Common Tourist Scams in Fort Myers (and How to Avoid Them)
Scams + the Florida-tourist routine
- Smash-and-grab on Sanibel/Captiva beach parking: real Florida pattern. Don't leave anything visible in the rental car — phones, bags, even loose change.
- "Timeshare presentation" pitches: less aggressive than Orlando but exist. Westgate, Marriott, Bluegreen. Always no.
- RSW Airport ride-share area: the official Uber/Lyft pickup zone is signposted; decline anyone offering "town car" or "private driver" service inside the terminal.
- Aggressive panhandling at I-75 off-ramps: locked doors, windows up. Same Florida pattern as Tampa + Orlando.
- Construction/roofing knock at vacation rentals: post-Ian, scam contractors have approached vacationers offering "we noticed your roof needs work". Always no, even if the truck is sign-written.
- Florida toll-road fines: most rental cars don't include a SunPass. Tolls billed back $25+ admin per crossing. SunPass mini at Publix or CVS for $4.99 if you'll use toll roads.
- Lightning: SW Florida is the US lightning capital. Beach lifeguards close swimming when storms approach; respect the red flag.
- Red tide algal blooms: occasional (often August-November) on SW Florida beaches. Causes respiratory irritation, can kill fish washing up on shore. FWC red-tide status page is the daily check.
Live Fort Myers safety score (updates daily) →