Fort Myers, FL Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

Garage conversions in Fort Myers are a change of occupancy and substantial alteration under the Florida Building Code, so a building permit is required from Building, Permitting & Inspections. The new habitable space must meet FBC requirements for ceiling height, light, ventilation, egress windows from sleeping rooms, smoke and CO alarms, energy code insulation, hurricane-zone wind loads (170 mph Lee County), and any new electrical/plumbing must comply with the Florida Plumbing and Electrical Codes. If the conversion adds cooking facilities and a separate entrance, it qualifies as an accessory dwelling unit under LDC § 118.3.11 and must meet the accessory dwelling standards: clearly incidental to principal use, total accessory floor area not exceeding 30% of principal structure, must meet zone setbacks, and water/sewer connected through the principal home. Note that under LDC § 118.3.4.B, true garage apartments are only permitted in the Dean Park Historic District — outside that district, a converted garage apartment may face zoning constraints even if the building work is permitted. If the converted garage was previously counted toward required off-street parking, replacement parking must be added on-site (driveway expansion, parking pad). A converted garage used as non-dwelling habitable space (home office, family room, hobby room) still needs a building permit but is not subject to the ADU rules.