Town is Serious About Permits Post-Helene

The Town of Fort Myers Beach is reminding residents and business owners that they must have a permit before doing repair work on their home or business. The Town has provided a checklist it is urging all to follow, even if you already had a permit before Helene came through….

A lot of work was done without the proper permits after Hurricane Ian came through 2 years ago and that put the town in a bind with FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program. The town is hoping to avoid getting back on FEMA’s naughty list by getting out in front of the permit issue early. 

If you had any damage from Hurricane Helene and already have an open permit, you must follow the following steps to add new damage to the current open permit.

• Fill out Revision form and make sure to add in detail new damage.
• Attach supporting documents detailing new damage and with pictures.
• Submit paperwork in PDF format to buildingpermits@fmbgov.com include permit number in subject line. You will receive an email back from permitting stating paperwork has been received.

If you need to apply for a permit for Hurricane Helene Damage, follow the steps below to apply and submit application.

• Fill out application make sure to sign and complete application.
• Submit application online (link below) or in person at Town Hall.
• All documents need to be in PDF format files to upload to portal. Once your application has been processed you will receive an email from permitting along with your permit number.

Here is what you DO NOT need a permit for:

• Floor covering such as tile or carpet
• Minor cabinetry which does not include any electrical or plumbing fixtures
• Painting
• Portable heating or cooling appliances

Although you do not need to pull a permit for these items will need to submit a cost backup worksheet. That’s a FEMA requirement. Cost backup worksheet is available for print (page 14 of 15): Residential-Application-Fillable-07-16-24 (fortmyersbeachfl.gov)

If you have any question or need help call permitting at 239-765-0202 or e-mail buildingpermits@fmbgov.com