Clearwater, FL Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- FS 828.12
- Cruelty class
- 1st degree misd. / 3rd degree fel.
- Local code
- Chapter 8
- Trigger
- Welfare and sanitation
Summary
Clearwater enforces Chapter 8 sanitation and cruelty rules with Florida Statute 828.12 to address animal hoarding, allowing seizure when conditions endanger animals or neighbors.
828.12  Cruelty to animals. — (1)  A person who unnecessarily overloads, overdrives, torments, deprives of necessary sustenance or shelter, or unnecessarily mutilates, or kills any animal, or causes the same to be done, or carries in or upon any vehicle, or otherwise, any animal in a cruel or inhumane manner, commits animal cruelty, a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or by a fine of not more than $5,000, or both. (2)  A person who intentionally commits an act to any animal, or a person who owns or has the custody or control of any animal and fails to act, which results in the cruel death, or excessive or repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering, or causes the same to be done, commits aggravated animal cruelty, a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or by a fine of not more than $10,000, or both. (a)  A person convicted of a violation of this subsection, where the finder of fact determines that the violation includes the knowing and intentional torture or torment of an animal that injures, mutilates, or kills the animal, shall be ordered to pay a minimum mandatory fine of $2,500 and undergo psychological counseling or complete an anger management treatment program. (b)  A person convicted of a second or subsequent violation of this subsection shall be required to pay a minimum mandatory fine of $5,000 and serve a minimum mandatory period of incarceration of 6 months. In addition, the person shall be released only upon expiration of sentence, is not eligible for parole, control release, or any form of early release, and must serve 100 percent of the court-imposed sentence. Any plea of nolo contendere shall be considered a conviction for purposes of this subsection.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Clearwater Code Chapter 8 prohibits keeping any animal in unsanitary conditions or without adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. Pinellas County Animal Services investigates complaints and may seize animals when overcrowding causes disease, foul odors, or distressed behavior. Florida Statute 828.12 makes intentional cruelty a first-degree misdemeanor and aggravated cruelty a third-degree felony, both of which apply to hoarding situations where multiple animals suffer. Owners can also be held liable for boarding and veterinary costs and may be barred from owning animals as a condition of probation. Clearwater code does not impose a hard numerical pet cap but uses sanitation, nuisance, and welfare standards as the enforcement trigger.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor or felony cruelty charges under FS 828.12, civil fines, mandatory animal forfeiture, restitution for care costs, and prohibition on future ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a pet limit in Clearwater FL?
How do I report animal hoarding in Clearwater?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clearwater
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Clearwater to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Pinellas County handle pet limits.