The State of Florida has no law that mandates homeowners erect a fence – unless they have a
swimming pool. However, under Homeland Security’s anti-terrorism laws, some types of
businesses are required to install perimeter fencing around their facilities ranging from
chemical plants to food processing sites.

Residential Fences
Homeowners are advised to speak with their neighbors before erecting a fence, as they may
have a financial stake in maintaining it.

Swimming Pools
Any outdoor pool is required to have a fence or barrier at least 4 ft. high around the perimeter
of the aquatic feature. It must be sufficiently far enough away from the pool edge to prevent a
child that breaches the fence from immediately falling into the pool.

There can be no gaps in the fencing. A self-closing and self-locking gate that opens outward
must be installed. The closing and locking mechanism must be high enough to be out of the
reach of children. The fencing must extend low enough to the ground to prevent a child from
climbing under it.

Exceptions
Indoor pools and those in screened in areas aren’t required to be fenced. However, doors and
window that provide access to the pool are required to have a wired safety alarm or a self-
closing and self-locking gate that’s at least 54 inches high.

The shallow pools known as kiddie pools don’t have to be fenced. Private pools at condos,
apartment complexes, and similar facilities, along with public pools, are exempt from the
fencing requirement. Public pools must be in compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker
Federal Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA). The Act went into effect on Dec. 19, 2008 and sets
standards for drain covers to prevent entrapment.

Child Safety
The statutes governing pools were put in place to prevent child drowning. Swimming pools
were the leading cause of child deaths prior to the state’s laws being enacted.

A well-maintained, professionally installed fence can add up to 10 percent more value to your
home. If you’re selling your home, there are variables over which you have no control. The new
buyer may want a fence, but not the style or material that you installed. Much depends on if
the fence is decorative in nature or designed for functionality.

Visual Appeal
Real estate agents call it curb appeal, as a fence can enhance the aesthetics of a dwelling when
potential buyers view a property from the street. Aluminum fencing that emulates wrought iron
is considered by many to be the most attractive. Vinyl fencing and SimTek® are equally sought
for their high-quality appearance, safety, security, and ease of care and maintenance.

Security
If break-ins or crime are a concern, aluminum fencing provides value, beauty and peace of
mind. The fencing can be equipped with additional security measures if desired. It’s available in
multiple styles, colors and has a luxury look that enhances the appearance of any property. For
families with small children or pets, the ability to keep human and animal intruders out makes
this an invaluable asset.

Privacy
Finding a bit of privacy in today’s hectic world can be difficult. Solid SimTek® or vinyl fencing
provides an oasis of privacy in the midst of any neighborhood, keeping activities and valuable
equipment or recreational vehicles are hidden from prying eyes. The materials are an effective
barrier against intrusions by people and wildlife.

Both materials help buffer street noise and require minimal maintenance. The materials are
strong, durable, and impact resistant. SimTek® and vinyl are available in finishes that emulate
the appearance of natural stone or wood.

SimTek® fencing can withstand 110 mph winds and gusts up to 130 mph. It’s manufactured
with recycled and recyclable plastic. Vinyl can also be recycled.

Personal Preference
A fence can add up to 10 percent in home value, whether owners are keeping or selling their
property. The style of fencing can aid in advancing a sale, depending on the buyer’s needs,
preferences and priorities.

