Accessory Structures in Fort Myers, FL (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Fort Myers, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Fort Myers allows one non-commercial guesthouse per single-family lot in RS-E, RS-5, RS-6, RS-7, RS-D, RM-12 and RM-16 districts, but only for an owner-occupant housing family: never as a rental.
Fort Myers Non-Commercial Guesthouse (ADU) Rules
Some RestrictionsFort Myers Land Development Code § 118.3.11
Non-commercial guesthouses are only permitted where the property owner is a full-time resident of the subject property. Full time resident means living at the residence for at least nine months of the year and possessing a current Florida Homestead Exemption for that property from the Lee County Property Appraiser. The property owner may reside in either the non-commercial guesthouse or the pri...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Fort Myers bars renting a registered garage apartment unless the owner lives in the main house as a full-time, Florida-homestead resident, and blocks new garage apartments outside Dean Park.
Fort Myers Garage Apartment Owner-Occupancy Rule
Significant RestrictionsFort Myers Land Development Code § 98.4.6.B.5.a.2)
There shall be no rental or leasing of the garage apartment unless the principal residence is occupied by the property owner as a full time resident of the city. Full time resident means living at the residence for at least nine months of the year and possessing a current Florida Homestead Exemption for that property from the Lee County Property Appraiser.
ADU Rental Restrictions
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.
Fort Myers Garage Apartment Rental Rules
Significant RestrictionsFort Myers Land Development Code § 98.4.6
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 ...
Shed & Carport Rules
Carports in Fort Myers are accessory structures and must meet the same setbacks as the main building, never within the front setback or front half of the lot, with a five-foot absolute floor.
Fort Myers Carport Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsFort Myers Land Development Code § 118.3.4.A.7
7. The setbacks for accessory structures, excluding detached garages, shall be the same as those required for buildings in the district in which they are located. In no instance shall accessory buildings or structures be located within the front setback area of the principal building or front half of the lot. In no instance may an accessory structure setback be reduced to less than five feet.
Garage Conversions
Fort Myers bars new garage-apartment conversions in every single-family zoning district except the Dean Park Historic District; older garage apartments needed 2004 registration to keep operating.
Fort Myers Garage Apartment Conversion Rules
Significant RestrictionsFort Myers Land Development Code § 98.4.6
No new garage apartments shall be permitted to be constructed in any single-family zoning district except the Dean Park Historic District.b.Garage apartments registered pursuant to this section shall be treated as a lawful nonconforming use subject to the additional standards contained in this section.c.Registered garage apartments will be permitted to continue the residential occupancy and ren...
Looking for Lee County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fort Myers city rules.
Accessory Structures in Lee County →