Contractor Registration and Permits in Fort Myers

Fort Myers is in Lee County, but city permits are separate from county permits. The city's Building, Permitting and Inspections (BPI) division, part of Community Development, handles plan review, permitting, inspections and contractor registration. It is at 1825 Hendry Street, Suite 101 (239-321-7925, permits@fortmyers.gov).

The registration packet

Fort Myers uses one form for contractors and private providers. You email the completed packet to permits@fortmyers.gov. The form asks for the qualifier or private provider name, company, mailing address, phone and email, and copies of insurance certificates. That includes a general liability certificate with the City of Fort Myers as certificate holder. The form has further insurance notes for right-of-way and utility work, so read it before you order certificates.

Trade checklists repeat the rule. The plumbing, irrigation and solar checklist says:

• The permit must be pulled by a properly licensed contractor or an owner-builder.
• Contractors must be actively registered with the City of Fort Myers, with updated license and insurance information.
• Owner-builders must sign the application in person under F.S. 489.103(7). The city provides free notary service.

EnerGov self-service

Permits are applied for, tracked and paid in the EnerGov Customer Self Service portal. The city posts videos on applying for permits and scheduling inspections. BPI has separate lines for each function:

Flood questions on a permit go to the flood line.

Trade applications

The city publishes separate applications for building/structural, electrical, fuel gas line, mechanical, plumbing/irrigation/solar, pool and spa, roofing, signs, site work and solar. It also has supporting affidavits, including an authorized agent affidavit, a contractor change form, a contractor asbestos notification and a debris affidavit. For tenant build-outs, a Letter of Intent from the business occupying the space describes its use.

Business tax: city and Lee County

The city's FAQ is short: everyone with a business in city limits pays the city business tax. Apply at 1825 Hendry Street, Suite 101. City BTRs are issued July 1, renewed July 1 to September 30, and expire September 30. The Business Tax office line is 239-321-7990.

Lee County's Tax Collector requires a Lee County Business Tax Account before doing business in Lee County, for new businesses and for established businesses from another county.

FAQ

Do I mail or email my contractor registration? Email the completed packet to permits@fortmyers.gov.

Who is the certificate holder on my liability insurance? The City of Fort Myers.

Can an owner-builder sign the permit by mail? No. Florida law requires the owner to appear in person. The city notarizes for free.

About the state exam

The state Business and Finance exam is a 120-question, open-book test. You need 70% to pass. Pearson VUE's exam performance reports show 11,266 graded attempts statewide in 2025 and a 56% pass rate for first-time takers.

Next step

You need a state license before you register. See roofing, pool and solar. Each CILB construction license requires the Business and Finance exam. Prepare with our Florida Business and Finance Exam Prep.