Fort Myers • Lee County
Drainage & Grading in Fort Myers, FL
Drainage problems in Fort Myers come down to where the water has to go and how fast it can get there. Many lots drain toward small creeks and ditches; Billy Creek and Manuels Branch both have flood profiles in Lee County's Flood Insurance Study, and when channels like those run full after a summer storm, nearby yards have nowhere to send water. In older neighborhoods, decades of added patios, driveways, and raised beds have also changed how runoff leaves each property. Hodges starts by watching where water collects, then regrades low spots, extends downspouts away from the foundation, or installs a French drain to carry water to a suitable outlet on your lot or to the swale it was meant to reach, not onto a neighbor. Riverfront areas are their own case: a downtown gauge recorded several feet of surge during Hurricane Ian, and no yard drain is designed to handle water coming in from the river.
or call (239) 301-9455
Where it comes up in Fort Myers
Edison Park
Dean Park
Valencia Terrace
Plants and materials that suit it in Fort Myers
- Fakahatchee grass
- Muhly grass
- Silver buttonwood
- perforated drain pipe with filter sock
- washed drainage stone
Questions
Will a French drain fix water standing in my backyard after summer storms?
It can if there is somewhere lower for the water to go. A French drain collects and moves water; it does not make it disappear. If the whole area sits low, regrading or a dry bed may need to be part of the fix.
Can I pipe my downspouts straight to the street?
Ask the City of Fort Myers before tying anything into public drainage. Often the simpler answer is extending downspouts several feet from the house into a planted area or rock-lined bed where water can soak in.
Does my flood zone matter for drainage work?
It tells you how much water the area is expected to see in a major event. Look up your property on FEMA's flood maps or Lee County's flood pages before regrading, especially near Billy Creek, Manuels Branch, or the river.