The True Fence Florida blog

Practical fence guides for Southwest Florida.

Cost breakdowns, permit rules, material comparisons, and real answers to the questions SWFL homeowners actually ask. Written by our team.

Gray composite fence installed beside a Southwest Florida home

Buying guidesApril 25, 20263 min read

Why the fence manufacturer matters more than most homeowners realize in Southwest Florida

Two fence quotes can look similar on paper. Here is why the product source, component fit, warranty support, and replacement availability matter in Southwest Florida.

Horizontal wood privacy fence installed in a residential yard

PermitsApril 22, 20263 min read

Sarasota fence height rules. What you can and cannot do.

Privacy fence in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, or Siesta Key? Here's what height is allowed, where, and the good news about Sarasota County permits.

Chain link perimeter fence installed for a managed property

For property managersApril 22, 20263 min read

What property managers should look for in a SWFL fence contractor.

Managing rentals or an investment portfolio across Southwest Florida? Here's what separates a fence contractor worth keeping from one who'll flake before the second property.

Residential vinyl fence installed in Southwest Florida

PermitsApril 22, 20263 min read

Port Charlotte fence permits in 48 hours. What we have learned in 4 years.

Charlotte County is the fastest fence-permit county in Southwest Florida, with 1 to 2 business day turnaround on most residential installs. Here's what to expect in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and Englewood.

White vinyl ranch-style fence installed along a Southwest Florida property

ChecklistsApril 22, 20263 min read

Your move-in fence checklist. 5 things to settle before closing.

Moving to Southwest Florida and want your fence up by the time you unpack? 5 steps to handle before your closing date so the fence is done when you walk in.

White vinyl fence with a poolside residential layout

FAQApril 22, 20262 min read

Can I mix vinyl and aluminum on the same property?

Vinyl privacy for the back yard and aluminum pool fence out front. Can you do both on the same property in Southwest Florida, and should you? Short answer with the caveats.

Composite fence installed along a Southwest Florida property line

Storm prepApril 22, 20262 min read

Hurricane season fence checklist. 3 checks before the next named storm.

Hurricane season in Southwest Florida runs June 1 to November 30. Three checks we recommend every SWFL homeowner run on their fence before the first named storm of the year.

Fresh wood privacy fence installed with posts set in a residential yard

Material deep-diveApril 22, 20262 min read

Why every True Fence Florida post sits in concrete.

How deep should a fence post go in Southwest Florida? Why does concrete matter? The engineering behind post footings and why skipping them is the number-one reason fences fail in storms.

Finished metal privacy fence beside a Florida home

PermitsApril 22, 20263 min read

How long do Collier County fence permits actually take?

Straight answer on Collier County fence permit turnaround for Naples, Marco Island, and Ave Maria. Real timelines from 4 years of filing applications.

Vinyl privacy fence gate installed in a Southwest Florida yard

For pet ownersApril 22, 20263 min read

Which fence actually keeps dogs in? A Southwest Florida pet-owner's guide.

Picking a fence for dogs in Southwest Florida. Which material stops diggers, which handles jumpers, what puppy-picket means, and what we'd install for a specific breed.

Aluminum fence near a Southwest Florida waterfront property

ComparisonsApril 22, 20263 min read

Aluminum vs vinyl for coastal Naples homes. Which wins long-term?

Thinking aluminum or vinyl for a coastal Naples or Marco Island home? Salt air, wind exposure, privacy, pool layout, and HOA rules all factor in. Here's the honest comparison.

Chain link fence project in progress by True Fence Florida

ProcessApril 22, 20263 min read

What happens after you book? Our 3-step fence install process.

From first phone call to finished fence. The sequence True Fence Florida follows on residential installs across Southwest Florida from Bradenton down to Naples.

Finished vinyl privacy fence installed in Southwest Florida

Cost guidesApril 18, 20263 min read

How much does a fence cost in Southwest Florida in 2026?

Real per-foot pricing for vinyl, wood, chain link, aluminum, metal, and hurricane-rated composite fences in SWFL. What drives the number up or down.

Aluminum pool fence installed around a residential pool area

Permits and codeApril 16, 20264 min read

Florida pool fence code requirements. What the 2026 code actually says.

Florida's pool barrier code is strict and actively enforced. Exact measurements, gate requirements, and what actually passes inspection in SWFL.