Fort Myers, FL Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing body
- Historic Preservation Commission + City Council
- Designation authority
- By ordinance only, Sec. 114-4(b)(9)
- Minimum criteria
- At least 2 of 7 National Register factors
- Owner objection notice
- 10 days before council hearing
- Pre-work requirement
- Certificate of review, Sec. 114-71
Summary
Fort Myers can designate any building, site, or structure a local historic landmark by ordinance, even over an owner's objection, once two National Register criteria are met.
(a)No historic landmark within the city shall be designated by any city agency except as provided in this chapter.(b)The historic preservation commission shall seek and accept nominations of buildings, sites and structures for designation as historic landmarks in the following manner:(1)The designation process under this chapter may be initiated by a written petition from the property owner, by majority vote of the historic preservation commission, or by vote of the city council.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 60).
Full Breakdown
The historic preservation commission accepts landmark nominations from a property owner's petition, its own majority vote, or a city council vote. A complete application must show the property meets at least two of seven National Register-style criteria (cultural/historical significance, association with a significant event or person, architect's work, architectural quality, distinguishing style, or suitability for restoration). If the owner objects, only the city council, after a public hearing with 10 days' certified-mail notice, may still adopt the designating ordinance. Once designated, exterior work requires a certificate of review before any building permit issues.
Violations & Fines
Altering, demolishing, or relocating a designated landmark without an approved certificate of review triggers code enforcement referral under Sec. 114-8, and demolition-by-neglect (failing ordinary repairs so the structure deteriorates) is treated as a building-code/demolition-without-permit violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Fort Myers designate my property a historic landmark without my consent?
What happens after a property becomes a designated landmark?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Myers
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Fort Myers to another location·View the Florida historic preservation overview
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Historic-Cultural Monuments in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Lee County handle historic-cultural monuments.