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.

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.

Before engaging the services of a fence contractor, there are 5 basic questions that every potential customer should ask. Knowing the answers will ensure that the fencing is being erected by professionals. Cost will be a factor, but expense doesn’t necessarily translate into a reputable job.

Years in Business

Individuals should choose a company that’s been in business for a significant amount of time and have been conducting business continuously under the same name. Be wary of companies that have made name changes. It also pays to examine the company’s online reputation and its rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Licensing

The installer should be licensed in the State of Florida. Individuals have little recourse if the final result of the fencing is faulty or not as agreed upon in a contract if the installer isn’t licensed. Always insist on a detailed contract and never work with an installer that wants all the money up front. Always make payments to the company, not an individual.

Insurance

It’s absolutely essential that the fencing contractor be insured and that their insurance is current. It provides protection for customers if the company or it’s employees damage anything on the property while performing the installation.

Permitting

Erecting a fence will require permits before any work can begin. An experienced and reputable fence installer will know what permits are required and will obtain them for the work to be done. Be suspicious of companies that expect customers to pull their own permits.

The same is true for contacting utility companies. Installing a fence will impact everything from phone and electric service to water and sewer lines. The contractor should contact all applicable utilities.

Warranty

The fencing should come with a warranty on materials and workmanship. Fencing represents a substantial amount of money and an investment in the home. Never sign a contract that doesn’t include a warranty.

Installing a fence doesn’t mean that people have to give up on greenery. There are a variety of plantings that complement fences. The most common reason people want plants next to their fence is to camouflage it, particularly if it’s chain link fencing.

However, individuals may also want to hide fencing that has become weather worn, if they don’t want to paint or stain it, or if they don’t want to replace it. There are numerous plants that enable people to hide their fence and enjoy a wealth of blossoms using the fencing as a support.

Vines

When it comes to fences, vines are the most often selected solution, especially those that twine rather than lean. Bleeding heart vine is a fast grower with white or red flowers but it’s not a rampant grower. The Queen’s Wreath Vine produces cascading purple flowers, blooms off and on all summer, but needs trimming to keep in contained. Pandora vine has pale pink flowers with a rose-colored center, light scent, and can be trained to form a small bush.

Bushes and Hedges

A unique choice near fences are cycads. They’ve been around since the time of the dinosaurs, come in a multitude of sizes, shapes and heights, along with a distinctive appearance. They’re highly valued for their attractiveness, rarity and add value to properties. These descendants of ancient species are sure to cause a sensation.

Hibiscus, which includes Rose of Sharon, loves the South Florida climate. They’re tolerant of heat, humidity, poor soil, air pollution and drought. Flower colors include red, blue, lavender, pink, white and bi-colors. They’re available in single and double flowering varieties.

Small Trees

People that prefer small trees to hide their fence can choose from Jelly King Crab that grows to 13 ft., redbud that grows to 10 ft., wintersweet that can grow up to 15 ft., and dwarf chestnut oaks that grow to a maximum of 20 ft. Many varieties produce blossoms in colors ranging from red and pink to yellow and white, and provide a source of food for birds, bees and butterflies.

You may want to replace your fence for any number of reasons. You may simply want to update the appearance or it may not be functional for your current needs. However, there are signs that indicate your fence actually needs to be replaced and the signs are easy to spot, depending upon the material with which its constructed.

Cost

It can be more cost effective to replace an entire fence that’s been installed for several years rather than trying to hold it together any longer. You don’t want to invest any substantial amount of money into a fence that will only last a couple of more years before it must be replaced anyway.

Damage

Chipping, cracking and splitting – or missing boards of wooden fencing – is a sure sign the fence needs to be replaced. It’s an easy matter to replace a single board, but when entire sections are missing boards, it’s unsightly. Non-wooden fencing can experience damage in the form of chipping, cracking and splitting that’s unpleasant to view and comprises the integrity of the structure.

Leaning

A leaning fence is a sign that its lost structural strength. If a single section is leaning, it can often be repaired or replaced. If there’s a generalized leaning along the entire fence, it’s time to be replaced.

Loose & Missing Hardware

Fences use metal fasteners that can encompass nails to screws to hold all the pieces together. Over time, the hardware can rust or loosen due to wind, rain and salt spray. You have a choice of replacing the entire fence or making repairs, depending on the age of the fence. The fence may sustain further damage by trying to repair it.

Rotting

Rot is a common problem in areas of high humidity and rainfall. Florida residents have the additional concerns of hurricanes that result in storm surges and high winds that can exacerbate any existing problems. Signs of rot will appear on fencing where it’s closest to the ground and while preservatives can help, eventually a full-blown case of rot will set in.

Installing a fence around your home or business may seem like a productive way to spend the weekend, but it’s no walk in the park. There are multiple factors that will determine exactly how the fence will be erected, from the type of soil that’s in the yard to any sloping of the land – and then there are permits. It’s wise to engage a professional fencing company for a myriad of reasons.

The Right Fence

There are so many different types of fences and materials from which to choose, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. A professional fencing company will take the time to consult with potential customers and help them ascertain which fence is right for their particular needs, whether it’s safety, security, privacy or some other purpose.

Legal Issues

Every municipality has its own rules and regulations about the height and appearance of fencing. Those guidelines can be even more stringent for individuals that are part of a homeowner’s association. Failure to comply with prevailing standards can result in legal issues and orders to alter or remove the fence completely.

Permits are part of those rules and regulations. A professional fence installer will know the permits that need to be obtained before work can begin and be able to pull them quickly and efficiently. In many instances, professionals are also cognizant of the standards in the area where the fence will be erected.

