Pool Permit in Palm Beach County, Florida
By Mario Bailey Last checked 2026-07-06 · 3 official sources
Verified against official sources Confirmed on official pageIt depends
Quick answer
A Building Permit is required for in-ground and larger above-ground residential pools and spas in unincorporated Palm Beach County, listed as Type 3(E) permits ('Spa', 'Swimming Pool, Above-Ground', 'Swimming Pool, In-Ground') in the county's Permit Application Types guide, along with a separate Pool Barrier Fence/Rail permit. Portable or manufactured pools and spas less than 24 inches deep are specifically exempted from a permit under the county's Items Not Requiring a Permit brochure. All permitted pools must also satisfy Florida's residential swimming pool safety feature requirements (barrier, alarm, safety cover, or similar) under F.S. 515.27 before a final inspection is granted.
Typical threshold: Portable or manufactured pools and spas less than 24 inches deep need no permit; all in-ground pools, larger above-ground pools, and spas require a Building Permit (Type 3(E) for 1 and 2 unit dwellings) plus applicable electrical, plumbing, and pool-barrier sub-permits, and must satisfy Florida's residential pool safety-feature requirements under F.S. 515.27 before final inspection.
Who is pulling this permit?
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Before you sign, ask the contractor:
- Who pulls the permit, you or me, and is the permit fee included in the bid?
- Which inspections will this job need, and who meets the inspector on site?
- Is your contractor license active in this locality, and under which business name?
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When a permit is usually needed
Before constructing any in-ground pool, larger above-ground pool, or spa, or installing a pool barrier fence
What your pool permit must meet in Florida
Florida residential pools are built under the Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Edition (2023), which the Legislature requires to incorporate the safety-feature and barrier standards of the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (Florida Statutes Chapter 515).
- State law requires the Florida Building Code to uniformly implement the pool-safety statutes by including standards for residential swimming pool barriers, pool covers, latching devices, and door and window exit alarms (F.S. 553.73).
- A new residential pool must be built with at least one of five listed safety features, not necessarily a fence: a compliant barrier, an approved safety pool cover, exit alarms on doors and windows with access to the pool, self-closing self-latching doors, or a certified pool alarm (F.S. 515.27).
- If a barrier is used, it must be at least 4 feet high on the outside and may not have gaps, openings, indentations, or structural components that could let a young child crawl under, squeeze through, or climb over it, placed far enough from the water's edge that a child who gets past it does not immediately fall in (F.S. 515.29).
- Pool gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing, and have a self-latching device with its release mechanism on the pool side, positioned out of a young child's reach (F.S. 515.29).
- Where a removable mesh safety barrier is used, it must comply with ASTM F2286 and may not be installed on top of an above-ground or on-ground pool (FBC-R, 8th Edition change).
Based on Florida Statutes Chapter 515 (Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act, ss. 515.27, 515.29) as implemented by the Florida Building Code, Residential, 8th Edition (2023), Chapter 45. Read the code. Local amendments can be stricter; confirm the current requirement with your office before you build.
What pool permit costs in Palm Beach County
Charged by value of construction with a $75 minimum for a site-built in-ground residential pool, per the PZB Building Division fee schedule.
How Palm Beach County compares in Florida
| Jurisdiction | Permit needed? | Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Broward County | Permit required | Not specified |
| Hillsborough County | Permit required | Not specified |
| Lee County | It depends | All in-ground pool construction or renovation requires a permit; an above-ground pool requires a permit when its water depth is 24 inches or more. |
| Miami-Dade County | Permit required | Not specified |
| Orange County | Permit required | Not specified |
| Palm Beach Countythis page | It depends | Portable or manufactured pools and spas less than 24 inches deep need no permit; all in-ground pools, larger above-ground pools, and spas require a Building Permit (Type 3(E) for 1 and 2 unit dwellings) plus applicable electrical, plumbing, and pool-barrier sub-permits, and must satisfy Florida's residential pool safety-feature requirements under F.S. 515.27 before final inspection. |
| Polk County | It depends | In-ground pools and spas always require a permit; above-ground pools and spas require one only when more than 24 inches deep. |
Closest pool permit thresholds outside Florida
Jurisdictions we cover whose limit sits nearest Palm Beach County's 24 inches.
