Southwest Florida is in the midst of one of the largest growth periods in its history. Across Lee and Collier counties, billions of dollars are being invested in new communities, transportation projects, shopping destinations, healthcare facilities, airports, and mixed-use developments.

From Fort Myers and Cape Coral to Bonita Springs, Estero, Lehigh Acres, and Naples, these projects are helping shape what Southwest Florida could look like over the next decade.

Here are 25 of the biggest developments transforming the region.

1. RSW Airport Expansion

Estimated Investment: $1.1 Billion

One of the region's largest infrastructure projects includes:

• New Concourse E
• 14 new gates (expandable to 19)
• Larger TSA checkpoint
• Expanded terminal
• Roadway improvements
• Additional concessions

The project is designed to support Southwest Florida's rapidly growing population and more than 11 million annual passengers.

2. Kingston

Eastern Lee County

One of Lee County's largest planned communities featuring:

• Up to 10,000 homes
• 700,000 square feet of commercial space
• Charter school
• Hotel
• Road connections
• More than 3,200 acres of preserved land

3. Midtown at Bonita

Bonita Springs

A 68-acre walkable mixed-use community featuring:

• Apartments
• Restaurants
• Shopping
• Boutique hotel
• Lakes
• Preserves
• More than 30 acres of open space

4. Babcock Ranch Expansion

Plans include:

• Approximately 19,500 homes
• FGCU satellite campus
• Midtown Marketplace
• Curry Commerce Center
• B Street mixed-use district

5. Seven Islands

Northwest Cape Coral

A proposed waterfront destination including:

• Marina
• Hotel
• Restaurants
• Retail
• Condominiums
• Public waterfront park

6. Dia Crossing

Fort Myers

A new mixed-use development featuring:

• 350 apartments
• 200,000 square feet of retail
• 150-room hotel
• Preserve areas
• Restaurants and shops

7. Fort Myers Costco

A larger replacement Costco is planned near Colonial Boulevard and Plantation Road after Costco acquired a 55-acre site in 2026. Plans include expanded fuel stations and a larger warehouse.

8. Cape Coral Bridge Replacement

One of Lee County's largest transportation projects.

Plans include:

• Six lanes
• Bike path
• Pedestrian access
• New bridge structures
• Corridor improvements

9. Big Carlos Pass Bridge Replacement

Connecting:

• Fort Myers Beach
• Lovers Key
• Bonita Springs

The project includes:

• New bridge
• Higher navigation clearance
• Bicycle and pedestrian access
• Improved evacuation route

10. Raising Cane's

The popular chicken chain is planning its first Southwest Florida location in Fort Myers, one of the region's most anticipated restaurant openings.

11. Stonewood Crossing

Lehigh Acres

Confirmed tenants include:

• Culver's
• Dunkin'
• Goodwill
• Heartland Dental

Additional commercial space remains available.

12. Lee Health Fort Myers Hospital

An approximately $824 million replacement hospital is under construction and will become one of the largest healthcare investments in the region.

13. Big Cypress

Eastern Collier County

A long-range master-planned community featuring:

• Multiple villages
• Thousands of homes
• Commercial districts
• Infrastructure improvements

14. Cape Coral Yacht Club Redevelopment

A major redevelopment including:

• New community center
• Marina improvements
• Public beach enhancements
• Restaurants
• Event spaces
• Waterfront amenities

15. Downtown Fort Myers

The skyline continues changing with:

• Apartments
• Hotels
• Condominiums
• Restaurants
• Entertainment
• Office development

16. Fort Myers Beach Redevelopment

Post-Hurricane Ian rebuilding continues with:

• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Residential redevelopment
• Public improvements
• Beach access enhancements

17. Regional Trail Expansions

Projects include:

• Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT)
• Gulf Coast Trail
• Urban Trail connections
• Linear Park expansion

18. East Lee Recreation Expansion

Long-range discussions include:

• Sports complexes
• Parks
• Trails
• Multi-use paths
• Outdoor recreation

19. Coconut Point & Estero Growth

The Estero corridor continues adding:

• New retail
• Restaurants
• Residential communities
• Commercial development
• Office space

20. SR-82 Corridor Development

Rapid residential and commercial growth continues along one of Lee County's fastest-growing corridors with new neighborhoods, retail, and industrial projects.

21. Corkscrew Road Growth Corridor

One of the region's busiest development corridors, with expanding residential communities, road improvements, schools, and commercial projects.

22. I-75 & Alico Commercial Corridor

New apartments, hotels, healthcare facilities, retail centers, and mixed-use projects continue transforming the area around FGCU and RSW.

23. Future Retail Expansion

Southwest Florida continues attracting national retailers as new shopping centers and mixed-use developments expand throughout Lee and Collier counties.

24. Population Growth

Lee County is approaching 900,000 residents and is projected to eventually surpass 1 million permanent residents, becoming just the sixth Florida county to reach that milestone.

25. Southwest Florida's Infrastructure Boom

Beyond individual projects, billions of dollars are being invested throughout the region in:

• Roads
• Bridges
• Airports
• Utilities
• Parks
• Schools
• Healthcare
• Commercial centers

Together, these investments are helping prepare Southwest Florida for decades of future growth.

Looking Ahead

From billion-dollar airport improvements and new bridge replacements to master-planned communities, waterfront destinations, and mixed-use developments, Southwest Florida is undergoing a transformation unlike anything seen in recent decades.

Some projects are already under construction, while others remain in planning or early development. As they move forward, they will influence where people live, work, shop, travel, and spend their free time.

Whether you're a longtime resident, a newcomer, or simply interested in the future of the region, these 25 developments provide a glimpse into how Southwest Florida is evolving—and why it remains one of Florida's most closely watched growth markets.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available planning documents, development applications, government presentations, property records, and developer announcements available as of June 2026. Project costs, timelines, approvals, tenants, construction schedules, and development plans remain subject to change as projects progress.