Fort Myers homeowners know the drill: the gulf waters warm, forecasts get spicy, and suddenly every contractor in town is “booking out.” If you’ve been thinking about Fort Myers impact window installation, timing isn’t just a detail, it’s the difference between being ready and being stuck on a waitlist. This guide breaks down permits, lead times, seasonal backlogs, and a simple month-by-month plan so you can upgrade on your schedule (not the storm’s).

Permits: What To Expect In Fort Myers

Permitting is straightforward, but it isn’t instant. Expect a few moving parts:

Submittal package: product approvals (Florida Product Approval/Miami-Dade NOA), drawings, and scope.
Review time: volume-driven. Reviews tend to move faster in winter and early spring; they slow as hurricane season approaches and applications spike.
Inspections: rough (as needed) and final. Booking inspections can add a few days to a week around peak periods.

Pro tip: Have your contractor (that’s us) prepare a complete permit packet with the exact products and sizes you’re ordering. Clean submittals get approved faster.

Lead Times: Manufacturing & Scheduling

Lead time = fabrication window + crew scheduling + inspection buffer.

Fabrication: custom impact windows typically run several weeks from order to delivery. Specialty shapes, tints, or jumbo units can add time.
Scheduling: installation calendars fill up in late spring and early summer.
Inspections & punch: even with a quick install, you’ll want a little padding for final inspection and any touch-ups.

Bottom line: the earlier in the year you order, the more control you have over delivery and installation dates.

Pre-Season vs In-Season: When’s The Best Time?

Pre-Season (Jan–May):

Faster permits, shorter queues, better date selection.
Manufacturers are steadier on timelines.
You’re protected before the first named storm.

In-Season (Jun–Nov):

Demand spikes. Backlogs grow.
Tropical systems can delay production, shipping, and inspections.
You’ll still get it done, but you may pay with time, not just dollars.

Off-Season (Dec):

A sweet spot for planning and measuring.
Great for locking winter/early spring install dates.

A Month-By-Month Planner For Fort Myers Homeowners

January – Plan & Pre-Qualify

Walk your home and list problem openings (fogged panes, stuck sashes, corrosion, leaks).
Book a free on-site estimate and request product options (Low-E glass, laminated thickness, tints).
Ask about financing and referral rewards upfront.

February – Product Decisions

Finalize styles: single-hung, casement, sliders, picture/fixed, horizontal rollers, architectural shapes.
Review approvals and energy options; confirm color/finish for frames and hardware.
Approve your quote so permitting can start.

March – Permits & Ordering

Your contractor submits permits; products get ordered once paperwork is in motion.
Set your preferred installation window before calendars fill up.

April – Fabrication & Prep

Custom units are in fabrication.
Confirm access (furniture moved, alarms scheduled), HOA requirements, and special needs for pets/kids.

May – Install Before Peak Season

Ideal month for many Fort Myers homes.
Installation typically takes 1–3 days depending on scope.
Schedule final inspection ASAP.

June – If You Waited, Move Quickly

Season starts. Get on the calendar now.
Expect heavier backlogs and build in buffer time for weather.

July – Mid-Season Reality Check

Lead times extend as demand surges.
Consider a phased project (highest-risk openings first, remaining elevations next).

August – Storm-Smart Sequencing

Prioritize large glass doors, sliders, and windward exposures.
Keep communication tight around inspection timing.

September – Stay Flexible

Peak storm risk.
Reschedules happen; your contractor should keep you updated and protected.

October – Great For Finishers

Backlogs start easing.
Knock out any remaining elevations or upgrade a few stubborn openings.

November – Last Call For The Year

Finish installs while inspectors are still moving quickly.
Perfect moment to photograph the project for your insurance file.

December – Plan Next Year’s Upgrades

Evaluate performance (quieter interior, lower bills, easier to cool).
Line up spring installs for any remaining openings.

Financing: Make Cash Flow Predictable

Impact windows are a capital improvement, you shouldn’t have to choose between protection and cash reserves.

Wells Fargo Home Projects Credit Card: flexible promotional financing options to spread payments over time.
Insurance benefits: many carriers offer wind-mitigation discounts if all openings are protected; ask your agent what’s required in your policy.
Referral program: send a neighbor or friend; when they sign a contract, you can earn up to a $500 Visa gift card.

Tip: Combine financing with potential insurance savings and energy efficiency gains to calculate your “net monthly” cost. It’s often far less than you expect.

What Our Installation Includes (So You Don’t Have To Guess)

A proper install is more than swapping frames. With Caner, your project includes:

New wood bucking for structure and anchoring
Necessary drywall work for a clean interior finish
Stucco repairs to blend exterior surfaces
Weather sealing & final adjustments to meet code
(Painting is the homeowner’s responsibility.)

We also handle permitting, inspections, and HOA/ARC documentation, so you don’t have to chase paperwork.

Ready To Get On The Calendar?

The best time to install Fort Myers hurricane windows is before storm coverage dominates the news cycle. If you’re reading this in winter or early spring, you’re in pole position. If it’s already summer, act now and we’ll fast-track what matters most.

Get your home measured, your options priced, and your dates secured:
Start here → Get A Quote