Fence contractors in Florida - free quotes

Florida homeowners rely on fencing for privacy, pool safety, and hurricane resistance. The state’s year-round outdoor lifestyle means your fence takes a beating from sun, rain, humidity, and occasional tropical storms. Choosing the right contractor and materials makes the difference between a fence that lasts five years and one that lasts twenty.

We connect Florida homeowners with local fence contractors who understand the state’s unique climate, soil, and building code requirements. Get free quotes and compare before you hire.

Florida licensing requirements

Florida regulates contractors through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Fence contractors typically need one of the following:

• Certified General Contractor (CGC). Authorizes all types of construction work statewide, including fencing.
• Certified Building Contractor (CBC). Covers residential and commercial building projects, including fencing.
• Registered Specialty Contractor. Some counties issue local specialty licenses for fence installation. These are valid only within the issuing county.

Before hiring, verify any contractor’s license at the DBPR website. Florida law requires licensed contractors to carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Confirm both before work begins.

Florida also has strict pool fencing requirements under the Florida Building Code. Any fence surrounding a pool must be at least 48 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates. Contractors who install pool fences must know these requirements.

Average fence costs in Florida

Fence installation costs in Florida generally fall near or slightly above national averages. Material costs are comparable to other southeastern states, while labor rates vary by metro area.

For detailed pricing by material and yard size, see our privacy fence cost guide.

Florida-specific cost factors

• Wind load requirements. Florida’s building codes require fencing in high-wind zones to meet specific wind load ratings. This means heavier posts, deeper footings, and sometimes reinforced panels, all of which add cost.
• Sandy soil. Florida’s sandy soil drains well but provides less holding power for fence posts. Contractors need to set posts deeper and use more concrete per footing than in clay soils.
• Humidity and rot. Florida’s humidity accelerates wood decay. Pressure-treated pine is the standard for wood fences, but many homeowners choose vinyl or aluminum to avoid ongoing maintenance.
• Pool code compliance. Fences around pools must meet Florida Building Code requirements for height, gate hardware, and opening sizes. Pool fence projects often cost more due to these specifications.
• Termite risk. Subterranean termites are active year-round in Florida. Pressure treatment protects wood fences from termite damage, but untreated wood is at serious risk.

Popular fence types in Florida

Vinyl fences

Vinyl is increasingly the top choice for Florida homeowners. It handles the heat, UV exposure, humidity, and salt air without any maintenance. It will not rot, warp, or attract termites. The higher upfront cost pays off in lower lifetime maintenance, especially in a climate that punishes wood. For a full comparison, see our vinyl vs wood fence guide.

Pressure-treated pine fences

Pressure-treated pine is the most common wood fence material in Florida. The treatment protects against moisture, rot, and subterranean termites. Even with treatment, pine needs staining or sealing every two to three years in Florida’s conditions. Cedar is less common in Florida because the humidity breaks it down faster than in drier climates.

Aluminum fences

Aluminum is the preferred choice for pool enclosures and front yards across Florida. It resists rust and salt air, requires zero maintenance, and meets pool code requirements when configured with proper spacing and self-closing gate hardware. Aluminum is also popular in coastal communities where salt spray corrodes other metals.

Chain link fences

Chain link handles Florida’s climate well and serves as an affordable option for pet containment, property boundaries, and large acreage. Its open design allows wind to pass through rather than catching it like a solid panel, which is a real advantage in hurricane-prone areas. See our chain link fence guide for more.

Choosing a Florida fence contractor

Florida’s DBPR licensing system provides strong homeowner protections. Verify license status, check for complaints, and confirm insurance before hiring. Pay special attention to pool fencing experience if your project involves a pool barrier. Not all fence contractors are familiar with Florida’s specific pool code requirements.

For a detailed walkthrough of the hiring process, read our guide to choosing a fence contractor.

HOA considerations in Florida

Florida has one of the highest concentrations of HOA communities in the country. Most newer subdivisions have active HOAs with fencing restrictions. Common HOA requirements in Florida include:

• Material restrictions. Many HOAs require vinyl or aluminum only. Some prohibit wood and chain link in visible areas.
• Pool barrier compliance. HOAs often require pool fences to exceed minimum code requirements.
• Color and style mandates. White, tan, and earth tones are common. Some communities require specific panel styles.
• Height restrictions. Rear fences typically capped at 6 feet, with front and street-side fences limited to 4 feet.
• Wind-resistant construction. Some coastal HOAs require fences to meet specific wind load ratings.
• Pre-approval required. Architectural review is standard. Allow two to four weeks.

For more on navigating permits and regulations, see our fence permit requirements guide.

Cities we serve

• Fence contractors in Tampa

More Florida cities coming soon. Get a free quote for your fence project anywhere in Florida.

FAQ

Do fence contractors need a license in Florida?

Yes. Florida requires fence contractors to hold an active DBPR license, typically a Certified General Contractor, Certified Building Contractor, or county-issued specialty registration. Verify any contractor’s license at the DBPR website before signing a contract.

Do I need a permit for a fence in Florida?

Permit requirements vary by county and municipality. Most Florida cities require permits for new fence installations, especially for fences over 6 feet tall or fences in front yards. Pool fences have additional requirements under the Florida Building Code. Check with your local building department or ask your contractor to confirm requirements.

What is the best fence material for Florida’s climate?

Vinyl and aluminum are the most durable options in Florida’s heat and humidity. Both resist rot, rust, and UV damage without maintenance. Pressure-treated pine is the most popular wood option because it resists moisture and insects, but it still needs staining or sealing every two to three years. See our vinyl vs wood comparison for more detail.

How deep should fence posts be set in Florida?

Fence posts in Florida should be set at least 24 to 36 inches deep, depending on the fence height and local wind load requirements. In sandy soil, contractors use larger concrete footings to compensate for the soil’s lower holding power. In high-wind zones, posts may need to be set 36 to 42 inches deep.

How much does a privacy fence cost in Florida?

A standard 150-linear-foot wood privacy fence in Florida costs $2,250 to $6,000 installed. Vinyl privacy fencing runs $3,000 to $8,250. Prices vary by metro area, with South Florida generally running higher than Central and North Florida. See our privacy fence cost guide for more pricing detail.

What are the pool fence requirements in Florida?

Florida requires a barrier around all residential pools. Pool fences must be at least 48 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates. Gates must open outward (away from the pool). No openings can allow passage of a 4-inch sphere. No horizontal rails that could serve as climbing footholds for children. Your contractor must know and comply with these requirements.