Florida Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act Barriers

The Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (Ch. 515, F.S.) requires all new residential pools, spas, and hot tubs to satisfy at least one of four pool safety features: a four-foot non-climbable barrier surrounding the pool, an approved safety pool cover, all doors and windows providing direct pool access equipped with exit alarms, or all doors providing direct access secured by self-closing, self-latching devices. Barriers must be at least 48 inches high, have no gaps allowing a 4-inch sphere to pass, and be placed sufficiently away from the water. Local jurisdictions may impose stricter standards but cannot waive these baseline statewide requirements. The Florida Building Code incorporates these standards uniformly.

First-degree misdemeanor under F.S. 515.29, punishable by up to one year imprisonment and $1,000 fine. Violators may complete a pool safety program in lieu of prosecution if no injury occurred.