Landscaping Rules in Clearwater, FL (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Clearwater, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Clearwater requires grass, weeds, and undergrowth to be kept under 12 inches in height on all private property, with code enforcement issuing notices and fines for excessive overgrowth that creates pest harborage or threatens public welfare.
Clearwater Grass Height: 12-Inch Limit
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Clearwater allows routine pruning of protected trees without a permit but requires work to follow ANSI A300 industry standards, since over-pruning that effectively kills or destroys a protected tree triggers the same penalties as unauthorized removal.
Clearwater Tree Trimming and Pruning Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Clearwater requires a removal permit for any protected tree four inches DBH or greater and for palms with ten-foot clear straight trunks, with replacement plantings mandatory within 90 days and removal of specimen or historic trees prohibited.
Clearwater Tree Removal Permit Required
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Clearwater treats weeds, untended vegetation, and dead plant material as a public nuisance when accumulation creates pest harborage, with property owners responsible for keeping growth below 12 inches and removing debris under property maintenance standards.
Clearwater Weed and Overgrowth Ordinance
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Clearwater operates under Modified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage restrictions that limit lawn irrigation to one day per week based on address, with citations issued immediately and fines up to $500 per violation through July 2026.
Clearwater Water Restrictions: One Day Per Week
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Clearwater permits residential rainwater harvesting through rain barrels and cisterns without a specific permit for typical home installations, supporting Florida-friendly landscaping principles protected under Florida Statute 373.185 for water conservation.
Clearwater Rainwater Harvesting Allowed
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Clearwater encourages Florida-friendly landscaping with native plant species that conserve water and support pollinators, and Florida Statute 373.185 prohibits both city ordinances and HOA covenants from blocking property owners from installing such landscapes.
Clearwater Native and Florida-Friendly Plants
Few RestrictionsF.S. 373.185(3)
(a)  The Legislature finds that the use of Florida-friendly landscaping and other water use and pollution prevention measures to conserve or protect the state’s water resources serves a compelling public interest and that the participation of homeowners’ associations and local governments is essential to the state’s efforts in water conservation and water quality protection and restorati...
Artificial Turf
Clearwater regulates artificial turf installation through Community Development Code standards covering material quality, color, drainage, and percentage of yard coverage, with city updates establishing specific criteria for synthetic landscape materials in residential zones.
Clearwater Artificial Turf Standards
Some RestrictionsComposting
Clearwater permits residential backyard composting and promotes it through sustainability programs, provided compost bins are managed to avoid attracting rodents, vermin, or pests under property maintenance and animal feeding nuisance rules.
Clearwater Backyard Composting Allowed
Few RestrictionsLooking for Pinellas County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Clearwater city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Pinellas County →