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Fort Myers Beach affirms Sept. 30, 2025 deadline for temporary residential units; staff to inventory permits
Summary
The Fort Myers Beach Town Council on March 13 reaffirmed the town will follow the state’s three‑year timeline established by SB 250 (section 166.0335) and kept Sept. 30, 2025 as the working deadline for temporary residential trailers and RVs placed after Hurricane Ian.
The Fort Myers Beach Town Council on March 13 reaffirmed the town will follow the state‑level three‑year period for temporary residential structures established by SB 250 (codified in section 166.0335) and kept Sept. 30, 2025 as the working deadline for temporary trailers/RVs placed for residential use after Hurricane Ian.
Nancy, town attorney, summarized the statute and its three criteria: the occupant must demonstrate a good‑faith effort to rebuild or renovate (for example by applying for building permits, submitting plans, or obtaining a construction loan); temporary shelter must be connected to water and electric utilities without presenting a health/safety threat; and the resident must occupy the temporary structure. She also noted FEMA has advised against issuance of additional emergency temporary placement permits, though FEMA did not order removal of existing permitted temporary housing.
Councilmembers and staff raised operational questions about verifying residency and ownership, the complexity of title searches across LLCs and multiple properties, and the existence of permits with no end date. Staff reported about 90–95 properties have temporary permits and said they are assembling a spreadsheet for FEMA and council that will identify which permits are active, which applicants are engaged in building/permitting activity, and which appear dormant.
The council directed the town manager and staff to return with the inventory and analysis at the April 7 council meeting so council can consider case‑by‑case determinations and any follow‑up policy steps. Council clarified the current ordinance governs extensions and that the council would continue to consider hardship extensions where permit holders demonstrate due diligence in progressing toward rebuilding or resolving insurance and financing obstacles. Staff also noted FEMA and state rules limit the town’s discretion in some respects.
Councilmembers emphasized the need to notify permit holders and give residents time to prepare; staff will conduct outreach and flag permits that appear open‑ended for follow up.
