Hurricane Ian - Questions & Answers

JIC Agency Logos

Questions and Answers

Is there a deadline for when storm debris must be at the curb?

At this time, Lee County has set a Feb. 1 deadline for the following unincorporated areas to place their remaining storm debris out for collection:

Lee County thanks residents who were given set-out deadlines in some unincorporated areas and have placed their remaining Hurricane Ian debris at the curb. The county reminds those residents that collection of storm debris in these areas will conclude once material that met the deadline has been picked up:

Lehigh Acres
Gateway
Briarcliff
Daniels Parkway corridor
Eagle Ridge
Florida Gulf Coast University / Miromar areas
Gasparilla Island / Boca Grande
San Carlos Park
The Villas

The county's normal waste-collection services now will be the primary resource for residents in these areas to have vegetation and horticulture waste picked up.

Some areas do not yet have any deadline for debris set-out, and residents in those areas should continue to separate their household waste from storm debris. The county's debris-hauling contractor will continue collections of storm debris in these areas of the county until it is complete.

My tarped roof was impacted during TS Nicole, how can I get it repaired?

If you need assistance with repairing or replacing a tarp on your roof following impacts from TS Nicole, please call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 800-451-1954. For storm information and other resources available, dial 211 to reach the Storm Information Hotline.

Where can I report scams or fraud?

Beware of Fraud and Scams. Report fraud by email to stopFEMAfraud@fema.dhs.gov or call 1-866-223-0814

Where can I apply for Insurance Deductible Assistance?

Income eligible households whose primary residence sustained damage as a result of Hurricane Ian may qualify for assistance with paying their insurance deductibles.

Florida Housing Finance Corporation awarded Lee County funding to help residents impacted by Hurricane Ian pay their home insurance deductibles.

Learn more about this program.

Where can I go to find housing assistance?

Housing is a critical aspect of Hurricane Ian recovery. Lee County is working closely with FEMA, HUD, FDEM, FHFC and many other agencies to advocate for housing needs. A phased housing plan is being designed to support Lee County residents.

Learn more more about Housing resources.

Are FMB Residents being allowed back on the island to check on property?

Town of Fort Myers Beach residents can now access the Town any day of the week. Monday/Tuesday daily access is no longer restricted. Curfew will still apply every day, which is 7 p.m. – 7 a.m. For those who need to travel during curfew time, passes are not required. Curfew is in place to protect the community from looting and loitering, not to keep residents from their daily routine such as driving to/from work or appointments.

Find more information on the Town of Fort Myers Beach website.

Are Sanibel Residents being allowed back on the island to check on property?

The requirement for re-entry passes has been eliminated. Effective Jan. 2, 2023, no passes are necessary to access the island. The police checkpoint that was in place since the causeway reopened after the hurricane has been deactivated. However, the City of Sanibel curfew remains in effect between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily; the police checkpoint will be in place during curfew hours.

Visit www.mysanibel.com for additional information.

Can a recreational vehicle (RV), motorhome, or camper be parked on private property and utilized as temporary housing?

Pursuant to Section 34-3046 of the Lee County Land Development Code, a mobile home, travel trailer, or park-trailer may be parked on a single-family lot and utilized as temporary housing during the rehabilitation of the original residence or construction of the new residence. The maximum duration of use is until March 22, 2024, which is 540 days after the President of the United States issued a disaster declaration. The temporary housing unit must be removed from the property, or cease utilizing as a residential temporary housing unit, within ten days after the certificate of occupancy is issued.

Do I need a permit for the temporary unit (RV, motorhome or camper)?

A temporary permit will be required to be approved through Lee County Department of Community Development. Water and sanitary facilities must be provided and the temporary mobile home, travel trailer, or park-trailer must comply with floodplain management regulations. Click here to learn more about permitting.

Is there a burn ban in Cape Coral?

No. The burn ban was lifted in November 2022.

Is there a boil water notice in effect?

Boil Water Notice Lifted for All of Lee County Utilities

Lee County Utilities has rescinded a precautionary Boil Water Notice for 100% of the Lee County Utilities service area.

If you are not on Lee County Utilities contact your Utility provider to learn about any Boil Water notices in your area.

To learn which utility provider serves your address you can use our Resident Information Tool.

Is it ok to shower during a boil water notice?

Yes. Just be careful not to drink the water while you shower or bathe.

Have the remaining bridge inspections been completed?

The initial inspection has been completed for all bridges in Lee County. All bridges that are open are safe for travel.

Which Bridges are closed?

All Lee County brdiges are currently open.

Tolls have resumed on all bridges.

Have tolls been suspended?

Tolls resumed as of November 1st, 2022 at 6:00 a.m. on the Cape Coral Bridge and the Midpoint Bridge.

Lee County will resume normal toll operations on the the Sanibel Causeway – at 6 a.m. Jan. 1. Learn more.

Are FEMA claims open?

