Understanding Pool Permits in South Florida

Why pool permits matter

Pool construction in South Florida generally needs a building permit from the city or county. The permit process exists so the pool is built safely and to code. Skipping it can cause fines, trouble with insurance and problems when you sell. A professional builder normally pulls permits for you, but knowing the steps helps you plan.

Rules change by city and county. This article is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm requirements with your local building department before you start.

What approvals a pool project often involves

• Building permit: Covers the pool structure. Plans commonly require engineering.
• Electrical permit: Often separate, covering equipment, lighting and bonding.
• Plumbing permit: Some places require one for the pool plumbing connections.
• Barrier or fence permit: If you add or change a fence, wall or enclosure to meet safety rules.
• Screen enclosure permit: Pool cages are engineered structures and usually need their own permit because of wind load requirements.

Renovations may need permits too, depending on what is changing. Ask your contractor and your building department. Planning, engineering and permitting are typically quoted separately from the construction itself.

Who issues the permit

Permits come from each city's building department. In Broward County, cities such as Coral Springs, Parkland, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach and Fort Lauderdale run their own departments. In Palm Beach County, incorporated cities like Boca Raton and Delray Beach have their own, while unincorporated areas go through the county. Review times vary by place and workload, so ask for a current estimate rather than relying on an old number.

Setbacks and easements

Setbacks control how close the pool can be to property lines and structures. They vary by municipality, so check your own. Common topics are:

• Distance from the property line.
• Distance from the house and other structures.
• Utility and drainage easements, which are shown on your survey and often cannot hold permanent structures.
• Septic system clearance, if you have one.

Your designer should work from your survey to find the buildable area. On smaller lots, setbacks can limit the pool's size and location more than anything else.

HOA approval

Many communities in Boca Raton, Parkland and Coral Springs have an HOA. HOA approval is separate from your building permit. It often covers:

• Plans showing the pool design, location and materials.
• Deck material and color.
• Community setback rules, which can be stricter than the city's.
• Screen enclosure design.
• Construction hours and equipment access.
• Landscape restoration after construction.

Review times vary, and some boards meet monthly. HOA approvals and fees are the homeowner's responsibility. EDX can provide drawings and specs for your submission.

Safety rules to know about

Florida's Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (Chapter 515, Florida Statutes) sets pool barrier and safety requirements. Local codes add more, and they differ for new pools, renovations and existing pools. Other things inspectors commonly look at include drain cover compliance, electrical bonding of metal near the pool, and wind load engineering for screen enclosures. Because details depend on your property and project, check with your city's building department for what applies to you.

Choosing a builder who handles permits properly

In Florida, pool work generally has to be done by a contractor who holds the proper state certification or registration. Do not take anyone's word for it. You can check a contractor's status on the Florida DBPR website (myfloridalicense.com), and you can ask for certificates of insurance. Be wary of anyone who suggests skipping permits. For more on vetting a builder, see how to choose a pool builder.

EDX Pools is insured, and we explain permit and HOA steps up front in your estimate. To discuss your project, see new pool construction or contact us.