Key West Injury Lawyer Blog
A House Bill meant to improve swimming pool safety – the number one killer of children under 5 years old in the state – recently died in subcommittee.
The bill provided for the enhancement of safety measures for residential swimming pools in the state, particularly during property transfer or sales. It also specified that title companies and inspectors report non-compliance to local agencies.
Current law, Florida Statutes § 515.27. requires that houses built or remodeled after Oct. 1, 2000, be equipped with one of five safety features. These features range from barriers surrounding the pool, an in-water alarm, a self-latching lock on doors or on fences around pools, a pool safety cover or an alarm on any doors and windows that would give curious children direct access to a swimming pool. Penalties for noncompliance with state law include a fine and/or possible jail time.
