The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Fence for Your Florida Home
- BoostMyHome
- Sep 18
- 2 min read
Published by BoostMyHome | Serving St. Augustine, St. Johns County, and Jacksonville
Choosing the right fence for your Florida home is about more than looks, it’s about durability, code compliance, storm readiness, and long-term value. Below is a friendly, expert guide to help homeowners in St. Augustine, St. Johns County, and Jacksonville decide confidently.
Know the local rules before you start
Fence regulations vary by city, county, and HOA. In St. Johns County, for example, residential fences are generally limited to 6 ft in backyards and 4 ft in front yards (with special corner-lot rules). Always check local building & permit pages: St. Augustine and St. Johns County require permits for many fence projects and often have historic-district rules to follow. BoostMyHome handles permitting for you so your fence is compliant from day one.
Best materials for Florida weather (and why they work)
Vinyl:Â Low-maintenance, resists rot and salt air, and holds up well under sun and humidity, a top choice in coastal areas like St. Augustine.
Aluminum:Â Coated and rust-resistant, looks elegant, and is a common choice for pool and decorative fencing.
Wood (treated): Offers classic beauty but needs regular sealing and inspections for termites and rot in Florida’s humid climate.
Chain link (with vinyl coating):Â Cost-effective and storm-resistant for large properties or containment needs.
When choosing materials, balance upfront cost with lifetime maintenance. Vinyl and aluminum often cost more initially but save time and money over years.
Styles that fit Florida homes & neighborhoods
Privacy fences:Â Solid panels for backyards and pool areas, ideal in denser neighborhoods of Jacksonville and St. Johns County.
Decorative picket/ornamental:Â Aluminum or vinyl picket styles work well in historic St. Augustine neighborhoods where curb appeal matters.
Pool-compliant barriers:Â Florida law and local codes require pool barriers that meet specific height and construction rules. BoostMyHome designs to those standards.
Storm-ready installation tips (so your fence lasts)
Use deep concrete footings and appropriate post spacing to resist high winds.
Choose flexible materials (vinyl, aluminum) that flex rather than shatter in storms.
Grade the ground so water drains away from posts to avoid rot and shifting in sandy soils.Post-storm, inspect fasteners and gate alignment; prompt repair prevents small issues from becoming costly replacements.
Maintenance & common homeowner mistakes
Maintain your fence with annual inspections and vegetation control. Avoid cheap materials and shallow footings, both are leading causes of premature failure in Florida. If you’re unsure, call a pro: professional installation ensures compliance, correct hardware, and faster, safer results.
Why BoostMyHome?
We’re local, insured, and experienced with St. Augustine's considerations, St. Johns County rules, and Jacksonville’s neighborhood nuances. From permit handling to expert installation and warranty-backed service, we’ve got you covered.
Ready for a free quote on fence installation, repair, or replacement in St. Augustine, St. Johns County, or Jacksonville?