Find Certified Contractors in Fort Myers/Naples, Florida

Almost all major home improvement projects in the Fort Myers area require a building permit from Lee County or the City of Fort Myers. This includes new construction, additions, alterations, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and pool installations.

Owner-Builder Note: Florida allows homeowners to act as their own contractor (owner-builder) for personal residences, but you must appear in person at the Lee County Public Works Building to sign for the permit and file a disclosure statement.

Key Requirements:

• Permits must pass at least one inspection within 180 days or they expire
• Projects over $2,500 require a Notice of Commencement
• Contractors submit online; owner-builders must submit paper applications in person

Permit Offices:

• Lee County Building Division
• City of Fort Myers Development Services

Trade licensing in Florida varies based on the type of work being done. In general, work that impacts the structure of the house or that is related to your home's major systems, such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, requires a license. Lawn treatment, mosquito and pest control, and other jobs that involve pesticides or controlled chemicals also require licensure with the state.

For more information, check out the official state and city websites.

State of Florida license verification

City of Fort Myers

Workers' Compensation: Florida law requires workers' compensation for any construction business with even a single employee. If a company hires workers, they must be covered.

General Liability: General contractors are required to carry at least $300,000 in bodily injury coverage and $50,000 for property damage. Specialty contractors need minimums of $100,000 and $25,000, respectively. Your certificate of insurance should list the Florida DBPR as the certificate holder.

The Best Pick Promise: We verify that every Best Pick contractor holds valid general liability insurance and meets all state-mandated workers' compensation requirements. You can also verify a license directly at MyFloridaLicense.com.

Fort Myers has a year-round subtropical climate characterized by warm temperatures, abundant sunshine, and mild winters. Summers are typically hot and humid, with average highs in the 90s and occasional afternoon thunderstorms bringing relief from the heat.

The city experiences a pronounced wet season from June through September. The dry season lasts from October through May and features lower humidity and less rainfall.

Florida's warm weather means lots of time outside. Landscaping contractors, pool service providers, and pest and termite control companies can help turn your outdoor space into a private oasis (and keep it that way). HVAC maintenance is essential for keeping your home comfortable during the hot, humid months. During hurricane season, hurricane preparedness services—including storm shutters and home restoration—help protect your property from potential storm damage.

Best Pick Reports conducts independent consumer satisfaction research in Fort Myers annually. We survey thousands of homeowners who have recently hired home service companies, analyzing their experiences to identify contractors who consistently deliver quality work.

To earn Best Pick certification in Fort Myers, companies must:

• Maintain a 4.0+ Google rating or 80%+ customer recommendation rate
• Hold all required state and local licenses
• Carry general liability insurance [+ workers' compensation where required]
• Have no unresolved complaints or regulatory violations
• Re-qualify annually through fresh consumer satisfaction surveys

We verify licensing and insurance annually for every certified company. When you hire a Best Pick contractor, you're also protected by our Best Pick Guarantee, which provides up to $2,500 in coverage if a certified company fails to meet their commitments.