Lee County enforces grease trap compliance through its FOG Ordinance, with the City of Fort Myers providing additional enforcement within city limits. All food service establishments must maintain grease control equipment and follow per-permit pump-out schedules. These local requirements supplement state standards under Chapter 62-705 F.A.C..
Local Ordinance Details
The Lee County FOG Ordinance is administered by Lee County Utilities and covers all FSEs connected to the county wastewater collection system. The City of Fort Myers operates its own utility system and enforces FOG requirements through the Fort Myers Utilities Department. Cape Coral and other municipalities within Lee County may have additional local requirements. All FSEs must register with their applicable utility provider's FOG program and maintain approved grease control devices.
Pump-Out Frequency
Lee County assigns pump-out frequency on a per-permit basis. Common schedules include:
- Full-service restaurants: Every 30 to 90 days depending on volume and equipment size
- Fast casual and takeout: Every 60 to 90 days
- Low-volume establishments: Up to every 90 days
The City of Fort Myers follows a similar per-permit approach. Your assigned frequency is determined during the FOG permit process based on establishment type, trap size, and estimated grease output. Inspectors can adjust your schedule based on compliance history.
Documentation Required
Lee County and Fort Myers inspectors require:
- Active FOG program registration or permit
- Grease waste service manifests for every pump-out
- Maintenance log showing dates, hauler company, and gallons removed
- Proof of hauler DEP registration for grease waste transport
- Equipment specifications including trap or interceptor size and installation date
Penalties
Lee County uses an escalating enforcement approach. Initial violations result in a Notice of Violation with a corrective action deadline of 15 to 30 days. Continued non-compliance leads to fines up to $500 per day. The City of Fort Myers can impose sewer surcharges on facilities that cause FOG-related blockages. Both the county and city can require mandatory equipment upgrades or increased pumping frequency. Persistent non-compliance may result in sewer disconnection.
How to Stay Compliant
- Register with your utility provider's FOG program — Lee County Utilities for county areas, Fort Myers Utilities for city facilities.
- Follow your assigned pump-out schedule exactly — do not extend intervals without written approval.
- Use DEP-registered grease waste haulers and verify their registration status annually.
- Keep all manifests and maintenance logs organized and accessible for a minimum of three years.
- Install properly sized equipment — work with your utility provider to confirm your grease control device meets capacity requirements.
Find a Service Provider
Browse verified grease trap service companies in Lee County to find compliant service providers near your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fort Myers enforce differently than Lee County?
Yes. The City of Fort Myers operates its own utility system and has its own FOG enforcement procedures. While the general requirements are similar (per-permit frequency, manifest documentation), permitting and inspection processes differ. Confirm which utility provider serves your facility.
How is my pumping frequency determined in Lee County?
Lee County Utilities evaluates your facility during the FOG permit process. They consider your establishment type, seating capacity, menu (fried foods generate more grease), trap size, and any prior compliance history. Your permit will specify the required pumping interval.
What should I do if I receive a Notice of Violation?
Respond immediately by contacting the issuing utility department. NOVs typically include a 15 to 30 day compliance window. Schedule a pump-out if overdue, gather your documentation, and correct the cited issue before the deadline. Ignoring an NOV leads to escalating daily fines.