Washington Park Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits Rules (2026)

Installing an in-ground or above-ground pool in unincorporated Broward County or its cities requires a building permit from the Broward County Building Code Services Division or the relevant city building department. Submittals must include site plan, pool plans signed and sealed by a Florida-licensed engineer or architect (for in-ground), electrical plans for pump and lighting, plumbing and drainage plans, and a barrier plan compliant with the Florida Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act. Florida Statute 515.27 requires newly constructed residential pools to have at least one of: an isolation fence meeting 515.29 standards (minimum 4 feet high, self-closing self-latching gate), an approved safety pool cover (ASTM F1346), exit alarms on all doors/windows providing direct access to the pool, or all doors providing direct access equipped with self-closing/self-latching devices at least 54 inches above the floor. Broward County also enforces the Florida Building Code's more comprehensive 48-inch barrier rule in most applications. Final inspection is required before the pool may be filled and used. Pools must also meet the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act anti-entrapment drain cover requirements.