How the three common fence materials compare in Central Florida, and the HOA, permit and pool rules that often decide for you. Updated October 2026.
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Choose aluminum around a pool or where you want to keep the view: it doesn't rot or rust and suits pool-barrier designs; our planning range for aluminum or chain-link is $20 – $40 / linear ft. Choose vinyl or wood for privacy: vinyl for low upkeep, wood for a natural look; privacy fences run $30 – $60 / linear ft. Your HOA, the permit and, around a pool, Florida's barrier rules often narrow the choice first.
| Aluminum | Vinyl | Wood | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our planning range | $20 – $40 / linear ft (aluminum or chain-link) | $30 – $60 / linear ft (wood or vinyl privacy) | $30 – $60 / linear ft (wood or vinyl privacy) |
| Privacy | Open picket style; keeps the view | Full privacy panels available | Full privacy; board-on-board closes the gaps |
| Upkeep | Low: occasional washing | Low: washing; no painting | Higher: stain or seal, replace boards over time |
| Florida weather | Doesn't rot or rust | Doesn't rot; panels can be replaced if damaged | Needs treated lumber and upkeep in heat, rain and humidity |
| Around a pool | A common pool-barrier style | Possible if it meets the barrier rules | Possible if it meets the barrier rules |
Planning ranges per linear foot (updated October 2026), not quotes; height, grade, gates and the material line move the price. See fencing and walls.
Aluminum picket fencing keeps the view open, needs little upkeep and doesn't rot or rust, which is why it is common around pools, along lakes and retention ponds, and in front yards where HOAs want an open look. It is not a privacy fence.
Around a pool, the fence may also be the pool barrier, and then Florida's rules apply to it (below). Picket spacing, the height on the outside and self-closing, self-latching gates are part of the design rather than an afterthought.
Both give full privacy at the heights HOAs and cities allow. Vinyl needs no painting or staining and won't rot; panels can be replaced if a storm or a tree damages a section. Wood is the traditional, warmer look, but in Central Florida heat, rain and humidity it needs treated lumber, regular sealing or staining, and board replacement over the years.
Our planning range covers both as privacy fences: $30 – $60 / linear ft. The board style, the height, the number of gates and the post spacing move the price within it.
Under F.S. 515.29, a residential pool barrier must be at least 4 feet high on the outside, have no gaps, openings or footholds a young child could use to get under, through or over it, and surround the pool. A yard fence can serve as part of the barrier only where it sits on the pool's perimeter and meets the same requirements. Gates to the pool must open outward, away from the pool, and be self-closing and self-latching, with the release on the pool side where a young child can't reach it.
A new residential pool must have at least one of the safety features listed in F.S. 515.27, such as a compliant barrier, an approved safety cover or door exit alarms, to pass final inspection. Your city or county building department applies these rules together with the Florida Building Code, so we confirm them for your address before design.
Most cities in our area require a fence permit and set height and placement rules, and knowing the exact property line matters, so a survey prevents disputes and rework. Many HOAs specify the material, height, color and style. Since July 1, 2026, single-family owners can ask for a permit exemption for work valued under $7,500 outside flood hazard areas, and a short fence may qualify, but HOA approval and the pool-barrier rules still apply. We confirm setbacks, the permit and the HOA's standards before we set posts.
Sources (primary sources, checked 2026-10-16): F.S. 515.29 · F.S. 553.79 · Florida Building Code. This page explains rules in general terms; it is not legal advice, and the building department for your address has the final word.
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