Business Start-Up Support
The Lee County EDO is committed to connecting businesses with the resources they need to launch, grow and thrive
Building & Permitting Services
Building permits are required if you plan to build, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure in Lee County. You will also need a building permit if you plan to make any alterations or installations regulated by Florida Building Code.
For more information about applying for permits, visit:
City of Bonita Springs
City of Cape Coral
City of Fort Myers
City of Sanibel
Town of Fort Myers Beach
Village of Estero
Unincorporated Lee County (Including Alva, Gateway, Lehigh Acres, North Fort Myers, Pine Island, San Carlos Park, and other unincorporated areas):
Incorporation
To legally form your Florida LLC, for-profit or nonprofit corporation, or partnership, visit the Florida Division of Corporations website.
Licenses
State Licensing
Many industries require a business license from the State of Florida. Visit the Florida Department of State website to determine if your business needs a state license and find the appropriate licensing agency.
Occupational Licenses/Business Tax Receipts
Any person who wishes to start a business (or has an established business from another county) must obtain a Lee County Local Business Tax Account prior to doing business within Lee County. This requirement applies to both unincorporated areas and incorporated municipalities within the county.
In addition to obtaining a county business tax receipt, the cities of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Sanibel have a city business tax requirement, and the Town of Fort Myers beach may require a business tax account depending on your particular line of business.
For more information about business tax receipts (occupational licenses), visit the following sites:
City of Cape Coral Department of Community Development
City of Fort Myers Community Development Department
City of Sanibel Finance Department