Natural Character, Built to Survive Florida
You want privacy, character, and a finished look for your yard. A wood fence delivers all three — but Florida’s heat, humidity, heavy rain, and salt air mean your fence needs to be built with the right materials from the start. A pressure-treated pine or cedar fence installed correctly and maintained properly will serve your property for 15 to 20 years. Cut corners on species or installation, and you are replacing it in half that time.
Big Florida Fencing installs wood fences built specifically for Florida’s climate. We use the right species for your location, set posts to the depth your soil demands, and pull every required permit before we break ground.
What Wood Fencing Includes
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Species selection | Pressure-treated pine, cedar, or cypress matched to your location and budget |
| Post setting | Concrete footings sized for Florida’s sandy soil and wind load requirements |
| Rails | 2×4 or 2×6 horizontal rails attached to posts with structural fasteners |
| Fence boards | Cut, spaced, and secured to your chosen style and height |
| Gates | Single or double swing gates with hardware rated for outdoor Florida use |
| Permit pulling | Big Florida Fencing files all required county permits before work begins |
| Cleanup | Full site cleanup and debris removal at project completion |
Wood Species Options for Florida
| Species | Durability in Florida | Appearance | Relative Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Pine | Excellent | Greenish tint when new; stains well | Low to Mid | Budget-conscious buyers who want longevity |
| Cedar | Very Good | Warm natural tone; takes stain beautifully | Mid to High | Homeowners who prioritize appearance |
| Cypress | Excellent | Light tan; natural luster | Mid | Properties wanting a locally sourced, naturally rot-resistant option |
| Untreated Pine | Poor | Standard lumber look | Low | Not recommended for Florida exterior use |
Pressure-treated pine is the most common choice across Florida and the most cost-effective way to get a durable result. Cedar and cypress cost more upfront but offer natural decay resistance without chemical treatment, which appeals to homeowners who plan to keep the fence unpainted.
Wood Fence Styles
Privacy Fence (Board-on-Board or Solid)
Six-foot solid panels block sightlines completely and define your yard. This is the standard Florida backyard choice. Board-on-board installations, where boards overlap slightly, eliminate gaps and give both sides of the fence a finished appearance.
Shadowbox Fence
Boards alternate on each side of the rail, creating a fence that looks the same from inside and outside. The spacing allows air movement, which reduces wind load during storms — a real structural benefit in Florida.
Picket Fence
Three to four feet tall, used primarily for front yards, garden borders, and decorative property definition. Classic look with lower material cost than full privacy height.
Split Rail
Rustic two- or three-rail design for larger lots and rural properties. Defines boundaries without blocking views. Often paired with wire mesh for pet containment.
How Much Does Wood Fencing Cost in Florida?
| Fence Style | Installed Cost Per Linear Foot | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pine privacy (6 ft) | $18 – $28 | Most affordable installed option |
| Cedar privacy (6 ft) | $25 – $40 | Premium appearance and natural durability |
| Cypress privacy (6 ft) | $22 – $35 | Strong local option |
| Picket fence (4 ft) | $12 – $22 | Front yard and decorative |
| Split rail (2-rail) | $10 – $18 | Rural and large-lot applications |
A typical Florida backyard with 150 linear feet of 6-foot pressure-treated pine privacy fencing runs $2,700 to $4,200 installed. Cedar on the same footprint runs $3,750 to $6,000.
Gates, sloped terrain, removal of an existing fence, and corner lot configurations all affect the total. You will receive an itemized quote specific to your property before any work begins.
Pricing reflects 2024 market rates for Florida.
Get your exact installed cost. Request a free quote from Big Florida Fencing.
Our Wood Fence Installation Process
- Free on-site estimate — We walk your property, measure the fence line, review your goals, and confirm site conditions before quoting.
- Permit application — We file all required county permits and handle any HOA submission requirements on your behalf.
- 811 utility locate — We call 811 before any digging to locate and mark underground utilities.
- Post setting — Posts are set in concrete at depths appropriate for your soil conditions and the fence height.
- Rail and board installation — Rails are attached to posts, then boards are secured to your chosen style and height.
- Gate installation — Gates are hung, adjusted, and tested for proper swing and latch function.
- Final inspection — We walk the completed fence with you before we leave and coordinate the county inspection where required.
Why Florida Homeowners Choose Big Florida Fencing
- Licensed and insured in Florida
- We pull permits on every installation — you are never left to figure that out on your own
- Species and footing recommendations matched to your specific location in Florida
- Gate hardware rated for Florida humidity and UV exposure
- Full cleanup included — no material scraps or concrete debris left behind
Wood Fence Maintenance: What Florida Demands
Florida is harder on wood fences than most other states. The following routine protects your investment.
Annual sealing or staining: Apply a water-repellent stain or sealant every 1 to 2 years. Oil-based stains that penetrate the wood outlast surface-film finishes in Florida’s weather conditions.
Mildew cleaning: Rinse or pressure-wash mildew growth annually. Florida’s humidity accelerates mildew on shaded or north-facing fence sections.
Post base inspection: Probe post bases once a year with a screwdriver. Soft wood at grade-level indicates rot, and a rotted post brings the connected panels down with it if not addressed early.
Fastener check: Look for rust streaking on boards and gaps where boards have pulled away from rails. Stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized fasteners resist corrosion far longer than standard zinc-plated screws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best wood for a fence in Florida? A: Pressure-treated pine, cedar, and cypress are the three best choices for Florida’s climate. Pressure-treated pine is the most cost-effective. Cedar and cypress offer natural decay and insect resistance at a higher price point. Untreated pine will not hold up in Florida’s outdoor conditions.
Q: Do I need a permit for a wood fence in Florida? A: Yes, in most Florida counties. Permits govern fence height, setbacks from property lines, and placement. Big Florida Fencing handles the permit process on every installation.
Q: How long does a wood fence last in Florida? A: A properly installed and maintained wood fence in Florida lasts 15 to 20 years. Fences built without proper species selection or post depth, or those that go without maintenance, typically need replacement in 7 to 10 years.
Q: Can I paint my wood fence? A: Yes, though staining is generally a better choice in Florida. Stain penetrates the wood rather than sitting on top, which means it will not peel or trap moisture the way exterior paint can over time.
Q: Does my HOA allow wood fencing? A: HOA policies vary. Some Florida HOAs approve wood fencing with specific species or finish requirements; others restrict it in favor of vinyl or aluminum. Big Florida Fencing reviews your HOA requirements during the estimate process.
Ready to Install Your Wood Fence?
Big Florida Fencing installs wood fences across Florida with quality materials, proper permits, and workmanship built for the climate.
Request your free quote today.
Disclaimer: Pricing estimates are based on current material and labor costs and are subject to change. Permit requirements vary by county and municipality. Big Florida Fencing recommends verifying all local and HOA requirements before beginning your project.