Pulling a fence permit in South Florida is one of those steps homeowners often try to skip, then regret. This guide walks you through what’s required across Broward and Palm Beach counties, how permit fees and timelines work, what documentation you need, and what actually happens if you build without one.

When You Need a Permit

Permit rules are set by each city (or by the county in unincorporated areas), so what you need depends on where your property is and what you are building. In general:

Many South Florida cities require a building permit for a new fence. The rules on height, location and materials are set locally.
Pool barrier fences must meet Florida’s residential pool barrier requirements (Florida Building Code and Chapter 515, Florida Statutes). See the pool section below.
Corner lots, front yards and properties in historic districts often come with extra rules or reviews.

If you are not sure whether your fence needs a permit, ask your city’s building department, or ask us: we check the requirements for your property before we quote.

Permit Fees and Processing Times

Permit fees and processing times vary by city and by project, and cities update their fee schedules, so we don’t publish a fee list that could go out of date. Processing time depends on the city’s review workload, whether your fence needs zoning, historic or other reviews, and whether the application is complete when it is submitted. For the current fee and timeline, check your city’s building department, or ask us: we confirm the current requirements for your address when we prepare your permit.

What Documents Are Required

For most South Florida residential fence permits, the city will ask for:

Completed permit application (available online or at the Building Division)
Site plan or survey showing the proposed fence location with setbacks marked
Elevation drawing showing fence height, material, and style
Material specification sheet from the manufacturer
HOA approval letter (if applicable)
Contractor license verification
Notice of Commencement (recorded with the county clerk) for projects over $2,500 (Chapter 713, Florida Statutes)

Xtreme Fence handles all of this paperwork for our customers, you just sign the application.

What Happens If You Skip the Permit

Building a fence without the required permit creates four real problems:

Stop-work order: If a neighbor complains or an inspector drives by during install, you get a stop-work order. Work halts until you apply for the permit, now after the fact, and additional fees may apply.
Forced removal: In some cases, an unpermitted fence that does not meet setback or height code can be ordered to be removed at your expense.
Closing problems: When you sell the house, the title company runs an open-permit search. Unpermitted improvements show up as red flags that delay closing. You will end up having to pull the permit retroactively anyway, but now under time pressure.
Insurance questions: If your fence is damaged by a storm and you file an insurance claim, an unpermitted fence can complicate the claim. Check your policy or ask your insurer.

HOA Approval vs Building Permit

These are two separate processes you usually need both of. The building permit is the legal authority to install (issued by the city or county Building Division). HOA approval is contractual authority based on your community’s covenants. HOA approval typically must come first, because the city will sometimes ask for the HOA approval letter as part of the permit application.

Pool Fence Permits

Pool barrier fences are non-negotiable in Florida. The requirements come from the Florida Building Code (Residential Section R4501.17 and Building Section 454.2) and Chapter 515, Florida Statutes. Key requirements include:

At least 48 inches tall, measured on the side of the barrier facing away from the pool
No more than 2 inches between the bottom of the barrier and the ground
No gaps or openings a young child could squeeze through: picket spacing is limited (generally no more than 4 inches, and tighter when horizontal rails are less than 45 inches apart)
No footholds or other features that would let a young child climb over
Gates that open outward, away from the pool, and are self-closing and self-latching, with the latch release at least 54 inches above the bottom of the gate or, if lower, on the pool side where a young child can’t reach it

When a permit is required, the city’s inspection checks the barrier against these requirements. See our Florida pool fence law guide for more detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pull my own fence permit as a homeowner?

Florida law has an owner-builder exemption (section 489.103(7), Florida Statutes) that can let you act as your own contractor on your own one- or two-family home. You take on the contractor’s responsibilities, must personally supervise the work, and sign the permit yourself. Most homeowners hire a licensed contractor instead, who pulls the permit under their license.

How long is a fence permit valid?

It depends on the city and the permit. Permits can expire if work doesn’t start, or stops, for too long, so check the expiration rules on your permit or ask the building department.

What if my neighbor objects to the fence?

Neighbor objections do not block a permit if your fence meets code and is on your property. If the fence is on the shared property line, some cities require neighbor notification or written consent. Property line disputes go through the courts, not the Building Division.

Does the city inspect my fence after install?

Yes for permitted projects. The final inspection checks the work against the approved permit, including the pool barrier requirements for pool fences.

Need Help With Your Fence Permit?

Xtreme Fence handles all permit paperwork as part of every quoted project. Contact us or call (954) 851-6610 to get started.

Fence permits and installation in your South Florida community:

Fence Permits in South Florida: Complete 2026 Guide