Clearwater defers to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Class I-III rules under FS 379.3761 and Chapter 8, banning Class I species and requiring state permits for most exotics.
Possession of captive wildlife in Clearwater is governed primarily by Florida Statute 379.3761 and FWC rules in Chapter 68A-6 F.A.C. Class I species (big cats, bears, great apes, crocodiles, elephants) are prohibited as personal pets. Class II species (cougars, wolves, macaques, alligators) require an FWC permit, two years of documented experience, and approved caging. Class III species (most reptiles, parrots, ferrets, small mammals) require a no-cost personal-pet license unless specifically exempt. Clearwater Chapter 8 reinforces FWC rules and prohibits keeping any animal that creates a public-safety hazard or nuisance. Reptiles of concern such as Burmese pythons and green iguanas have additional state-level restrictions.
Second-degree misdemeanor under FS 379.4015 for unlawful possession of Class I or II wildlife, FWC license revocation, animal seizure, and Clearwater code citations.
Clearwater, FL
Clearwater enforces Florida's Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act requiring a 4-foot barrier, self-closing gates, or alternative safety features on every ne...
Clearwater, FL
Clearwater follows Florida Building Code Residential Section R314 and Florida Statute 553.883 for smoke alarms, plus the Florida Fire Prevention Code adopted...
Clearwater, FL
Clearwater does not impose an annual night cap, because Florida Statute 509.032(7)(b) preempts cities adopted after June 1, 2011 from limiting the frequency ...
Clearwater, FL
Clearwater allows transient lodging (rentals under 31 days) only in Tourist District and Commercial zoning where the use is permitted, and requires a city Bu...
Clearwater, FL
Clearwater Code Chapter 22 establishes park use regulations, with most city parks closing at 11:00 p.m. or sunset and entry prohibited during posted closed h...
Clearwater, FL
Clearwater enforces juvenile curfew rules adopted by reference from Florida Statutes Sec. 877.20 through 877.24, restricting minors in public places during o...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Pinellas County.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle exotic pets.
See how Clearwater's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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