Clearwater follows Pinellas County and Chapter 8 rules requiring dogs to be leashed in public, with at-large dogs subject to impoundment, fines, and dangerous-dog escalation.
Under Clearwater Code Chapter 8 and Pinellas County Animal Services regulations, dogs must be under physical restraint by leash no longer than six feet whenever off the owner's property, except in posted off-leash dog parks. Allowing a dog to run at large is a strict-liability violation regardless of intent. Owners must also display current rabies tags and county licenses. Repeated at-large incidents, biting, or aggressive behavior trigger Florida Statute 767 dangerous-dog procedures, which require muzzling, secure enclosures, and liability insurance. Animal Services may impound loose animals, and reclaim fees plus boarding charges apply.
Civil citations starting around $100 for first offense, escalating fines for repeats, impoundment and boarding fees, and dangerous-dog classification under FS 767.
Clearwater, FL
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Clearwater, FL
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Pinellas County.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle dog leash laws.
See how Clearwater's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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