Flood damage restoration in Fort Myers starts with where the water came from. Hurricane Ian made landfall in Lee County in September 2022, and the National Hurricane Center measured surge of roughly 10 to 15 feet above ground near Fort Myers Beach. Homes along the Caloosahatchee River, McGregor Boulevard and the canals off it took water too. Heavy summer rain also floods low streets when drains back up during high tide.
Water from outside is Category 3 under the IICRC standard. It can carry sewage, fuel and chemicals, so the rules are stricter than for a pipe leak. Carpet, pad, insulation and drywall that it touched are removed. Drywall is usually cut a foot or two above the high water mark, and the slab, block walls and framing are cleaned and treated before drying starts.
Standard homeowners policies do not cover rising flood water. That is a flood policy, through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. In a FEMA flood zone, if repairs reach 50 percent of the building's market value, the home is substantially damaged and may need to meet current elevation rules. The City of Fort Myers and Lee County each make that call for homes in their area.
Flood Damage Restoration Services
✓Storm Surge Cleanup
Removes mud, debris and soaked materials after salt water surge, then cleans and treats the structure.
✓River and Canal Flood Restoration
Handles homes along the Caloosahatchee and connected canals where water rises with storms and high tides.
✓Flood Cut and Wall Drying
Cuts drywall above the water line and dries block walls, furring strips and framing.
✓Mold Remediation After Flooding
Treats or removes growth that starts in the days after a flood, by a mold remediator with a Florida license when the area is over 10 square feet.
✓Flood Claim Documentation
Dated photos, water line measurements and moisture logs for NFIP or private flood claims.
Flood Damage Restoration Cost in Fort Myers, FL
| Service | Typical Range | What Affects It |
|---|---|---|
| Flood water extraction and drying | $9 to $12 per sq ft | Category 3 outside water (HomeGuide 2026) |
| Rooms soaked to the ceiling | $5,000 to $15,000 | Class 3 damage |
| Severe flooding through the home | $15,000 to $100,000 | Class 4, long standing water |
| Mold remediation after a flood | $1,500 to $15,000 | Size of growth and materials |
Ranges come from HomeGuide's 2026 cost guide. The written estimate sets the price for your home before work starts.
How it works
- 1
Call when it is safe
Do not go back in until officials say the area is safe. Then call and describe the water height.
- 2
Hazard check and water line
The crew checks power and gas, marks the high water line and photographs every room.
- 3
Written estimate
Removal, cleaning, drying and treatment are priced before work starts.
- 4
Tear-out, clean and dry
Wet porous materials come out, surfaces are treated, and drying runs until readings are normal.
- 5
Rebuild
Repairs follow permit rules for your city or Lee County, including the 50 percent rule in flood zones.
Pricing
Driven by water height