By LeeCounty.app Development TeamJanuary 26, 2026

Development Tracker: What just got approved this month in Lee County

Latest development approvals across Lee County: 12 new projects totaling $45M in construction value, including 324 residential units and 45,000 sq ft of commercial space in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lehigh Acres.

Lee County Development Tracker
FORT MYERS, FL —

Key Takeaways

  • 1
    Fort Myers leads with 5 approved projects totaling $18.2M, including a 120-unit apartment complex on Colonial Boulevard
  • 2
    Cape Coral commercial growth with 3 new retail developments adding 28,000 sq ft of commercial space along Del Prado Boulevard
  • 3
    Lehigh Acres residential expansion with 4 new subdivisions adding 204 single-family homes
  • 4
    Construction timeline most projects breaking ground Q2 2026 with completion expected Q4 2027
  • 5
    Infrastructure impact 2 projects requiring road improvements and utility upgrades

What Changed Since December 2025

  • 37% increase in total construction value from December's $32.8M to January's $45M
  • First major apartment complex approved in Fort Myers since Q3 2025
  • Commercial surge in Cape Coral with retail space up 156% month-over-month

Where the Data Came From

Lee County Development Activity Projects Dataset

Official county development tracking system with project status, values, and timelines

Lee County DCD Monthly Reports

Monthly development and construction reports by area and project type

FGCU RERI Building Permits Dashboard

Regional building permit trends and SWFL development analysis

What This Means for Residents

For Homeowners

Property values near new developments may increase. Watch for construction noise and traffic impacts in Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres.

For Renters

120 new apartment units coming to Fort Myers could help stabilize rental prices by late 2027.

For Business Owners

New commercial spaces in Cape Coral offer expansion opportunities. Construction contracts worth $45M will boost local economy.

Next Steps

1

Check Your Address

Use the Development Activity Map to see projects near your property

2

Monitor Construction Impact

Sign up for DCD email alerts for projects in your area

3

Track Market Impact

Monitor the FGCU permits dashboard for regional trends

How We Verify This Data

All development data is cross-referenced between Lee County's official Development Activity Projects dataset and DCD monthly reports. Construction values and timelines are verified through FGCU RERI's independent building permits analysis. Updates are published monthly with source links for verification.