Hurricane Preparedness in Fort Myers, FL (2026)
4 verified hurricane preparedness rules for Fort Myers, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Hurricane Shutters
Fort Myers lies in the Wind-Borne Debris Region (WBDR) and the Hurricane-Prone Region under the 8th Edition (2023) Florida Building Code, with ASCE 7-22 ultimate design wind speeds in the 160-170 mph range (Risk Category II) for Lee County. All glazed openings in new construction must be protected with impact-rated glazing or approved hurricane shutters tested to ASTM E1886/E1996 Large Missile (Level D or E) and Small Missile standards, OR the structure must be designed as 'partially enclosed' with substantially increased wind loads. Fort Myers is NOT in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ — only Miami-Dade and Broward); however, all hurricane shutter installations require a city building permit.
Hurricane Shutter Requirements in Fort Myers
Heavy RestrictionsRoof Standards
Roof construction and reroofing in Fort Myers must comply with the 8th Edition (2023) Florida Building Code Chapter 15 and the Florida Building Code Residential equivalent, with ASCE 7-22 wind loads (~160-170 mph design wind speed, Risk Category II for Lee County). Florida's '25% Rule' (FS 553.844 and FBC §706) brings the entire roof up to current code when 25% or more of the roof system is repaired, replaced, or recovered within a 12-month period. Secondary water barriers, enhanced roof-deck attachment, and code-compliant roof-to-wall connections are required for site-built single-family residential roof replacements. All reroofing requires a city building permit through BPI.
Hurricane Roof Standards in Fort Myers
Heavy RestrictionsFlood Elevation
All new buildings, and any building substantially improved or substantially damaged (≥50% of pre-loss market value), in Fort Myers FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas must elevate the lowest floor (including basement) to or above Base Flood Elevation plus 1 foot of freeboard (BFE + 1') under Fort Myers Code Chapter 110 and 8th Edition (2023) Florida Building Code §1612. In VE coastal high-hazard zones the lowest horizontal structural member must be at BFE + 1' with breakaway walls below and open foundations (no enclosed habitable space below BFE). The current effective Lee County FIRM was made effective November 17, 2022 (post-Hurricane Ian update). Elevation certificates are required for new construction in the SFHA.
Flood Elevation Requirements in Fort Myers
Heavy RestrictionsStorm Debris
After a Presidentially declared disaster, the City of Fort Myers conducts emergency debris removal under FEMA Public Assistance Category A (Debris Removal) — separated curbside collections for vegetative debris, construction & demolition (C&D), white goods (appliances), household hazardous waste, and electronic waste. Removal from private property (including private roads, gated communities, and HOA common areas) requires a signed Right of Entry (ROE) form returned to the city before crews can enter. Hurricane Ian (Sept 28, 2022) generated millions of cubic yards of debris in Lee County — the post-Ian collection played out under FEMA-4673-DR-FL and ran through 2023.
Hurricane Debris Management in Fort Myers
Some RestrictionsLooking for Lee County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fort Myers city rules.
Hurricane Preparedness in Lee County →