ADU Rules: Cape Coral vs Fort Myers
How do adu rules rules compare between Cape Coral, FL and Fort Myers, FL?
Fort Myers has fewer restrictions than Cape Coral.
Cape Coral, FL
Lee County
Cape Coral does not currently permit traditional accessory dwelling units (ADUs) with full kitchens. Under Land Development Code Section 5.2.11, only detached 'guest houses' are allowed, and only in the Residential Estate (RE) zoning district on lots with an existing principal residence. Guest houses cannot contain a kitchen or even the electrical/gas connections for a stove or oven, may not exceed 800 sq ft or 30% of the primary structure (whichever is less), are limited to one story (14 ft max), and cannot be rented as separate dwellings. Florida has no statewide ADU mandate.
View full Cape Coral rules →Fort Myers, FL
Lee County
Fort Myers permits non-commercial guesthouses, cottages, and garage apartments accessory to a principal dwelling under LDC § 118.3.11 (defined in Chapter 142). These accessory dwellings are not subject to density calculations. Garage apartments specifically are only permitted in the Dean Park Historic District under LDC § 118.3.4.B. Size is typically capped at 50% of the principal dwelling or 1,000 sq ft (whichever is smaller).
View full Fort Myers rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cape Coral | Fort Myers |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Code Section | - | LDC § 118.3.11 (referenced via § 118.3.4); Chapter 142 (Definitions) |
| Max Size (typical) | - | 50% of principal dwelling or 1,000 sq ft (whichever is smaller) |
| Accessory Coverage Cap | - | 30% of principal structure gross floor area |
| Garage Apartments | - | Only allowed in Dean Park Historic District |
| Density | - | Not counted as separate density unit |
| Separate Sale | - | Prohibited (must remain accessory to principal lot) |
| Permit Required | - | Building permit + zoning review |
| Planning Contact | - | (239) 321-7100 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cape Coral FAQ
Fort Myers FAQ
Can I build a guest house or ADU in Fort Myers?
Yes — Fort Myers LDC § 118.3.11 permits non-commercial guesthouses, cottages, and garage apartments accessory to a principal single-family residence. The accessory dwelling must be clearly subordinate to the main home (typically capped at 50% of the principal dwelling or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is smaller), accessory structures combined may not exceed 30% of the principal structure's gross floor area, and the unit must meet the zone's setbacks. Garage apartments specifically are only permitted in the Dean Park Historic District.
Can I rent out my Fort Myers guest house separately?
Long-term rental (30+ days) is generally allowed if zoning rules are met. Short-term rental (under 30 days) is governed by Fort Myers's general STR rules and FS 509.032(7)(b), which preempts local bans on STR frequency. The guest house cannot be sold separately from the main residence — it must remain accessory to the principal dwelling on the same lot.
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