We know there’s a lot to take in when you become a new resident on Sanibel Island. That’s why we’ve put together the Sanibel New Resident Guide – a list of helpful links and information for you to reference as you get settled in!
Warning, don’t try and tackle everything in one day. Give yourself some time to get everything set up and switched over, and of course if you have any questions – we’re here for you!
Sanibel New Resident Information
The City of Sanibel – Here you’ll find important information regarding city updates, meetings, codes, departments, and other helpful links and information. Sign up for email alerts to receive announcements such as traffic alerts, emergency situations, and general news release information. Click here to visit the City of Sanibel homepage.
Sanibel Utilities – You can find information regarding utilities on the City of Sanibel website, and we’ve also outlined our own utility costs in our blog “8 Sanibel Homeowner Costs to Consider.” The blog includes descriptions and links to our different service providers here on island, and we are also happy to share our Directory of Services, which includes a list of preferred vendors that our clients have used and recommended. Click here to read our blog about Sanibel Utilities.
Sanibel Causeway Toll Transponder – You’ll want to purchase a LeeWay or SunPass transponder so that you can breeze right through the toll booth on the Causeway. There are different payment plans and programs you can purchase depending on your intended frequency of use. Click here to view more information on LeeWay transponders, which works in all of Lee County. Or, if you’d like a pass that works for the entire state of Florida, check out the SunPass website here.
Lee County Tax Collector – This is where you’ll go to register your vehicle and drivers license with the state of Florida. It is also where you pay for property taxes, and find information regarding speciality licenses such as hunting, fishing, boating, concealed carry, etc. Click here to visit the Lee County Tax Collector website.
Alert Lee – You’ll want to enroll in Alert Lee’s community notification system, which will send you emergency alerts and other important announcements regarding Sanibel Island. Click here to enroll with Alert Lee.
Hurricane Re-Entry Pass – As a Sanibel resident, you will want to obtain your hurricane re-entry pass BEFORE hurricane season begins. The re-entry pass will allow Sanibel residents and businesses to return on island following an evacuation, once officials have deemed it safe to do so. Click here to learn how to obtain your hurricane re-entry pass.
Sanibel Medical Facilities – Most of the larger medical facilities of Lee County are just over the Causeway in Fort Myers. However, Sanibel does have a handful of doctors offices you can visit on island, including Dunavant Medical Group, San-Cap Medical Center, and Sanibel Medical Inc.
Sanibel Veterinary Services – Your pet’s health is important too! We have two veterinary offices here on island, and a number of offices just over the bridge. Beachside Animal Clinic is just a few doors down from our office, and is where we take our dogs. There is also the Coral Veterinary Clinic just a short distance away.
The Sanibel School – We have one school on Sanibel, which serves K-8, and it just so happens to be a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. The McCallion kids have all attended the Sanibel School and we’ve had a good experience overall. Click here to read why “We Love the Sanibel School.”
Churches on Sanibel Island – We have several great church communities on Sanibel including the Sanibel Community Church, the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, St. Isabel Catholic Church, Saint Micheal & All Angels Episcopal Church, and the Captiva Chapel by the Sea.
Sanibel Resident Beach Pass – Sanibel Island residents can purchase an annual “A” sticker parking permit, which allows you to park at the restricted beach access points. We outline each beach access on our page “Sanibel Beaches.” You can also visit the City of Sanibel website here to apply for you parking permit.
Sanibel Bike Trails – As you know, biking is a preferred mode of transportation here for many island residents and visitors. You can find a map of Sanibel bike trails here on the Billy’s Bike Rentals website, or by clicking here to go to SanibelTrails.com.
This is a lot of information to soak in all at once. As we mentioned, we’re happy to answer any questions you have. We’ll also try to update this list as we come across other important links and relevant information.
Stay tuned for a second article outlining the many different non-profit organizations on Sanibel, and a list of Sanibel resident memberships you can obtain!
