Permits & HOA
We handle the permit and the HOA package. You sign once.
Most fence companies leave the paperwork to you. We don't. We pull the permit in your County, prepare the HOA approval package, and walk the inspection. All included on every install.
What's actually involved (and why we do it for you)
Two layers of paperwork stand between you and a finished fence in Florida: the City or County permit and, in most communities, the HOA approval package. Each has its own forms, fees, drawings, and timelines.
1. The City / County permit
Counties want to verify your fence meets:
- Setback: how far from your property line the fence sits
- Height: typically 6 ft in the back, 4 ft in the front
- Wind load: Florida Building Code requires fences to withstand 75 to 140 mph winds depending on your location (much higher in Miami-Dade HVHZ)
- Materials: some counties restrict or require specific materials
We pull the permit using your property survey, our license number, and the design we agreed on. You sign one form. We handle filing, follow-up, and the inspection appointment.
2. The HOA approval package
About 45% of Florida homes are in HOAs, the highest rate in the country. Each community has bylaws and declarations that dictate what kind of fence you can install (material, color, height, location). Submitting a package to the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) usually requires:
- A copy of your property survey with the fence line drawn in
- Material specs and color samples
- Photos or renderings of the proposed installation
- Sometimes, neighbor sign-offs
We prepare the entire package for you. You review it, sign, and submit (or we submit on your behalf when the HOA allows). Approval usually takes 14–30 days.
A note on HOA timelines
Under Florida law (§720.3035), an HOA has up to 45 days to review and respond to an architectural application. House of Fences is not responsible for delays, denials, or modifications imposed by the HOA, or for any consequences arising from extended HOA review periods. We deliver the package on time; the HOA controls the timeline.
What this saves you
- Time: typically 5 to 10 hours of paperwork, calls, and follow-ups
- Mistakes: wrong setback, wrong height, missed signature, missing form
- Fines: installing without a permit can cost more than the fence itself
- Insurance: unpermitted fences may not be covered for storm damage
Counties we serve regularly
Orange (including Orlando, Winter Garden, Apopka, Ocoee), Seminole (Sanford, Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs, Winter Springs), Lake (Clermont, Mount Dora, Leesburg), Volusia (Daytona Beach, Deltona, Orange City), Osceola (Kissimmee, Celebration), Hillsborough (Tampa), Pinellas (St. Petersburg, Clearwater), and Miami-Dade (HVHZ-certified installations).
FAQ
Permit & HOA FAQ
Why does Florida require a fence permit?
Counties enforce setback rules (how far the fence sits from your property line), height limits, and Florida Building Code wind-load standards. A permit confirms your fence meets local code, and protects you from fines or forced removal later.
Which Florida counties require a fence permit?
Most do. The City of Orlando is a notable exception (no permit for fences up to 6 feet). Orange County (outside the city), Seminole, Lake, Volusia, Osceola, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Miami-Dade all require permits. We pull the permit for you regardless of where you are.
How long does a fence permit take in Florida?
Typically 5 to 15 business days, depending on the County. Online inspection counties (like Celebration and parts of Lake County) can be much faster. Miami-Dade is the slowest because of HVHZ requirements. We include the expected timeline in your quote.
What is an HOA approval package?
Most Florida communities (about 45% of homes are in HOAs) require homeowners to submit a package showing the fence design, materials, height, color, and location before installation. Each HOA has its own bylaws and ARC (Architectural Review Committee) form. We prepare your package using the materials and styles you choose. You sign once.
How long can an HOA take to review my fence application?
Under Florida law (§720.3035), an HOA has up to 45 days to review and respond to an architectural application. House of Fences is not responsible for delays, denials, or modifications imposed by the HOA, or for any consequences resulting from extended HOA review periods. We deliver a complete package on time; the HOA controls the timeline.
What happens if I install a fence without a permit?
If a neighbor or inspector reports the fence, you can be fined and ordered to remove or modify it, at your own cost. Insurance claims for storm damage may also be denied if the fence was unpermitted. The risk is rarely worth the time saved.
Skip the paperwork. Get a fence quote with permits and HOA included.
Free quote in 24 hours. No down payment. We handle every form.
