What Developers Look for in Post-Storm Coastal Markets: A Fort Myers Beach Perspective

Post-storm redevelopment has fundamentally changed how coastal markets are evaluated.

Developers looking at barrier islands like Fort Myers Beach are no longer focused solely on location and demand. Today’s feasibility conversations are more complex, shaped by resiliency requirements, rising construction costs, insurance realities, and long-term operational sustainability.

In this environment, only certain sites rise to the top.

1. Location That Justifies Long-Term Investment

Location has always mattered in real estate, but post-storm, it must justify higher thresholds.

Developers are prioritizing sites that offer:

• Prime waterfront or gateway positioning

• Strong visibility and access

• Proximity to established commercial and tourism anchors

• The ability to influence surrounding redevelopment momentum

On Fort Myers Beach, properties positioned at key entry points or along the Gulf continue to command attention because they support long-term value creation rather than short-term speculation.

2. Scale and Flexibility

Smaller parcels often struggle to absorb modern redevelopment requirements.

Developers increasingly favor sites with enough scale to:

• Accommodate updated elevation and setback standards

• Support mixed-use or hospitality-oriented concepts

• Allow thoughtful site planning, circulation, and design

Royal Beach Club’s scale places it within a shrinking category of Gulf-front sites capable of meeting these evolving expectations.

3. Resiliency and Regulatory Alignment

Post-storm redevelopment must align with stricter building codes, zoning considerations, and resiliency standards.

Developers are assessing:

• Elevation feasibility

• Floodplain considerations

• Entitlement clarity

• Infrastructure capacity

Markets that provide a clear regulatory framework—while maintaining flexibility for modern design—are far more attractive for long-term capital.

4. Economic Viability in a Higher-Cost Environment

Construction, labor, and insurance costs have all risen sharply in coastal markets.

As a result, developers are more selective. Sites must support revenue models that can withstand higher upfront investment while remaining competitive over time.

Fort Myers Beach’s tourism fundamentals, limited supply, and national visibility help offset these costs—particularly for well-located Gulf-front properties.

5. Community and Market Fit

Today’s coastal projects are evaluated not just by pro formas, but by compatibility.

Developers are increasingly focused on whether a project:

• Enhances the surrounding community

• Aligns with local character and long-term planning goals

• Supports year-round economic activity

This shift reflects a broader understanding that community alignment reduces entitlement risk and supports lasting success.

Royal Beach Club as a Post-Storm Case Study

Royal Beach Club reflects many of the attributes developers now seek in post-storm coastal markets: scale, visibility, Gulf frontage, and strategic positioning at the entrance to Estero Island.

More importantly, it represents the type of legacy site being reconsidered through a modern lens—where resiliency, design, and long-term contribution matter as much as location.

The Takeaway

Post-storm coastal development is no longer about replacing what existed before.

It’s about building projects that can endure environmental realities, economic cycles, and evolving expectations. Fort Myers Beach is increasingly viewed through this lens, and sites like Royal Beach Club illustrate how thoughtful redevelopment can support both resilience and opportunity.