Reporter: Paul Dolan
•6/10/2026
CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK)—A new state law could make some home repairs easier, but flood-zone rules in Cape Coral keep many residents from using the exemption.
The law allows homeowners to skip certain permit requirements for projects costing less than $7,500. However, the city says the exemption applies only to homes completely outside the special flood hazard area, and the work cannot affect major systems inside the house.
Flooding is a common problem in Cape Coral, making the flood-zone exception particularly important for residents.
"It rains a lot, and it floods," a resident said. "The whole thing, it just comes sliding down and stuff."
Even if a project costs less than $7,500, it does not automatically qualify for the exemption. The city says about 60% of Cape Coral is inside the restricted flood area.
Phillip Ott, who has worked in construction for a long time, understands both sides of the issue. He says after a storm, homeowners need to get to work quickly.
"I think everybody should be able to repair their house as quickly as possible," Ott said.
He has seen the consequences of delays firsthand.
"Once a storm, I mean, I've seen people's houses with the roofs off for months afterward, and if you can do it yourself, I mean, I mean, I even did roofing, it's not that hard to do," Ott said.
Ott believes homes can go from bad to worse while waiting for permits after a storm.
"It rains again, or more wind, it starts destroying even more in your house, getting in your walls and drywall, getting rotten mold growing, insects getting in there," Ott said. "I mean, seriously."
The exemption does mean no paperwork. Homeowners still have to ask the city and show what work they are doing and what it costs.
The city says it has seen some misinformation about the new law online. WINK News has attached a city presentation that breaks down the law provided below.
