Spring Hill, FL Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Florida Statute 515.29 sets the statewide pool-barrier standard that Hernando County enforces through FBC R4501.17 (Residential) and 454.2.17 (Building) for any Spring Hill pool. The barrier (fence, dwelling wall, or non-dwelling wall) must completely surround the pool with the top at least 48 inches above grade measured on the side facing away from the pool; no opening may permit passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere; bottom clearance may not exceed 2 inches above grade on the exterior side. Horizontal members must be 45 inches or more apart; where they are closer than 45 inches, vertical pickets may be no more than 1-3/4 inches apart. Chain-link mesh openings may not exceed 1-1/4 inches (2-1/4 inches if slats are inserted to reduce visible opening). Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, must open outward away from the pool, and the latch release must be on the pool side at least 54 inches above the gate bottom; any opening within 18 inches of the release may not exceed 1/2 inch. The barrier must be placed sufficiently away from the water's edge to prevent a young child who penetrates the barrier from immediately falling into the water. Pool barriers are reviewed as part of the pool permit by the Hernando County Building Division (789 Providence Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34601, (352) 754-4050) - they are NOT covered by the 2024 fence-permit amendment (Ord. 2024-07), which only applies to non-pool fences. Note: the Hernando County Section 10-55 8-foot side/rear-yard maximum is HIGHER than the 48-inch pool-barrier minimum, so a typical 6-foot privacy fence in a Spring Hill backyard can serve as both a privacy fence AND a pool barrier as long as the gate (self-closing, self-latching, opens outward, 54-inch release) and clearances are correct. Aboveground pools with walls under 48 inches must have alarms and any windows within the fenced area.