How to Install a Vinyl Fence in South Florida
- by Donald Crepeau
- September 11, 2022
Comprehensive Guide to Installing a Vinyl or PVC Fence in South Florida
Are you located in Broward, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, or Monroe counties and looking to install a fence? This guide is your ultimate resource. Whether you’re a homeowner aspiring to tackle a DIY project, an enthusiast who thrives on creative endeavors, or a seasoned fence contractor looking for some nitty-gritty details, we’ve got everything laid out for you.
Table of Contents
- 📐 Planning Your Layout
- 🏛 Local Building Codes
- 🎨 Choosing the Perfect Style
- 🛒 Material Sourcing
- 📝 Permitting
- 🚧 Installation
We’re here to offer you not only this insightful guide but also the materials and engineering specifications you’ll need for a top-notch fence. So grab your notebook and a tape measure—let’s dive in!
💡 What You’ll Need:
Tools
- Landscape Stakes: For marking the areas where posts will go.
- String Line: To ensure straight fence lines.
- Tape Measure: For accurate measurements.
- Hammer: For securing stakes and other minor tasks.
- Concrete Mixer: To prepare the concrete for the posts.
- Level: To make sure everything is perfectly aligned.
- Shovel and Post Hole Digger: For digging post holes.
- 2-by-4 Board: As a bracing material for your posts.
- Trowel: To apply concrete smoothly.
- Drill: For securing panels and hardware.
Supplies
- Vinyl Fence Panels, Posts, Pickets, and Rails: The core materials for the fence.
- Concrete Mix: For securing the posts in the ground.
- Gravel: A base layer in post holes for drainage.
- String: To help align posts.
- Screws: To secure panels and other hardware.
📐 Planning Your Vinyl Fence Installation Project: The Blueprint
Sketch Your Layout
Start your project by creating a blueprint. This initial sketch can help you visualize your fence’s layout, make adjustments easily, and provide a reference during installation.
Property Boundaries
Before you start digging, ensure you know the precise boundaries of your property by locating your property survey. This will help you avoid disputes with neighbors and legal issues.
Utility Lines
The last thing you want is to cut into underground utility lines, which can be both dangerous and costly. Call Sunshine 811 to mark these lines before you dig.
Elevation
Different elevations can affect the height and structure of your fence. Make note of areas where the ground slopes, as this will affect your post installation and possibly your choice of fence style.
Tree Lines
Try to plan your fence lines to avoid trees. Not only is it a headache to dig near tree roots, but you also risk damaging the trees.
Gate Location
Consider your daily routine when placing gates. If you take the garbage out via a path to the driveway, for example, make sure your gate placement aligns with this pathway.
💡 Tip: Send us your sketch, and we can help you determine the amount of material you’ll need—from posts to panels to screws.
🏛 Local Building Codes: A Regional Puzzle
Research Building Codes
- County-Level: Whether in Broward, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, or Monroe, each county has its own fencing codes. Check your county’s official website for regulations and limitations.
- City-Level: Different areas within counties, including incorporated and unincorporated ones, may have unique codes.
- Special Zones: Proximity to bodies of water, highways, or other special zones could involve additional requirements.
Get the Paperwork
- Engineering Specs: We can provide you with the necessary engineering documentation to ensure that your materials meet local building codes.
- Local Requirements: Some cities or homeowners associations (HOAs) might have specific paperwork needs, such as easement agreements or special approvals.
💡 Tip: In Miami-Dade, fences must withstand high wind loads—often 115 mph or higher. Ensure your engineering specs align with these requirements if you’re in this area.
🎨 Choosing the Perfect Style: The Art of the Fence
Check Local Restrictions
Cities like Wellington and Coral Springs have style restrictions. For instance, Coral Springs has a preference for semi-privacy styles like vinyl shadowbox fences and Wellington only allows tan/almond vinyl fence colors.
Style Types
- Privacy: Excellent for backyards. These fences are usually taller and offer better security.
- Picket: These are popular for front yards and pool areas and often allow visibility while providing some degree of enclosure.
- Louvered: If you’re looking for a high-end, modern appearance, louvered fences might be your best choice, although they’re often more expensive.
🛒 Gathering Materials and Installation: The Nitty-Gritty
List Your Materials
From posts to panels, prepare a comprehensive list of what you’ll need. Don’t forget the hardware like screws, latches, and post caps, as well as decorative accessories like solar post lights.
Installation Options
- DIY: If you’re up for a challenge and want to save money, a DIY approach can cut labor costs nearly in half. Ensure you have all the necessary tools and maybe a friend or two to help.
- Contractor: For those less inclined toward DIY, a professional contractor will ensure a well-executed installation.
💡 Tip: When your installation is complete, don’t forget to close your permit by scheduling a final inspection. Some areas may require not only a building inspection but also a landscaping one. Fulfill these requirements to prevent fines or re-installation headaches.
Broward County
If you’re looking to put up a vinyl fence in Broward County, from Fort Lauderdale to Coral Springs, the height isn’t your only concern. Wind-resistance is key, so aim for fencing materials capable of withstanding at least 75 mph winds. Setbacks usually require you to place your fence at least 2 feet from the sidewalk. Special rules exist for pool fencing which must have a self-closing, self-latching gate. And if you’re near an easement, you might need written consent from the city.
Top 5 Cities:
- Fort Lauderdale: Wind resistance is key. Make sure your vinyl fencing can withstand at least 75 mph winds.
- Pembroke Pines: Setback rules can be tricky—generally, you must install your fence at least 2 feet from the sidewalk.
- Hollywood: Easement restrictions. Double-check because you may need written consent from the city.
- Miramar: No barbed wire or electric fences without special permits.
- Coral Springs: Pool fencing must have a self-closing, self-latching gate.
Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade County is notorious for its stringent building codes, thanks to those pesky hurricanes. Beyond the typical height considerations, your fence must meet specific wind-load provisions from the Florida Building Code. You’ll also need termite-resistant materials and, if you’re near a waterway or utility easements, additional checks or permissions may apply. Coastal properties may have further regulations for dune protection.
Top 5 Cities:
- Miami: Fences must comply with wind-load provisions from the Florida Building Code.
- Hialeah: Your fence material should be termite-resistant.
- Miami Gardens: Watch for utility easements. Call before you dig.
- Miami Beach: Coastal properties may have additional regulations, such as dune protection.
- North Miami: If you’re near a waterway, additional environmental assessments may be needed.
Palm Beach County
In Palm Beach County, from Boca Raton to Wellington, fence codes go beyond height limits. For instance, if your fence is around a pool, the gate has to open outward away from the pool area. No reflective material is allowed on fences. Stormwater systems must not be obstructed, and you’ll need special approval for any easements. Also, keep your fence from obstructing the line of sight for traffic.
Top 5 Cities:
- Boca Raton: Gates must open outward away from the pool area if your fence surrounds a pool.
- West Palm Beach: Reflective material on fences is not allowed.
- Boynton Beach: No fence shall obstruct a stormwater system.
- Delray Beach: Fences must not obstruct the line of sight for traffic.
- Wellington: Easements require special approval.
Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County, including Tampa and Brandon, has its own set of unique fence-building codes. Aside from the regular height standards, double gates must be equipped with drop rods. No fence can be within 3 feet of a fire hydrant, and if you’ve got mature trees on your property, a tree survey might be required. Oh, and if you’re in a historic area, prepare for some specific aesthetic guidelines.
Top 5 Cities:
- Tampa: Double gates must have drop rods.
- Brandon: Fences cannot be within 3 feet of a fire hydrant.
- Riverview: You might need a tree survey if your proposed fence area has mature trees.
- Valrico: All fences require a permit, even if you’re replacing an existing one.
- Plant City: Historic areas have special aesthetic guidelines for fences.
Alright, there you go! Whether you’re a DIYer itching to get started or you’d rather have us take care of the whole process, it’s crucial to know your local codes beyond just the height requirements. We have all the compliant materials you need, so don’t hesitate to reach out!