Fence Permits and Permit Exemptions in Florida

Last reviewed: October 17, 2026

Fence Permits and Fence Permit Exemptions in Florida depend on the responsible city or county, property conditions, fence design, and intended use. A low project price alone does not settle which approvals you need. Check the process for your actual property before work starts.

Wood privacy fence beneath a tree in a residential yard
A completed wood fence from our project gallery. Review the approvals for your proposed height, design, and location.

Which approval does your fence need?

A building permit checks work under building rules. Zoning review checks land-use rules, such as height and location. A permit exemption removes a building permit requirement for qualifying work. HOA approval and easement permission address separate private or property rights.

Each jurisdiction has its own submission process within state law. Some require zoning review or a zoning permit even when no building permit is needed. A mailing address may name a city that does not handle permits for the property. Confirm the responsible office using the property location.

Some jurisdictions already exempt qualifying residential fences under local rules. Those exemptions are separate from the statewide exemption below. Ask which path applies and what documents the office needs.

Florida’s building permit exemption for work valued at less than $7,500

Under Florida Statutes section 553.79(1)(g), local governments that issue building permits must exempt qualifying work valued at less than $7,500 on an owner’s property containing a single-family dwelling.

  • The owner or contractor must send a written exemption request with a contract or other records showing the work and its value.
  • The exemption excludes work on property partly or fully within a flood hazard area.
  • Electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical, and gas work are excluded.
  • A project cannot be split into smaller jobs to qualify.

Fence work does not qualify just because it costs less than $7,500. Confirm eligibility for the actual design and site. Qualifying work receives the state-required building permit exemption. Separate zoning, easement, HOA, and safety requirements may still apply.

Conditions that may require permits or additional review

Black aluminum fence and gate enclosing a rectangular lawn
Fence and gate layouts are among the design details to review with the responsible jurisdiction.

Use this checklist to flag questions for the responsible office. These are possible review conditions, not a single set of statewide fence rules:

  • Commercial property or property with multiple dwelling units.
  • Fence height, including fences taller than six feet.
  • Concrete, masonry, block, or reinforced construction.
  • A fence used as a required pool or spa barrier.
  • A property with a rear alley.
  • A corner lot where a fence could block views of traffic.
  • A fence on or near a public easement.
  • Vehicular gates or powered gates, including electric or solar systems.
  • Fencing connected with demolition.
  • Construction safety fencing under Florida Building Code Chapter 33.
  • Floodplains or floodways, where water and flood risks affect the site.
  • Historic properties or special districts with added review rules.

Keep local height, placement, and submission details with the city or county information for your property.

Our fence permit service

White vinyl privacy fence installed beside a residential home
Fence height, location, and material are details we help document during project planning.

Primo Fence LLC helps with new fences, replacement fences, and existing fences that may need approval after installation. We can help identify the responsible city or county and review your survey for the proposed layout.

  • Prepare fence designs, gate locations, and layout documents.
  • Prepare applicable fence easement forms.
  • Prepare and submit eligible exemption requests.
  • Prepare and submit full permit applications.
  • Respond to application comments and coordinate required next steps.

Start with Property Boundary Surveys and share any HOA Approvals requirements. If the layout affects an easement, review Fence in Easement Forms. Fence layout preparation does not replace licensed surveying or engineering when required.

Existing fences and code violations

Primo Fence LLC has experience helping clients address fence-related code violations through permit applications and supporting documents. Share the full notice and any case number so we can help identify the requested next steps.

An existing fence may need an after-the-fact permit, inspection, more documents, or physical changes. Getting a permit does not automatically clear every violation or remove fines. The responsible authority decides whether the property complies and closes the case.

Documents to gather

  • Property survey.
  • Proposed or existing fence layout.
  • Fence height and material details.
  • Gate locations.
  • Contract or project-value records for an exemption request.
  • Applicable easement forms.
  • HOA documents.
  • Any code violation notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every fence under $7,500 qualify for an exemption?

No. The site and type of work must qualify. Flood hazard areas and excluded types of work can prevent use of this exemption.

Do I still need to submit an exemption request?

Yes, for the statewide exemption described above. Send a written request and records showing the nature and value of the work to the local enforcement agency.

Can a zoning permit still be required?

Yes. A building permit exemption does not remove separate zoning requirements. Confirm the local submission process.

Can I obtain a permit for a fence that is already installed?

An after-the-fact application may be possible. The office may require inspections, documents, or changes. Approval is not guaranteed.

Can Primo Fence LLC help with a fence-related code violation?

Yes. We can help with applications and supporting documents. The responsible authority determines compliance, any remaining fines, and case closure.

Does HOA approval replace a fence permit?

No. Obtain each approval that applies to the property and proposed work.

Choose a fence material

White vinyl double gate providing access to a backyard
Vinyl fencing from our project gallery.
Black aluminum fence and gate beside a house
Aluminum fencing from our project gallery.
New wood privacy fence extending beside a home and tree
Wood fencing from our project gallery.

Compare vinyl fencing, aluminum fencing, and wood fencing. Your material, height, and gate design should fit the rules for your property.

Find Information for Your County

Primo Fence serves the following 34 Florida counties. Choose your county-specific page for local fence information, project planning, and pricing.

Related Fence Planning Resources

  1. Property Boundary Surveys
  2. HOA Approvals
  3. Fence in Easement Forms
  4. Fence Permits and Permit Exemptions

Get Help With Fence Permits and Exemptions

Tell us about your fence and bring your survey and any approval documents. We will help you plan the next steps for your property.

Get Help With Fence Permits and Exemptions

Prefer to talk? Call 689-212-2856.

Official References

Florida Statutes section 553.79(1)(g)