ALTA Survey vs Boundary Survey: Which One Do You Need in Fort Myers?

Feb 18

When buying, building, or developing property in Fort Myers, one of the most common questions property owners and investors ask is: Do I need an ALTA survey or a boundary survey?

While both surveys determine property lines, they serve very different purposes — and choosing the wrong one can delay projects, permits, or real estate closings.

Let’s break down the differences so you can choose the right survey for your situation.

What Is a Boundary Survey?

A boundary survey is the most common type of land survey. It establishes the exact property lines and identifies physical features near those boundaries.

✅ Boundary surveys are typically used for:

Building fences
Constructing homes or additions
Resolving neighbor disputes
Obtaining building permits
Confirming property corners

This survey shows:

Property lines and corners
Encroachments (like fences or sheds crossing lines)
Basic improvements near boundaries

👉 For most residential projects in Fort Myers, a boundary survey is all you need.

What Is an ALTA Survey?

An ALTA/NSPS land title survey is a much more detailed survey used primarily in commercial real estate transactions.

It follows national standards set by:

American Land Title Association (ALTA)
National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS)

✅ ALTA surveys are required for:

Commercial property purchases
Property development projects
Lender financing requirements
Title insurance policies
Multi-parcel investments

An ALTA survey includes everything in a boundary survey PLUS:

Easements and rights-of-way
Access points and roadways
Utility locations
Zoning setbacks
Flood zone information
Improvements across the entire property

Key Differences Between ALTA & Boundary Surveys

Purpose

Boundary Survey → Defines property lines
ALTA Survey → Protects lenders, buyers, and title companies

Level of Detail

Boundary → Basic
ALTA → Highly detailed and comprehensive

Typical Use

Boundary → Residential projects
ALTA → Commercial transactions

Cost

Boundary → Lower cost
ALTA → Higher due to complexity

Which Survey Do You Need in Fort Myers?

👉 You likely need a boundary survey if:

You’re building a fence
Constructing a home
Buying residential property
Applying for permits

👉 You likely need an ALTA survey if:

You’re purchasing commercial property
A lender requires it
You need title insurance protection
You’re planning a large development

Why Choosing the Right Survey Matters

Ordering the wrong survey can cause:

Closing delays
Permit rejections
Construction disputes
Unexpected legal issues

Working with experienced local surveyors ensures you get exactly what your project requires.

Need Help Choosing the Right Survey?

Whether you’re planning a residential project or a major commercial investment, our licensed surveyors can help you determine whether an ALTA survey or boundary survey is the right fit.

Learn more

RICK MORALES