1. Call 811 for Utility Locates

Before any post hole gets dug, Florida law requires a call to 811 (or an online request) to have underground utility lines marked — gas, water, electrical, cable, and irrigation lines can all run through your intended fence path. This request needs to go in at least two full business days before digging starts, and it's free. We factor this into your project timeline, but it's worth knowing about up front since it can shift your start date.

2. Confirm Your Property Line

Installing a fence on or near a shared property line without confirming its exact location is one of the most common sources of neighbor disputes we see. If you have a survey from when you purchased the home, dig it up — it saves time and often saves the cost of a new one. If you don't have one, or the existing survey is old, we'll talk through whether a fresh property line survey makes sense for your project before we mark the layout.

3. Clear the Fence Line

Walk the planned fence path and clear it of yard debris, fallen branches, potted plants, furniture, or stored items. If there's brush or overgrowth along an existing tree line or fence row that needs to come out, let us know during your estimate — we can often handle light clearing as part of the job, but heavy brush removal may need to be scheduled separately.

4. Well & Septic Awareness for Rural Lots

On the many Marion County properties running well water and a septic system, it's important to know where your well, septic tank, and drain field sit relative to the planned fence line before digging starts. Post holes placed too close to a drain field can cause damage that's expensive to fix. If you're not sure where these are located, check your septic permit records with the county health department or let us know — we'll ask about this during the site walk on any rural property.

5. Start HOA Approval Early

If your property is in a deed-restricted community, submit your fence application to the HOA's architectural review committee as early as possible — this process can take longer than the government permit itself and is a common reason projects get delayed. See our full breakdown in Do You Need a Permit for a Fence in Marion County, FL?

6. Plan for Pets & Kids During Installation

Fence installation involves open post holes, power tools, and materials staged in the yard, so it's safest to keep pets and young kids away from the active work area on install days. If your current fence is coming down as part of the project, plan an alternate containment area for pets until the new fence is complete and gates are hung.

Quick Pre-Installation Checklist

  • Call 811 for utility locates (or confirm we've scheduled it)
  • Locate or order a property line survey
  • Clear debris, furniture, and plants from the fence line
  • Flag well, septic tank, and drain field locations on rural lots
  • Submit HOA design review application if applicable
  • Arrange alternate containment for pets during install
  • Confirm gate locations and access points with your estimator

PAA: Preparing for a Fence Installation

Do I need to call 811 before installing a fence in Florida?

Yes. Florida law requires calling 811 (or submitting a request online) at least two full business days before any digging, including fence post holes, so underground utilities can be marked. This is a free service and it's the homeowner's or contractor's responsibility to request it — skipping it risks hitting a gas, water, or electrical line.

Do I need a survey before installing a fence on my property line?

It's strongly recommended, especially if you don't already have a recent survey on file. Installing a fence even a foot over your actual property line can create a legal dispute with a neighbor and, in some cases, require you to move the fence at your own expense. If you have an existing survey from your home purchase, we can often work from that instead of ordering a new one.

How should I prepare my yard before the fence crew arrives?

Clear the fence line of yard debris, furniture, potted plants, and anything else in the path, confirm pets are secured elsewhere on install day, and make sure gates or access points you want included are clearly marked or discussed with your estimator ahead of time. If you have sprinkler lines or landscape lighting near the fence line, flagging those locations for the crew helps avoid accidental damage.

Ready to Schedule Your Install?

We'll walk you through everything above during your free estimate, and confirm exactly what needs to happen before we show up with materials. Get your free estimate here or call us at (352) 763-3520.

Also see: How Much Does It Cost to Install a Fence in Ocala?, Wood vs. Vinyl vs. Aluminum Fencing, and How Long Does Fence Installation Take?