Are Cape Coral’s new car wash rules working?

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

Owning and operating a local car wash in Cape Coral is becoming increasingly difficult as automated chains continue to pop up across the city, frustrating small business owners and nearby residents alike.

A for-sale sign outside Barnacles Car Wash on Cape Coral Parkway highlights the growing strain. Some owners say the market is oversaturated, while residents point to noise, traffic and rapid development as ongoing concerns.

“I feel there is too many,” said Robert Vino, who lives behind a Tommy’s Express Car Wash on Chiquita Boulevard. While he admits the convenience is appealing, he believes there are simply too many locations.

Not all car washes operate the same way. Dolphins Express Car Wash, a self-service business owned by Barbara Sierra, offers lower prices and washes more than just cars, but Sierra says business has slowed as automated chains expanded nearby.

“Three years ago, there were a lot of people," Sierra said. "Now I see it’s less people."

She said too much competition hurts everyone.

Even some chain locations are selling. A Tommy’s Express on Santa Barbara Boulevard closed after less than a year and is now listed for about $7.5 million.

In response to the rapid growth, the city enacted a temporary moratorium on new car washes, which expired last January. The City Council later approved new rules requiring car washes to be spaced at least 1 mile apart, set back from major intersections and operate with limited hours near homes. However, the ordinance does not apply retroactively, allowing most existing locations — about 13 citywide — to remain open.

City officials declined interviews but encouraged residents seeking change to contact the City Council or speak during public comment at meetings.

For residents like Vino, the issue is about having a voice as development continues. With dozens of washes still operating, many say they want input before the next for-sale sign goes up.

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