Building Permit Fee Schedule Update – Effective April 15, 2026

Lee County Community Development has updated its permit fee schedule to better align the fees with the cost of providing permitting and inspection services. Fees will be assessed using the fee schedule in effect on the date they are added to the permit record.

Visit our Building Permit Fee Schedule webpage to learn more.

Permitting Information After a Disaster Event

Following a disaster event, permitting procedures may be modified to support recovery and rebuilding efforts.

The County may implement temporary changes to the permitting process, including expedited review of certain permit types, adjusted application procedures, and alternative service options.

Property owners and contractors are encouraged to review current permitting requirements and follow all posted guidance when applying for permits after a disaster event.

This page serves as a guide for disaster-related permitting procedures and applies only to building permitting functions. It does not apply to other disaster operations.

Permitting Office & Contact Information
Location
​1500 Monroe St, Fort Myers FL, 33991
​Hours
​9am-4pm (Monday-Friday)
Phone
(239)-533-8329
Email
​eConnect@leegov.com

Post-Disaster Guidelines & Resources

Temporary Locations and Adjusted Hours (Post-Disaster)

Following a disaster event, permitting services may be offered at temporary or alternate locations to better serve affected areasThese locations are not permanently active and may not be available following every event. 

Office hours and days of operation may also be adjusted based on conditions and community needs.

Information regarding temporary locations, updated hours, and available services will be provided through official County communication channels when available.

Guides and Forms

The Guides and Forms webpage is a helpful tool for all submittals and detailed information about additional documents that might be required based on the Record Type. 

Disaster Recovery Permitting Requirements

Please review the Disaster Recovery Permitting Requirements document for more information. 

Work Not Requiring a Permit
If work is not listed below, a permit is required prior to commencement.
  • Removal of debris from on or inside a structure.
  • Minor demolition to prevent injury or prevent further damage to buildings.
  • Temporary structural shoring and bracing.
  • Replacement of broken glass within existing framing for windows and doors.
  • Repair/Replacement of gutters, soffit and up to 20 linear feet of sofft.
  • Roof Shingle replacement of 1 square of shingles (10ft x 10ft area, or less).
  • Minor non-structural repairs made to the exterior of structures.
  • Repair of minor water leaks (attributed to plumbing, i.e., drain cleaning and rodding, and the repair or replacement of existing faucets, fill valves, flushometers and similar fixture trim and fittings) that do not involve structural, mechanical, or electrical systems. 
  • Temporary pool enclosure fencing may be installed without a permit for immediate safety and security following a disaster event; however, a permit is required for permanent replacement and must be obtained in accordance with applicable regulations. 

How to handle existing Permits for properties that now have damage from a disaster event
If the additional damage still relates to the existing Record Type, a Revision will be required to describe the additional scope of work, allowing the Permit to be deemed disaster event related.

If the additional damage exceeds the scope of the existing Record Type, you must re-apply with the correct Record Type. The original Permit or Permit Application will be voided, allowing the new Permit Application, covering all work, to be issued. 
 
Example: Individual Trade Permit was issued (i.e. Roof, Electrical, A/C, Plumbing, etc.), but you now have interior drywall damage, or require multiple Trade Permits. You may now need a Remodel Permit. 
Inspections Information

It will be the responsibility of the Contractor or Owner-Builder to request the required inspections, based on the approved scope of work. The use of an approved Private Provider Inspection firm to perform the necessary inspections and provide inspection reports to the Lee County Building Inspections Office by email at inspections@leegov.com is acceptable. 

Inspections can be scheduled via eConnect/ACA or by Phone (IVR) at 239-533-8997.

Inspections must be scheduled by 5:00pm for next business day inspections.

Substantial Damage and FEMA 50% Rule

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 50% Rule is still in effect and will be enforced during permit review for properties located in regulated flood hazard areas.

Under this requirement, if a structure is determined to be "substantially damaged," meaning the cost to repair the damage is 50% or more of the structure's market value prior to the disaster event, the structure must be brought into compliance with current floodplain management standards. This may include elevation, reconstruction, or other mitigation measures as required by local and federal regulations.

This requirement applies in coordination with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and local floodplain management ordinances.

Property owners should be aware that substantial damage determinations are made during the permit review and inspection process, and additional documentation may be required to verify repair costs and property value. Please click here for more details.

For Licensed Contractors

Contractors are encouraged to continue applying online via eConnect/ACA

Click here for detailed information about Contractor Licensing Registration and eConnect/ACA account creation.  
For Owner Builders

Owner Builders may apply online or in person at the Permitting Office. All Owner Builders must appear in person to sign applicable documents for permit issuance. Please contact the Permitting Department with any questions at eConnect@leegov.com or 239-533-8329. 

Expired Permits/Permits Due to Expire

Auto-extensions of Permitting Records may be completed if deemed necessary due to a disaster event. If your permit is due to expire soon, please request an Inspection as soon as possible, as a Pass or Partial inspection will auto-extend your permit for 6 months from the date of completed inspection.  

If you are not ready for inspections, please submit an Extension Request Form to eConnect@leegov.com for a 90 day extension. If your permit is already expired, please submit a Completion Request Form to eConnect@leegov.com for a 6 month extension. 

If you have any questions, please email eConnect@leegov.com or call 239-533-8329

Storm Guide - General Info

Click here for general storm-related information. 

Debris Management and Recovery Readiness

Timely debris removal is an important part of the recovery process following a disaster event. Clearing disaster-related debris from residential and commercial properties helps support safe access, allows for damage assessment, and facilitates recovery and repair activities.

Property owners are encouraged to review the Separating Your Debris Guide to understand how different types of debris should be sorted and prepared for collection or disposal. Proper separation helps support efficient cleanup operations and overall recovery efforts.


Lee County may establish or activate designated debris drop-off locations based on the level of impact and operational needs following a disaster event. These locations are not permanently active and may not be available following every event. When activated, they are intended to support debris management efforts in affected areas and may operate under specific guidelines depending on conditions.

Debris removal services, collection methods, and the availability of drop-off locations may vary depending on the circumstances of each event. Property owners and contractors should follow all applicable County communications regarding debris management and recovery support.


Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take for my permit to be issued? 
The Permitting Department is processing applications as quickly as possible, in the order in which applications are received, with priority being given to hurricane related repairs. 
Do I need a Fence Permit to replace my fence that was damaged due to the disaster event? 

Yes, all fences damaged or destroyed due to the disaster event require a permit, except a temporary fence to secure pool area. (Commercial and Residential Fences)

What types of Payments are being accepted?

All other permits will have fees assessed normally. These may be paid via credit or debt cards, checks, or money orders.

What should I do about my existing Permit or Permit Application, now that I have Hurricane Damage also? 

If the additional damage still relates to the existing Record Type, a Revision will be required to describe the additional scope of work, allowing the Permit to be deemed hurricane damage related.

If the additional damage exceeds the scope of the existing Record Type, you must re-apply with the correct Record Type. The original Permit or Permit Application will be voided, allowing the new Permit Application, covering all work, to be issued. 

Example: Individual Trade Permit was issued (i.e. Roof, Electrical, A/C, Plumbing, etc.), but you now have interior drywall damage, or require multiple Trade Permits. You would now need a Remodel Permit. 

What if I have structural damage? 

Please refer to the Phase II Disaster Recovery Permitting Requirements  for information. Also, the Guides and Forms webpage is a helpful tool for non-hurricane related submittals and detailed information about additional documents that might be required based on the Record Type. 











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