Tarpon Springs enforces Florida's Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act, requiring a 48-inch barrier around all residential pools, with no climbable footholds and self-closing, self-latching gates that swing outward.
The city adopts the Florida Building Code and Florida Statutes Chapter 515 by reference through Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances. Every new residential swimming pool must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches tall measured from outside ground level, with no openings allowing a 4-inch sphere to pass and no horizontal members between 45 inches that could create footholds. Gates must open outward, away from the pool, and be self-closing and self-latching with the latch placed at least 54 inches above the ground. Alternatively, pools may comply via approved pool covers, exit alarms on home doors, or self-latching pool-side door locks. Final inspection is required before the pool may be filled.
Operating a pool without a compliant barrier is a misdemeanor under FS 515.27 and exposes owners to code enforcement fines and stop-use orders.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle fencing requirements.
See how Tarpon Springs's fencing requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.