Licensed Contractors in Fort Myers and Estero: How to Hire the Right Pro
From remodels and additions to roofs, docks and new homes, Fort Myers and Estero homeowners hire contractors for projects big and small. Florida has strict licensing rules for construction work, and hiring the right licensed professional protects you from shoddy work, unpaid-subcontractor liens and insurance problems. This guide explains the types of contractors, how to verify a license, who issues permits in Fort Myers vs. Lee County vs. Estero, and how to structure a safe contract.
Types of Contractors and What They Do
| Contractor type | Typical work |
|---|---|
| General contractor (CGC) | Any building, including commercial and multi-story; manages large remodels and new construction. |
| Building contractor (CBC) | Commercial and residential buildings up to three stories, plus remodels. |
| Residential contractor (CRC) | One-, two- and three-family homes up to two stories: new homes, additions and remodels. |
| Roofing, plumbing, HVAC, pool | Specialty trades licensed separately. See our guides to roofers, plumbers, HVAC and pool contractors. |
| Electrical contractor | Licensed through Florida’s Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board for wiring, panels, generators and EV chargers. |
| Home inspector | Licensed by DBPR to inspect homes before purchase; not a contractor, but essential when buying. |
What About Handymen?
Handymen can do small jobs that don’t require a license, like painting, minor repairs and installing some fixtures. But work that affects structure, roofing, plumbing, electrical or mechanical systems generally requires a licensed contractor and often a permit. If someone offers to do licensed work without a license, walk away: unlicensed contracting is illegal in Florida, and the work may not pass inspection or be covered by insurance.
How to Verify a Florida License
Before you hire any contractor, look them up on the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Verify a License tool. You can search by name, license number, city or license type. Check that the license is current and active, that the name matches the company on your contract, and whether there is any disciplinary history.
Florida has two kinds of construction licenses. A certified contractor holds a state certificate and can work anywhere in Florida; certified license numbers start with “C” (for example CGC, CBC or CRC). A registered contractor passed a local competency exam and can work only in that local jurisdiction; registered numbers start with “R” (for example RG, RB or RR). Both are legitimate if they are active and valid where the work is being done.
Permits in Fort Myers, Lee County and Estero
One of the most confusing parts of building in this area is figuring out who issues your permit. It depends on where the property is, not on the mailing address. Many homes with a “Fort Myers” address are actually in unincorporated Lee County, and many east Corkscrew Road communities with Estero addresses are also in unincorporated Lee County.
Permits: Who Issues Them in Estero and Nearby
| Property location | Permitting office |
|---|---|
| Village of Estero | Village of Estero Building & Permitting Services, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, (239) 221-5036 |
| City of Fort Myers | City of Fort Myers Community Development |
| Unincorporated Lee County (including many east Corkscrew Road communities) | Lee County Department of Community Development |
| Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel | Each city’s own building department |
Your licensed contractor normally pulls the permit, and the permit and inspections protect you: they confirm the work meets the Florida Building Code, and unpermitted work can cause problems with insurance and when you sell. The City of Fort Myers runs its own online permit portal for properties inside city limits. A quick way to check: ask for the permit number and look it up on the permitting office’s website.
To check your jurisdiction, look up your property on the Lee County Property Appraiser site, which shows the taxing district.
Owner-Builder Rules
Florida lets property owners act as their own contractor on a one- or two-family home (or a small commercial building up to $75,000) for their own use, not for sale or lease. The owner must personally supervise the work, sign a disclosure statement, and in Lee County sign for the permit in person. If you sell or lease the property within one year after completion, the law presumes you built it for sale, which can be a violation. Being your own builder can save money, but you take on the contractor’s responsibilities, including hiring properly licensed subcontractors and passing inspections.
How to Choose a Contractor
- Get two or three written bids. Make sure each bid covers the same scope, materials and allowances so you can compare fairly.
- Verify license and insurance. Check DBPR, and ask for certificates of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance naming you as certificate holder.
- Check references and past work. Ask for recent local projects similar to yours, and look up reviews and any complaints.
- Confirm permits. The contractor should pull permits in their own name; be wary of anyone who asks you to pull them.
- Agree on the schedule and payments. Tie payments to completed milestones and inspections, not dates.
- Get it all in writing. Including change-order procedures, warranties and cleanup.
Contracts, Deposits and Your Lien Rights
- Get it in writing. A written contract should list the scope of work, materials, price, payment schedule, start and finish dates, permit responsibility and warranty.
- Deposits over 10%. Under Florida law (s. 489.126), a contractor who accepts more than 10% of the contract price up front on residential work must apply for permits within 30 days and start work within 90 days after the permit is issued, unless you agree otherwise in writing.
- Notice of commencement. For most jobs over $5,000, a notice of commencement must be recorded with the Lee County Clerk and posted on site before the first inspection. It helps protect you from paying twice if the contractor doesn’t pay subcontractors or suppliers.
- Lien releases. Florida’s Construction Lien Law lets unpaid subcontractors and suppliers file a lien on your home. Ask for lien releases from your contractor and major suppliers before each payment. Residential contracts over $2,500 must include the statutory lien law notice.
- Recovery Fund notice. Contracts over $2,500 must also describe the Florida Homeowners’ Construction Recovery Fund, a last-resort fund that can compensate homeowners harmed by certain violations by a licensed contractor.
Special Considerations in Southwest Florida
Protect Yourself After a Hurricane
After a storm, out-of-area and unlicensed “contractors” often go door to door. Verify every license on DBPR, never pay in full up front, and be wary of anyone who pressures you to sign on the spot, offers to “handle” your insurance claim, or promises to waive your deductible. In Florida, contractors cannot offer rebates, gifts or deductible waivers to get a roof inspection or claim, and only licensed public adjusters or attorneys may negotiate an insurance claim for pay. See our Southwest Florida Hurricane Center for storm preparation and recovery resources.
Contractors and Real Estate
If you’re buying a home that needs work, get contractor estimates during your inspection period so you know the real cost before closing. If you’re selling, ask which repairs are worth making and which to price in. We can help with both: compare Fort Myers homes for sale and Estero homes for sale, or get a free home value estimate.
Find Local Providers
Browse contractors and other local businesses in our Estero business directory. Listings are provided by businesses, so always verify licenses, insurance and reviews yourself before hiring. Own a local business? Add your business to the directory.
Hiring Contractors in Fort Myers FAQ
How do I know if a contractor is licensed in Florida?
Search the contractor’s name or license number on the DBPR Verify a License tool and confirm the license is active and matches the company name on your contract.
What is the difference between a CGC, CBC and CRC?
A certified general contractor (CGC) can build any structure, a certified building contractor (CBC) can build commercial and residential buildings up to three stories, and a certified residential contractor (CRC) builds one- to three-family homes up to two stories.
Who issues building permits in Fort Myers?
Properties inside Fort Myers city limits use the City of Fort Myers. Properties in unincorporated Lee County use Lee County, and properties in the Village of Estero use the Village’s Building and Permitting Services.
Can I be my own contractor in Florida?
Yes, under Florida’s owner-builder rules for your own one- or two-family home, if you personally supervise the work and don’t sell or lease it within a year. You must sign a disclosure statement and follow all permit and inspection rules.
How much deposit can a Florida contractor take?
There’s no fixed cap, but if a contractor takes more than 10% up front on residential work, they must apply for permits within 30 days and start within 90 days after permits are issued, unless you agree otherwise in writing.
Buying a Fixer-Upper or Planning a Renovation?
We can help you estimate costs, understand permits and see how improvements affect value.