Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Clearwater, FL (2026)
2 verified homelessness & encampment rules for Clearwater, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sit-Lie Rules
Clearwater bans willfully obstructing the free use of sidewalks, curbs, the Pinellas County Trail or building entrances after a law enforcement officer has issued a warning. Sec. 21.11(2) requires the warning first; a citation follows only if the person continues blocking passage.
Clearwater Sidewalk Obstruction Ordinance
Some RestrictionsCity Code Sec. 21.11(2)
Obstruction of public places. It shall be unlawful for any person after first being warned by a law enforcement officer to willfully obstruct the free, convenient, and normal use of the Pinellas County Trail or of any public or quasipublic sidewalk, curb, bicycle path, walking area, mall or that portion of private property utilized for public use, so as to endanger the safe movement of pedestri...
Encampment Sanitation
Clearwater's § 21.21 bans lodging out-of-doors, tents, shelters or sleeping bedding, on public property, but only after a police warning and an offer of free shelter space. Arrest is reserved for a third violation when shelter is actually available, and stored belongings are held 60 days before disposal.
Clearwater Ban on Unlawful Outdoor Lodging
Significant RestrictionsClearwater City Code § 21.21(1)(a), (2), (4)
(1)(a)Lodging out-of-doors means using publicly owned property for living accommodation purposes by the erection, use or occupation of any tent, hut, lean-to, shack, temporary shelter, or the like, for sleeping purposes or the laying down of bedding, such as a blanket, sleeping bag, bed roll, newspapers, cardboard, or similar material for the purpose of sleeping.(2)It shall be unlawful for any ...
Looking for Pinellas County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Clearwater city rules.
Homelessness & Encampment Rules in Pinellas County →