The fastest way to apply is through DisasterAssistance.gov.

You can also apply through the FEMA mobile app or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

More information: https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program#apply

Which shelters are open?

Select shelters are open. Please click here for more information.

Lee County shelter operations continue and shelter capacity will be maintained. If your home was impacted by the storm and you need shelter, you can still go.

How can I donate or volunteer to help?

DONATE

In partnership with the United Way, the Collaboratory has started a hurricane relief fund.

Financial donations remain the best way to assist families impacted by Hurricane Ian now and for the long-term recovery. Any amount is welcome to the SWFL Emergency Relief Fund organized through the Collaboratory and The United Way

All proceeds support Southwest Florida nonprofits helping residents now and in the weeks and months ahead.

Volunteer:

Anyone wishing to volunteer can register at volunteer.unitedwaylee.org or call 2-1-1 or 239-433-3900.

Cleanup service volunteer agencies or teams may register with Crisis Cleanup, crisiscleanup.org. Residents needing cleanup services may register by calling the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 800-451-1954.

Where can free food and water be picked up?

Download the Human and Veteran Services Mobile App

HVS Resource Engagement and Communication Hub (REACH) – Apple

HVS Resource Engagement and Communication Hub (REACH) - Android

You can also call 211 to speak to someone for assistance.

How can I help residents of Lee County after Hurricane Ian?

Financial donations are the best way to assist families impacted by Hurricane Ian now and for long-term recovery. Any amount is welcome to the SWFL Emergency Relief Fund organized through the Collaboratory and The United Way. Go to Collaboratory.org to donate. All proceeds support Southwest Florida nonprofits helping residents now and in the weeks and months ahead.

How to Volunteer- Anyone wishing to volunteer can register at volunteer.unitedwaylee.org or call 2-1-1 or 239-433-3900. Cleanup service volunteer agencies or teams may register with Crisis Cleanup, crisiscleanup.org. Residents needing cleanup services may register by calling the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 800-451-1954.

Item Donation: Limited donations of goods are being accepted 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at Ocean Church, 2016 Kismet Parkway, Cape Coral, and Ocean Church, 22100 South Tamiami Trail, Estero. No clothing, furniture, blankets and toys will be accepted.

How can I get a permit to build or repair post-Hurricane Ian?

Office Hours and Location Information
Office Location: 1500 Monroe St, Fort Myers FL, 33901
Office Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm (Monday-Friday)

More Information...

Is the Southwest Florida International Airport open?

Yes. Southwest Florida International Airport has reopened.

Are Lee County Parks open?

To see which Lee County Parks are currently open go to www.leeparks.org

Where can I report an oil spill from a boat?

The US Coast Guard urges you to report observations of oil spills and discharges of hazardous materials should be reported to the National Response Center. 1-800-424-8802

How is debris being picked up on Pine Island?

Waste Pro, Lee County's contracted hauler is on Pine Island collecting household garbage.

If residents live on a road that is inaccessible to truck traffic, they can bring garbage sealed in plastic bags to the closest accessible point. Waste Pro crews will handle it from there.

Structural and vegetative debris is being collected by the county's contracted emergency debris hauler.

Where can I find temporary housing?

A key place to start for temporary housing is registering for FEMA individual assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. It can provide temporary rental assistance.
Other federal programs will be made available. Lee County will work with the federal government as well as state and local partners to support displaced residents.
Lee County departmental staff, such as Human & Veteran Services, are already actively making plans to help residents in shelters transition to housing.

Where can I go to get assistance?

Apply Online for FEMA Disaster Assistance:

If your household was impacted by the disaster, FEMA may be able to assist with disaster related expenses, home repairs, and provide other financial assistance.

To qualify for FEMA Disaster Assistance, you must be a full time Florida Resident (living in Florida for more than 6 months out of the year). If you have homeowners’ insurance, you must make a claim with your insurance company before applying for FEMA Disaster Assistance.

To apply for FEMA assistance online, visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/.

You can get assistance in person at one of the Disaster Recovery Centers setup in Lee County. You can learn more on our Recovery Resources page.

I lost my pet during the storm. Where can I go for help?

The lost and found department at the Lee County Domestic Animal Services is open to reunite pets with their families.

You can check for lost pets online here .

Are the County boat ramps open?

To see which Lee County Parks Boat ramps are currently open go to www.leeparks.org

Is there a curfew in place?

Lee County has rescinded all curfews put in place immediately following Hurricane Ian.

Individual municipalities may have curfews still in place. Residents are encouraged to check municipality websites for Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Estero, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel for more information.

Lee County Sheriff's Office is committed to the protection of life and property. Residents who see suspicious activity should call 911 if it is an emergency or 239-477-1000 for non-emergencies.

Are Lee County schools open?

To learn which schools are open you can find this information on the Lee County School District website.

Is funeral assistance available?

FEMA provides financial assistance under the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) to households with disaster-caused funeral expenses. Learn more here.