Town of Fort Myers Beach, Florida : FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

NEW SERVICE!
The Town is now able to accept request for action services via our website. From reporting a drainage problem, to a streetlight out on your street, our staff can quickly attend to the situation.
Simply click here to submit a Citizen's Request for Action.

Question: Our street has a pothole and water is not draining off after rainstorms; whom do I call to get action?

Answer: You can either call Town Hall (765-0202)where you will be asked to fill out an action request. Or you may input your request using the above listed link. If the problem is on Estero Boulevard (which is owned by Lee County), call the Lee County Department of Transportation (DOT) at 335-2852.

Question: There is a dog running loose in our neighborhood and it is acting strangely. Who can handle this problem?

Answer: The Town has a contract with Lee County Animal Services to handle small animal problems in the Town. Call them at 432-2083.

Question: We have children playing in our neighborhood. Whom do I call to report cars that repeatedly speed down our street?

Answer: Call the Sheriff's Department West District office. The number is (239) 477-1830.

Question: Whom do I speak with about Zoning issues?

Answer: The Town has a contract (an "interlocal agreement") with Lee County's Department of Community Development (DCD)to handle the initial stages of most zoning issues. Our Community Development Coordinator, Jerry Murphy, may also be able to help answers questions. He can be reached at (239) 765-0202 or you can reach him via email at [email protected]. If it concerns rezoning or variances in zoning, contact Zoning at 479-8358. This department studies and evaluates each case and makes a recommendation to the Town's Local Planning Agency (LPA) which then schedules a public hearing. After the public hearing, the LPA makes a recommendation to the Town Council and the Town Council, after holding public hearing(s), makes a decision.

Zoning at DCD (479-8383) has responsibility for zoning issues.

Question: Where do I go to get a Building Permit?

Answer: Call Lee County's Division of Codes and Building Services (479-8320); this Division handles building permits for Fort Myers Beach.

Question: The noise coming from a party being held next door is driving me crazy. Isn't there a law against loud noise?

Answer: Yes. the Sheriff's office is responsible for enforcing the Town's Noise Ordinance. See #3 above for the telephone number.

Question: There is a tree overhanging the street right-of-way and creating a traffic hazard. Can the Town handle this?

Answer: Please contact Town Hall at 765-0202 and ask to fill out a Request for Action form or fill out the form online.

Question: I think my car has been stolen or illegally towed? Do I call the Sheriff's Department?

Answer: Yes. See #3 above for the telephone number.

Question: An unsightly pile of trash has been sitting on my neighbors lawn for over a week; it's a neighborhood eyesore. Can the Town do something about it?

Answer: Call Town Hall at 765-0202 to fill out a Request for Action form (or you can fill out the form online) which will be forwarded to our code enforcement officer.

Question: There is a dolphin stranded on the beach; whom do I call to get help?

Answer: Call the Florida Marine Patrol at 1-800-DIAL-FMP.

Question: The beach is littered with dead fish apparently from "Red Tide". Who's responsible for cleaning up this stinking mess?

Answer: Call Town Hall (765-0202) when this problem occurs.That's a good question and a difficult question. We are working with several agencies to get cooperation to remedy this problem with a quick response when it happens.

Question: When am I supposed to extinguish all lights facing the beach to protect the loggerhead turtles as they hatch and return to the sea?

Answer: For all lighting questions or to report a lighting violation, call Carol Lis (Lee County Environmental Sciences) (239) 479-8353.

To report nests, disoriented hatchlings and dead or injured sea turtles, call Turtle Time, Inc. (239) 481-5566. Turtle Time's home page on the Internet is http://www.turtletime.org.

Question: I want to make some major changes to my boat dock. Do I need a permit?

Answer: Yes. Call Rick Joyce (479-8182) at Lee County. Rick can give you the details and depending on your plans from which agencies you will need permits.

Question: A local business has a garbage dumpster behind its store which is overflowing with garbage. Can't the Town do something about this?

Answer: Call Rick Clontz (479-8900). See #9 above.

Question: My neighbor is building a deck on his house that is too close to my property line. Who handles code violations?

Answer: Call 765-0202 and ask for our new Code Enforcement Officer, Bob Konior. He is Lee County's enforcement officer for code violations on Fort Myers Beach.

Question: I want to change the sign in front of my business. Who handles sign permits?

Answer: Call Chris DeManche at Town Hall (765-0202). He is coordinating sign permitting and enforcement of the Sign Ordinance of the Town of Fort Myers Beach.

Question: How can I find out the trolley schedule?

Answer: LEE TRAN can give you that information. Call them at 275-8726.

Question: My property tax bill went up this year. I think somebody made a mistake. Who?

Answer: Call Ken Wilkinson's office, Lee County Property Appraiser, at 339-6100. His staff may have an answer for you. You can also look up your parcel information yourself, directly from the Property Appraiser's web site. (www.property-appraiser.lee.fl.us)

Question: I called the telephone number you gave me in answer to one of the above questions and, frankly, I didn't get a satisfactory answer. Now what do I do?

Answer: Please call Town Hall (765-0202). The Town, following its "Lite Government" aka "Bare Bones Government" philosophy, outsources most of its municipal services from Lee County and other agencies as the most effective and efficient way of serving its citizens and tourists. We need your feedback in those few situations when those responsible for delivering service are failing to perform satisfactorily. Your taxes pay for these services; you deserve satisfaction. We also appreciate feedback when you have received an excellent response to your question. Give us a call or send an E-mail message.

Send email to [email protected] for comments, suggestions and corrections.