A new fence should add privacy, safety and value, not cause a headache with the city or your HOA. Before any post goes in the ground, there are a few things to confirm. This fence permit and HOA checklist for Orlando and Central Florida walks you through them.
1. Check your HOA rules first
If you live in a managed community, your HOA or architectural review committee may control fence height, material, color and placement. Many require written approval before you build.
- Request your community covenants and fence guidelines.
- Ask which materials, heights and colors are approved.
- Submit your fence plan and style for approval if required.
- Keep the written approval with your project paperwork.
2. Find out if you need a city or county permit
Most cities across Central Florida require a permit for new fences, and requirements differ between places such as Orlando, Winter Park, Kissimmee, Oviedo, Apopka, Sanford, Ocoee, Maitland and Winter Garden. A permit typically confirms your fence meets code for height, materials and placement relative to your property lines.
Permit rules and processing times change, so it is worth confirming current requirements with the building department for your city. Better yet, hire a contractor who manages it for you. See our service areas for the cities we serve.
3. Know exactly where your property line is
Fences go on your property, not your neighbor's. Locate the survey pins that mark your boundary and, if you are unsure, check your property survey. Our crews mark the line before digging so the fence is placed correctly.
4. Call 811 before you dig
Florida's Sunshine 811 service marks underground utilities for free. Digging post holes without locating lines is risky, and utility notification is required before digging. Your fence contractor should handle this, and you should confirm that they do.
5. Understand height and placement limits
Cities and HOAs often set different limits for front yards and back yards, and rules may apply to corner lots, easements and sight lines at driveways. Share your plan up front so style and height are chosen with those rules in mind.
6. Pool fences have extra requirements
If your fence will act as a pool barrier, additional safety rules apply, such as barrier height and self-closing, self-latching gates. We cover the basics in our guide to pool fence requirements in Florida.
Homeowner fence checklist
- HOA guidelines reviewed and approval received if needed.
- City or county permit requirements confirmed.
- Property survey or boundary pins located.
- Utilities located through Sunshine 811 before digging.
- Fence height, style and color chosen within the rules.
- Contractor, warranty and quote confirmed in writing.
Let us handle the paperwork
Permits are one of the most stressful parts of fencing for homeowners. With O-Town Fencing, we take care of all county permits and paperwork, and our estimates are ready within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to install a fence in Orlando?
Most fences in Orlando and surrounding Central Florida cities require a permit, but rules vary by location. We take care of all county permits and paperwork for our customers.
Do I need HOA approval for a fence in Florida?
In most managed communities, yes. Check your covenants and submit your plan for approval before installation.
Who is responsible for locating utilities?
Utilities should be located through Sunshine 811 before any digging. Your contractor should arrange this; confirm it when you hire.
How long does a permit take?
Processing times vary by city and time of year. We will give you a realistic timeline when we provide your estimate.