Choosing a fencing material is an important decision. Every material has its own benefits and
disadvantages. There are multiple types of materials from which to choose, with wood and vinyl
being the most popular. Wood and vinyl, also known as PVC, each have their own set of
considerations to factor in.
Before choosing a material for a fence, it’s important for individuals to know what they want
their fence to do, their budget, and how much time they’re willing to spend on maintenance.
That will help determine the best option for individual needs.
Cost
The cost of fencing is dependent on variables encompassing material, fence height, and size of
the area to be enclosed. The cost of wood fencing will depend largely on the type of wood
chosen. Redwood can run an average of $48 per linear foot, while pine will be about $28 per
linear foot. Vinyl fencing can run from $15 to $40 per linear foot. That doesn’t include labor or
posts for either type.
Longevity
Individuals can expect their wood fence to last between 10 and 20 years when properly cared
for and maintained.
A vinyl fence has an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years. It’s fire resistant and manufactured with
a 10 percent titanium oxide coating that’s a UV inhibitor. The tensile strength of vinyl is 5 times
that of wood. The material can withstand winds of 110 mph and gusts of up to 130 mph.
Low Maintenance
A wood fence will typically require more maintenance than other types in the form of stain,
paint and preservatives. The material is attractive to termites and boring insects. Wood will
eventually develop rot and mold from rain and humidity. It also cracks, warps, splinters and
becomes discolored over time.
Vinyl fences don’t require painting, staining or preservatives to keep it looking great. It’s
unattractive to boring insects and termites, so there’s no need for insecticide applications. It
doesn’t fade, rot or warp.

Privacy is a luxury that’s becoming increasingly difficult to attain. To obtain a modicum of
privacy at the sanctuary that they call home, people are choosing to install privacy fencing to
enjoy time with family and friends, away from the prying eyes of neighbors and passersby.
There are multiple types of privacy fencing materials that can be selected, along with an
extensive array of ways to customize them for decorative value. Individuals should be aware
that many locations have restrictions on the height and type of materials that are allowable.
Those factors should be explored before choosing a material.
Stockade
A stockade fence features pickets that are placed closely together to form a solid barrier. There
are multiple types of pressure treated woods from which to choose and it’s a cost-effective
solution. It does come with maintenance requirements. It will need to be treated with a
preservative, stain or paint to aid in preventing mold and rotting from water and humidity.
Vinyl/PVC
The fencing is available in multiple colors and can be customized in a variety of ways. It’s a long-
lasting material that requires minimal maintenance and can be kept clean with a hosing.
Vinyl/PVC is about 5 times stronger than wood, affordable, decorative, and has a high aesthetic
value. Many vinyl/PVC fences come with a lifetime warranty. It can be installed vertically or
horizontally, is offered in multiple textures, and is unaffected by water, insects or UV rays.
Composite
A fence of composite material offers natural colors and multiple surface finishes. Highly durable
and decorative, the fences are virtually maintenance free and resistant to rust and insect
predations. The material is a mix of wood and plastic for fencing that’s very strong and it’s eco-
friendly.
Stone, Brick, Concrete
The most expensive options for privacy fencing are stone, brick or concrete, but the materials
are decorative and highly customizable. The materials represent the epitome for privacy and
offer an enhanced level of safety for children and pets.

A fence around the pool isn’t just a must-have precaution against drowning incidents – it’s
required by Florida law. It was enacted in 2009 to reduce the number of children of all ages lost
to accidental drowning. Before the law was passed, drowning was the No. 1 cause of death in
children. The law requires swimming pool owners to install a barrier around their pool that
conform to strict specifications.
Outdoor Pools
The entire pool must be contained within a fence or similar barrier. The fence is required to be
at least 4 feet high and low enough to the ground to prevent children from gaining access by
crawling under it. Fences can’t have any outcroppings that a child can use as hand or footholds
to climb over it.
Fences must be set back a specific distance away from the pool edge. If by some chance a child
dies manage to breach the barrier, they won’t immediately fall into the swimming pool. There
are also regulations regarding gates. A pool is required to have a gates that opens outward, be
self-closing, and equipped with a self-locking device that can’t be reached by small children.
Indoor Pools
The law addresses indoor pools in a slightly different manner and has some exceptions. A fence
isn’t required for an indoor pool – provided doors and windows where a child could gain access
are equipped with a wired safety alarm. A self-closing gate and self-latching lock must be
installed a minimum of 54 inches above the ground.
Exemptions
A fence isn’t required for the small, round, shallow pools, commonly known as kiddie pools,
that are used at homes. Private community pools and those utilized in condos and apartment
complexes are exempt from the fencing law. However, those types of pools have even more
stringent laws to which they must comply for child safety.
Public pools are exempt from the fencing law, but owners must comply with the Virginia
Graeme Baker Federal Pool and Spa Safety Act. The Act went into effect on Dec.19, 2008 and
sets standards for drain covers and configurations, along with anti-entrapment systems.

