To avoid further sanctions and be reconsidered for the Community Rating System, the town must demonstrate compliance with all noncompliant structures by a scheduled Community Assistance Visit with FEMA by August 31, 2025.

FEMA has announced that Fort Myers Beach will be removed from probation under the National Flood Insurance Program, effective November 18, 2025.

The town was placed on probation in November 2024 due to permitting issues following Hurricane Ian, which resulted in the loss of a 25% flood insurance discount for property owners starting April 1, 2025.

This removal from probation marks a significant step in the town's recovery and improvement of floodplain management after the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian.

The town successfully completed five corrective actions related to floodplain management, including reassessing floodplain development and enhancing code enforcement.

Although the probation has been lifted, residents will not immediately regain the 25% flood insurance discount lost when the town's Community Rating System classification dropped from Class 5 to Class 10.

Mayor Dan Allers emphasized the town's goal of achieving the highest possible Community Rating System rating to improve storm resilience and reduce future flood risks.

The next step for Fort Myers Beach is to arrange this visit to address any remaining noncompliant structures, which may include shipping containers.

The town is actively leveraging its code enforcement process to ensure compliance with floodplain regulations and has already demolished several structures that were not permitted in flood zones.

Mayor Allers and town officials expressed gratitude to local staff and federal lawmakers, including Congressman Byron Donalds and Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, for their support in achieving this outcome.

The decision to remove probation affects approximately 5,000 local NFIP policyholders, providing them relief from additional costs associated with flood insurance.

With continued compliance efforts, homeowners could potentially see the return of the 25% discount by April 2026, contingent on successful reapplication to the Community Rating System.