Aircraft Noise: Cape Coral vs Fort Myers
How do aircraft noise rules compare between Cape Coral, FL and Fort Myers, FL?
Fort Myers has fewer restrictions than Cape Coral.
Cape Coral, FL
Lee County
Lee County's noise ordinance expressly exempts noise from operation of all Lee County airports. Aircraft-in-flight noise is regulated by the federal FAA, not the county. Complaints go to the airport authority (RSW/Page Field), not the Sheriff's Office.
View full Cape Coral rules →Fort Myers, FL
Lee County
Fort Myers does not regulate aircraft overflight noise. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) preempts local airspace and aircraft-noise regulation under 49 U.S.C. § 40103. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), which generates most regional jet noise, sits in unincorporated Lee County south of the city; RSW operates an FAA-approved Part 150 noise program through the Lee County Port Authority.
View full Fort Myers rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cape Coral | Fort Myers |
|---|---|---|
| County airport noise | Exempt, Sec. Seven(D) | - |
| Aircraft in flight | FAA-regulated (federal) | - |
| Local airports | RSW, Page Field | - |
| Operator | Lee County Port Authority | - |
| Complaints to | Port Authority noise program | - |
| Local Code | - | None - no aircraft provision in Ch. 54 |
| Federal Preemption | - | 49 U.S.C. § 40103; ANCA (49 U.S.C. §§ 47521-47534) |
| Primary Airport | - | Southwest Florida Intl (RSW) - unincorporated Lee County |
| Airport Operator | - | Lee County Port Authority |
| Part 150 Program | - | FAA-approved (Record of Approval 2014; prior 2006) |
| Where to Complain | - | Lee County Port Authority noise office (flylcpa.com) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cape Coral FAQ
Can I file a county noise complaint about jets from RSW?
No. The county ordinance exempts airport noise, and aircraft in flight are regulated by the FAA. Direct concerns to the Lee County Port Authority noise-abatement program.
Does the county set any airport curfew?
The noise ordinance does not; airport operating restrictions are governed by federal FAA rules and Port Authority policy, not the county noise code.
Fort Myers FAQ
Does Fort Myers have an aircraft noise ordinance?
No. Chapter 54, Article V (Noise) does not address aircraft overflight, and federal law would preempt any city-level rule. The FAA holds exclusive authority over navigable airspace and aircraft noise standards under 49 U.S.C. § 40103 and the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990. Fort Myers Police and Code Enforcement cannot cite aircraft operators.
Who do I complain to about plane noise from RSW or Page Field?
Both airports are operated by the Lee County Port Authority (LCPA). File noise complaints through the LCPA noise office on flylcpa.com. RSW has an FAA-approved Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program, and the airport coordinates voluntary noise-abatement procedures with FAA Air Traffic Control because the FAA disapproved mandatory operational restrictions.
Compare other topics
See how Cape Coral and Fort Myers compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool