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:

Lee County Tax Collector 

City of Cape Coral Department of Community Development

City of Fort Myers Community Development Department 

City of Sanibel Finance Department

 

Florida Business Taxes

For information and resources regarding business taxes, including sales tax, reemployment tax, and corporate income tax, visit the Florida Department of Revenue website
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