Martin County, FL Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Martin County, FL, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Barrier Trigger
- Water deeper than 24 inches
- Barrier Height
- At least 48 inches
- Gates
- Self-closing and self-latching required
- Building Code
- Florida Building Code applies
- Code Section
- Code of Ordinances 21.105: 21.106
Summary
Martin County adopts the Florida Building Code for pool construction, and Code of Ordinances Sec. 21.106 sets its own barrier standard: any private pool, hot tub or spa holding more than 24 inches of water needs a 48-inch fence with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature that all new residential swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs be equipped with at least one pool safety feature as specified in this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that the Department of Health be responsible for producing its own or adopting a nationally recognized publication that provides the public with information on drowning prevention and the responsibilities of pool ownership and also for developing its own or adopting a nationally recognized drowning prevention education program for the public and for persons violating the pool safety requirements of this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 21.1 acknowledges the Florida Building Code as the applicable building code countywide, so pool construction and permitting run through it. Sec. 21.106 adds county barrier detail: the barrier must be at least 48 inches high measured on the side away from the pool; if the self-latching device sits below 54 inches above the bottom of the gate, the release must be on the pool side; and gates must latch when released from six inches open. No existing enclosure may be changed in a way that reduces its effectiveness. Sec. 21.105 requires pools to be kept clean, sanitary and in good repair.
Violations & Fines
Building or altering a pool in violation of chapter 21 is a second-degree misdemeanor under Sec. 21.12, and each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for an above-ground pool?
Who inspects my pool barrier?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Martin County
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