Fort Myers, FL Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Fort Myers' property blight and nuisance standards are enforced primarily through the Common Code Violations listed by the Community Development Department and the underlying Chapter 50 (Nuisances) and related provisions of the Code of Ordinances. Any material that could be considered a nuisance or threat to public health and safety may not accumulate on property within the City of Fort Myers. Motor vehicles may not be abandoned, junked, or discarded on public or private property within the city unless completely enclosed in a building or part of a properly licensed business operation. All vehicles parked or stored on public or private property (except licensed auto dealers) must have a current license plate and proper registration, must be operational and roadworthy, and must be parked on an improved surface. Lawns, grass, weeds, and underbrush must be kept cut to no more than 12 inches in height on all property within the city. Code Enforcement (1825 Hendry St., Suite 101; 239-321-7940) typically issues a Notice of Violation with a compliance deadline (often 10-30 days). If the owner does not comply, the case is referred to the Fort Myers Special Magistrate under FS Chapter 162 (Local Government Code Enforcement Boards Act). The Special Magistrate may impose fines of up to $250 per day for a first violation and up to $500 per day for a repeat violation under FS 162.09; irreparable or irreversible violations may be fined up to $5,000 per violation. Unpaid fines become a lien on the property. The city may also use the abatement process: a city contractor cuts overgrowth, removes junk, or boards a structure, and the cost is added to the lien. State preemption note: under FS 705.103 (the 'Coleman' Act provisions for abandoned vehicles), local governments must follow specific notice procedures before removing a vehicle from public property; vehicles on private property follow separate notice procedures.