St. Lucie County, FL Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- FS 515.25(1)
- Depth trigger
- Water over 24 inches deep
- Included
- Hot tubs, nonportable spas
- Safety option
- Approved lockable cover
- Permit
- Building permit required
Summary
Florida law folds hot tubs and nonportable spas into the definition of a swimming pool. In St. Lucie County a hot tub holding water over 24 inches deep must meet the same permit, barrier, and safety-feature requirements as a pool.
"Swimming pool" means any structure, located in a residential area, that is intended for swimming or recreational bathing and contains water over 24 inches deep, including, but not limited to, in-ground, aboveground, and on-ground swimming pools; hot tubs; and nonportable spas.
Full Breakdown
Under Florida Statute 515.25(1), a swimming pool means any residential structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing containing water over 24 inches deep, including hot tubs and nonportable spas. That definition brings hot tubs under the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act: a barrier at least 4 feet high, or an approved safety cover or alarm, is required, and a building permit applies. A spa with an approved, lockable safety cover often satisfies the safety-feature rule without a separate fence. Portable spas may be treated differently, so confirm depth and cover details with the county building office.
Violations & Fines
A qualifying hot tub without a compliant barrier or approved safety cover is a second-degree misdemeanor under FS 515.27, subject to the same 45-day correction-and-education waiver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my hot tub need a fence?
Are portable spas exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Lucie County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare St. Lucie County to another location·View the Florida swimming pools & spas overview
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