Florida Statute 515.27: Ensuring Safe Residential Pools

Florida law mandates that all new residential swimming pools, spas, or hot tubs meet at least one approved safety feature before passing final inspection and receiving a certificate of completion. This regulation aims to prevent drownings, especially among young children and medically frail elderly residents, by implementing measures to deny, delay, or detect unsupervised pool access.

Safety Feature Options (Subsection 1)

Under the statue of the law all new residential pools must comply with at least one of the following safety measures:

1. Barrier enclosing the pool: Must meet the detailed requirements (e.g., at least 4 feet high, no climbable gaps, separate from other yard enclosures).
2. Approved safety pool cover.
3. Exit alarms on all doors and windows providing direct pool access: Requires a minimum sound pressure rating of 85 dB A at 10 feet.
4. Self-closing, self-latching devices on all direct-access doors from the home: The release mechanism must be positioned at least 54 inches above floor level.
5. Certified pool alarms: Must meet ASTM Standard F2208 (e.g., surface motion, pressure, sonar, laser, or infrared alarms); these are separate from child-worn alarms.

Penalties & Compliance

Failure to equip a new residential pool with one of the safety features constitutes a second-degree misdemeanor. However, penalties may be waived if:

• Within 45 days of citation issuance, the required safety feature is installed.
• And the pool owner attends a drowning prevention education program established.

Why It Matters

Florida’s stringent approach combining engineering controls, alarms, educational outreach, and legal enforcement reflects a comprehensive strategy to combat preventable pool-related tragedies. By requiring at least one proven safety measure and enforcing compliance, Florida sets a robust standard for residential pool safety. At Orlando Short Term, we take our responsibilities seriously, ensuring that every property we manage is fully compliant with all applicable Florida statutes and regulations, so next time you are looking for a Orlando Vacation Rental Management do not hesitant to contact us. Florida Statute 00515.27 is more than just a building code it’s a critical safeguard for vulnerable populations. Whether you’re a homeowner, builder, or policymaker, understanding and applying these safety requirements is key to protecting lives and ensuring regulatory compliance.