Fire Regulations in Clearwater, FL (2026)
3 verified fire regulations for Clearwater, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Clearwater's open-fire permit requirement does not apply to backyard fire pits, grills or exterior fireplaces: Sec. 17.06(1)(b) defines those devices out of the "open fire" category that otherwise needs a fire department permit. No numeric setback is set in this chapter.
Clearwater Recreational Fire Pit and Grill Exemption
Light RestrictionsCity Code Sec. 17.06(1)(b)
Open fire means the combustion of any matter outside of a building, except fires kindled in a barbecue pit or grill, exterior fireplace, cookout device, or similar out-of-doors eating or cooking device, and except the fires kindled for the instruction of personnel in the methods of fighting fires.
Outdoor Burning
Clearwater requires a fire department permit before anyone starts an open fire on their own or someone else's property. Sec. 17.06 puts the fire chief or fire marshal in charge of approving applications, and unpermitted work is subject to penalty and immediate suspension.
Clearwater Open Fire Permit Requirement
Significant RestrictionsCity Code Sec. 17.06(2)(a)-(b)
No person shall start or permit an open fire on his or her property, or start an open fire on the property of others, without first obtaining a permit for such activity. ... A permit for fireworks display or a pyrotechnic special effect display, must first be obtained prior to commencing such activity in accordance with the applicable NFPA Standard, except that no permit shall be issued from Fe...
Smoke Detectors
Clearwater follows Florida Building Code Residential Section R314 and Florida Statute 553.883 for smoke alarms, plus the Florida Fire Prevention Code adopted under F.S. 633.202 and enforced locally through Code of Ordinances Chapter 17. Alarms are required in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every story including basements, with interconnection in new construction. Battery-only alarms installed or replaced after January 1, 2015 must use a sealed, nonremovable 10-year battery.
Smoke Detector Requirements (Clearwater, FL)
Some RestrictionsF.S. 553.883
553.883  Smoke alarms in one-family and two-family dwellings and townhomes. — One-family and two-family dwellings and townhomes undergoing a repair, or a level 1 alteration as defined in the Florida Building Code, may use smoke alarms powered by 10-year nonremovable, nonreplaceable batteries in lieu of retrofitting such dwelling with smoke alarms powered by the dwelling’s electric...
Looking for Pinellas County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Clearwater city rules.
Fire Regulations in Pinellas County →