Do You Need a Permit for a Fence in Orlando or Orange County, FL?
Planning a new fence in the Orlando area? The first question is usually the same: do I need a permit? The answer depends on one thing — whether your home is inside the City of Orlando or in unincorporated Orange County. Here's how it works in 2026, in plain English.
City of Orlando: most residential fences don't need a permit
Since 2019 the City of Orlando no longer requires a permit for most fences at 1–2 family homes, as long as the fence:
is 6 feet tall or less where that height is allowed,
is made of wood, vinyl, chain-link, aluminum, wrought iron or plants,
is not in a historic preservation district, and
follows any overlay or planned-development rules for your area.
You do still need a city permit for pool or spa barriers, fences over 6 feet, concrete or block walls, electric or powered gates, commercial properties, historic districts and properties in a floodplain.
City of Orlando height limits
Front yard: 4 feet maximum
Side, street-side and rear yards: 6 feet maximum (up to 8 feet on side and rear lines that border commercial or industrial property)
The fence has to sit on or inside your property line, stay out of the corner and driveway sight-visibility triangles, and any gate across a driveway must be set back at least 20 feet from the property line.
Unincorporated Orange County: a permit is required
If your address is in unincorporated Orange County (not inside a city), the County's Zoning Division reviews every residential fence permit. Wood, vinyl and aluminum picket fences go through a streamlined process:
Apply online through Orange County Fast Track.
Include a dimensioned site plan or survey with the fence location drawn to scale.
If the fence crosses an easement, add the signed Easement Acknowledgement Form.
Typical review time is about 4 business days, and an approved permit is good for 180 days.
Orange County height limits
Front yard: 4 feet maximum (6 feet along arterial and collector roads)
Side and rear yards: 8 feet maximum
Keep a clear 15-foot visibility triangle on each side of driveways and at street corners.
Don't forget your HOA
A city or county permit is not the same as HOA approval. Many Central Florida neighborhoods require architectural approval before any fence goes up — and HOA rules (style, color, height) are often stricter than the code. Get the HOA's written approval first.
The easy way: let us handle it
Fence Market files the permit and prepares your HOA submission as part of every install — no extra trips, no guesswork. Get a free same-day quote or book a free on-site estimate.
Rules and fees change. Always confirm with the City of Orlando Fence Guide or Orange County Zoning (407-836-3111) before you build. Cities like Winter Park, Apopka and Ocoee have their own rules.
