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.
Yes almost every Florida city and county requires a building permit for a new inground swimming pool.
Permits ensure your pool is:
In other words, a permit protects you.
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:
Most Florida municipalities offer this online, so it’s usually just a quick download.
If you live in an HOA community, you must get their approval before submitting your permit application.
HOAs often specify:
Some review quickly; others take weeks. Start early so your pool timeline stays on track.
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:
Available through your municipality.
Shows:
Includes:
Most municipalities base permit fees on your project value.
Usually, your property survey.
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.
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.
Once your application is submitted, the city begins reviewing your plans.
2–8 weeks
(depending on demand and season)
You may get requests for minor revisions during this process normal and nothing to stress about.
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:
Before concrete or shotcrete is applied.
For bonding, lighting, grounding, and equipment.
Verifying correct line installation and pressure.
Required before the pool can be filled with water.
We schedule and coordinate every inspection so you never have to guess what happens next.
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.
Most permits are approved within 2–12 weeks, depending on city workload, HOA timelines, and seasonal volume.
Absolutely not and you don’t want to.
Building without a permit can result in:
A pool built without a permit can cost you far more than doing it the right way.
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.
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.
Permits may seem like a formality, but they’re a crucial part of building a high-quality, long-lasting pool.
Permits ensure:
A properly permitted pool is a smart pool and a safer one.
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.
A well-permitted pool is a safe pool and a better long-term investment.