SPECIALTY PERMITS

Transient Merchants

Any transient merchant operating in unincorporated Lee County is required to obtain a Transient Merchant Permit.

A transient merchant is defined as any person or business, who is a non-permanent resident of Lee County, that sells goods, wares, or merchandise from a non-permanent location in the unincorporated area of Lee County.

Examples of transient merchants are Christmas tree vendors, pumpkin vendors, and fireworks sales.

• Transient Merchant Permits are only issued at the Downtown Fort Myers Tax Collector's Office.
• Permits are valid only for the length of time indicated in the Certificate of Use Permit issued by Lee County Community Development.
• One Transient Merchant Permit can cover multiple locations when all locations are open for the same length of time on the Certificate of Use Permit.
• A Lee County Local Business Tax Account is required for each location of the business.

For more information, contact our office at 239.533.6000.

Fire Sale or Going-Out-of-Business

A Fire Sale or Going-Out-of-Business Sale is defined as a sale, to be held in such a manner, as to reasonably cause the public to believe the sale will offer goods damaged, altered by a fire, or that upon disposal of the stock of goods on hand, the business will cease and be discontinued.

1. The following items are required when applying for a Fire Sale or Going-out-of-Business Sale permit:
   • A completed application to conduct a Fire Sale or Going-out-of-Business Sale.
   • A current inventory list.
   • Surrender all other business licenses applicable to the location covered by this application.
   • All ad valorem taxes must be paid through the current taxing year.
   • Non-refundable application fee of $50.00 (payable in cash, money order, or check made payable to Lee County Tax Collector.)
2. Conditions of permit issuance: 
   • A permit is issued for a period of sixty days (including Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays) and is not renewable.
   • A permit is not assignable or transferable.
   • Additions to the original inventory are prohibited.
   • The permit will be displayed near the main entrance to the premises.

For complete regulations, refer to  Florida Statute 559 Part III.