Florida's Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (FL §515.27) and the Florida Building Code 8th Edition require all new residential pools in Tampa to include at least one approved safety barrier: a 4-foot isolation fence, approved pool cover, exit alarms on all home doors facing the pool, or self-closing/self-latching devices on those doors. Climbable features within 20 inches of the top of a fence are prohibited. Violations are a misdemeanor under FL §515.29.
Residential pool safety in Tampa is governed by the Florida Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (Florida Statutes Chapter 515) and Florida Building Code 8th Edition, R-45.2. Every newly constructed or substantially modified residential pool must have at least one of the following barrier options: (1) a pool-enclosing fence at least 48 inches tall measured from the exterior, with a maximum 4-inch gap at the bottom and between vertical members, and no horizontal members on the pool side within 45 inches of each other that could be climbed; (2) an approved safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346; (3) all doors and windows providing direct access from the home to the pool equipped with an exit alarm (85 dB at 10 feet) that sounds when opened; or (4) self-closing, self-latching devices on those doors with the release mechanism at least 54 inches above the floor. Isolation fences — ones that separate the pool from the house as well as the yard — are the most protective option and are often required in combination with other barriers when young children live in the home. Gates in pool fencing must be self-closing and self-latching, open outward away from the pool, and have the latch at least 54 inches above grade. The 20-inch rule prohibits any climbable object (chair, planter, pool equipment, tree, landscape feature) within 20 inches of the top of the fence. Violating §515 is a second-degree misdemeanor with fines up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail; more importantly, drowning risk in Florida is the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4. Tampa's Construction Services inspects the barrier at the final pool inspection, and Code Enforcement responds to complaints at existing pools.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Tampa code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Tampa, FL
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