Why Incorporate?

Control Our Destiny

Decisions about zoning, growth, and land use would be made by people who live here.

Build a Government That Reflects Us

A local council and mayor could be more responsive to Lehigh’s needs than county government miles away.

Protect Community Standards

From code enforcement to planning, incorporation means setting and upholding standards that strengthen our neighborhoods.

Defend Against Annexation

Fort Myers has already annexed land around us. Incorporation provides stronger protection for Lehigh’s borders and future.

Stop Being a “Donor” Community

Right now, too much of our tax money flows to Lee County without enough return. A city government could keep more dollars working here at home.

Improve Services & Quality of Life

From more deputies to better code enforcement, incorporation means investing in services that match the needs of our growing population.

History of Incorporation Efforts

Lehigh Acres has tried before—efforts in 1996, 2008, and 2016 all failed. Why?

Misconceptions about Taxes

Without hard data, fears of higher taxes sank past efforts.

Lack of Unity

Previous campaigns didn’t rally the full strength of our community.

No Feasibility Study

Residents didn’t have a clear financial roadmap.

This time, it’s different. A state-mandated feasibility study is underway, providing facts, five-year budget projections, and an honest assessment of what incorporation would mean for every resident. With that data, we can replace myths with truth.

Common Misconceptions

“It just adds another layer of government.”

In reality, incorporation makes government closer to the people. Instead of depending on county commissioners who oversee the entire county, we’ll have local leaders accountable directly to Lehigh.

“Taxes will go up.”

Not necessarily. The feasibility study will show the numbers. What we know now is this: staying unincorporated does not protect us from higher taxes. In fact, if Fort Myers annexes parts of Lehigh, residents could face even higher taxes without having a say in city decisions.

“Lehigh is too big to manage.”

Many Florida cities started smaller and grew. With the right charter and staffing plan—contracting some services, sharing others with the county—Lehigh can build smart, efficient city governance.

The Roadmap to Incorporation

For Lehigh to officially incorporate, we need to:

1

Complete the Feasibility Study (target: $55,000–$65,000).

2

Draft a City Charter.

3

Submit to the Legislature.

4

Put It on the Ballot for a referendum by 2026.

A Vision for City Government

Lehigh’s city structure would be lean and efficient:
Council-Manager Model

Five council members (one serving as mayor) would set policy, while a professional city manager would run day-to-day operations.

Local Focus

The city would directly manage planning, zoning, code enforcement, public works (canals, bridges, lights, signs), and the clerk’s office.

Shared Services

Services like law enforcement, libraries, schools, and road maintenance could remain contracted through Lee County.

This approach keeps staffing minimal while ensuring accountability where it matters most—right here in Lehigh Acres.

Community Voices

Residents are already speaking out:

“We want to determine what happens in our own community. It gives us a seat at the table.”

— Derek Felder, President of Unite Lehigh

“I would like to see Lehigh be a city and have a proper City Hall.”

Ana Acuna, resident & pastor

“This place is like a milking cow for the rest of the county. Decisions need to be made here for us.”

— Mohamed Yasin, resident

Our Future Depends on Us

Lehigh Acres is ready. With more than 140,000 residents, thriving businesses, and a rich history, we deserve the dignity and power of self-governance. Incorporation means a stronger community, smarter growth, and a brighter future—built not in Fort Myers, not in Tallahassee, but right here in Lehigh Acres. It’s time to unite, organize, and take the next step.
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