SWFL Residents Get Special Beach Parking

We’re going to take a wild guess and say that the beautiful white sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico are probably what “sold” you on Southwest Florida. If not the top reason, we are sure it’s in the Top 5. 

Stretching from Boca Grande, down Captiva to Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach, Bonita, Naples, Keewaydin, and Marco Island, there’s likely 100 miles of shoreline that meets the Gulf. Of course, not all of this is easily accessed by car, but each beach town has its own beach parks and access points for visitors and residents to use. 

Did you know SWFL residents have access to special beach parking permits, most of which are not available to non-residents? Check out the list below for more information. 

Lee County Beach Parking Permits

Lee County sells a parking pass that enables you to use certain beach parking lots, boating ramps, and other parks and recreation sites. As of 2020, the parking pass costs $60/year for Lee County Residents, who must show proof of residency. 

The Lee County Parking Permits are valid for the following beaches:

• Bonita Beach Access #1 in Bonita Springs
• Bonita Beach Access #10 (Little Hickory) in Bonita Springs
• Bowditch Point Beach Park on Fort Myers Beach
• Bowman’s Beach on Sanibel Island
• Turner Beach (Blind Pass, north side only) on Sanibel Island
• San Carlos Bay/Bunche Beach Preserve in Greater Fort Myers

For more information on how to obtain your permit, visit the Lee County website linked here.

Collier County Beach Parking Permits

The line that divides Lee and Collier County is near Bonita Beach Park, where the north parking lot is considered Lee County and the south parking lot is Collier County. The fee for beach parking is included in Collier County residents’ property taxes, therefore, homeowners just need to show proof of residency to obtain a permit sticker. 

Collier County Beach Parking Permits are accepted at almost every beach access point throughout Bonita Springs, Naples, and Marco Island, with the exception of State Parks and a few others. Click here for a map of beach locations and information about each location. 

For more information on how to obtain your permit, visit the Collier County website linked here.

Fort Myers Beach Parking Permits

In addition to the county parking passes, some city’s also offer parking permits to their residents. Fort Myers Beach offers a $25/year parking permit for residents that includes access to all metered beach accesses along Estero Island (Fort Myers Beach), or in the metered areas under the Matanzas Pass Bridge. 

For more information on how to obtain your permit, visit the Fort Myers Beach website linked here.

Sanibel Island Beach Parking Permits

Sanibel is another city in Southwest Florida that offers residential parking permits for sale, AND ALSO visitor parking permits for sale. They have different passes available with access to different beaches, so it’s best to read more about each pass type in the following blog on our sister website, SanibelRealEstateGuide.com. 

Neighborhood Beach Access Points

With all that said, there are also some gated communities that have their own beach access points as well. Information on community beach accesses can be found within the community’s HOA documents, which you will review when purchasing a home or condo in that neighborhood.