Fort Myers, FL Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Occupational license from license inspector
- Spacing from schools/parks
- 1,000 feet minimum
- Spacing from alcohol venues
- 200 feet minimum
- Application fee
- $500 nonrefundable
- License term
- Annual, Oct 1 to Sept 30
Summary
Fort Myers requires an occupational license for adult bookstores, theaters, and performance establishments, and bans them within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, or other adult businesses, or 200 feet of alcohol-serving establishments.
no person shall propose, cause or permit the operation of, or enlargement of, an adult entertainment establishment which, while in operation or after enlargement, would or will be located within 1,000 feet of a preexisting adult entertainment establishment, within 1,000 feet of a preexisting educational institution, within 1,000 feet of a preexisting park, or within 200 feet of a preexisting commercial establishment that in any manner sells or dispenses alcohol for on-premises consumption.(c)The distance requirements of subsection (b) of this section are independent of, and do not supersede the distance requirements for, alcoholic beverage establishments contained in chapter 118. (Code 1991, § 2.5-61; Ord. No. 2762, § 2, 9-18-1995)
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 City of Fort Myers, in Lee County, requires anyone operating an adult bookstore, adult theater, or adult performance establishment to hold an occupational license from the license inspector, renewed annually and subject to police, building, fire, health, and zoning department review. Chapter 10, Article II Division 5 bans locating or enlarging an adult entertainment establishment within 1,000 feet of a preexisting adult entertainment establishment, educational institution, or park, or within 200 feet of a business that sells alcohol for on-premises consumption. Distances run in a straight line between the closest property lines. Establishments legally operating before the article's adoption may continue as nonconforming uses but cannot relocate.
Violations & Fines
Operating without an occupational license, violating the 1,000-foot or 200-foot spacing rules, or failing suspension/revocation compliance can lead to license suspension, revocation, and criminal enforcement by the police department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an adult entertainment business locate near a school in Fort Myers?
Does Fort Myers require a special license for adult businesses?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Myers
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Adult Entertainment in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Lee County handle adult entertainment.