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Fort Lauderdale, FL Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

City Code Section
ULDR Sec. 47-19.5.D, E, H
Barbed wire
Prohibited except I/U/B-2/B-3 storage and construction sites
Wall finish
Finished both sides, industry-standard materials
Fence finish
Finished side facing neighbor or right-of-way
Required fence material
No chain link unless specifically permitted

Summary

Fort Lauderdale ULDR Section 47-19.5 prohibits barbed wire on residential and most property (with narrow industrial and construction-site exceptions), requires walls to be finished on both sides and fences finished on the street-facing side, and bars required fences from being chain link unless specifically permitted.

Standards for Fences. Required fences shall not be constructed of chain link unless specifically permitted herein, and shall be a minimum height of five (5) feet above grade, as measured in accordance with Section 47-2.2.G.2. All fences shall be finished on the side facing the neighboring property or right-of-way, except when a new fence directly abuts an existing wall or fence preventing access. When a fence is located in a manner where both sides are visible from a right-of-way, both sides of the fence shall be finished. Barbed wire fencing shall not be permitted, except as follows: Temporary barbed wire fencing may be permitted on a construction site where there is an active building permit, provided that said fencing does not obstruct any public easement or right-of-way. Barbed wire fencing may be permitted in the I, U, B-2, and B-3 zoning districts, at a height not exceeding ten (10) feet, where outdoor storage of goods and materials is permitted as an accessory use, except where the nonresidential use is abutting residential property. Barbed wire fencing shall not be visible from any street.

Source: Fort Lauderdale ULDR Sec. 47-19.5 (Fences, walls and hedges)View official code

Full Breakdown

5 of the ULDR sets material and finish standards for fences and walls. Barbed wire fencing is generally prohibited under subsection H, with three narrow exceptions: temporary barbed wire is allowed on a construction site with an active building permit so long as it does not obstruct a public easement or right-of-way; barbed wire may be used in the I, U, B-2, and B-3 zoning districts up to 10 feet high where outdoor storage of goods is a permitted accessory use, except where the use abuts residential property; and in no case may barbed wire be visible from any street.

For walls (subsection D), walls must be finished on both sides with materials meeting industry standards such as painted stucco, prefinished block, or other prefinished materials, must be compatible with existing buildings, and must include finishing features such as changes in texture or color, capstones, decorative painting, or bands of tile. For fences (subsection E), required fences may not be constructed of chain link unless specifically permitted and must be a minimum of 5 feet high; all fences must be finished on the side facing the neighboring property or right-of-way, and when both sides are visible from a right-of-way, both sides must be finished.

Fences and walls in the required street yard must also avoid a continuous straight line by using offsets or changes in direction to break up monotony.

Violations & Fines

Installing barbed wire where prohibited, leaving an unfinished street-facing side, or using chain link where a finished fence is required are zoning violations subject to Code Compliance Division notices, abatement, and Special Magistrate fines until corrected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is barbed wire allowed in Fort Lauderdale?
Generally no. ULDR Section 47-19.5.H prohibits barbed wire except as temporary fencing on a construction site with an active permit, or in the I, U, B-2, and B-3 districts up to 10 feet for permitted outdoor storage that does not abut residential property. Barbed wire may never be visible from any street.
Does my fence have to face the 'good side' out?
Yes. Under Section 47-19.5.E, all fences must be finished on the side facing the neighboring property or the right-of-way, and when both sides are visible from a right-of-way, both sides must be finished.
Can I use a chain link fence?
Chain link is allowed up to 6 feet 6 inches in residential districts under Table 1, but a fence that is required by the ULDR may not be chain link unless specifically permitted, and walls must be finished on both sides with industry-standard materials.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fort Lauderdale

All Fort Lauderdale rules

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