Fort Lauderdale, FL Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- City Code Section
- ULDR Sec. 47-19.5.B (Table 1)
- Residential fence/wall max
- 6 ft 6 in
- Residential chain link max
- 6 ft 6 in
- Overall fence/wall/hedge max
- 10 ft
- Height measured
- From grade per Sec. 47-2.2.G
- Top features
- Up to 18 in above max height
Summary
Under Fort Lauderdale ULDR Section 47-19.5, fence, wall, and hedge heights are governed by Table 1: in residential districts fences and walls run from 2.5 feet up to 6.5 feet (chain link up to 6.5 feet), and across residential and non-residential districts fences, walls, and hedges may reach up to 10 feet, with all heights measured from grade.
Dimensional Requirements. The setback for a fence, wall or hedge shall depend on the height and percentage of transparency as shown in Table 1. TABLE 1 -- FENCES, WALLS AND HEDGES: Residential Zoning Districts -- Fence/Wall up to 2'-6" (N/A transparency): 0'-0" setback. Fence/Wall 2'-6"-4'-4" at 75-100% transparency: 0'-0" setback; below 75% transparency: Min. Average 3'-0" street-side setback. Fence/Wall 4'-4"-6'-6": Min. Average 3'-0" street-side setback. Chain Link Fence up to 6'-6": Min. Average 3'-0" street-side setback. Residential/Non-Residential Zoning Districts -- Fence/Wall up to 10'-0": Min. Average 3'-0" street-side setback. Chain Link Fence up to 10'-0": Min. Average 3'-0" street-side setback. Hedges up to 10'-0": 0'-0" setback. Note A: Setbacks shall be measured from property lines, except when property abuts a waterway.
Full Breakdown
5 (Fences, walls and hedges) of the Unified Land Development Regulations (ULDR). Subsection B sets dimensional requirements in Table 1, where maximum height is tied to transparency and setback. In residential zoning districts, a fence or wall up to 2 feet 6 inches needs no setback or transparency; a fence or wall between 2 feet 6 inches and 4 feet 4 inches must be 75-100 percent transparent to sit at the property line, or carry a minimum average 3-foot setback if below 75 percent transparency; a fence or wall between 4 feet 4 inches and 6 feet 6 inches requires a minimum average 3-foot street-side setback; and chain link fences are allowed up to 6 feet 6 inches with the same minimum average 3-foot setback.
Across both residential and non-residential districts, fences and walls (and chain link) are permitted up to 10 feet, and hedges up to 10 feet. G. Architectural features and light fixtures may extend up to 18 inches above the maximum height of a fence or wall, provided their combined width does not exceed 20 percent of the total linear length.
Violations & Fines
Fences exceeding the Table 1 height or built without the required setback are zoning violations enforced by the City's Code Compliance Division, which can issue notices of violation, abatement orders, and Special Magistrate fines, and require modification or removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a residential fence be in Fort Lauderdale?
Can a fence be taller than 6.5 feet?
Do decorative caps count toward the height limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Lauderdale
How Fort Lauderdale compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Fort Lauderdale to another location·View the Florida fence regulations overview
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