Fort Myers' tree and landscape code is consolidated in the Land Development Code (Subpart B), Chapter 138 — Vegetation, which contains Article I (General), Article II (Landscaping, including § 138-46 Conflict), and Article III (Trees). Permits and plan review run through the Building, Permitting & Inspections Division. Florida Statute 163.045 preempts City removal permits on single-family residential lots when an ISA-certified arborist documents the tree as dangerous, and mangroves are reserved to FDEP under FS 403.9321-403.9333.
Fort Myers Code of Ordinances Subpart B (Land Development Code), Chapter 138 — Vegetation — is the master tree/landscape ordinance. Article II (Landscaping) sets standards for required landscape buffers, parking-lot interior landscaping, street trees, and replacement obligations, with § 138-46 addressing conflicts between provisions. Article III (Trees) covers tree protection, protected/specimen tree classification, and tree-removal permit standards. Tree-removal and landscape plans are reviewed and permitted by the Building, Permitting & Inspections Division (1825 Hendry St., 239-321-7925, permits@fortmyers.gov). The City's 'Do I Need Permits?' page enumerates 'Tree Removal (Native Species)' as a permit-required residential and commercial activity. Citywide enforcement is shared with Code Compliance under Chapter 2, Article V (Special Magistrate). State-law overlays: FS 163.045 (hazardous-tree exemption on SFR lots), FS 373.185 (Florida-Friendly Landscaping HOA preemption), and FS 403.9321-403.9333 (mangrove jurisdiction to FDEP).
Common violations enforced under Chapter 138: (1) removing a native or specimen tree without a permit outside the FS 163.045 exemption — Notice of Violation, mandatory replacement, Special Magistrate fines; (2) failing to install required Chapter 138 Article II landscape buffers — blocks Certificate of Occupancy; (3) installing artificial turf in lieu of required live plant material in landscape buffers — plan-review denial; (4) failing to maintain the 12-inch grass/weed height — City abatement plus lien.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Fort Myers, FL
The City of Fort Myers Code of Ordinances does not prohibit artificial turf on residential property. Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FS 373.185) protects water...
Fort Myers, FL
Florida Statute 373.185 establishes Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) as a protected statewide policy. A local government ordinance or HOA covenant may not ...
Fort Myers, FL
Fort Myers Code of Ordinances Chapter 90, Article III (Water Shortage Regulations) enforces year-round landscape irrigation limits aligned with SFWMD Chapter...
Fort Myers, FL
Fort Myers Code Compliance enforces a citywide 12-inch maximum height for grass, weeds and underbrush on all property, including vacant lots, plus the adjace...
Fort Myers, FL
Fort Myers Chapter 138 (Vegetation) of the Land Development Code, including Section 138-46, governs protected-tree removal and requires permitting through th...
Fort Myers, FL
On a single-family residential lot, Florida Statute 163.045 prevents the City of Fort Myers from requiring a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or m...
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