North Miami, FL Fence Regulations: Pool Barriers (2026)

North Miami requires all residential swimming pools to comply with the Florida Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (F.S. 515.27-515.35) and the Florida Building Code. Every residential pool must have at least one approved safety feature: a pool barrier (fence or wall) at least 48 inches in height, a safety cover meeting ASTM F1346, door or window alarms on all exit doors leading to the pool area, or a pool alarm meeting ASTM F2208. Pool barriers are the most commonly used compliance method. Barrier requirements include: minimum 48-inch height measured from finished grade on the exterior side; no openings that allow passage of a 4-inch sphere; no handholds or footholds that could aid climbing; and gates must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch at least 54 inches above grade on the pool side. Chain link fences used as pool barriers must have 2-inch or smaller diamond-weave mesh with no climbable horizontal rail. The barrier must completely enclose the pool area with no gaps. Pool barrier construction or modification requires a building permit from Community Development at (305) 895-9825. All barriers must meet HVHZ wind load standards. The North Miami Fire Department at (305) 893-6511 may inspect pool safety during fire prevention inspections.