You’ve decided it’s time for a fence. Maybe you need privacy for your backyard pool in Dr. Phillips, or you just got a new puppy that needs a safe place to run around in Oviedo. The big question on your mind isn't just "how much?" but "how long?"
Most fence installations in Central Florida take between 2 to 4 days for the actual construction. However, the full timeline—including planning, permitting, and material delivery—usually spans 2 to 4 weeks. Understanding this timeline helps you plan your life around the project and keeps you from wondering why construction hasn't started the day after you sign the contract.
Several variables can speed up or slow down your project. In our years serving Orange and Osceola counties, we’ve seen that no two jobs are exactly alike. Here is what typically moves the needle on your completion date.
Different materials require different installation methods. A standard 4-foot picket fence installation is generally quicker to install than a custom board-on-board privacy fence because the panels often come pre-assembled or are lighter to handle.
Yes, the lay of your land plays a huge role. Installing 100 feet of fence on a flat, square lot in a new Lake Nona development is very different from installing 300 feet on a sloped, root-heavy property in an older Winter Park neighborhood.
If your yard has significant slopes, we have to "rack" or "step" the fence panels to keep them looking right and functioning well. This custom cutting and measuring adds time. Additionally, digging post holes in Florida's sandy soil is usually easy, but if we hit tree roots or old limestone, it slows down the crew.
In Orange County and surrounding areas, permitting is often the longest part of the pre-installation phase. You cannot legally start digging without approval.
Most municipalities in Central Florida take anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks to approve a fence permit. We handle this paperwork for you, but we are all at the mercy of the city or county building department. If you live in an HOA community, like many in Hunter's Creek or Celebration, you will also need Architectural Review Board (ARB) approval before we can even apply for the county permit. This can add another 14-30 days to your timeline, so apply early.
We live in the Sunshine State, but we all know that really means "intense sun followed by sudden downpours," especially between June and September.
Rain stops concrete from setting properly and makes digging messy and dangerous. Lightning is also a major safety hazard for crews working with metal tools. If a tropical storm or hurricane is tracking toward us, all construction stops. We always build buffer time into our schedules during the summer months to account for these daily afternoon storms.
Knowing what happens during each phase helps manage your expectations. Here is a typical breakdown for a standard residential project in Orlando.
This is the "paperwork phase." We measure your lot, choose materials, and submit permit applications. We also call 811 to have underground utilities marked. You’ll see spray paint on your grass—don't mow over it! This ensures we don't hit water or power lines when we dig.
Once the permit's in hand, the crew arrives. We lay out the fence line with string to ensure it’s straight and on your property line. Then, we dig the holes and set the posts in concrete. In Florida's humidity, we typically let the concrete cure for 24 hours (or more if it's been rainy) before hanging heavy panels or gates.
This is where it actually looks like a fence. We install the rails, pickets, or panels. If you chose electric gate installation for your driveway, this step involves mounting the motor and running electrical connections, which may require coordination with an electrician.
We don't leave a mess. We haul away debris and wipe down vinyl or metal fences. Finally, the county or city inspector must come out to sign off on the permit. This inspection doesn't require you to be home, but it closes out the permit officially.
You want your fence up quickly, and we want to get the job done right. Here is how you can help speed things up.
Walk your property line before we arrive. Trim back overgrown bushes, move patio furniture, and clear away toys or hoses. If the crew has to spend two hours hacking through vines just to find the property pins, that’s two hours they aren't building your fence.
If you're replacing a shared fence, talk to your neighbors early. Let them know the schedule so they can keep their dogs inside during construction. This prevents delays caused by disputes or loose pets on the job site.
Choosing a contractor familiar with Orlando's specific codes prevents failed inspections. A company that doesn't know the wind-load requirements for Florida might install posts too shallow or use the wrong fasteners. This leads to failed inspections, re-work, and eventually, premature fence repair Orlando Florida residents have to pay for later.
It might be tempting to hire a "handyman" who promises to get it done this weekend without a permit. But in Florida, cutting corners costs you more in the long run.
A professionally installed fence is built to withstand our intense UV rays and wind storms. Proper post depth and concrete mixing take time but ensure your fence doesn't lean after the first hurricane season. Whether you need a simple vinyl barrier or complex fence repair Orlando Florida homeowners rely on, patience during the installation yields a structure that lasts 15 to 20 years.
A new fence transforms your yard, but it requires a bit of planning. By understanding that the process involves permitting and weather delays, you can approach the project with realistic expectations. The result—a beautiful, secure perimeter—is always worth the wait.
If you're ready to secure your property, contact Wulff Fence at (407) 745-8635. We’ll handle the permits, navigate the weather, and build a fence that stands the test of time.