Cape Coral is a good example of what Florida's 2021 preemption law (HB 735) changed. The city stopped renewing and issuing city contractor licenses in March 2023. From July 1, 2023, contractors must hold a state license to apply for the permit types that require one. What remains local is registration: getting your state license into the city's system so you can pull permits. The city is in Lee County.
Where to go
The Permitting Services Division (Development Services) handles permit intake and processing, and it registers contractors before they get permits. City Hall is at 1015 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33990. The city's FAQ lists:
| Topic | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor registration | 239-574-0870 | ContractorRegistration@capecoral.gov |
| Building permits | 239-574-0546 | Permits@capecoral.gov |
| Zoning compliance | 239-574-0553 | Zoning@capecoral.gov |
| Business tax receipts | 239-574-0430 | Businesstaxreceipts@capecoral.gov |
Registering a state license
The FAQ describes two steps. First, create an account in the city's EnerGov Customer Self-Service (CSS) portal. Second, register the license through it. All permits are applied for in CSS.
Trades that don't need a state license
Some trades still pull permits in Cape Coral without a state license. Florida law bars local governments from requiring a license for job scopes outside the state categories (F.S. 489.117(4)). The city's 2023 notice lists trade permits such as asphalt coating and sealing, canvas awnings, concrete, fence erection, insulation, paver block, paving and signs. Contractors in those trades still need a CSS account, and they apply through it.
Private providers
If an owner uses a private provider under F.S. 553.791, the provider completes a one-time registration with the city's Permitting and Contractor Licensing before starting work. The packet can be emailed to ppregistration@capecoral.gov or delivered to City Hall. The Chief Plans Examiner or Chief Inspector reviews it.
Business tax: city first, then Lee County
Cape Coral's FAQ is unusually clear:
- An office inside city limits needs two receipts, one from the city and one from Lee County.
- A Lee County receipt does not replace the city receipt. Businesses located inside or outside city limits need a city BTR if they are conducting business in Cape Coral.
- Get the city receipt first, then the county receipt from the Lee County Tax Collector.
BTRs go on sale July 1, are due by September 30, and expire September 30 the following year. A business that starts after the first quarter pays a quarterly-prorated amount.
FAQ
My old Cape Coral city license expired. What now? The city no longer issues or renews city licenses. You need a state license for regulated trades, or you register for a non-licensed trade permit through CSS.
I'm based in Fort Myers. Do I need a Cape Coral BTR? The city's FAQ says a city BTR is required for businesses inside and outside city limits that conduct business in Cape Coral. Ask the Business Tax office how that applies to your work, given the F.S. 205.065 contractor exemption.
How do I register my state license? Create a CSS account, then register the license through it.
Get licensed
For any regulated trade, Cape Coral registration starts with a state license. Each CILB construction license, including general contractor, pool and roofing, requires the Business and Finance exam. Prepare with our Florida Business and Finance Exam Prep.
Sources
- City of Cape Coral: Changes to City Licensing for Contractors (March 14, 2023)
- City of Cape Coral: Contractor Registration FAQ
- City of Cape Coral: Permitting Services Division
- City of Cape Coral: Private Provider
- City of Cape Coral: Business Tax Receipts
- Lee County Tax Collector: Business Tax Guide and Applications
- F.S. 489.117 (2021), job scopes local governments may not license
- F.S. 205.065 Exemption; nonresident persons regulated by DBPR (2026)