Are Florida beaches closed after Hurricane Ian?

At least 13 beaches in the Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva area are already open, and two more parts of Fort Myers Beach are expected to open this month, Bowditch Point Park and Crescent Beach Family Park. We're getting there, Visit Florida CEO Dana Young said about the area's recovery.



As of March 2026, the vast majority of Florida beaches that were impacted by Hurricane Ian in 2022 have fully reopened, though restoration and nourishment projects are still active in specific hotspots. Areas in Southwest Florida, particularly Sanibel and Captiva Islands, have undergone massive infrastructure repairs to roads and piers, making them accessible to the public once again. However, some specific parks, such as Bunche Beach in Lee County, may experience temporary, localized closures for ongoing berm construction and shoreline stabilization to combat the long-term erosion left by Ian and subsequent storms like Hurricane Milton. Most beach-goers will find that sand quality and park amenities have been restored, but it is always wise to check the local county's "Parks and Recreation" website for "live" beach status updates, as high-tide events or minor construction can lead to short-term sections being cordoned off for safety and environmental protection.

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Although there has been a tremendous amount of clean-up done, most public beaches throughout Fort Myers, Sanibel, and Captiva Island are still currently closed. Beach access currently is limited to Gasparilla Island State Park, Blind Pass Beach Park, and Tarpon Bay Road Beach access area.

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BEACH ACCESS UPDATE The City of Naples has reopened 35 of the 40 beach accesses and a small section of the pier. Please remember, there is still debris in the water and buried 6-inches or more under the sand. Beach goers should wear protective footwear and are advised not to swim.

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Note that Sanibel Island sustained significant damage in September 2022 as a result of Hurricane Ian. Though the island is open to the public as of January 2023, local officials are warning visitors that much of the island's attractions and businesses remain closed.

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At least 13 beaches in the Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva area are already open, and two more parts of Fort Myers Beach are expected to open this month, Bowditch Point Park and Crescent Beach Family Park. We're getting there, Visit Florida CEO Dana Young said about the area's recovery.

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Visitors of Fort Myers Beach can see the town is in the process of recovery, as onlookers can still see destroyed structures, debris and abandoned areas. The resilient residents of Fort Myers Beach are still in the process of rebuilding following Ian.

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Fort Myers Beach is open and inviting travelers to support our community after the devastation of Hurricane Ian. Many of our restaurants, attractions, activities, and accommodations have reopened and are ready to welcome guests back to our beach town.

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The City of Sanibel is excited to announce that all public access beach park locations in Sanibel are now open to the public. The city announced on Thursday that the following areas are set to open Friday, June 30: Bayside parking lot at 110 – 153 Periwinkle Way for Lighthouse Beach Park.

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By consensus, the Sanibel City Council supported the decision to end the requirement for reentry passes on January 2, 2023. The City of Sanibel asks that non-residents respect and understand the fact that Sanibel is still actively working to recover from Hurricane Ian.

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Yes! 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva Island is open to the public and you can drive across the Sanibel Causeway or arrive by boat to the resort.

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By Staff | Jan 3, 2023 The Sanibel Causeway reopened Monday but the city of Sanibel government is asking non-residents to wait a while longer before visiting the storm-damaged island.

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