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

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Minimum Barrier Height
48 inches above finished ground level
Applies When
Pool holds more than 24 inches
Gates
Self-closing and self-latching required
Latch Rule
Release on pool side below 54 inches
Code Section
§ 21.106, Code of Ordinances

Summary

Section 21.106 of the Code of Ordinances requires any private pool, hot tub or spa that can hold more than 24 inches of water to be fully surrounded by a fence or approved barrier at least 48 inches high, with self-closing, self-latching gates.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Martin County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(2)  “Barrier” means a fence, dwelling wall, or nondwelling wall, or any combination thereof, which completely surrounds the swimming pool and obstructs access to the swimming pool, especially access from the residence or from the yard outside the barrier.

Source: Martin County Code of Ordinances & Land Development Regulations (Municode)View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

The 48-inch height is measured above finished ground level on the side of the barrier away from the pool, so a barrier that looks tall from inside the yard may still fail. Gates and doors in the barrier must be self-closing and self-latching. If the latching device sits lower than 54 inches above the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism has to be on the pool side. Gates must positively close and latch when released from six inches from the gatepost. Section 21.106 also forbids removing or changing an existing pool enclosure in any way that reduces its effectiveness as a safety barrier.

Violations & Fines

Pool barriers sit in the Property Maintenance Code, enforced under Chapter 1, Article 4. Section 1.97 lets the Special Magistrate impose up to $1,000.00 per day for a first violation and $5,000.00 per day for a repeat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall must my pool fence be in Martin County?
At least 48 inches, measured above finished ground level on the side of the barrier away from the pool, under section 21.106 of the Code of Ordinances.
Can I use my house wall as a pool barrier?
Section 21.106 requires the pool to be completely surrounded by a fence or approved barrier and does not describe a house-wall alternative. The Building Department applies the adopted Florida Building Code on that point.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Martin County

Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSignificant RestrictionsPool PermitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingLight RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome Restrictions

All Martin County rules

Florida rules heatmap·Compare Martin County to another location·View the Florida swimming pools & spas overview

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