Clearwater vs Dunedin
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Clearwater, FL and Dunedin, FL?
Dunedin has fewer restrictions than Clearwater.
Clearwater, FL
Pinellas County
Clearwater allows licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers in any zoning district that permits pharmacies, as required by Florida Statute 381.986(11), and bans recreational dispensaries.
View full Clearwater rules →Dunedin, FL
Pinellas County
Dunedin allows medical marijuana dispensaries anywhere a pharmacy may locate, as required by Florida Statute 381.986. The city dropped its initial moratorium in 2018 and instead controls dispensaries through hours, loitering, and other operational rules.
View full Dunedin rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clearwater | Dunedin |
|---|---|---|
| State preemption | FS 381.986(11) | Fla. Stat. 381.986 |
| Treated like | Pharmacies | - |
| School setback | 500 feet | - |
| Recreational | Prohibited | - |
| Dispensaries allowed | - | Yes, like pharmacies |
| School buffer | - | 500 feet under state rule |
| Recreational sales | - | Prohibited statewide |
| Local controls | - | Hours, loitering, parking |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Clearwater FAQ
Can medical marijuana dispensaries open in Clearwater?
Yes. Florida law requires Clearwater to allow Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers wherever pharmacies are permitted, subject to a 500-foot school setback. Several MMTCs already operate in the city.
Are recreational cannabis stores allowed in Clearwater?
No. Florida only authorizes medical marijuana sales through state-licensed MMTCs. Recreational dispensaries cannot be licensed and would face enforcement under FS 893.13.
Dunedin FAQ
Can Dunedin ban medical marijuana dispensaries?
It could ban them entirely, but if it allows any, state law requires they be permitted wherever pharmacies are allowed, with no stricter zoning. Dunedin chose to allow them.
How close to a school can a dispensary be?
Florida law generally requires Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers to be at least 500 feet from a public or private school, measured from the property lines.
Are recreational dispensaries allowed?
No. Florida law currently authorizes only medical marijuana dispensing through licensed MMTCs. Recreational adult-use sales remain prohibited as of 2026.
Compare other topics
See how Clearwater and Dunedin compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool