Mariela Lovo OlREALTOR® Español
(214) 952-7518Smart Realty of Florida

Lee County · FL

Moving to Bonita Springs, Florida

By Mariela Lovo Ol, REALTOR® · Updated

Bonita Springs, Florida is a small city between Fort Myers and Naples. Gulf beaches sit on one side and I-75 on the other. You will need a car here, and life centers on the water. The city splits into distinct areas: the beach strip, the downtown on the Imperial River, and gated communities inland.

At a glance

County
Lee County
Population (2020 Census)
53,644[1]
Population estimate (July 1, 2025)
57,634[1]
Land area
38.42 sq mi[1]
Owner-occupied housing rate (2020–2024)
81.8%[1]
Average commute (2020–2024)
24.2 minutes[1]
City incorporated
December 31, 1999[2]
Water & sewer
Bonita Springs Utilities[7]
Electric
Florida Power & Light[7]
Nearest airport
Southwest Florida International (RSW)[16]

What is it like to live in Bonita Springs?

Bonita Springs is the southernmost city in Lee County, sitting on Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The Imperial River runs through downtown and empties into Estero Bay. Most daily errands happen by car along US 41, Bonita Beach Road and Old 41 Road.

The city reincorporated on December 31, 1999, so it shares many services with Lee County. Bonita Springs Utilities supplies water and sewer, and Florida Power & Light supplies electricity. The Lee County Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement, and Bonita Fire Control handles fire service. The 2020 Census counted 53,644 residents. The Census estimated 57,634 in July 2025.

Which parts of Bonita Springs should I look at?

First, decide how close to the water you want to be. Bonita Beach, on Little Hickory Island along Hickory Boulevard, puts you on the Gulf, but in higher-risk flood zones. Downtown and Old 41 Road sit along the Imperial River, near Riverside Park and the library.

West of US 41, you will find large master-planned communities on the bay, such as Bonita Bay. Some areas lie between US 41 and I-75, and others east of the interstate. They are farther from the Gulf and closer to the highway. Each area is described below, with what to check before you buy.

How do I get around Bonita Springs?

Plan on driving. The main routes are I-75, US 41 (Tamiami Trail) and Bonita Beach Road (County Road 865). Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is north in Lee County. It offers nonstop flights to more than 75 places, according to the airport.

LeeTran runs ULTRA On Demand rides in Bonita Springs, and LinC Route 600 links Coconut Point Mall with Collier County. How walkable a street is varies a lot. Check any address on Walk Score. In busy months, plan errands around rush hour on US 41 and Bonita Beach Road.

How do schools work in Bonita Springs?

The School District of Lee County runs the public schools. Elementary and middle schools use a proximity plan. Parents rank schools in the zone tied to their address, and a lottery with preferences fills the seats. High school uses larger choice zones with sub-zones, and Bonita Springs falls in the South Zone.

Check the school for any address directly with the district. For official school grades, use the Florida Department of Education's school grades site.

What is there to do outdoors in Bonita Springs?

Bonita Beach Park and the numbered beach accesses line Hickory Boulevard. Lovers Key State Park, just north, has more than two miles of beach, kayak launches and trails. Downtown, Riverside Park sits on the Imperial River. The Everglades Wonder Gardens on Old 41 Road dates to 1936.

The city also runs a rec center, a community pool, a dog park and Bonita Nature Place. Lee County's Bonita Beach Park parking lot closed on September 8, 2026, for repairs from Hurricane Ian. You can still reach the beach through Bonita Beach Access #1.

What costs should I plan for in Bonita Springs?

Flood risk is the big unknown. The city has AE and VE high-risk zones, and it takes part in the National Flood Insurance Program. The city notes that each foot a home sits above the required flood level can cut flood premiums by nearly half.

In 2017, Invest 92L and Hurricane Irma pushed water in some areas 6.5 feet higher. The city runs a voluntary buyout program. Will Bonita be your permanent home by January 1? Then file for homestead exemption with the Lee County Property Appraiser by March 1.

What are the next steps to move to Bonita Springs?

Browse homes for sale in Bonita Springs. Then compare nearby options in the Estero guide and the Fort Myers Beach guide.

Selling first? Check what your current home is worth. Then run numbers in the mortgage calculator. When you are ready to tour, contact Mariela.

Parts of town to know: Bonita Springs

  • Downtown, Old 41 Road and the Imperial RiverThe historic core along Old 41 Road and the Imperial River, near Riverside Park, the library and the Everglades Wonder Gardens.
  • Bonita Beach and Hickory BoulevardGulf-front and bayfront homes on Little Hickory Island, reached by Bonita Beach Road and Hickory Boulevard.
  • Bayfront master-planned communities west of US 41Large planned communities on Estero Bay, such as Bonita Bay, with preserves, golf and club amenities.
  • Inland Bonita between US 41 and I-75, and east of I-75Neighborhoods farther from the Gulf with quicker access to I-75, city parks and the rec center.

School assignment can change and differs by address. Verify with the school district, and see official ratings at FLDOE School Grades. School District of Lee County.

