Town Wants Properties Cleaned Up…Or Else.

Some Fort Myers Beach residents are growing increasingly frustrated that properties around their homes are still a mess 3 years after Hurricane Ian. The town hears those voices loud and clear and plans to become more aggressive in getting those property owners into compliance. 

The Town of Fort Myers Beach has outlined the enforcement process for unkept properties and the tools property owners need to know about to get into compliance:

Unkept Property Enforcement Steps

1. Report or Identification – Property flagged by residents, inspectors, or Town of Fort Myers Beach Code enforcement Officers.
2. Inspection – Conducted within 7–10 days by Town of Fort Myers Beach Code Enforcement Officer.
3. Notice of Violation – Sent within 5 days; includes corrective actions and a reasonable time for compliance (generally 15–30 day deadline).
4. Compliance Period – Owner contacts the Town of Fort Myers Beach Code Enforcement Division with Notice of Violation corrections or request for extension.
5. Follow-Up Inspection – If resolved, the case is closed. If not, move to a hearing before the Special Magistrate for the possible imposition of fines and fees/costs. The Current Special Magistrate fee is $250.00, and costs of mailing will be requested from the Special Magistrate if a hearing is requested.
6. Fines & Citations – Begin as ordered by the Special Magistrate at the hearing.
7. Town Abatement – The Special Magistrate may direct the Town to abate the violation, including demolition; with the costs billed to the property owner.

Tools Used in the Enforcement Process

• Code Enforcement Officers
• Hearings before Special Magistrate
• Abatement Policy – as ordered by the Special Magistrate
• Lien Placement – as ordered by the Special Magistrate