Fence permit in Melbourne, FL
Yes — you need a permit for fence work in Melbourne.
You need a permit to build, replace, or extend a fence or privacy wall, whatever its height. Florida's list of work that skips a permit covers only gas, mechanical, and plumbing jobs, so no fence is exempt. Melbourne even lists a "fence" permit fee in its own code, which shows the permit exists. The fence height and design limits in the land development code are a separate zoning rule and do not take the place of the permit.
| Permit needed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | You need a permit to build, replace, or extend a fence or… |
| Fee | The code lists no dollar amount. Fence permit fees are set by city council resolution (Sec. 13.45) and are published by the building department at www.melbourneflorida.org. |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | FBC 105.2; Sec. 13.45 |
| Based on | Florida Building Code 2023, as adopted by Melbourne (Sec. 13.80) |
Most building codes exempt a fence up to 7 ft tall. Melbourne is stricter — a permit applies at any height.
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Melbourne building department.
- Pay the permit fee when the permit is issued. Work done before that isn't covered.
- Book each inspection listed on the permit as the job reaches that stage.
If you skip it
Melbourne's code doesn't set a specific fine for this work. In practice the department can issue a stop-work order, and unpermitted work tends to surface during a sale, when the buyer's inspector or the title company asks for it.
Nearby cities, same job
Rules stop at the city line. If your lot is near a boundary, or you work across several towns, this is where they differ.
| City | Distance | Permit? | Where the line falls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | — | Yes | You need a permit to build, replace, or extend a fence or… |
| Orlando | 42 mi | Yes | You need a permit to build, replace, or extend a fence or… |
| Kissimmee | 48 mi | Yes | You need a permit to build, replace, or extend a fence or… |
| Port St. Lucie | 60 mi | Yes | You need a permit to build, replace, or extend a fence or… |
| Deltona | 64 mi | Yes | Florida's exempt list has only Gas, Mechanical, and Plumb… |
| Lakeland | 79 mi | Yes | You must get a fence permit or building permit before you… |
Other work in Melbourne
Questions people ask
How much does a fence permit cost in Melbourne?
The code lists no dollar amount. Fence permit fees are set by city council resolution (Sec. 13.45) and are published by the building department at www.melbourneflorida.org.. Valuation-based fees mean the number depends on what the job is worth, so the department quotes it when you apply.
I already built it without a permit. What now?
Melbourne can issue a stop-work order and require you to apply after the fact, sometimes with an extra fee. Work that was covered up may have to be opened for inspection. Full walkthrough here.
Does unpermitted work cause problems when selling the house?
Often, yes. A buyer's inspector or the title company may flag it, and lenders can balk at financing a home with open or missing permits. What to do about it.