Clearwater's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Clearwater, Florida, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Chickens & Livestock

Clearwater allows residents in single-family homes to keep up to four backyard hens under Chapter 8, but bans roosters, slaughtering, and free-roaming chickens, with coop screening and setback rules.

Key details: Chapter: Chapter 8 Animals. Hen limit: Up to 4 hens. Roosters: Prohibited. Permit: None required. Housing: Coop and run, screened.

Code compliance citation, removal of birds, daily fines through Clearwater's Municipal Code Enforcement Board, and abatement costs for sanitation violations.

Dog Leash Laws

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.

Key details: Leash length: Six feet maximum. Off-leash: Designated dog parks only. Liability: Strict regardless of intent. State law: FS Chapter 767.

Civil citations starting around $100 for first offense, escalating fines for repeats, impoundment and boarding fees, and dangerous-dog classification under FS 767.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping in Clearwater is governed by Florida Statute 586, which preempts most local regulation; registered hives are allowed in residential yards subject to FDACS Best Management Practices.

Key details: State law: FS 586. Registration: FDACS annual. Local preemption: Yes, except HOAs. Standards: FDACS BMPs.

FDACS administrative fines for unregistered apiaries, mandatory removal or requeening of aggressive colonies, and city nuisance citations for unmaintained hives.

The rules around beekeeping in Clearwater lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Exotic Pets

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.

Key details: State law: FS 379.3761. Class I: Prohibited as pets. Class II: FWC permit required. Class III: Personal pet license.

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.

Compared to other cities, Clearwater takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Animal Hoarding

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.

Key details: State law: FS 828.12. Cruelty class: 1st degree misd. / 3rd degree fel.. Local code: Chapter 8. Trigger: Welfare and sanitation.

Misdemeanor or felony cruelty charges under FS 828.12, civil fines, mandatory animal forfeiture, restitution for care costs, and prohibition on future ownership.

Compared to other cities, Clearwater takes a harder line on animal hoarding. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Wildlife Feeding

Clearwater enforces Florida Statute 379.412 and FWC rules under Chapter 68A-4 prohibiting feeding of bears, alligators, sandhill cranes, pelicans, raccoons, and similar wildlife.

Key details: State law: FS 379.412. First offense: $100 civil penalty. Repeat: Second degree misdemeanor. Bear/gator: Escalates to first degree.

First offense $100 noncriminal infraction; second-degree misdemeanor for repeats; bear and alligator feeding escalates to first-degree misdemeanor on third offense.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Clearwater actively enforces its wildlife feeding requirements.

Breed Restrictions

Clearwater cannot restrict dogs by breed under Florida Statute 767.14 as amended in 2023, but enforces individual dangerous-dog rules under Chapter 8 based on behavior.

Key details: State preemption: FS 767.14 since 2023. Standard: Behavior, not breed. Local code: Chapter 8. Dangerous dog law: FS Chapter 767.

Misdemeanor charges under FS 767.13 for violating dangerous-dog confinement, civil fines, and possible destruction order if a dangerous dog seriously injures a person.

The Bottom Line

Clearwater is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Clearwater, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Clearwater can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.