Alachua County, FL Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Florida Statute 515.27 requires that a residential swimming pool pass final inspection only after meeting at least one of five safety feature options. Option (a) is a barrier under F.S. 515.29: minimum 4 feet high on the outside, no gaps, indentations, or climbable components allowing a young child to crawl under, squeeze through, or climb over, placed sufficiently away from the water's edge. Option (b) is an approved safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346. Option (c) is exit alarms on all doors and windows providing direct pool access, with a minimum sound pressure rating of 85 dB A at 10 feet. Option (d) is self-closing, self-latching devices on all doors providing direct home access to the pool, with the release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor. Option (e) is a pool alarm certified to ASTM Standard F2208 (wearable alarms do not qualify). The Florida Building Code Residential Section R4501 incorporates these requirements. Alachua County Building Division (352-374-5243) enforces these provisions through final inspection and Certificate of Completion under the Florida Building Code as adopted by county ordinance. Incorporated cities within Alachua County (Gainesville, Alachua, etc.) administer pool barrier inspections within their jurisdictions.