The Sunshine State is known for its warm weather – along with the extreme weather
conditions. Hurricanes are just one of the high-risk weather conditions with which Florida
residents must contend. One of the primary concerns for residents that want to install a fence
is which material will best survive the onslaught of high winds, storm surge and flooding,
torrential rain, and flying debris.
Chain Link/Wire Mesh
The holes in chain link and mesh fencing allows wind to pass through them instead of beating
against them. The metal is a great choice for withstanding a storm, but not necessarily the most
aesthetically pleasing. Chain link and wire mesh are quick and easy to install, while providing a
budget-friendly option.
Aluminum Fencing
It’s stylish and can emulate wrought iron. The spacing of the pickets allow wind and smaller
debris to pass through. It won’t rust or corrode when exposed to rain or salt water and rivals
steel for strength. Posts are typically set in concrete, which provides additional strength and
rigidity. Aluminum fencing is the most expensive option.
Vinyl (PVC)
A vinyl/PVC fence can withstand winds of up to 130 mph. The material doesn’t rot when
exposed to rain or salty ocean water. It offers a high level of durability and doesn’t rust or warp.
Vinyl/PVC contains UV inhibitors to prevent degradation, color fading and discoloration.
Vinyl/PVC fencing is more expensive than chain/mesh and less expensive than aluminum.
SimTek®
It’s the only fencing that has a Miami-Dade wind rating that will withstand 110 mph winds and
gusts up to 130 mph. It also withstands temperatures of up to 140° F. It’s highly attractive, can
be customized, and imitates the look of real wood or stone. Powerful UV inhibitors keep the
fencing from fading, The material doesn’t warp, is easily cleaned with soap and water, and
offered in multiple colors. It's on a par with aluminum fencing in terms of cost.

Choosing a fence is a distinctly personal choice. Individuals have very different needs when they decide to have a fence installed, along with materials from which to select. There are a variety of factors to be fully considered. Individuals should place serious thought into why they want or need a fence before erecting one.

Needs

The most common reason for installing a fence is to protect children and pets. The right fence contains youngsters and pets from getting into traffic. It provides safety and security against people entering the yard, along with predations from dangerous domesticated animals and wildlife.

A fence is an effective boundary marker for neighbors, passers-by and would-be intruders, while providing an increased level of privacy. Individuals may want additional curb appeal, to hide unattractive elements in the yard, or conceal valuable property. For those living near waterways or dangerous slopes, bluffs or cliffs, fencing aids in preventing accidents, injuries and even the potential of a fatality.,

Pricing

It’s essential that individuals know what their budget is for fencing. The cost of a fence will vary considerably, depending on the area being fenced, the gate design, labor costs, and the type of material chosen. Individuals will also need to weigh the cost against practicality and functionality.

Materials

Chain link is the cheapest and easiest to install. Wood is the next least expensive option, with pine being the cheapest. Exotic woods such as teak and redwood are available at premium costs. They’re followed by vinyl/PVC fencing, composite fencing, aluminum, brick and stone, and wrought iron.

Beauty vs Practical

Everyone wants a beautiful fence that will enhance property value. However, the most attractive fencing may not be the most practical for the property owner’s needs. There may also be restrictions on the type, height or material that can be used, depending on where the property owner lives.

There are many reasons to choose a PVC fence. The choice will depend on what an individual wants from their fence.

Low Maintenance

Property owners won’t be spending their time painting, staining or applying preservatives to a PVC fence. It’s unattractive to termites and boring insects, so individuals won’t have to worry about chemical applications. The material won’t rot or rust and it’s also easy to clean with soap and water. PVC fences that are washed every 6 to 12 months tend to last an average of 5 to 7 years longer than if it’s not cleaned.

