Welcome To Sanibel
Congrats!! You've just gone under contract or closed on your island home! ... Now what??
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 Guide
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.
Resources For New Island Residents
Read This Before Hiring a Sanibel Landscaper
What you need to know before hiring a Sanibel Landscaper, including proper licensing and certification requirements.
Read More2022 Updated FEMA Flood Maps on Sanibel Island
Flood maps on Sanibel Island indicate the risk of flooding via floodplain boundaries, flood zoning, and base flood elevation information.
Read MorePortability of Florida’s “Save Our Homes” Benefit
Florida homestead portability explained with real life examples.
Read MoreUpdating Your Sanibel Condo
We hate to say it, but there are a number of condos on Sanibel Island that could use some serious updating.
Read MoreThe Beauty of Sanibel Island
When you live in paradise, you sometimes become numb to the beauty of your hometown.
Read MoreFlood Insurance on Sanibel Island
Our local insurance expert explains who needs flood insurance coverage, what it covers and what it costs.
Read MoreFlorida Property Taxes Explained
Property tax in Florida is determined by local government bodies and the property appraiser for your county.
Read MoreSanibel Kids Living The Good Life
While thinking about Mother’s Day this year, I was flipping through a bunch of photos of my kids enjoying island life that I just had to share.
Read More4 Steps to Traveling with Pets
Moving with pets can be stressful for all involved. Here are a few tips to aid a smooth transition.
Read MoreHow To Know You’re An Islander
Besides holding the deed to your newly purchased Sanibel Island home, here are five signs you are a true “islander.”
Read MoreDid You File For Your Homestead Exemption?
As the new year approaches, now is a good time to remind you to file for your Florida Homestead Exemption.
Read MoreAvoiding Traffic Jams on Sanibel During Season
Winter is coming. If you’ve visited Sanibel during the Winter months, you know this is our busy season, which means more traffic than usual. Here’s how to deal…
Read MoreYour Guide To Florida Furniture & Coastal Decor
Who doesn’t love shopping for coastal decor?? There are so many great places to shop locally, here are a few to get you started.
Read MoreThe “Hurricane Cut” Is A Myth
Did your lawn care company offer you the “hurricane cut” on your palm trees? Don’t do it! Here’s what TO do and NOT to do to prepare your yard for stormy season.
Read MoreMy Property, My Rights. Right?
It’s My Property! I Can Do What I Want. Right? Disagreements about individual property rights are nothing new. Even our founding fathers argued about it.
Read More3 Local Non-Profits That Hit Home
The list of local non-profits on Sanibel & Captiva Islands certainly is extensive! We love each and every one of our non-profits on island, a couple of which have close ties to our hearts.
Read MoreHow To Become An Official Florida Resident
Yay! You’ve purchased a home here on the islands! Now it’s time to decide which state you will claim as your domicile. Wondering how to claim Florida as your state of residence?
Read MoreWhy, You Wascally Wabbit!
Don’t let their cute faces fool you! Sanibel homeowners know the pain of having your landscapes destroyed by these wascally wabbits! How do we stop the madness?
Read MoreSanibel Non-Profit Organizations, Clubs & Memberships
Take a peak at some of the great non-profit organizations on island, as well as a few city-run programs in which residents should take full advantage.
Read MoreFive Must Do Florida Holiday Activities
The holiday season looks slightly different here in Southwest Florida than it does in other parts of the country. Here are 5 holiday activities that I think every visitor and resident of SWFL should experience!
Read MoreSanibel New Resident Guide
There’s a lot to take in when you become a new resident on Sanibel. That’s why we’ve put together this Sanibel New Resident Guide to get you started!
Read MoreYes, Your Florida AC Requires Routine Maintenance
I’ve recently found out the hard way, that, YES, your AC needs regular maintenance in order to prevent costly repairs and/or damage to your home.
Read MoreHurricane Shutters vs. Impact Glass
We often get asked, “What’s better? Hurricane Shutters or Impact Glass?” Here are the pros and cons of both.
Read More9 Sanibel Bucket List Items
There’s lots to do on Sanibel Island… but here are a few Bucket List activities you might not have done yet!
Read MoreWhat Exactly Is BIG ARTS?
It’s another organization on island that you see everywhere, but what is BIG ARTS exactly?
Read MoreAre You Murdering Your Palms?
Sanibel palm trees are undergoing some harsh treatment… who’s to blame?
Read MoreSanibel Luminary Night
Looking back on our first Luminary Night and island holiday experience, I can’t help but to get a little sappy and emotional!
Read More8 Sanibel Homeowner Costs to Consider
I find that it helps customers when I provide a ball park run through of the average Sanibel Homeowner Costs that they will incur living on the islands.
Read MoreWhy are Mangroves Critical to Your Sanibel Real Estate
If you’re not from Florida, you might be wondering, “What’s so special about Mangroves on Sanibel?” I’m here to shed light on the importance of this native plant.
Read More9 Kitchen Updates for Your Sanibel Home
It’s no secret that some homes for sale on Sanibel could use a fresh kitchen renovation. Here are 9 steps to get you started!
Read MoreWe Love The Sanibel School
The Sanibel School has proved to be one of the biggest blessings of moving on Island for our family!
Read MoreHow To Go Native On Sanibel
Happy Spring! Looking to spruce up your garden? Get info on Sanibel Native Plants from the island’s SCCF Native Plant Nursery.
Read MoreSea Serpents and Quiet Nights – Settling in on Sanibel Island
I have welcomed many new residents to Sanibel Island over the years – and I love hearing their stories about settling in on Sanibel Island!
Read MoreSanibel Public Library
The Sanibel Public Library has been one of the best resources on the island that my whole family enjoys!
Read MoreSanibel Residents Get Special Beach Access
Did you know that island residents can use 20 beach access locations on Sanibel not available to the general public?
Read MoreHistory of the Sanibel Lighthouse
The Sanibel Lighthouse is a well recognized symbol of quant Sanibel Island and a historical landmark on the Gulf of Mexico. It is the first lighthouse on Florida’s Gulf Coast that is north of Key West.
Read MoreSanibel Farmers Market Tradition
If you’ve visited Sanibel & Captiva Islands in the winter or early spring, you’ve probably experienced the Sanibel Farmers Market first-handedly. Locals and vacationers alike flock to the market on Sunday mornings to bask in the bounty of fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and pastries. Since 2008, farmers, bakers, fishermen and chefs have brought their local […]
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