Launch a Business
Doing Business in Fort Myers
Fort Myers, also known as the City of Palms, is located near the southwest coast of Florida, centered between Tampa and Miami, with a population of 87,871. Established in 1886, it is Lee County’s historical and governmental hub, encompassing 48.82 total square miles, including waterways. The city is bordered to the north and west by the Caloosahatchee River.
Amenities include easily accessible gulf coast beaches, plentiful golf courses and year-round sunshine. Affordable housing and excellent schools attract a variety of demographic groups. The city strives to deliver best in class municipal services, maintaining a balanced budget yet allowing for progressive growth and development.
Community Development Department
The Community Development Department is the gateway to developing and operating a business in Fort Myers. City staff takes pride in providing exemplary customer service through timely reviews, knowledgeable permit staff, and inspections and licensing services geared to ensure a safe, compliant business environment for your employees and customers.
Permitting Services May Be Required
If there is a change of use (i.e. a restaurant location changing to a hair salon) or if improvements are being made to the site, permits will be required. The city offers complimentary pre-application meetings either on-site or in the office to best meet the needs of the prospective project. The status of business tax receipts and permits in process may be checked utilizing the iView program on the city website.
https://eservices.cityftmyers.com/iviewpermitinquiry/cfmMainInquiryForm.aspx
Business Tax
The local business tax receipt regulations of the city can be found in Chapter 82 of the City Code. A current and valid tax receipt is required prior to engaging in business activity within the city limits. Tax receipts must be applied for in person at the Community Development Center at 1825 Hendry St. Fort Myers, FL 33901.
Payment Options
In Person: 1825 Hendry St in downtown Fort Myers, FL 33901
For the next two payment options, your tax receipt must not be expired and your business must be in a fixed fee rate category.
Online: Click the link to pay your business tax fee online
Phone: Using the Interactive Voice Response Line (IVR) at 239-321-7210 select option 6 and follow the prompts.