Sarasota County, FL Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Section 7.8 restricts fence materials in unincorporated Sarasota County. Barbed wire, or materials of similar character, is prohibited except where required by other ordinances or where used by lawful agricultural uses. Chain-link fences are prohibited in required front yards and any required yard facing a public right-of-way, though vinyl-coated chain-link may temporarily surround vacant lots or buildings for up to one year, removed before a certificate of occupancy issues. Standard chain-link, wood, and vinyl residential fences elsewhere on the lot are permit-free but still bound by these material limits and the height rules. Electrified fencing and razor wire are not standard residential materials and would require review. These material rules apply to the unincorporated county; the cities set their own.