Where are new homes being built near Fort Myers?
Most growth has spread south toward Estero and east toward the airport. Gateway is in unincorporated Lee County near the airport. It is mostly single-family homes and townhomes built as part of planned subdivisions. San Carlos Park and Three Oaks, near Florida Gulf Coast University, also have newer subdivisions.
These areas are outside city limits, so Lee County handles permits. Utilities vary by address. See the Fort Myers community guide for each area. Compare with nearby Estero new construction and Lehigh Acres new construction.
How do I buy a new home from a builder?
Bring your own agent to the first visit or call. Many builders require your agent to be registered at first contact. The builder's sales staff represent the builder.
Read the builder's contract closely. It is usually the builder's own form. It has its own deposit terms, completion dates and change-order rules. Ask what the warranty covers, for how long, and how to make claims.
Pay for your own inspections, even on a new home. Do one before drywall covers the framing, wiring and plumbing, and one before closing. Incentives such as closing-cost help or rate buydowns often depend on using the builder's lender. Compare the full offer, not just the headline.
How do CDD fees and permits work on new homes here?
Many newer communities around Fort Myers carry HOA dues, a Community Development District (CDD) assessment, or both. Florida law requires a bold CDD disclosure in the sales contract. Ask for the yearly amount. See Fort Myers property taxes for how it fits the bill.
Inside the city, the Building, Permitting and Inspections Division reviews plans and inspects work. It is part of the Community Development Department. In unincorporated areas, Lee County's Community Development Department does this job. Compare with resale Fort Myers homes before you choose.
Common questions
Do I need my own agent to buy new construction in Fort Myers?
It is strongly recommended. The builder's sales team works for the builder. Many builders require your agent to be registered at your first visit. Your agent can review the contract, incentives and inspection timing with you.
Should I inspect a brand-new home?
Yes. Schedule a pre-drywall inspection while framing, wiring and plumbing are visible. Then get a final inspection before closing. List any items for the builder to fix under the warranty.
What is a CDD, and how do I find out if a home is in one?
A Community Development District is a special district. It can levy taxes or assessments for community infrastructure, on top of county taxes. Florida law requires a bold disclosure in the sales contract. Ask the builder for the yearly amount and how long any debt portion lasts.
Sources
- QuickFacts: Cape Coral city; Fort Myers city; Lehigh Acres CDP; North Fort Myers CDP; Lee County, Florida, U.S. Census Bureau (read 2026-09-24)
- QuickFacts: Fort Myers Shores CDP; San Carlos Park CDP; Three Oaks CDP; Gateway CDP, Florida, U.S. Census Bureau (read 2026-09-24)
- Utilities, City of Fort Myers (read 2026-09-24)
- Solid Waste, City of Fort Myers (read 2026-09-24)
- Parks (Royal Palm Preservation Program), City of Fort Myers (read 2026-09-24)
- Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Edison and Ford Winter Estates (read 2026-09-24)
- Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (read 2026-09-24)
- Florida Repertory Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre (read 2026-09-24)
- Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW, Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall (read 2026-09-24)
- Florida Gulf Coast University, FGCU (read 2026-09-24)
- Florida SouthWestern State College, FSW (read 2026-09-24)
- Sports Development (Lee Health Sports Complex, JetBlue Park), Lee County Government (read 2026-09-24)
- Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Lee County Parks & Recreation (read 2026-09-24)
- Lakes Park, Lee County Parks & Recreation (read 2026-09-24)
- Manatee Park, Lee County Parks & Recreation (read 2026-09-24)
- Student Enrollment Plan 2026-2027 (Board approved December 1, 2025), The School District of Lee County (read 2026-09-24)
- School Zones, The School District of Lee County (read 2026-09-24)
- Hurricane Season, City of Fort Myers (read 2026-09-24)
- Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Ian (AL092022), NOAA National Hurricane Center (read 2026-09-24)
- Flood Insurance, FEMA (read 2026-09-24)
- Wind Mitigation Resources, Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (read 2026-09-24)
- Florida Statutes 689.302 (flood disclosure in sale of real property), The Florida Senate (read 2026-09-24)
- Florida Case Study, International Code Council (read 2026-09-24)
- Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage, Lee County Government (read 2026-09-24)
- Southwest Florida International Airport, Lee County Port Authority (read 2026-09-24)
- Lee County Tolls - LeeWay, Lee County Government (read 2026-09-24)
- Lee Health Fast Facts, Lee Health (read 2026-09-24)
- Walk Score, Walk Score (read 2026-09-24)
- Solid Waste (Find My Waste Pickup Days), Lee County Government (read 2026-09-24)
- Wild Turkey Strand Preserve, Lee County Parks & Recreation (read 2026-09-24)
- Sales and Use Tax, Florida Department of Revenue (read 2026-09-24)
- Discretionary Sales Surtax Information for Calendar Year 2026 (DR-15DSS), Florida Department of Revenue (read 2026-09-24)
- Do I have to file a personal income tax return in Florida?, Florida Department of Revenue (read 2026-09-24)
- Real Estate Property Taxes, Lee County Tax Collector (read 2026-09-24)
- General Exemption Information, Lee County Property Appraiser (read 2026-09-24)
- Transfer of Homestead Assessment Difference (Portability), Lee County Property Appraiser (read 2026-09-24)
- 10% Assessment Limitation Frequently Asked Questions, Lee County Property Appraiser (read 2026-09-24)
- TRIM Information (six factors that increase taxes; ownership change resets caps), Lee County Property Appraiser (read 2026-09-24)
- Senate Passes Historic $250,000 Property Tax Cut for Florida Homeowners (HJR 1-F), June 2, 2026, The Florida Senate (read 2026-09-24)
- Florida Statutes 190.048 (sale of real estate within a community development district; required disclosure), The Florida Senate (read 2026-09-24)
- Florida Statutes 515.27 (residential swimming pool safety feature options), The Florida Senate (read 2026-09-24)
- Inspections (milestone inspections and structural integrity reserve studies), Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Condominiums (read 2026-09-24)
- 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program Types, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (read 2026-09-24)
- Selling Guide B5-3.2-01, HomeStyle Renovation Mortgages, Fannie Mae (read 2026-09-24)
- 2025-2026 School Grades Report (district grade issued by FLDOE July 1, 2026), The School District of Lee County (read 2026-09-24)
- Charter School Frequently Asked Questions, The School District of Lee County (read 2026-09-24)
- School Grades, Florida Department of Education (read 2026-09-24)
- Community Development Department (permitting and inspections for unincorporated Lee County), Lee County Government (read 2026-09-24)
- External Affairs Service Area Map (counties served, including Lee), Florida Power & Light (read 2026-09-24)
- About LCEC, LCEC (read 2026-09-24)
- Building, Permitting & Inspections (BPI), Community Development Department, City of Fort Myers (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.
