Permits Pulse: New builds rising or cooling in Lee County
Lee County building permits analysis: Residential permits up 8% month-over-month, commercial permits down 3%, with Fort Myers leading growth and Cape Coral showing mixed signals. What permits mean for traffic, schools, rents, and contractors.
Key Takeaways
- 1Fort Myers residential surge - 42 single-family permits in January, up 23% from December, driven by downtown infill projects
- 2Cape Coral commercial slowdown - Only 3 commercial permits issued, down 67% month-over-month, but residential stable at 28 permits
- 3Lehigh Acres expansion - 18 new subdivision permits, indicating continued master-planned community development
- 4Total construction value $28.4M in permits, with average residential value $285,000, commercial $1.2M
- 5Regional trend Lee County outpacing Collier and Charlotte counties in residential permits by 12% and 8% respectively
Monthly Permit Trends
Residential Permits Rising
Commercial Permits Cooling
What Changed Since December 2025
- Downtown Fort Myers momentum - 12 new infill permits as redevelopment accelerates
- Cape Coral commercial pause - Largest retail developer shifted projects to Q2 2026
- Multi-family rebound - First apartment complex permits since October 2025
Where the Data Came From
Monthly building permit reports by area, project type, and construction value
Regional building permit trends and SWFL development analysis with historical data
What Permits Mean for the Community
Traffic Impact
124 new residential units = ~500 additional daily car trips. Fort Myers downtown may see 15% traffic increase.
School Capacity
New residential units could add 180 students. Fort Myers schools near capacity, may need portable classrooms.
Rental Market
New construction may stabilize rents by 2027. Current rental demand still exceeds supply by 22%.
Contractor Demand
$28.4M in permits = ~300 construction jobs. Skilled labor shortage may delay some projects.
City-by-City Breakdown
Fort Myers
Cape Coral
Lehigh Acres
Bonita Springs
Next Steps: How to Track Development
Monitor Your Neighborhood
Check the DCD reports portal for permits in your area
Track Regional Trends
Follow the FGCU permits dashboard for SWFL-wide analysis
Attend Planning Meetings
City planning commissions review major developments. Meeting schedules available on municipal websites.
Consider Market Impact
New construction affects property values, rental rates, and local services. Plan accordingly for your area.
How We Verify This Data
Building permit data is verified through Lee County DCD's official monthly reports and cross-referenced with FGCU RERI's independent regional analysis. Permit values and trends are confirmed through both sources to ensure accuracy. Regional comparisons use standardized methodology across SWFL counties.