- Bellevue, Washington, swimming pools over 24 inches deep require a permit with plan review; above-ground pools 24 inches or less may be exempt
- King County, Washington, prefabricated above-ground pools less than 24 inches deep and not exceeding 5000 gallons are exempt; all other pools require a building permit in unincorporated King County
- Pierce County, Washington, Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a single family residence (Group R-3 occupancy) are exempt if less than 24 inches deep, with no separate gallon volume cap; in-ground pools and pools 24 inches deep or deeper require a building permit. Self-contained spas and hot tubs installed entirely above ground and not connected to the potable water system or a septic or sewer drain are separately exempt regardless of depth.
- Snohomish County, Washington, prefabricated swimming pools regulated under the IRC (one- and two-family dwellings) exempt if less than 24 inches deep, with no gallon-volume cap; in-ground pools or pools 24 inches deep or more require a building permit
How to apply in Palm Beach County
A residential pool permit application covers both construction and safety: a scaled site plan, structural plans for the pool, a barrier plan showing how the pool will be enclosed, and an electrical plan covering bonding and the equipment disconnect.
What most pool permit applications include:
- Pool and spa design and construction fall under the residential code chapter that folds in the swimming pool and spa code, and permit review checks plans against that chapter (IRC R326).
- The site plan must show pool equipment such as pumps, filters, and heaters set back at least 36 inches from the outside of the required barrier (ISPSC 305.2.9).
- For an in-ground pool, engineered structural plans covering the shell and reinforcing steel, with the responsible structural engineer's license information, are a standard part of the submittal (per official pool submittal checklists).
- A barrier plan identifying the fence, pool structure, or dwelling wall that will enclose the pool must be submitted and must comply with the code's barrier chapter (ISPSC 305).
- Electrical plans must show the pool's equipotential bonding design, since the shell, perimeter surfaces, and metal fittings within 5 feet of the water must all tie into a common bonding grid (NEC 680.26).
- The electrical plan must also show a disconnecting means for the pool equipment that is readily accessible and within sight of the equipment (NEC 680.13).
General submittal guidance from 2021 IRC R326 (adopting the ISPSC), ISPSC 2021 Section 305, and NEC 2020 Article 680. Source. Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building Department, Building Division sets the exact checklist for Palm Beach County.
Where to apply in Palm Beach County:
Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building Department, Building Division
- 2300 N. Jog Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33411
- Phone: (561) 233-5100
Inspections and closing out your permit
Pool inspections track the concrete pour: the steel and bonding grid are checked before gunite or shotcrete goes in, bonding is checked again before decking is poured, and the permanent barrier and remaining electrical work are checked at final before the pool can be filled and used.
- Before gunite or shotcrete is sprayed, the inspector checks the rebar against the engineered plans and confirms the equipotential bonding wire is stubbed out and tied into the steel, since it will be buried in concrete afterward (NEC 680.26).
- A bonding inspection separately confirms coping, decking, ladders, handrail cups, and any other metal within 5 feet of the water are tied to the bonding grid, and it must pass before coping is installed (NEC 680.26).
- A temporary barrier at least 4 feet high must enclose the site from the moment excavation starts until the permanent barrier is finished, and inspectors check for it throughout construction (ISPSC 305.1.1).
- A pre-plaster inspection confirms the circulation equipment's electrical work is installed and all bonding is complete before the pool's interior finish goes on (NEC 680.26).
- At final inspection the permanent barrier is checked against the code's requirements and the equipment and cover-mechanism bonding must be complete before the pool can be filled and used (ISPSC 305, NEC 680.26).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the Palm Beach County permit portal or by phone at (561) 233-5100.
Inspection sequence from NEC 2020 Article 680.26 (equipotential bonding) and ISPSC 2021 Section 305 (barriers). Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Pool Permit checklist for Palm Beach County
- Confirm the requirement. Sometimes, depending on the project. Typical threshold: Portable or manufactured pools and spas less than 24 inches deep need no permit; all in-ground pools, larger above-ground pools, and spas require a Building Permit (Type 3(E) for 1 and 2 unit dwellings) plus applicable electrical, plumbing, and pool-barrier sub-permits, and must satisfy Florida's residential pool safety-feature requirements under F.S. 515.27 before final inspection. Usually needed: Before constructing any in-ground pool, larger above-ground pool, or spa, or installing a pool barrier fence.
- Budget the fee. Charged by value of construction with a $75 minimum for a site-built in-ground residential pool, per the PZB Building Division fee schedule. Official fee schedule.
