If you own a swimming pool in Nassau County, Florida, keeping your family and guests safe is your top priority. But pool safety is no longer just a matter of personal responsibility—it is a strict legal requirement. With the introduction of new Florida legislation, including Senate Bill 244 and House Bill 117, the rules surrounding pool safety barriers have become more stringent than ever.
At Sand & Stone Tile, we have expanded our services to include professional pool safety barrier installation in Nassau County. Whether you are building a new pool in Yulee, buying a home with an existing pool in Fernandina Beach, or simply upgrading your backyard safety, here is everything you need to know about the installation process, the new laws, and what to expect.
Understanding Florida's New Pool Safety Laws (SB 244 & HB 117)
Florida has long had laws requiring pool barriers, but the 2026 legislative session brought significant updates aimed at closing safety loopholes and preventing tragic accidents.
Senate Bill 244 (SB 244) and its companion House Bill 117 (HB 117), effective July 1, 2026, mandate that any residential swimming pool on a property being transferred or sold must meet strict pool safety and barrier requirements .
Crucially, HB 117 requires licensed home inspectors to actively report any pool safety violations to local enforcement agencies . This means that if your pool fence is not up to code, it could derail a home sale or result in immediate compliance orders.
To meet Florida state requirements (and pass inspection), your pool safety barrier must adhere to the following standards:
•Height: The barrier must be at least 4 feet (48 inches) tall on the outside .
•Clearance: There can be no gaps, openings, or indentations that would allow a small child to crawl under or squeeze through .
•Gates: All access gates must swing outward (away from the pool), be self-closing, and feature a self-latching mechanism located at least 54 inches from the ground on the pool-facing side .
•House Walls: If a wall of your house serves as part of the barrier, any doors or windows providing direct access to the pool must be equipped with specific exit alarms or self-latching devices .
The Pool Safety Barrier Installation Process and Timeline
Many homeowners wonder, "How long does it take to install a pool safety fence?" The answer depends heavily on your pool deck material, the size of your pool, and the complexity of the layout. Here is a step-by-step look at the installation process and timeline.
Step 1: Site Assessment and Measurement
Before any drilling begins, a professional installer must assess your pool deck. The layout of the fence is carefully mapped out, typically maintaining a minimum distance of two feet from the water's edge . The installer will determine the exact placement of the poles, which are usually spaced every 3 feet .
Step 2: Drilling the Deck
This is the most critical and time-consuming part of the installation. The type of deck you have dictates the equipment used and the time required:
•Concrete Decks: These are the easiest to drill into using a core drill. A standard pool on a concrete deck might take about 2 hours to drill .
•Porcelain, Marble, or Paver Decks: These dense materials require specialized drill bits and high-speed drills to prevent cracking. Drilling into porcelain or marble can add 30 to 90 minutes to the installation time .
•Dirt or Sand: If the fence crosses an area without a solid deck, the installer must dig deeper holes and insert longer, specialized sleeves to ensure the poles remain stable .
Step 3: Installing the Mesh and Poles
Once the holes are drilled and the sleeves are inserted, the mesh fence sections (typically 15 feet long) are attached to the poles and tensioned to create a secure, rigid barrier .
Step 4: Gate Assembly and Alignment
Self-closing gates are built on-site and require precise alignment to ensure the self-latching mechanism works flawlessly every time. Installing a single gate can add 40 to 120 minutes to the project, depending on the complexity .
Overall Timeline: For a standard rectangular pool on a concrete deck, a professional pool fence installer in Yulee, FL can complete the job in 2 to 3 hours. For larger pools, complex shapes, multiple gates, or difficult deck materials, the installation can take a full day .
The Most Popular Question in Nassau County: "Do I need a permit to install a pool fence?"
When homeowners in Fernandina Beach, Yulee, and Amelia Island call us about pool safety barriers, the number one question they ask is: "Do I need a permit to install a pool fence in Nassau County?"
The Answer: Yes. In Nassau County, Florida, you must obtain a building permit before installing a physical pool barrier .
The Nassau County Building Department requires a detailed fence plan to be submitted for review. This plan must demonstrate that the proposed fence complies with the Florida Building Code requirements for swimming pool barriers . Failing to pull the proper permits can result in fines, forced removal of the fence, and complications if you ever decide to sell your home—especially with the new reporting requirements under HB 117.
At Sand & Stone Tile, we handle the permitting process for you. We ensure that your new pool safety fence not only looks great but is 100% compliant with Nassau County regulations and Florida state law.
Secure Your Pool Today
Do not wait for a home inspection or a tragic accident to realize your pool is unprotected. Whether you need a pool safety fence in Fernandina Beach or a complete barrier installation in Yulee, Sand & Stone Tile is here to help.
Contact us today at (772) 353-9986 to schedule a consultation and ensure your pool meets all Florida safety mandates.