Tallahassee, FL Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Barrier height
- Not less than four feet
- Picket spacing
- Four inches maximum between pickets
- Gates
- Self-closing and self-latching required
- Pools covered
- Minimum depth of 24 inches
- Code section
- LDC Sec. 3-433
Summary
Tallahassee has its own pool barrier ordinance, not just state law. Section 3-433 requires every outdoor residential swimming pool to be completely surrounded by a fence or wall at least four feet high, with self-closing and self-latching gates.
515.29 Residential swimming pool barrier requirements. 515.31 Drowning prevention education program; public information publication. 515.33 Information required to be furnished to buyers. 515.35 Rulemaking authority. 515.37 Exemptions. 515.21 Short title. - This chapter may be cited as the "Preston de Ibern/McKenzie Merriam Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act." History. - s. 1, ch. 2000-143. 515.23 Legislative findings and intent. - The Legislature finds that drowning is the leading cause of death of young children in this state and is also a significant cause of death for medically frail elderly persons in this state, that constant adult supervision is the key to accomplishing the objective of reducing the number of submersion incidents, and that w
Full Breakdown
Article VIII of Land Development Code Chapter 3 reaches all residential swimming pools as defined in the Florida Building Code and every existing pool with a minimum depth of 24 inches. The barrier must be a fence or wall not less than four feet high with no openings a young child could pass through; if pickets are used, the horizontal dimension between them may not exceed four inches. A dwelling house or accessory building may form part of the enclosure. All gates and doors through the enclosure need a self-closing and self-latching device, except a dwelling door that forms part of the enclosure.
Violations & Fines
Barrier failures are enforced through code enforcement. Section 2-183(c) caps administrative fines at $250.00 per day for a first violation and $500.00 per day for a repeat violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fence around my pool in Tallahassee?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tallahassee
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