People look forward to erecting their very own fence for privacy, safety, security and curb appeal. What they may not realize is that their neighbor might also has a stake in the fence and it may be considered shared property. It’s just one of the reasons that individuals need to thoroughly explore their community’s laws regarding fences prior to contacting a contractor.

The first thing to establish is exactly where their property line runs. That means the property will have to be surveyed. Some municipalities allow fences to be installed directly on the property line, meaning its shared property.

Other locations have a setback rule, indicating that it has to be installed back away from the property line. That would mean relinquishing up to 12 inches of an individual’s usable lawn space. However, if the fence rests entirely on one side of the property line, it belongs to the person that installed the fence.

Depending on the community, individuals may have to notify their neighbor of their intent to install a fence. If fencing is considered shared property, it’s a good idea to inform the neighbors of pertinent laws, especially since they’ll be equally liable for the structure’s upkeep.

It’s a responsibility and expense a neighbor may not be prepared to shoulder for any number of reasons, particularly since they won’t have any say in what type of fence is being installed. A fence isn’t so much of a problem if it’s just going across the front of a property. For those enclosing their entire yard, they’ll have to notify any neighbor whose property adjoins where the fence will be constructed.

If it’s a shared fence, neighbors will have the right to cut tree branches, trim bushes, and address problems with plants that may be infringing on the structure, as long as it’s on their side of the fence – even if it’s a prized possession of the person who installed the fence.

Summer has arrived and for many people that means the installation of a swimming pool. There’s far more involved in having a pool than simply filling it with water and enjoying a refreshing dip. Florida has very specific fence laws for pools to which every owner must adhere for the safety of anyone that might enter the pool area.

Drowning is the leading cause of death in young children, older individuals, and those with disabilities. The deaths typically occur in swimming pools, but they can also happen in environments with hot tubs, backyard spas and wading pools that are fixed in place. For purposes of the law, any structure that holds 24 inches of water is considered a pool whether it’s above-ground, in-ground, or on-the-ground.

Any pool must be completely surrounded by a fence, wall, or similar barrier of at least four feet in height. The rule is true whether the pool is located in the backyard or indoors. The exception to this is if an approved pool cover is used that prevents an individual from sinking below the surface of the water.

There can’t be any gaps in coverage where a child could crawl between fence rails and the barrier can’t be more than two inches off the ground to prevent a child from crawling under it. A pool fence must also be one in which no protrusions or other handholds are available that would allow a child to climb over it.

The door or gate for entry has to face outward and have a self-locking device or other locking mechanism that can’t be reached by a curious child. While an alarm system for the gate isn’t mandated, it’s a good idea to invest in one. Mesh fencing is a good choice for pool barriers, but wood, PVC, and SimTek® materials are also available that can be fashioned to meet Florida’s safety guidelines.

It’s essential to hire a fencing professional that’s cognizant of all pertinent regulations. As an expert, they can provide assistance in creating a fence that’s attractive and complements surroundings that also meets all applicable safety laws.