Coral Gables, FL Swimming Pools & Spas: Hot Tub Rules (2026)

Hot tubs and spas in Coral Gables are regulated as private swimming pools under Florida Building Code Chapter 45 when they contain water deeper than 24 inches. A building permit is required for permanently installed spas. A lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 standards that can support the weight of an adult may substitute for a full 48-inch barrier enclosure, eliminating the need for separate fencing if the cover is properly maintained and locked when the spa is not in use. Electrical installation requires a separate electrical permit, and all wiring must be performed by a licensed electrician with GFCI protection on all hot tub circuits. Hot tubs must observe the setback requirements of the applicable zoning district. Within the Miami-Dade High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, outdoor spa installations must be properly secured to withstand design wind loads. Drainage from hot tubs must not discharge into the stormwater system or onto neighboring properties due to the city's NPDES stormwater permit requirements. Spa water must be directed to the sanitary sewer or properly managed on-site. Portable spas that are not permanently wired or plumbed may not require a building permit but still need an electrical permit for the dedicated circuit.