Miami Beach, FL Swimming Pools & Spas: Above-Ground Pools (2026)

Miami Beach follows Miami-Dade County and Florida Building Code requirements for above-ground pools. A building permit is required for any pool deeper than 24 inches or containing electrical components, plumbing, or a surrounding deck. Florida Statute 515 mandates that all residential swimming pools be equipped with at least one approved safety feature, and Miami-Dade Code Section 8C-4 requires a permanent barrier with the top at least 48 inches above grade measured on the exterior side. Gates in the barrier must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch located at least 54 inches above grade or at least 3 inches below the top of the gate on the pool side. For above-ground pools, the access ladder must be removable and stored away when the pool is not in use. The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier must not exceed 2 inches. Horizontal fence members must be on the pool side when spaced less than 45 inches apart to prevent climbing. Miami-Dade County has additional hurricane-resistance requirements for pool enclosures and barriers due to the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone designation. Pools cannot be filled with water until the barrier passes inspection.