of beams
How it will be attached
How bolts and anchors are attached
Decking detail
Depth of posts

12. How close can a pool enclosure/pool be to a seawall?

The standard setback would be 5ft away from the Seaward side of the seawall
If Non-seawall(Artifical body) of water i.e. canal the setback would be 10ft
If on a natural body of water the setback would be 25ft which is measured from the mean high water line.

13. How close can you get to a non-seawalled natural body of water (Rip Rap)?

The answer would be 25ft away from a non-seawalled natural body of water.

14. What is needed for minor Condo Renovations?

Show existing and proposed floor plan indicating all work being done.
Provide a detailed scope of work. For example: remove and replace existing cabinets, sheetrock; indicate on the plan if any electrical, mechanical, and plumbing components are being affected (including remove and replace same location). Any wall penetrations must be accompanied with fire rating assembly details to show how the fire rated assembly will be repaired after the modification.
A letter from the condo association giving approval of work.

15. Do I need a permit for a Chickee hut?

FS 553.73(10)(i) Chickees constructed by the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida or the Seminole Tribe of Florida. As used in this paragraph, the term “chickee” means an open-sided wooden hut that has a thatched roof of palm or palmetto or other traditional materials, and that does not incorporate any electrical, plumbing, or other nonwood features.

If a member of the Miccosukee or Seminole Tribe desires to build a chickee hut, the following submittals are required for exemption from the Florida Building Code.

• . Tribal Membership Card
• 2. Chickee hut Application (for zoning review only)
• 3. Boundary survey/site plan- showing the setback and location of the chickee.
• 4. Affidavit stating no electricity or plumbing is being installed signed by the property owner.
• 5. Zoning Review and processing fee of $175

If electricity or plumbing is proposed in the tiki hut, the Residential Building Permit Application must be submitted with all required plans, application, permit, and review fees will apply.

16. What do I need to know when purchasing a property in Fort Myers Beach?

When you are purchasing a home or property in Fort Myers Beach, it is best to use a licensed realtor who is experienced in buying and selling in FMB. 

The realtor should have expertise in the various steps that they need to take to make sure they are properly researching and advising you about construction or remodel requirements necessary with the Town, Lee County, FEMA and any other organizations that would have an impact on your purchase. 

The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce has a section on its website about real estate services. The Town shares this information for your convenience only. It should not be interpreted as an endorsement for any particular business or realtor.  

It would also be a good idea to consult with an attorney about the purchase. 

 General tips from moving.com about buying a beach property.