| Zoning / CUP | Possibly — check Lee County Land Development Code — fee: Contact required |
| Health permit authority | Florida DCF — Office of Child Care Regulation — fee: Contact required |
| Fire inspection | Pre-opening: Yes; annual re-inspection required |
| Business license | Yes — fee: Contact required |
| Last verified | 2026 |
Explore by license type
Zoning requirements in Lee County
Local zoning rules determine where you can operate a childcare program in Lee County and whether a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) or special use permit is required before opening. Zoning approval is typically required alongside your state licensing application.
| Zoning authority | Lee County Community Development — Planning Division |
| Permitted zones | Varies by zoning district |
| CUP required? | Possibly — check Lee County Land Development Code |
| CUP application | Apply or inquire here |
| CUP / permit fee | Contact required |
| State preemption | Partial — FL §125.0109 preempts local zoning for family childcare homes (≤10 children); centers must comply with local zoning |
Lee County includes Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs. Each municipality has own planning/zoning.
Health permit requirements in Lee County
In addition to your state childcare license, many counties require a separate local health or environmental permit before operating a childcare program. Requirements and fees vary by county.
| Health / licensing authority | Florida DCF — Office of Child Care Regulation |
| Permit required? | Yes — state DCF childcare license |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual permit fee | Contact required |
| Inspection frequency | Annual renewal |
| Key requirements | 35 sq ft indoor/child; 45 sq ft outdoor/child; 40-hr introductory training; background checks; CPR/first aid; annual renewal |
DCF-administered.
Fire safety requirements in Lee County
Fire marshal approval is typically required before your state childcare license is issued in Lee County. A pre-opening fire inspection is required, and annual re-inspections are generally required for license renewal.
| Fire authority | Lee County Fire Districts (multiple independent districts) |
| Pre-opening inspection | Yes |
| Annual re-inspection | Yes — annual Life Safety Operating Permit |
| Key requirements | Florida Fire Prevention Code (NFPA 101); annual Life Safety Operating Permit; pre-opening inspection required |
Business license requirements in Lee County
A local business license is required to legally operate a childcare program in Lee County. This is typically required before your state childcare license application can be completed.
| Licensing authority | Lee County Tax Collector (Local Business Tax Receipt) |
| Required? | Yes |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual fee | Contact required |
LBTR from county or municipality.
Frequently asked questions: Lee County childcare compliance
Stay compliant in Lee County with brightwheel
Brightwheel helps childcare providers in Florida manage the documentation requirements that come with operating a licensed program — from CCDBG attendance tracking to staff records.