Declaration of Domicile: Lee County (2026)

File a Declaration of Domicile in Lee County at the Lee County Clerk of Courts for $10 recording plus $10 notarization. The form is a one-page sworn statement under Florida Statutes §222.17 declaring Florida as your permanent home.

Lee County Clerk of Courts

Address
1700 Monroe St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone
(239) 533-5000
Hours
Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Online Filing
Not available (in-person or mail)

Fees

Recording fee$10
Notarization (at clerk office)$10
Certified copy$3
Remote Online Notarization (RON)$25 (instead of clerk notary)
Total at clerk (with 1 certified copy)$23.00

Fees reflect Fla. Stat. 28.24 (recording) and 117.05 (notarization) as of May 2026. Remote Online Notarization is capped at $25 per act under Fla. Stat. 117.275. Verify current fees with your county clerk before filing.

Filing in Lee County

Lee County does not offer online filing for Declarations of Domicile. You must file in person or by mail. Remote Online Notarization (RON) is accepted for the notarization step, but the mailing address for the clerk is required for submission.

Processing time: Same-day in person. 7-10 business days by mail.

Why Lee County for Your Florida Domicile

Lee County (Fort Myers, Cape Coral) has no discretionary sales surtax beyond the state 6%. Property taxes average 0.98% of assessed value. The county is a top destination for RV and boating domicile changes.

Homestead Exemption in Lee County

After filing your Declaration of Domicile, you can apply for the Florida homestead exemption through the Lee County Property Appraiser. The deadline is March 1 of each year. The exemption reduces your assessed property value by up to $50,000 under Florida Constitution Article VII, Section 6.

FAQ

How much does a Declaration of Domicile cost in Lee County?

The recording fee is $10. Notarization at the clerk office is $10. A certified copy costs $3. Total: approximately $23.

Where do I file a Declaration of Domicile in Lee County?

File at the Lee County Clerk of Courts, located at 1700 Monroe St, Fort Myers, FL 33901. Office hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Phone: (239) 533-5000.

Can I file online in Lee County?

Lee County does not currently offer online filing. You can file in person or by mail. Alternatively, use Remote Online Notarization (RON) to get the document notarized from anywhere, then mail it to the clerk.

Can I file remotely from another state or country?

Yes. Florida allows Remote Online Notarization (RON) under Fla. Stat. 117.295. A Florida-commissioned notary witnesses your signature via video call. You can then mail the notarized Declaration to the clerk for recording.

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