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.

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.

Pet Limits

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.

This is one of the stricter rules in Clearwater's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

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.

Exotic Pets

Clearwater outright bans keeping any animal that is wild and untamed by nature, along with bees and reptiles, anywhere in the city, public or private. Sec. 8.03 gives no exception for wild or exotic animals kept as pets; the Sec. 8.04 carve-outs cover only research, education, veterinary, agricultural and pet uses.

Key details: Governing section: City Code Sec. 8.03. Covered animals: Wild/untamed animals, bees, reptiles. Exceptions: Research, teaching, veterinary, zoning uses only. Zoo/park exception: Sec. 8.04(9), public settings only. Enforcement agency: Police and SPCA of Clearwater.

Keeping a wild, untamed, reptile, or bee colony outside the Sec. 8.04 exceptions violates Sec. 8.03 and is punishable as a civil infraction with a fine up to $500 under Sec. 1.12, or in county court up to $500 and 60 days imprisonment for a serious or repeat offense; the animal can be seized and impounded by police or the SPCA of Clearwater.

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

Chickens & Livestock

Clearwater bans keeping fowl or livestock, including horses, cows, sheep, hogs and calves, on any property unless the use fits a listed exception. Chickens are allowed only under the Community Development Code's separate chicken-keeping standard referenced in Sec. 8.04(11).

Key details: General rule: Fowl and livestock prohibited citywide. Governing section: City Code Sec. 8.03/8.04. Chickens: Governed separately by CDC Sec. 3-204.1. Enforcement: Police and Clearwater SPCA. Added by: Ord. No. 9489-21 (Oct. 2021).

Keeping prohibited fowl or livestock without an exception is a code violation, punishable under the general penalty provision as a civil infraction with a fine up to $500, or, if pursued in county court, up to $500 and 60 days imprisonment for a repeat or serious violation; animal control or the SPCA of Clearwater can impound the animals.

This is one of the stricter rules in Clearwater's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Dog Leash Laws

Clearwater bans letting a dog, horse, cow or other pet wander on public streets or someone else's property, and prohibits leaving one tied up unattended on public streets, parks or parkways except temporarily. Sec. 8.33 authorizes impoundment of any animal found wandering or improperly secured.

Key details: Governing section: City Code Sec. 8.33. Covers: Dogs, cows, horses, other domestic pets. Tethering on public property: Only temporary, or impoundable. Beach access: Dogs and other pets banned, Sec. 8.35. Last amended: Ord. No. 9489-21, Oct. 7, 2021.

Violating Sec. 8.33's at-large or improper-securing rule is a code violation carrying a civil fine of up to $500 under Sec. 1.12, and any animal found wandering or left tied beyond a temporary period is subject to impoundment by police or the SPCA of Clearwater under the chapter's enforcement authority in Sec. 8.02.

The Bottom Line

Clearwater is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 4 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.