Certificate of Use Procedures

This procedure applies to new businesses, businesses adding a 2nd location, businesses moving to a new location or buying a business and changing the name and will occupy a commercial property. This does not apply to home based businesses. If you have any questions concerning this procedure, please contact Lee County Community Development, 1500 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL, 33901 (239) 533-8329.

Steps for Obtaining a Certificate of Use

Fee Information

Commonly Asked Questions

Business Tax Receipt License application form

Directions for Filling Out a Business Tax Receipt Application

Use Permit Application Form 

STEP 1:

The strap number for the business location, if you do not know it, contact the Property Appraiser's Office at (239) 533-6150. Also, the strap number is available on the Internet at www.leepa.org

STEP 2:

A hand drawn floor plan showing the "As is" layout of your space. Indicate the size of the space, including existing walls, partitions, counters, electrical layout, plumbing fixtures, doorways, etc. and what you intend to add (highlight the proposed addition(s) if applicable). Also indicate the "Use" or "Name of the business on either side of the subject space." This is to enable the inspectors to quickly locate your space.

STEP 3:

A parking diagram, unless you have community parking. You are required by Lee County Ordinance #95-19 to make provisions for garbage collection for your business. An approved Garbage Collection Verification form must be submitted prior to release of your Certificate of Use. If you are leasing and the rent includes garbage pick-up, fax the Garbage Verification form to the franchised hauler that collects for you're building and they will complete and fax to Community Development. If you are responsible for the trash pick-up, you will need to contact the hauler and make the necessary arrangements for service. The hauler will complete the form and fax to Community Development.

STEP 4

Completed Impact Fee/Change of Use Evaluation Form (forms are available at Community Development). The Lee County Impact Fee Ordinance requires an assessment of impact fees for a "Change of Use" on all Certificate of Use permits. If you are required to pay impact fees, you will be notified prior to processing your application. Any questions, please call the County Impact Fee Coordinator at (239) 533-8330.

STEP 5

Determine your utilities for the building and whether the space is served by a well/septic or public sewer/public water. This information will be reviewed by the County Environmental Health Inspector for approval. Call (239) 690-2100 for details.

STEP 6

You will need to know the appropriate Fire Department that serves your area. Before your Certificate of Use is approved, your Fire Department will perform an inspection and may charge for this inspection.

STEP 7

You can apply for the Business Tax Receipt by going to the Community Development office at 1500 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL with your completed application, pay the appropriate fees and leave with inspection instructions. Office hour are 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. It is your responsibility to contact the Building Inspector and Fire Department to schedule inspections. If you notify us at the time of application that you need the electric turned on, we will notify the electric company when all of the inspections have been done. However, it your responsibility to contact the electric company to make the necessary arrangements for deposits, etc.

Economic Development Office of Lee County
12800 University Drive, Suite 300
Fort Myers, FL  33907
EDO@Leegov.com
www.leecountybusiness.com

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