Rental Property Rules in Clearwater, FL (2026)
3 verified rental property rules for Clearwater, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rent Control
Clearwater has no rent control. Florida Statute 166.043(2) flatly prohibits local rent regulation — the 2023 Live Local Act removed the old housing-emergency exception — and Section 83.425 preempts most landlord-tenant matters to the state.
Rent Control Rules in Clearwater
Heavy RestrictionsFla. Stat. § 166.043(2)
A municipality, county, or other entity of local government may not adopt or maintain in effect any law, ordinance, rule, or other measure that would have the effect of imposing controls on rents.
Just Cause Eviction
Clearwater does not require just cause to terminate a residential tenancy. Florida Statute 83.57 governs lease termination and Section 83.425 preempts local just-cause ordinances.
Just Cause Eviction Rules in Clearwater
Few RestrictionsRental Registration
Clearwater does not run a general residential rental registry due to state preemption, but rental operators must hold a city Business Tax Receipt under Chapter 29 and short-term rentals are restricted in residential zones to stays of at least 31 days.
Rental Registration Rules in Clearwater
Some RestrictionsLooking for Pinellas County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Clearwater city rules.
Rental Property Rules in Pinellas County →