Everything you need to know before buying a lot in Cape Coral, FL. Every data point links to its official source: Lee County Property Appraiser, FEMA, City of Cape Coral and Lee Clerk.
The complete process: from finding the lot to closing the purchase. With links to every verification step.
Read the guideVerifiable list of everything you must check before making an offer. Nothing falls through the cracks.
View checklistWhat to verify legally: title, liens, easements, taxes, permits. With official sources.
View processEvery link leads to the corresponding official source. Verify ownership, liens, zoning, flood zones and permits directly.
Search by STRAP, address or owner name in the Lee County Property Appraiser.
How to verifyAccess official records from the Lee County Clerk: deeds, liens, easements and plats.
How to searchCheck current and future land use on Cape Coral's official interactive maps.
Explore mapsVerify any lot's flood zone in FEMA Map Service Center and the NFHL Viewer.
Check flood zoneEverything about the Permitting Division: types, requirements, estimated costs and how to apply.
View permit process| Source | What it validates | Official link |
|---|---|---|
| Lee County Property Appraiser (LCPA) | Ownership, assessed value, STRAP, lot data | leepa.org |
| Lee County Clerk of Court | Deeds, liens, easements, plats, public records | leeclerk.org |
| City of Cape Coral — GIS | Zoning, land use, interactive maps | capecoral.gov/gis |
| FEMA Flood Map Service Center | Official flood zones (NFIP), FIRMettes | msc.fema.gov |
| City of Cape Coral — Permitting | Building permits, requirements, processes | capecoral.gov/permitting |
Once you have your lot, the next step is building. We explain the official process, required permits and direct links to Cape Coral Development Services.
View building stepsAnswer 3 quick questions and find out your real next step: buy, verify or build on a Cape Coral lot.
Start here →Cape Coral is divided into four main quadrants. Each zone has distinct characteristics in pricing, water access and development.
Highest growth area. Many developing lots, proximity to Burnt Store Road and future commercial projects.
Explore NWQuick I-75 access and North Fort Myers. Mix of residential and expanding commercial lots.
Explore NEMost established zone. Best infrastructure, proximity to Fort Myers and Cape Coral Parkway. Higher prices.
Explore SWConsolidated residential area with navigable canal access to the Caloosahatchee River. Strong appreciation.
Explore SEIn many cases, yes. Eligibility can vary based on nationality, immigration status, property type, and current law. Specific tax rules (including FIRPTA) may apply when selling. Confirm your case with a real estate attorney and tax advisor before signing.
STRAP (Section-Township-Range-Area-Parcel) is the unique identifier for each parcel in Lee County. It's essential for verifying ownership, taxes and official lot data at the LCPA.
Enter the lot address at FEMA Flood Map Service Center. Zones AE and VE require mandatory flood insurance. Zone X (shaded or unshaded) is lower risk. See our flood zones guide.
Prices vary by location, water access (freshwater canal, saltwater canal, no canal), zoning and size. Most affordable lots in NW Cape Coral start from $15,000–$30,000. Navigable canal lots in SW can exceed $200,000+. Check current values at the LCPA.
It is not always a legal requirement, but it is highly recommended. A realtor experienced with vacant land in Cape Coral can help verify the lot, negotiate, and navigate closing. The buyer generally does not pay the agent's commission, depending on the transaction agreement.
The typical process from permits to occupancy takes 8–14 months, depending on project scope, contractor availability and city inspection timelines. Permits are managed through Cape Coral Permitting.
Assessments are charges the city imposes to fund infrastructure (water, sewer, paving). A lot may have pending assessments that the buyer inherits. Verify at the LCPA and with the city before buying.
Saltwater canals connect to the Caloosahatchee River and allow boat access to the Gulf of Mexico. Freshwater canals are internal and not navigable to the Gulf. Saltwater canal lots are typically worth significantly more.
I'm Dayana Batista, a Florida-licensed REALTOR®. I guide you through every step: parcel verification, due diligence, flood zones and the buying process. All the information you need, verified from official sources.