Homes for sale now — Bonita Springs

Search all homes in Bonita Springs

Common questions

Does Bonita Springs flood?

Parts of it can. In 2017, Invest 92L and Hurricane Irma raised water in some areas by 6.5 feet. FEMA ranked the city among the hardest hit in Florida. The city has AE and VE high-risk flood zones and takes part in the National Flood Insurance Program. Check each address on the FEMA map and ask for an elevation certificate.

What is the FEMA 50% rule in Bonita Springs?

Say a building sits in a flood zone. If repairs or upgrades cost 50% or more of its value before the damage, the whole building must meet current flood code. Bonita Springs uses the Lee County Property Appraiser's building value. Or you can submit a private appraisal of the building's depreciated value. Ask the city's Community Development department before you buy an older, lower home.

Who provides utilities in Bonita Springs?

Bonita Springs Utilities supplies water and sewer, and Florida Power & Light supplies electricity. Waste Management picks up curbside trash under a city arrangement, and Lee County Solid Waste handles complaints. Set up service in your name before closing so there is no gap.

Which school will my child attend in Bonita Springs?

The School District of Lee County uses a proximity plan for elementary and middle students. Parents rank schools in their zone, and a lottery fills seats. High schools use choice zones with sub-zones. Bonita Springs is in the South Zone. Check the school for any address directly with the district.

How far is the airport from Bonita Springs?

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is the main airport for Lee County. It is located north of Bonita Springs, off I-75. It offers nonstop flights to more than 75 places on 15 airlines, according to the airport. Drive time depends on traffic and season, so test the trip at the hours you would fly.

When should I file for homestead exemption in Bonita Springs?

File with the Lee County Property Appraiser by March 1 of the year you qualify. You must own the home and make it your permanent home as of January 1. The exemption takes the first $25,000 off all property taxes. It takes an extra amount off non-school taxes. Then Save Our Homes limits yearly assessment increases to 3%.

Sources

  1. QuickFacts: Bonita Springs city, Florida, U.S. Census Bureau (read 2026-09-24)
  2. Bonita Springs, Florida, Wikipedia (read 2026-09-24)
  3. Stormwater & Drainage, City of Bonita Springs (read 2026-09-24)
  4. Flood Protection Information, City of Bonita Springs (read 2026-09-24)
  5. Post Storm Permitting Guide, City of Bonita Springs (read 2026-09-24)
  6. Hurricane Ian, City of Bonita Springs (read 2026-09-24)
  7. Frequently Asked Questions, City of Bonita Springs (read 2026-09-24)
  8. New Waste Management Single Day Collection Incoming, City of Bonita Springs (read 2026-09-24)
  9. Bonita Springs Parks & Recreation, City of Bonita Springs (read 2026-09-24)
  10. Bonita Beach Park, Lee County Parks & Recreation (read 2026-09-24)
  11. Lovers Key State Park, Florida State Parks (read 2026-09-24)
  12. Everglades Wonder Gardens, Bonita Wonder Gardens (read 2026-09-24)
  13. Imperial River Preserve, Lee County Parks & Recreation (read 2026-09-24)
  14. Lee Health Bonita Health Center, Lee Health (read 2026-09-24)
  15. Coconut Point Emergency Department, Lee Health (read 2026-09-24)
  16. Southwest Florida International Airport, Lee County Port Authority (read 2026-09-24)
  17. LeeTran Maps & Schedules, Lee County (LeeTran) (read 2026-09-24)
  18. LeeTran home (ULTRA On Demand in Bonita Springs), Lee County (LeeTran) (read 2026-09-24)
  19. Evacuation, Lee County Public Safety (read 2026-09-24)
  20. Notifications & Resources (AlertLee, LeePrepares), Lee County Emergency Management (read 2026-09-24)
  21. General Exemption Information, Lee County Property Appraiser (read 2026-09-24)
  22. New Resident – Welcome to Florida, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (read 2026-09-24)
  23. New Florida Resident, Lee County Tax Collector (read 2026-09-24)
  24. How Do I Register to Vote?, Lee County Supervisor of Elections (read 2026-09-24)
  25. Student Enrollment Plan 2026-2027, School District of Lee County (read 2026-09-24)
  26. Student Enrollment, School District of Lee County (read 2026-09-24)
  27. Florida Statutes 509.032 (vacation rentals), Florida Legislature (read 2026-09-24)
  28. Bonita Bay Club, Bonita Bay Club (read 2026-09-24)
  29. Library Branch Locations, Lee County Library System (read 2026-09-24)
  30. Disaster and Flood Related Frequently Asked Questions, Village of Estero (read 2026-09-24)
  31. Community Development, City of Bonita Springs (read 2026-09-24)
  32. Gulf Coast Medical Center, Lee Health (read 2026-09-24)

Last reviewed: 2026-09-24. Descriptions cover places and amenities, not the people who live there. We are committed to the Fair Housing Act.

More community guides

Cape Coral · Fort Myers · Lehigh Acres · Estero · Fort Myers Beach · Sanibel · North Fort Myers · Captiva · Pine Island · Alva