Palm Coast, FL Swimming Pools & Spas: Safety Rules (2026)

Florida Statute 515.27(1) requires every new residential pool to be equipped with at least one of five enumerated safety features and to be inspected for that feature before the certificate of completion is issued: (a) a barrier complying with FS 515.29; (b) an approved safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346 (manually or power operated); (c) all doors and windows providing direct access from the home to the pool equipped with an exit alarm with a minimum sound pressure rating of 85 dBA at 10 feet; (d) all such doors equipped with a self-closing, self-latching device with the release no lower than 54 inches above the floor; or (e) a swimming pool alarm that meets and is independently certified to ASTM F2208 (surface motion, pressure, sonar, laser, or infrared). Palm Coast enforces these requirements through the 8th Edition (2023) FBC Residential R4501.17 and Building 454.2.17, plus the City's Building Services Division. Entrapment-protection for suction outlets per ANSI/APSP 7 / ANSI/APSP-16 (mandated under the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act of 2008) is required. Electrical bonding and GFCI protection follow 2020 NEC Article 680 (adopted with the 8th Edition FBC). Per Palm Coast's above-ground pool guidance, GFCI protection outlets must be at least 10 feet from the inside wall of the pool, and the pump connection must use only the approved cord supplied with the pump (no extension cords). Final inspections must pass before filling. The penalty for failing to equip a pool with one of the five FS 515.27 safety features is a second-degree misdemeanor under FS 515.27(2), waivable if the owner remedies the deficiency and completes a state-approved drowning-prevention education program within 45 days.