Excavation and clearing permits around Fort Myers

Digging and clearing around Fort Myers can involve a city, Lee County and the state. Here's what each publishes that we could find.

Cities and villages

Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Estero each issue their own permits. We didn't find their tree, clearing or grading rules published in a form we could cite, so ask the city or village what your project needs before work starts.

Lee County (unincorporated)

• Vegetation removal: a permit to remove native vegetation and trees; single-family clearing of 5 acres or more (over 2 acres on Pine Island); a Notice of Clearing for bona fide agriculture. Apply through eConnect.
• Wetlands: an Environmental Resource Permit from DEP (single-family) or the South Florida Water Management District (other parcels) before county permits are issued.

State of Florida

• Stormwater: DEP's Construction Generic Permit at 1 acre or more; Notice of Intent and fee at least 2 calendar days before work.
• Burning: a Florida Forest Service authorization for land clearing and pile burns.
• Risky trees: no local permit for a documented unacceptable-risk tree on a home lot (F.S. 163.045). See tree rules.
• Pools: at least one safety feature to pass final inspection (F.S. 515.27).
• Utilities: Sunshine 811 at least 2 full business days before digging. See Sunshine 811.
• Licensing: underground utility and excavation contractors for sewer, water and storm systems (F.S. 489.105).