On the ballot Nov 3, 2026: Amendment 3
Moving here this fall? Residency established by Dec 31, 2026 qualifies for the higher exemption if it passes; later arrivals wait until their fifth year.
- Would raise the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. School taxes still apply.
- Would lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property (second homes, rentals) from 10% to 5%.
- Needs 60% voter approval. If it passes, it takes effect Jan 1, 2027.
- Timing matters: people who establish Florida residency by Dec 31, 2026 qualify for the higher exemption; later arrivals get it starting in their fifth year.
- Nothing changes unless voters approve it.
Sources · checked Sept 28, 2026
What to bring
Bring your paperwork, your pets' records and a hurricane plan. You'll need far fewer winter clothes than you think.
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- Vehicle titles, registration and proof of insurance. You'll need them to get Florida plates.
- Birth certificate or passport, Social Security card and two proofs of address. The Florida license office asks for them.
- Pet rabies certificates and vet records. Lee County ties the pet license to the rabies vaccine.
- School records and immunization history for kids enrolling in Lee County schools.
- Deed, closing papers and your prior-home sale date. You'll need them for homestead and portability (file by March 1).
- A waterproof document box and hurricane supplies. Season runs June 1 to November 30.
Sources · checked Sept 27, 2026
Where to move: the four quadrants
Cape Coral splits into SE, SW, NE and NW. The biggest differences are age, water access and whether city sewer has arrived.
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- SE Cape: the oldest part of the city, with established streets and most shops and dining near Cape Coral Parkway and Bimini Basin.
- SW Cape: many Gulf-access canals and waterfront homes. Always check bridges and the route to open water (see Canals).
- NE and NW Cape: newer and quieter, with more lots and new builds. Many areas still use wells and septic and are waiting on the Utilities Extension Project (see Sewer / UEP).
- Nearby options: Fort Myers across the river, North Fort Myers and Pine Island.
- Before you buy anywhere, check the flood zone, the UEP status and whether the canal has freshwater or Gulf access.
Sources · checked Sept 27, 2026
Your first 30 days
Florida expects new residents to switch their license and plates quickly.
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- Get a Florida driver license within 30 days of becoming a resident, at a Lee County Tax Collector office.
- Title and register your vehicle in Florida. Out-of-state vehicles need a VIN check.
- Florida requires $10,000 in personal injury protection and $10,000 in property damage liability insurance.
- Register to vote with the Lee County Supervisor of Elections.
- Find your hurricane evacuation zone and sign up for AlertLee, Lee County's official alert system.
Sources · checked Sept 27, 2026
Local contacts
The official offices you'll deal with most in your first year.
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- City of Cape Coral: water, sewer, irrigation, permits and code.
- LCEC (Lee County Electric Cooperative): electric service for Cape Coral.
- Lee County Property Appraiser: homestead and exemptions, (239) 533-6100.
- Lee County Tax Collector: licenses, plates and property tax bills.
- Lee County School District: enrollment and school choice.
- Lee County Domestic Animal Services: pet licenses.
Plain-language summary, not legal advice. Fees, dates and rules change — confirm with the official source before you act.