In Florida, whoever wants the fence normally pays for it. We have not found a Florida statute that requires a homeowner to share the cost of a fence on the boundary with the house next door. Chapter 588 of the Florida Statutes, Legal Fences and Livestock at Large, is about fencing land and livestock. Its sections do not set up cost sharing between residential neighbors.
This page is general information, not legal advice. If you are in a dispute, speak with your city, with Broward County or with a lawyer licensed in Florida.
Does my neighbor have to pay for half of a new fence?
No. Your neighbor would have to pay for half only if they agreed to. They may decline and still enjoy the fence you put up on your land. When both of you want one, sign a short agreement before any work is ordered. Check your association documents as well, because a few of them address shared fences.
Who owns the fence between two properties?
Ownership follows the land. If the whole fence stands on one lot, that lot's owner owns it. If two neighbors agreed to build it on the line, they own it together under whatever they agreed. If the history is lost, start with a survey to see which side it is on.
Can my neighbor put up a fence without asking me?
Generally they can, if it is on their own property. The neighbor needs the city permit and has to respect the height and placement rules and any association rules. Your consent is not part of that. If the fence looks like it crosses onto your lot or goes over the height limit, check your survey and then call the city's permit or code office.
A survey shows the fence is on the wrong side of the line. Now what?
Start by showing the neighbor the survey. From there you can relocate the fence to the true line, or leave it and record that arrangement in writing. How long the fence has been there can matter legally, and that is a question for a Florida lawyer. Relocating a fence is something we do.
The contractor built my new fence over the property line. Who fixes it?
The answer turns on who picked the line. A contractor who ignored the survey or the corner pins should move the fence at no charge, and you should ask for that in writing. If the line came from you, expect to share or carry the cost. A good estimate states that the fence follows the survey and names who located the line.
My neighbor and I agreed to split a new fence. How does the billing work?
Write down the line, the material, the height, the full price and each person's part before the job is booked. Our quote can show the shared side as its own section with the two portions. Settle which owner applies for the permit, and get association approval for both lots if there is one.
The house next door is a rental and I cannot reach the owner. Can I build on my side?
Yes. A fence that stands wholly on your lot does not need the other owner's permission. You still need the permit and must follow the city and association rules. Ask a surveyor to stake the line so the posts are plainly inside it.
The old fence on our side is rotted and the neighbor will not pay. Can I take it down and rebuild?
When a survey puts the fence on your property, you can remove it and build a new one. When it stands on the boundary, or nobody knows who put it up, write to the neighbor first and allow reasonable time for a reply.
My neighbor's tree roots are lifting our fence. Who handles that?
Two trades are involved: an arborist for the tree and a fence company for the fence. Ficus and live oak roots lift and shove concrete footings with ease. Do not let anyone cut big roots without advice. It can kill the tree or leave it likely to fall in a storm, and many cities here regulate tree work. We can often move a post or lengthen a span to clear the root.
A business next door stacks material against my chain link fence and it is bending. Can it be reinforced?
Yes, with stronger posts, an added bottom rail or a tension wire. That makes the fence stiffer. It does not make it a wall that can hold a pile of material. Send the business owner a written request to clear it. If the stacking goes on, contact your city's code compliance office.
The fastest way to get a real number is a free on-site estimate. Call (754) 529-4274 or text us a photo of the fence line.