Save Time and Money

Proper installation of fencing requires more than a shovel or a posthole digger. Equipment can be rented, but it can be extremely expensive and the average individual may not be able to operate it effectively. Professional installers have all the equipment needed and are experienced in its usage.

Value and Aesthetics

A properly installed fence increases property values, looks great, and increases curb appeal. The work will be completed quickly and to all specifications. Quality products are used and the installation is performed correctly the first time.

Installing a fence at your new home isn’t rude and it doesn’t mean you’re antisocial. It does give you a sense of safety and security, especially if you have children, pets, or elders living in the home. A fence is effective for preventing access to the property by unwanted people and animals.

It typically takes four months for people to feel comfortable in a new house and begin to consider it home. Part of the reason for that is unfamiliarity with the neighborhood and those living around you. It’s important that you take steps to make the inside environment as welcoming as possible with familiar belongings before taking on the task of erecting a fence.

Safety

Your home is the place where you can relax and feel safe in your environment. Fencing provides safety for children and allows them to play without worrying about them wandering into the street, onto unsafe terrain, or the yards of other people. The same is true for protecting the family dog.

Security

A fence can provide peace of mind knowing loved ones, pets and valuable possessions are protected by a barrier to entry. It’s also an important security measure if you’re a senior. The elderly are often the target of scams and break-ins, even in the quietest of communities.

Gardening Options

There are many ways to garden, from raised beds to vertical options. Fencing can provide the backdrop and support to indulge an interest in vertical growing of fruits and vegetables to flowering vines.

Protection Against the Elements

Florida lies in the path of any number of tropical storms and hurricanes each year. There are fencing materials available that are highly attractive, require almost no maintenance, and can withstand hurricane-force winds. They’re able to provide a disruption in winds that can cause property damage. Fencing materials that resist heat and are non-combustible are also available to protect your new home.

Fences are multi-faceted constructs that provide safety, security, are capable of dampening road noise, and can camouflaging a variety of eyesores within the landscape. The type of fencing selected will depend on the property owner’s primary concerns, needs and requirements. The following are eight things to consider when choosing a fence.

Children

Every parent knows how curious children are and how they can stray into danger unknowingly. A fence is an excellent way to ensure they don’t wander out of the yard or near dangerous areas. It shouldn’t have any protrusions that they can use to climb or spaces underneath they can crawl under.

Pets

Animal companions are family members, too. They’re just as curious as children and can be tempted to leave their yard to explore. Fences should be erected with the size of the animal in mind and its characteristics. Some dogs are jumpers and acrobats, well able to clear a fence of 10 ft. and use any protrusions in the fence to gain a toe-hold. Others are more likely to burrow underneath and fencing will need to provide adequate preventative measures installed. 

Pools

Anyone that has a swimming pool is required to install safety fencing to prevent unauthorized access by children that meets specific guidelines. It must have no protrusions that children can use to climb over it and be close enough to the ground to prevent crawling under it. The fence will also need an automatically locking gate. Those precautions will also save pets from entering and drowning.

Property Lines

Sometimes it’s necessary to establish boundaries between neighbors or even prevent passersby from coming on the property. A fence is beneficial for minimizing disagreements with neighbors and knowing where to place outbuildings, install a pool, or locate play equipment.

Privacy

Finding privacy is getting more difficult every day. More homes are being squeezed into smaller properties and foot traffic on sidewalks is increasing. Fencing can ensure the ability to sunbathe or use a pool in peace and away from nosy neighbors.

Enhance Landscaping

A fence enhances landscaping, adds curb appeal to any property, and increases resale value. A property with a fence is more private and safer than an open yard.

Safety

The installation of a fence for safety and security has quickly become two of the top reasons for erecting a barrier around properties. It keeps people, pets and possessions safe from those that would mean harm.

Concealment

There are multiple items that are essentials for everyday life, but aren’t that pretty to view. Fencing is also an attractive way to hide and camouflage unsightly items in the landscape such as trash receptacles, utility boxes, air conditioning units, and TV or Internet dishes, along with hoses and PVC pipes.

One of the most common reasons for erecting a fence is to provide a greater sense of privacy and individuals have a wealth of options from which to choose. Fencing provides an immediate barrier to prying eyes.

Fences for privacy are available in multiple materials that include wood, aluminum, PVC, and SimTek®. There’s a fencing solution to accommodate multiple requirements. The fencing options available today provide exceptional durability and require little maintenance. Some fencing materials can even withstand hurricane-force winds, an important consideration in Florida.

Aluminum

The metal is strong, durable, and can be fashioned into any shape or style desired. It’s available in multiple colors and finishes to complement any landscape or environment.

PVC

The fencing is offered in a myriad of styles and colors. Built with a concern for the environment, it’s unaffected by weather or UV rays, and available in multiple heights. It can be erected in solid panels and can withstand most severe winds without damage.

SimTek®

Durability and style are the benchmarks of SimTek® fencing. It successfully emulates the appearance of wood and stone, while providing a low maintenance privacy barrier. It’s impact-resistant and offered in a wide variety of colors, styles and textures.

Wood

Individuals have dozens of choices for their wood fencing ranging from pine to cedar. The most common type of wood fencing for privacy is the stockade fence. Each panel fits tightly against the next for a solid barrier. Offset fencing is another style, also known as shadow box fencing, created by alternating boards. It can only be seen through if someone is looking at a certain angle.

Ask the Professionals

It’s best to consult with a fencing professional first. He/she will be knowledgeable about any rules or regulations governing fencing and will be able to obtain the needed permits. A professional will be able to assist with choosing the type of fencing that best fits the needs and budget of the individual.