Demolition Permit Requirements in Lee County, FL
AHJ resolution: Lee County DCD is the building permit authority for UNINCORPORATED Lee County, which includes the dominant residential portion of ZIP 33912 (Gateway / Six Mile Cypress / Daniels Parkway corridor). Confirmed verbatim on the official leegov.com/dcd page: 'Lee County Community Development is responsible for overseeing planning, zoning, development services, permitting, plan review, inspections, & code enforcement for unincorporated areas of Lee County' and 'Please contact the incorporated areas of Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Estero, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach or Sanibel for similar services within those jurisdictions.' The incorporated municipalities of Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers Beach, and Sanibel run their own permitting departments and are excluded from county jurisdiction. Phone 239-533-8585, fax 239-485-8344, office 1500 Monroe St., Fort Myers, FL 33901, hours 9am-4pm Mon-Fri — all taken directly from the official .gov DCD contacts block. Other official numbers: automated inspection scheduling and flood questions 239-533-8948 (flood), general permitting 239-533-8585. Online permitting via the eConnect (Accela) portal. Property-level jurisdiction (city vs. county) and flood zone should be verified per parcel via LeeGIS Data Explorer (https://gisexplorer.leegov.com/) or the Lee County Property Appraiser; the City of Fort Myers in-limits test is whether the parcel number contains a 'P'. Hazards: hurricane high-wind design, wind-borne-debris (opening protection) requirements, and FEMA flood-zone / floodplain-management compliance are central to SW Florida residential permitting; many 33912 parcels are in flood zones along Six Mile Cypress Slough.
By Joey, Founder · Last verified May 15, 2026 · How we research →
When you need a Demolition permit in Lee County
Demolition of any permanent structure requires a separate demolition permit in most jurisdictions, even when the new construction permit has already been issued. Asbestos and lead-paint surveys are commonly required for any structure built before 1981 (asbestos) or 1978 (lead, under EPA RRP rule), and utility disconnections must be witnessed. To confirm requirements for your specific project in Lee County, FL, contact Lee County Department of Community Development (Building & Permitting Services) at (239) 533-8585. Apply online: https://aca-prod.accela.com/LEECO/Cap/CapHome.aspx?module=Permitting&TabName=Home.
Demolition Permit Costs: Lee County vs. Nearby
| City | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Lee County | N/A |
| Jacksonville | $100 – $1,000 |
| Miami | $100 – $1,000 |
| Tampa | $100 – $1,000 |
Fees shown are estimates based on local building code data. Actual fees may vary based on project scope and valuation. See all Lee County permit costs →
Zoning Considerations
Properties in historic districts may require historic review board approval before demolition. Some cities require a waiting period for demolition permits to allow for public comment.
Estimated Project Timeline in Lee County
Here's a typical timeline for a demolition project in Lee County, FL:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Lee County's building department for current Demolition permit fee information. Fees typically vary based on project scope and valuation.
It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Demolition projects may be exempt from permit requirements, while larger ones typically require a permit. Use our free lookup tool to check your specific situation.
Working without a required permit in Lee County can result in fines, stop-work orders, being required to remove completed work, and complications when selling your home. It's always best to check first.
Contact Lee County's building department for current processing times. Timelines vary based on project complexity and whether plan review is required.
Learn More About Demolition Permits
Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.
Read Demolition Guide →