Jacksonville, FL Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front yard max
- 4 feet
- Side/rear yard max
- 8 feet
- Corner lot exception
- up to 6 feet
- Height measured from
- existing grade
- Governs
- all residential districts citywide
Summary
Jacksonville caps residential fences at 4 feet in the front yard and 8 feet elsewhere, measured from grade to the top of the fence.
Notwithstanding other provisions of the Zoning Code, fences, walls and hedges may be permitted in a required yard; provided, however, that no fence or wall in excess of eight feet in height shall be permitted in a residential district; and provided further, that no fence in excess of four feet in height shall be permitted in a required front yard in a residential district... The height of a fence shall be measured from the existing grade to the top of the fence, excluding pilasters or other architectural features, on the property owner's side of the fence.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Ordinance Code Sec. 656.402(b) sets the citywide fence rule for residential districts, part of the consolidated city-county's Zoning Code that applies across Duval County outside the separate beach cities and Baldwin. Fences, walls and hedges are allowed in a required yard, but no fence or wall may exceed 8 feet anywhere in a residential district, and none may exceed 4 feet in a required front yard. Exceptions exist for corner lots and lots with more than one front yard, where a taller fence can be approved through site or sketch plan review. Height is measured from existing grade to the top of the fence, excluding pilasters or other architectural features, on the owner's side of the fence.
Violations & Fines
Code Enforcement can cite an oversized fence as a zoning violation, and the property owner must remove or lower it to conform.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can I build a privacy fence in my Jacksonville backyard?
Can I put a tall fence along my front yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jacksonville
How Jacksonville compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Jacksonville to another location·View the Florida fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.