You have your lot. Now, the building process. We explain each step, required permits, and direct links to the city's official offices.
Hire an architect or use your builder's plans. Plans must be sealed by a Florida-licensed professional including architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC plans and a site plan showing the footprint with setbacks.
Find a licensed General Contractor (CGC) in Florida. Verify their license at myfloridalicense.com. Get at least 3 quotes and check references.
Your contractor (or you as owner-builder) submits plans to Cape Coral Permitting. Building permit + electrical, plumbing, HVAC sub-permits. Impact fees paid at this step. See permits guide →
Land clearing, construction survey (staking), fill and grading (especially important in flood zones), and utility connections if not available.
Construction proceeds in phases, each with mandatory city inspection: Foundation → Slab → Framing → Rough-in (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) → Insulation & drywall → Finishes.
The city's final inspection verifies everything complies with approved plans and Florida Building Code. If it passes, the Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is issued, allowing you to legally occupy the property.
If your lot is in zone AE, construction must be elevated above the BFE. Adds $10K–$50K+ in cost. See flood zones →
If no city water/sewer in your area, you'll need well and septic system. Adds $15K–$30K+ and may have space restrictions.
Florida Building Code requires hurricane-resistant design: impact windows, reinforced roof, straps, etc. Mandatory and affects costs.
Some lots have deed restrictions or HOA rules limiting style, minimum size, or materials. Verify before designing.
| Source | What it validates | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral — Permitting | Permits, requirements, fees, inspections | capecoral.gov/permitting |
| Cape Coral — Development Services | Development regulations, code | capecoral.gov/dev |
| DBPR — Contractor licenses | Contractor license verification | myfloridalicense.com |
| Florida Building Code | State building code | floridabuilding.org |
$150–$300+ per sq ft. A 2,000 sq ft home: $300,000–$600,000+ not including land.
8–14 months from permits to Certificate of Occupancy.
You can be owner-builder in Florida for your own residence, but a licensed CGC is highly recommended.
Building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and possibly site work. All through Cape Coral Permitting.
Fees for public infrastructure. For new residential: $10,000–$25,000+ depending on size.
Foundation, slab, framing, electrical/plumbing/HVAC rough-in, insulation, drywall, and final for the CO.