Fort Myers, FL Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Carports — covered, open-sided structures used to shelter vehicles — are accessory structures under Fort Myers LDC § 118.3.4.A. A carport with a roof area exceeding 200 square feet requires a Florida Building Permit with engineered foundation, post-and-beam structure, and hurricane anchorage rated for Lee County's 170 mph wind zone under the Florida Building Code. Setbacks: an attached carport is part of the principal dwelling and must meet the zone's principal-building setbacks (RS-5/6/7: 20 ft front, 10 ft side, 10 ft rear; RS-E: 20 ft front, 10 ft side, 10 ft rear); attached carports facing the right-of-way trigger the special 25-foot front setback for garage doors. A detached carport that is under 200 sq ft may use the reduced 5-foot side and rear setbacks of LDC § 118.3.4.A; a larger detached carport must meet the principal-building setbacks. Carports may not be placed in front yards, in easements, or in the 25-foot waterfront setback. A carport later enclosed with walls becomes a garage and requires a separate permit with full FBC garage standards, including a fire separation between the garage and any habitable space. The combined floor area of all accessory structures on a residential lot may not exceed 30% of the principal structure's gross floor area.