How Clearwater Handles Curfew Laws: A Practical Guide
Clearwater maintains 71 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.
Park Curfew
Most Clearwater parks close at sunset and reopen at sunrise under City Code § 22.24. Each park must post its hours, and entering or staying in a closed park is unlawful without a department permit or specific permission from the department or city manager.
Key details: Default hours: Closed sunset to sunrise, most city parks. Governing section: City Code § 22.24(2)-(4). Exception: Department permit or city manager permission. Leased facilities: BayCare Ballpark, golf courses set own hours. Last amended: Ordinance No. 9806-24, December 19, 2024.
Being present on park property after sunset, or before sunrise, without a Parks and Recreation permit or specific department or city manager permission, is itself the offense under § 22.24(4); no additional conduct is required. Clearwater police patrol posted parks and can cite or remove trespassers after closing. A conviction under Chapter 22 carries a fine up to $500.00, up to 60 days in jail, or both.
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.
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.