Brevard County, FL Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Maintenance duty
- No dilapidated or structurally unsound fences
- Finished side rule
- Good side faces outward, § 22-703
- Permit required
- For new fences and major repairs
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Brevard County only
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine or jail time
Summary
Unincorporated Brevard County requires every fence owner to keep their fence from becoming dilapidated or structurally unsound, and pre-existing fences must meet full code standards once replaced.
(a)No owner shall permit any fence located on their property to become dilapidated or structurally unsound.(b)Any fence in existence on the effective date of this section shall be exempt from the provisions hereof; providing however, that pre-existing fences are subject to the requirements of paragraph (a) that any replacement thereof shall be in compliance with all the provisions of this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 135).
Full Breakdown
In unincorporated Brevard County, Code § 22-708 puts the upkeep duty on the fence owner: no owner shall permit a fence on their property to become dilapidated or structurally unsound, missing boards, leaning more than 20 percent off vertical, or compromised enough to risk becoming storm debris. Fences built before the 2000 ordinance are grandfathered, but any replacement of a pre-existing fence must meet current code. Section 22-703 separately requires wood fences to show their finished side outward, toward the street or the neighboring lot, not the exposed rail side. New fences and repairs over 50 percent of the structure need a county construction permit.
Violations & Fines
County-wide, a Code violation under § 1-7 draws up to a $500 fine, up to 60 days in jail, or both, and each day a dilapidated fence stays uncorrected counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Brevard County require neighbors to split fence costs?
Which side of the fence has to face my neighbor?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brevard County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Brevard County to another location·View the Florida fence regulations overview
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