Environmental Rules in Fort Myers, FL (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Fort Myers, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Fort Myers bars dumping or discharging any nonstormwater material, paint, oil, wastewater, pool backwash, into surface areas or the municipal storm sewer system without prior written approval from the stormwater utility director, backed by fines starting at $500 per offense.
Fort Myers Stormwater Illicit Discharge Ban
Some RestrictionsFort Myers Code of Ordinances § 90-284
Any dumping, spilling, or discharging of any nonstormwater material to any surface area or stormwater management system shall be prohibited, unless allowed by prior written approval from the stormwater utility director, or his designee. Prohibited illicit discharges shall require spill response, spill control, and spill cleanup as designated and prescribed by the stormwater utility director. Pe...
Erosion Control
Fort Myers requires a written permit before filling, altering, or relocating any drainage canal, ditch, or easement, or installing culverts, pipes, or bridges in city drainage ways.
Fort Myers Drainage Alteration Permit
Some RestrictionsFort Myers Land Development Code § 122-251
(a)No drainage canal, ditch or easement of any kind, located in or upon any public street, alley or easement, shall be wholly or partially filled, reduced in size, relocated or altered in any manner which would in any way affect drainage, without a written permit being issued as hereinafter authorized.(b)No culvert, pipe, bridge or similar water drainage facility or equipment shall be construct...
Flood Zones
Fort Myers adopts FEMA's Lee County flood maps by reference and requires a floodplain development permit before any construction in a mapped flood hazard area.
Flood Zone Rules in Fort Myers
Some RestrictionsFort Myers Code of Ordinances § 110-17
The Flood Insurance Study for Lee County, Florida and Incorporated Areas dated November 17, 2022, and all subsequent amendments and revisions, and the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), and all subsequent amendments and revisions to such maps, are adopted by reference as a part of this chapter and shall serve as the minimum basis for establishing flood hazard areas. Studies and maps...
Boat Dock Permits
Fort Myers requires a city permit plus state/federal sign-off and bottom-owner consent before building, adding to, repairing, or altering any dock, with fixed dimensional caps for residential docks.
Fort Myers Boat Dock Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsFort Myers Land Development Code § 118.3.4.F
Any dock proposed to be constructed, added to, repaired or structurally altered shall first obtain a permit from the appropriate state and federal agencies, if necessary, as well as a permit from the city in accordance with applicable regulations, and written consent of the bottom owner. ... No residential docking facility shall exceed a distance of 200 feet from the shoreline. Any dock facilit...
Flood Elevation Requirements
In flood hazard areas, Fort Myers requires below-grade accessory structures used for parking or storage to have flood-damage-resistant materials and elevated mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems at least one foot above the base flood elevation.
Fort Myers Flood Elevation Freeboard Rule
Some RestrictionsFort Myers Land Development Code § 110-83
(4)Have flood damage-resistant materials used below the base flood elevation plus one foot.(5)Have mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems, including plumbing fixtures, elevated to or above the base flood elevation plus one foot.
Looking for Lee County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fort Myers city rules.
Environmental Rules in Lee County →