Most homes on Sanibel and Captiva islands are still standing, but appear to have sustained some form of roof damage, in addition to certain storm surge and flooding damage. Near the Casa Ybel Beach Resort, large scars in the sands are seen – the surge eroded much of the beach and dunes.

Following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Ian in 2022, Sanibel Island has undergone a massive and resilient rebuilding effort. In 2026, while many older ground-level homes were completely lost or demolished, a significant number of "standing" houses now define the island's landscape. The island has transitioned into a "new era" of architecture; almost all new construction and major renovations are now elevated on high pilings to meet modern FEMA flood standards. Many historic "Old Florida" cottages that survived have been meticulously restored with storm-hardened materials. The "Sanibel Plan" continues to prioritize low-density development and environmental preservation, so the island does not look like a high-rise city, but rather a community of modern, storm-resilient coastal homes. Over 75% of local businesses and most residential areas are now fully functional, though the landscape still bears the scars of lost mature vegetation, which is slowly being replaced by native, salt-tolerant plantings.