- Apply. A residential pool permit application covers both construction and safety: a scaled site plan, structural plans for the pool, a barrier plan showing how the pool will be enclosed, and an electrical plan covering bonding and the equipment disconnect. Start at the Palm Beach County permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building Department, Building Division. Phone: (561) 233-5100. Address: 2300 N. Jog Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33411.
- Plan for inspections. Pool inspections track the concrete pour: the steel and bonding grid are checked before gunite or shotcrete goes in, bonding is checked again before decking is poured, and the permanent barrier and remaining electrical work are checked at final before the pool can be filled and used.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked 2026-07-06.
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Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a pool permit in Palm Beach County?
- A Building Permit is required for in-ground and larger above-ground residential pools and spas in unincorporated Palm Beach County, listed as Type 3(E) permits ('Spa', 'Swimming Pool, Above-Ground', 'Swimming Pool, In-Ground') in the county's Permit Application Types guide, along with a separate Pool Barrier Fence/Rail permit. Portable or manufactured pools and spas less than 24 inches deep are specifically exempted from a permit under the county's Items Not Requiring a Permit brochure. All permitted pools must also satisfy Florida's residential swimming pool safety feature requirements (barrier, alarm, safety cover, or similar) under F.S. 515.27 before a final inspection is granted. Portable or manufactured pools and spas less than 24 inches deep need no permit; all in-ground pools, larger above-ground pools, and spas require a Building Permit (Type 3(E) for 1 and 2 unit dwellings) plus applicable electrical, plumbing, and pool-barrier sub-permits, and must satisfy Florida's residential pool safety-feature requirements under F.S. 515.27 before final inspection. Always confirm with the office before starting.
- How much does a pool permit cost in Palm Beach County?
- Charged by value of construction with a $75 minimum for a site-built in-ground residential pool, per the PZB Building Division fee schedule. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- Where do you apply for a pool permit in Palm Beach County?
- You can apply through the Palm Beach County permit portal or contact the Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building Department, Building Division directly. The links are listed on this page.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in Palm Beach County
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule that applies here.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Charged by value of construction with a $75 minimum, per the PZB Building Division fee... |
| Electrical Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Charged by value of construction with a $75 minimum, per the PZB Building Division fee... |
| Fence Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Flat $125 fee for a residential fence permit, per the PZB Building Division fee schedule |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Charged by value of construction with a $75 minimum for a new HVAC system with duct wor... |
| Patio Permit | It depends | Not specified | Charged by value of construction with a $75 minimum for a single family, duplex or town... |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Charged by value of construction with a $75 minimum, per the PZB Building Division fee... |
| Roof Replacement Permit | It depends | Non-structural roof work (e.g. roof covering only, not sheathing or framing) valued under $7,500 on a single-family home outside a special flood hazard area may qualify for a written permit-exemption request under F.S. 553.79(1)(g); electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical, and gas work are excluded regardless of value; structural roof work or any project at or above $7,500 requires a standard Type 1 Building Permit ('Reroofing') with dry-in and final inspections. | Charged by value of construction with a $75 minimum for reroofing a single family, dupl... |
| Shed Permit | Permit required | Accessory storage enclosures (sheds) up to 6 ft x 6 ft x 6 ft high, for single-family dwellings only, qualify for a Type 1 Site Plan Review Permit (zoning review only, no Building Code plan review or inspection); sheds larger than that footprint or height require a standard Type 2(A) Building Permit with plan review and inspections. | Accessory Bldg under 36 sq ft site-built or prefab: $50 flat fee; |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Charged by value of construction with a $75 minimum for a solar photovoltaic system, pe... |
Pool Permit in other Florida localities
Official sources
- https://discover.pbcgov.org/pzb/PDF/AboutUs/PermitReqdBrochure.pdf
- https://discover.pbcgov.org/pzb/building/PDF/permit_types.pdf
- https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0500-0599/0515/Sections/0515.27.html
- https://www.bountifulutah.gov/file/ee478521-f791-4cee-a755-2d923ff70257
- https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2023/Chapter515/All
Verified by a person against the sources above on 2026-07-06, not confirmed with Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building Department, Building Division. Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: 2026-07-06Report an error on this page
Permit office
Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building Department, Building Division
(561) 233-5100Permit portalFlorida rule changes
- Broward County, FL updates building permit fee schedule (Ordinance 2025-038)
Ord. 2025-038 · 2026-07-25
- Florida waives permits for small single-family jobs under $7,500 (HB 803)
ch. 2026-63 (HB 803), F.S. 553.79 · 2026-07-25
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Pool Permit across Florida