Fort Myers, FL Hurricane Preparedness: Flood Elevation (2026)
Key Facts
- Accessory structure freeboard
- BFE + 1 foot
- Zone A/AE accessory cap
- 600 sq. ft., one story
- Zone V/VE accessory cap
- 100 sq. ft.
- Adopted by
- Ord. No. 4006, eff. 1-1-2024
- Enforced by
- City floodplain administrator
Summary
New construction and substantial improvements in Fort Myers flood hazard areas must meet Florida Building Code elevation standards, and the city requires accessory structures built below that elevation to keep utilities and flood-resistant materials one foot above base flood elevation.
Accessory structures are permitted below elevations required by the Florida Building Code provided the accessory structures are used only for parking or storage and:
(1)If located in special flood hazard areas (Zone A/AE) other than coastal high hazard areas, are one-story and not larger than 600 sq. ft. and have flood openings in accordance with Section R322.2 of the Florida Building Code, Residential.(2)If located in coastal high hazard areas (Zone V/VE), are not located below elevated buildings and are not larger than 100 sq. ft.(3)Are anchored to resist flotation, collapse or lateral movement resulting from flood loads.(4)Have flood damage-resistant materials used below the base flood elevation plus one foot.(5)Have mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems, including plumbing fixtures, elevated to or above the base flood elevation plus one foot. (Ord. No. 4006, § 1, 1-1-2024)
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
Fort Myers administers flood elevation under Land Development Code ch. 110, tied to the state-adopted Florida Building Code Residential Section R322 (Zone A) and R322.3 (Zone V) for a building's lowest floor. For accessory structures allowed below that elevation, LDC § 110-83 sets the city's own freeboard: flood damage-resistant materials and all mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems must sit at or above base flood elevation plus one foot, with size caps of 600 sq. ft. (Zone A/AE) or 100 sq. ft. (Zone V/VE). A development permit from the floodplain administrator is required before construction begins.
Violations & Fines
Building below the required elevation without a variance, or skipping the required lowest-floor elevation certification, can trigger permit denial, a stop-work order, utility disconnection and code enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high above base flood elevation must utilities be in a Fort Myers accessory structure?
Does Fort Myers require homes to be elevated above the base flood elevation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Myers
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Fort Myers to another location·View the Florida hurricane preparedness overview
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