Fort Myers, FL Accessory Structures: ADU Rental Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Vested cutoff
- garage apartment existing before 12-31-2002
- Renewal fee
- $50 annually, due October 1
- New construction
- barred outside Dean Park Historic District
- Occupancy rule
- owner must be full-time resident to rent
- Parking
- one to two off-street spaces required
Summary
Fort Myers bars new garage-apartment rentals in single-family zoning outside the Dean Park Historic District; only garage apartments that existed before December 31, 2002 and were registered with the city may keep renting, subject to annual renewal and full-time owner-occupancy of the main house.
However, garage apartment rental use for garage apartments existing on December 31, 2002, except in Dean Park ("vested garage apartments"), will be permitted in conjunction with a separate single-family dwelling only pursuant to the registration process as completed on July 1, 2004. All rental of garage apartments shall cease by January 1, 2007 except where specifically permitted in the zoning district or as approved pursuant to this registration process.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 60).
Full Breakdown
The Land Development Code treats a garage apartment as an accessory structure separate from the single-family principal building. 'Vested garage apartments' existing before December 31, 2002 (outside Dean Park) could register through a process completed July 1, 2004, sorted into four categories, including apartments built before June 24, 1953 and units in the Seminole Park, Edison Park, York Manor and Riverside subdivisions. Registered units require a $50 annual renewal by October 1, no rental unless the owner is a full-time resident holding a Florida Homestead Exemption on the property, one to two off-street parking spaces, and only one apartment per lot. New garage apartments are prohibited citywide except within the Dean Park Historic District.
Violations & Fines
Renting an accessory structure that was never designated and registered as a garage apartment is presumed an unpermitted use and is subject to code enforcement under Chapter 2 of the City Code; missing the October 1 renewal ends the registered exemption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a new garage apartment to rent out in Fort Myers?
Do I have to live in the main house to rent my garage apartment?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Myers
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Fort Myers to another location·View the Florida accessory structures overview
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