How to Use the Estero Local Business Directory

The Estero local business directory lets you search local businesses, restaurants and Southwest Florida real estate professionals from one page. Start by picking a directory tab, choose a category, then narrow the results with filters. The steps below show how to get to a short list fast.

1. Pick a directory tab. Choose Business for home services and shops, Restaurant Directory for places to eat, or SWFL Realtors for real estate professionals.
2. Choose a category. Use “What are you looking for?” to select a category such as Plumber, Roofer, HVAC, Electrician, Notary or Gym and Fitness.
3. Open More Filters. Narrow by price level, reviews, tags (for example, plumber or pool builder tags by city) and a radius in miles.
4. Switch the view. Results show as a grid, a list or a map. The map view helps when you want someone close to your neighborhood.
5. Sort the results. Sort A to Z, Z to A, latest, oldest, popular or random, then open a listing for contact details.

Directory Categories at a Glance

The directory groups Estero businesses into everyday categories, so you can find a contractor or a coffee shop in the same place. Here is how the main categories line up with common needs.

How to Add Your Business to the Directory

Local businesses can request a listing through our add your business page. A complete listing helps residents find you through search, filters and the map.

What to Prepare Before You Submit

• Your business name exactly as registered with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz), so customers can match it to public records.
• Your category and service area, including the cities you serve, such as Estero, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples or Cape Coral.
• Contact details: phone, website, email and business hours.
• License information if your trade is licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
• A short description and tags that describe your services in the words customers search for.

Local Business Tax for Estero Businesses

If your business is located in the Village of Estero, including a home-based business, the Village must approve your Lee County Local Business Tax application before the county issues it. According to the Village of Estero, you email the completed Lee County form to the Village, receive it back with a zoning validation, and then submit it to the Lee County Tax Collector.

Estero Shopping Districts Overview

Estero and south Fort Myers have four major shopping districts within a short drive of each other, each with a different feel. Use this overview to decide where to go, then see our full guide to each one.

Coconut Point

Coconut Point is an open-air shopping center at 23106 Fashion Drive in Estero, with more than 110 stores, lakes and a boardwalk, according to its owner, Simon. It sits off US-41 and Coconut Road, about 15 minutes from Southwest Florida International Airport. Read our Coconut Point mall guide.

Miromar Outlets

Miromar Outlets is an outlet center on Corkscrew Road in Estero, about one block east of I-75 at Exit 123. It has more than 140 outlet stores. Its Corkscrew Road location makes it convenient for residents of Corkscrew Road communities and FGCU. See our Miromar Outlets guide.

Bell Tower Shops

Bell Tower Shops is an outdoor shopping plaza at US-41 (Tamiami Trail) and Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers, with more than 50 boutiques, specialty shops and restaurants. Our Bell Tower Shops guide covers parking and dining.

Gulf Coast Town Center

Gulf Coast Town Center is a large retail center at I-75 and Alico Road in Fort Myers, with about 1.3 million square feet of retail on a 158-acre site, according to its owner, NADG. It is known for big-box stores, a movie theater and casual dining. Visit our Gulf Coast Town Center guide.

A First-Month Checklist for New Estero Residents

New residents usually need the same handful of local businesses in their first month. Use the directory categories to line them up before move-in day, so you are not searching during a busy week.

• Week one: a cleaning company, a locksmith or handyman to change locks, and a notary for any remaining closing or vehicle paperwork.
• Week two: pool service and lawn care if your HOA does not include them, plus an HVAC contractor for a filter change and system check before summer.
• Week three: a roofer or general contractor to review any items from your home inspection report, with written estimates.
• Week four: the fun list, including a gym, a golf course, a coffee shop and a regular restaurant near home.

Florida’s hurricane season starts June 1, so if you move in during spring, book any shutter, roof or generator work early. Our Estero newcomer hub covers utilities, trash pickup and schools.

Tips for Hiring From the Directory

Treat any directory listing as a lead, then confirm the details before you hire. A few minutes of checking protects your home and your money.

• Verify a contractor’s license on MyFloridaLicense.com and confirm the license type matches the job.
• Ask for a certificate of insurance for general liability and workers’ compensation.
• Get at least three written, itemized estimates for large or storm-related jobs, as the Florida Attorney General’s Office recommends.
• Confirm who pulls the permit and check that it was applied for.
• Under Florida law, a contractor who takes more than 10 percent of the price upfront on residential work must apply for required permits within 30 days.

For trade-specific advice, see our guides to roofing contractors and plumbing contractors in Estero.

Want to know what is opening next? Our new businesses opening in Estero roundup tracks shops, services and medical offices coming to the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving to Estero or buying a home here? Call or text Sal DiBenedetto, licensed real estate broker with The DiBe Group, brokered by eXp Realty, at 239-256-5005, or contact us for local recommendations and listings.