Business in the Cape – Constructing a New Building
The Cape Coral Economic Development Office is available to assist owners in establishing a business, provide information on incentives, property location and direction as they navigate through the relocation and construction process.

Cape Coral Economic Development Office
Local: (239) 574-0444 Toll Free: 1-866-573-3089

Steps to Starting / Relocating / Expanding a Business

If constructing a new building:

1. Research Land Use and Zoning Codes: Business owners should first contact the City’s Planning Division to determine the land use and the zoning for the prospective property being purchased. It is important to explain clearly the breadth of your business plans, products and services in order to be classified properly and be sure that you are in the appropriate zone for your business (commercial, industrial, mixed use or residential, etc.). Planning Division: (239) 574-0553
   
2. Begin application/permitting procedures: Once the business use has been approved by the Planning Division and land is purchased, the business owner can obtain an information packet that includes all appropriate applications, guidelines and other useful information for starting your building project. Permitting: (239) 574-0577
   
3. Pre-Advisory Meeting: Before submitting the site plan and building permit applications, a business owner, engineer or design professional may want to consider a pre-advisory meeting with the City staff. This forum gives interested parties the opportunity to review specific project plans and discuss all City code compliance requirements with City staff who are involved in approving business development projects. Staff attendees include managers from public works, surface water, transportation, fire, utilities, planning/zoning, economic development and landscaping. Permitting: (239) 574-0577
   
4. Site Plan Approval: The owner should consult with their project engineer in submitting a site plan application to the Department of Community Development. The length of time for approval depends on the accuracy and completeness of the materials provided. There are several submittal materials that are required along with the application:
   
   • Letter of Intent
   • Sufficiency Checklist
   • 10 sets of completed sealed site plans
   • 10 sealed boundary surveys with legal description
   • Acknowledge Form
   • Site Plan Covenant
   • Burrowing Owl/Gopher Tortoise Affidavit
   • Landscape Responsibility Agreement
   • Fire Hydrant Responsibility Agreement, if applicable
   • Copy of Notice of Intent for National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), if applicable
   • Maintenance of Traffic Control Plan, if applicable
   
   Additional information or steps may be required in this process and will be determined during this stage. For more details and to obtain the site plan application, contact Permitting at (239) 574-0577.
   
5. Building Permit Issued: A building permit application can be filled out at the same time as the site plan application. It is in the best interest of an investor to apply for a building permit after the site plan has been approved. For details on the building permit approval process, contact: Permitting: (239) 573-3172
   
6. Approvals Issued: After the site plan has been approved, site preparation can begin. The building permit approval should follow and construction can begin.
   
7. Obtain all appropriate state and local licenses for operating your type of business in Cape Coral.
   
   • Every business must have a legal structure and those that are a partnership, corporation, or limited liability company must register the business with the state of Florida. Business owners using a name other than their legal name, must register a fictitious name with the state. Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations: (850) 245-6058 or www.sunbiz.org
   • Florida requires state licenses or certificates of competency for a number of professions and occupations. Many require special training and prior examinations. Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, (850) 487-1395 or www.myflorida.com/dbpr
   • Apply to the Health Department for all required licenses and approvals: (239) 332-9501
   • Apply to the City for an occupational license: (239) 574-0430
   • If signage is needed at your business, apply for a sign permit. (239) 574-0553
   
8. Certificate of Use: It is recommended that 30 days before the completion of the building, a Certificate of Use application should be submitted to the Building Division. This is mandatory to occupy a unit or building. Several inspections are required before the certificate can be issued. Businesses located on a septic system or those related to Health Care Administration, Food Processing, Hotel/Motel Lodging or all other professionally regulated businesses will require an additional inspection by the appropriate state agency.
   
   • Fire Inspection: Fire Prevention Bureau: (239) 242-3264
   • Zoning Inspection: Planning Division: (239) 574-3193
   • Building Inspection: Building Division: (239) 574-0579
   • Septic Inspection: Lee County Health Department: (239) 332-9501
   • Health Care Inspections: Agency for Health Care Administration (239) 338-2366
   • Restaurant/Hotel/Motel: Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation: (850) 487-1395
   • Grocery Store/Deli: Department of Agriculture: (850) 488-3022
   
   Contact Permitting to obtain an application for the Certificate of Use: (239) 574-0553
   
9. Lee County Occupational License: A license is required from the County to operate the business. Contact: (239) 533-6000
   
10. Begin Business Operations!