What's Required in Jacksonville
- Each swimming pool or spa needs a separate building permit submitted in JaxEPICS.
- In-ground pools also need an electrical permit; the residential fee is $120.
- A Notice of Commencement is required when the total job cost is more than $5,000.
- The pool contractor's qualifier signs a Private Swimming Pool Safety Affirmation describing the barrier option.
- Residential pool barriers must be at least 4 feet high on the outside.
- Pools go in rear or side yards, not in the required front yard.
- Structural plans come from a Florida licensed design professional or a licensed pool contractor, using a calculated or prescriptive design.
- Properties on septic need a Health Department-approved site plan.
- Repairs and alterations of existing pools must be contracted by a certified or registered pool contractor and permitted.
Do you need a permit for a pool in Jacksonville?
Yes, for in-ground and above-ground pools alike. The Building Inspection Division's FAQ lists swimming pools among the work that needs a building permit. The fee schedule has a separate flat line for above-ground pools, and the Florida Building Code's exempt-work list includes no pool exemption. Each pool or spa needs its own building permit, filed in JaxEPICS. The pool's electrical work is a separate electrical permit.
How much does a pool permit cost in Jacksonville?
For an in-ground pool, Section 320.409 charges per 1,000 gallons of capacity:
- $1.50 BID permit fee
- $0.50 resource management
- $0.50 Development Services
- a flat $25 construction and demolition (C&D) debris fee
The minimums are a $45 BID fee, a $15 Development Services fee and a plan review fee of 67% of the BID fee or $60, whichever is greater. The electrical permit for an in-ground pool is $120.
- 15,000-gallon pool: $45 BID (minimum) + $7.50 resource + $15 Development Services + $25 debris + $60 plan review = $152.50, plus $120 electrical = $272.50.
- 40,000-gallon pool: $60 + $20 + $20 + $25 + $60 = $185, plus $120 electrical = $305.
- Above-ground pool: $75 (includes plan review) + $25 Development Services, plus the $60 above-ground pool electrical fee = $160.
The schedule also lists a 12% landscape fee on in-ground pools, which would add $5.40 to $7.20, though single-family accessory structures are exempt from it. A gas heater needs a mechanical permit with a $60 minimum. Florida's 1 percent and 1.5 percent building-code surcharges apply to permit fees.
| What you are doing | City filing | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| In-ground pool, 15,000 gallons | Building + electrical permits | $272.50 at the minimums |
| In-ground pool, 40,000 gallons | Building + electrical permits | $305 |
| Above-ground pool | Flat above-ground pool permit | $100 building + $60 electrical |
| Pool job over $5,000 | Recorded Notice of Commencement | Must reach BID before inspections |
| Barrier fence or screen enclosure | Part of the pool permit | At least 4 ft high (FS 515.29) |
| Gas pool heater | Mechanical permit | Pool contractor may pull it for the heater only |
| Repairing or remodeling an existing pool | Permit + licensed pool contractor | Ordinance Code 320.402(e) |
What safety barrier does a Jacksonville pool need?
To pass final inspection, Florida Statute 515.27 requires at least one safety feature from this list:
- a barrier that meets FS 515.29
- an approved safety cover
- exit alarms on doors and windows
- self-closing, self-latching doors with the release at least 54 inches up
- a pool alarm certified to ASTM F2208
A barrier must be at least 4 feet high on the outside. The pool contractor signs the city's Private Swimming Pool Safety Affirmation naming the option you're using. For an above-ground pool, the pool wall itself can serve as the barrier if it is at least 48 inches above grade and the ladder can be secured or removed.
Where can the pool go, and who can build it?
Pools are accessory uses under the Zoning Code. The Zoning Section says pools go in rear or side yards, not the required front yard, and at least 5 feet from the house. Structures under 15 feet tall must stay five feet from the lot line. A pool enclosure can't be taller than the house. A state-certified pool contractor usually files the permit. You can file as an owner-builder if you sign the Property Owner-Builder Disclosure Statement, which BID staff notarize. Repairs and alterations to an existing pool must be contracted by a certified or registered pool contractor. Septic lots need a Health Department-stamped site plan.
How to Get a Pool Permit in Jacksonville
Prepare the plan package
Gather a site plan showing the pool, deck, fencing and distances to structures and lot lines, plus structural plans, the TDH worksheet and equipment data sheets.
Submit in JaxEPICS
Enter the gallons, pool type, job cost and water/sewer type. Upload documents into the named folders, including the safety affirmation and owner permission forms.
Pass reviews and pay
Zoning and Development Services review first, then BID plan review once the plan review fee is paid. Pay the balance to activate the permit.
Record the NOC
For jobs over $5,000, record the Notice of Commencement and email it to [email protected] before scheduling an inspection.
Inspect and finish the barrier
Schedule the swimming pool, pool grounding and final inspections. The barrier, alarms or cover must be in place before the final.