How Clearwater Handles Curfew Laws: A Practical Guide

Clearwater maintains 109 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with curfew laws. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Clearwater falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Juvenile Curfew

Clearwater enforces juvenile curfew rules adopted by reference from Florida Statutes Sec. 877.20 through 877.24, restricting minors in public places during overnight and certain school-day hours.

Key details: Sun-thu Curfew: Sun-Thu curfew 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.. Fri-sat Curfew 12: Fri-Sat curfew 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m.. School-day Rule: School-day rule for suspended minors. First Offense: First offense written warning. Second Offense: Second offense $50 civil fine.

First offense produces a written warning. A second violation is a civil infraction with a $50 fine. Officers may transport the minor to a curfew facility and notify a parent within two hours.

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.

Park Curfew

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 hours.

Key details: Most parks close: Most parks close at sunset. Coachman Park open: Coachman Park open to 11:59 p.m.. Posted hours at: Posted hours at each park. Camping and fires: Camping and fires restricted. Section 1.14 sets: Section 1.14 sets penalties.

Trespassing in a closed park can lead to ejection, citation as a municipal misdemeanor, and fines up to the limits set in Section 1.14, plus possible state trespassing charges.

The Bottom Line

Clearwater's curfew laws rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Clearwater is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Clearwater's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.