You’re ready to build a pool and that means you’re one step closer to living the full Florida dream. But before excavation begins and the splash parties start, there’s one must-do step every homeowner needs to handle:

Getting a permit for your swimming pool.

Don’t worry this part of the process is way less complicated than most people think. And when you work with Fountain Blue Pools, we handle nearly every permitting detail for you. Still, it’s helpful to understand how things work so you can feel confident as your project moves forward.

Here’s your easy, upbeat guide to how to get a permit for a swimming pool in Florida without the stress, confusion, or endless paperwork.

Do You Need a Pool Permit in Florida?

Yes almost every Florida city and county requires a building permit for a new inground swimming pool.

Permits ensure your pool is:

• Built safely
• Structurally sound
• Electrical and plumbing compliant
• In the correct location
• Enclosed with proper barriers
• Legal for resale and insurance
  
  

In other words, a permit protects you.

Step 1: Contact Your Local Municipality

Your first step is reaching out to your city or county building department. Every area has its own specific rules, but most provide a “pool permit packet” that includes:

• Permit application
• Local building and zoning requirements
• Safety barrier rules
• Electrical and plumbing guidelines
• Required construction documents
• Fee information
• Submission instructions
  
  

Most Florida municipalities offer this online, so it’s usually just a quick download.

Step 2: Check Your HOA Requirements (If You Have One)

If you live in an HOA community, you must get their approval before submitting your permit application.

HOAs often specify:

• Where you can place your pool
• Fence style and height
• Decking materials
• Drainage design
• Approved equipment locations
  
  

Some review quickly; others take weeks. Start early so your pool timeline stays on track.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documentation

To get a pool permit approved, you’ll need to submit several documents. Fountain Blue Pools prepares all construction drawings and technical documents for you, but here’s what is typically required in Florida:

✔ 1. Completed Application Form

Available through your municipality.

✔ 2. Site or Plot Plan

Shows:

• Pool location
• Distances to structures
• Deck layout
• Equipment pad location
• Property lines and setbacks
  
  

✔ 3. Structural & Construction Plans

Includes:

• Pool dimensions
• Depth
• Steel and concrete details
• Plumbing layout
• Electrical bonding/light locations
• Equipment specifications (pump, filter, heater, etc.)
  
  

✔ 4. Project Cost Estimate

Most municipalities base permit fees on your project value.

✔ 5. Proof of Property Ownership

Usually, your property survey.

✔ 6. Barrier/Safety Details

Florida has strict pool safety requirements. Your plans must include compliant fencing or enclosure details.

Once your documents are ready, you’ll submit everything online or in person.

Step 4: Pay the Permit Fee

Permit fees vary by city, but many Florida municipalities calculate costs using your pool’s value. For example:

If the fee is $15 per $1,000 of project value and your pool costs $70,000, your permit might be around:

$1,050 (15 × 70)

Your municipality will outline exact fee structures in your permit packet.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

Once your application is submitted, the city begins reviewing your plans.

Typical approval timeline:

2–8 weeks
(depending on demand and season)

You may get requests for minor revisions during this process normal and nothing to stress about. 

Step 6: Construction Inspections

Once your permit is approved and your build begins, your municipality will conduct scheduled inspections to ensure everything is up to code. The number and type of inspections vary, but commonly include:

✔ Structural inspection

Before concrete or shotcrete is applied.

✔ Electrical inspection

For bonding, lighting, grounding, and equipment.

✔ Plumbing inspection

Verifying correct line installation and pressure.

✔ Final barrier inspection

Required before the pool can be filled with water.

We schedule and coordinate every inspection so you never have to guess what happens next.

Step 7: Final Approval & Fill

Once all inspections pass, your municipality issues final approval the official green light to fill your pool, start the equipment, and dive into your new backyard oasis.

This final step ensures everything is safe, compliant, and complete.

Pool Permit FAQs Florida Homeowners Ask Often

How long does it take to get a pool permit in Florida?

Most permits are approved within 2–12 weeks, depending on city workload, HOA timelines, and seasonal volume.

Can I build a pool without a permit?

Absolutely not and you don’t want to.

Building without a permit can result in:

• Fines
• Forced demolition
• Stop-work orders
• Insurance issues
• Problems selling your home later
  
  

A pool built without a permit can cost you far more than doing it the right way.

Do I need a fence permit too?

Usually. Florida law requires all pools to be enclosed with compliant safety barriers. Your municipality may require a separate fence permit or include the fence in your pool permit review.

Does Fountain Blue Pools Handle Permits for Me?

✔ Yes   Fountain Blue Pools manages the entire permitting process.

From generating plans to submitting documents to scheduling inspections, we make everything as easy and stress-free as possible.

You focus on choosing finishes and planning your first pool party.
We focus on making sure everything is approved, safe, and code-compliant.

Why Pool Permits Matter (and Why They Protect You)

Permits may seem like a formality, but they’re a crucial part of building a high-quality, long-lasting pool.

Permits ensure:

• Your pool is structurally safe
• Electrical and plumbing work is done correctly
• Your investment is protected
• Your home stays insurable and marketable
• Your project passes final safety requirements
  
  

A properly permitted pool is a smart pool and a safer one.

Ready to Build Your Florida Dream Pool?

Now that you know how to get a permit for a swimming pool, the next step is picking a design, choosing your features, and letting Fountain Blue Pools bring your vision to life.

Schedule your design consultation online.

Let’s create your backyard paradise from permits to pool parties.

• Your pool is structurally safe
• Electrical components are installed correctly
• Your property retains its value
• Your pool meets Florida safety laws
• No neighbor, utility, or HOA issues arise later
  
  

A well-permitted pool is a safe pool   and a better long-term investment.