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

Leon County does not set its own pool-fence height; it enforces the Florida Building Code, Residential, Chapter 45 (Private Swimming Pools), Section R4501.17, through its adoption of the Florida Building Code in Chapter 5 of the Code of Laws. Under R4501.17.1.1, the top of the barrier must be at least 48 inches (4 feet) above grade on the outside. The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier is generally 2 inches (measured on the side facing away from the pool), or up to 4 inches where the barrier is mounted on top of an above-ground pool structure (R4501.17.1.1). Openings in the barrier must not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere (R4501.17.1.2), and spacing between vertical members is further limited where horizontal members are close together (R4501.17.1.4–.1.5). Access gates must be self-closing and equipped with a self-latching device, must open outward away from the pool, and where the latch release is less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate it must be on the pool side with no opening greater than 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the release (R4501.17.1.8). These provisions mirror the barrier requirements of the Florida Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (Florida Statutes s. 515.29). Confirm current edition and any local amendments with DSEM.