Durability

Manufactured with 10 percent titanium oxide coating, it’s an effective UV inhibitor that protects against fading from the sun’s rays. PVC has a tensile strength of 5 times that of wood. With a solid foundation, PVC fencing can withstand winds of 110 mph and gusts of up to 130 mph before sustaining damage. It typically comes with a long warranty and can provide an average of 20 to 30 years of service before it ever needs to be replaced. PVC fencing is fire resistant. The material doesn’t ignite easily and tends to self-extinguish. PVC is temperature tolerant and well able to withstand the hot South Florida sun without cracking.

Attractive

The fencing is visually appealing with great aesthetic value in any location. It has multiple colors, styles, textures and can be customized in various ways. It’s offered in styles that emulate the look of real wood and stone.

Recyclable

One of the many benefits of PVC fencing is that it’s  now chemically recyclable thanks to a breakthrough process innovated at the University of Michigan. The fencing doesn’t need to be treated with preservatives or insect repellants.

Cost Effective

While property owners will have a greater initial outlay for PVC fencing, it pays for itself over the long-term, making it a cost effective solution.

Water is one of the most damaging elements any fence will face, particularly wooden fences. While a sprinkler system won’t affect other fencing materials as radically, water will still result in damage that requires repairs and extra maintenance.

It’s just one of the reasons that irrigation systems should always be installed by a professional and never near fencing. They have the knowledge needed to adjust irrigation heads so water isn’t deposited on fences and other undesirable areas. Even if the heads in your irrigation are adjusted correctly, you may not be as fortunate if the system is your neighbor’s.

Rotting

Wood is a porous material that allows water to penetrate the surface. Even with stain, paint ot wood protectants, any tiny untreated spot will allow moisture to enter. That moisture will cause the wood to rot – at an accelerated rate than normal. It shortens the lifespan of the fence and disrupts its functionality.

Shifting

The amount of water applied through sprinkles doesn’t seem like much, but over time it can cause shifting of fence poles and the surrounding soil. This is especially true if it rains soon after the lawn has been watered.

Discoloration

Even fencing constructed from the most modern materials can experience discoloration from sprinklers. Minerals in water supplies, such as iron or calcium, can build up with repeated drenching from sprinklers.

Biologics

Algae, mold and mildew are all biological agents that can affect a fence. They flourish in South Florida’s subtropical environment. Watering a fence simply adds additional moisture that biologics need to grow and multiply.

Maintenance and Money

The rotting, shifting, discoloration, and growth of biologics all combine, resulting in additional time and money in maintenance costs for property owners. It’s a situation that also disrupts the overall form, functionality and appearance of the fencing. It’s not just the fence that will require extra maintenance. Nearby flower beds can sustain damage from water runoff of the fence.

There are many early signs that a fence is being damaged, but they’re often overlooked by property owners since it happens slowly over time. It’s a good idea to inspect fences regularly for multiple types of damage. If left unaddressed, it can result in a significant amount of money to repair and sections of the fence may need to be replaced.

Mold, Mildew, Algae

All of those substances are biologics that easily begin to grow on fencing in the warm and humid South Florida climate. Vinyl fencing can also provide a surface upon which mold and algae can grow.

Rot

This is a particular problem with wooden fences. It’s not always visible as actively wet wood. It often presents as gray or white spores. Another sign of rot is a board that gives when pressed upon.

Leaning and Bending

Fence posts that are leaning or bending sideways from an upright position is a sign of a problem. Wooden fence posts may be rotting under the surface or the soil may have shifted around wood or metal posts. Posts are set and sealed in concrete, but moisture can seep into the smallest of cracks in the concrete.

Cracks

Cracks can occur in the bottom of posts, especially in fencing constructed of wood. Even when wood is treated with chemicals to mitigate the problem, wood dries out and puts pressure on the fibers that can result in cracking.

Insects

Termites are the bane of wooden fences. Property owners can detect an infestation by visible termite mazes, bloated wood or a bad odor. Boring insects of all types will leave telltale holes in the wood. Composite materials are unattractive to insects – unless the fencing material develops a crack or damage where the insects can enter. They won’t destroy modern materials, but they will make a fence a base of operations.

Rust and Corrosion

The two problems primarily affect wrought iron. However, rust and corrosion can impact the hardware used to join fencing materials of all types.