Rainwater Harvesting: Cape Coral vs Fort Myers
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Cape Coral, FL and Fort Myers, FL?
Cape Coral and Fort Myers have similar restriction levels.
Cape Coral, FL
Lee County
Lee County does not restrict residential rainwater harvesting. Under water Ordinance No. 24-01, rain barrels, cisterns, and other rain-harvesting devices may be used to water plants any day of the week, exempt from the landscape irrigation day and time limits.
View full Cape Coral rules →Fort Myers, FL
Lee County
Lee County does not restrict residential rainwater harvesting. Under water Ordinance No. 24-01, rain barrels, cisterns, and other rain-harvesting devices may be used to water plants any day of the week, exempt from the landscape irrigation day and time limits.
View full Fort Myers rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cape Coral | Fort Myers |
|---|---|---|
| Rain barrels/cisterns | Allowed any day | Allowed any day |
| Authority | Lee County Ord. No. 24-01 | Lee County Ord. No. 24-01 |
| County ban | None | None |
| SFWMD rule | Also exempts rain barrels | Also exempts rain barrels |
| Large systems | May need permits | May need permits |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cape Coral FAQ
Can I install a rain barrel in Lee County?
Yes. No county ordinance prohibits residential rainwater harvesting. Rain barrels and cisterns may be used to water plants any day, exempt from the landscape irrigation day and time limits.
Does captured rainwater follow the watering-day rules?
Watering by rain barrel, cistern, or low-volume/hand methods is exempt from the day/time restrictions. Running captured water through a normal in-ground sprinkler zone still follows the scheduled days.
Fort Myers FAQ
Can I install a rain barrel in Lee County?
Yes. No county ordinance prohibits residential rainwater harvesting. Rain barrels and cisterns may be used to water plants any day, exempt from the landscape irrigation day and time limits.
Does captured rainwater follow the watering-day rules?
Watering by rain barrel, cistern, or low-volume/hand methods is exempt from the day/time restrictions. Running captured water through a normal in-ground sprinkler zone still follows the scheduled days.
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