Clearwater vs Pinellas Park
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Clearwater, FL and Pinellas Park, FL?
Clearwater and Pinellas Park have similar restriction levels.
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 →Pinellas Park, FL
Pinellas County
Pinellas Park regulates Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers under its Land Development Code, mirroring Florida's pharmacy zoning standards required by FS 381.986. Dispensaries must locate at least 500 feet from public or private schools and follow city zoning placement rules.
View full Pinellas Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clearwater | Pinellas Park |
|---|---|---|
| State preemption | FS 381.986(11) | - |
| Treated like | Pharmacies | - |
| School setback | 500 feet | - |
| Recreational | Prohibited | - |
| School buffer | - | 500 feet (state minimum) |
| Zoning treatment | - | Same as pharmacies |
| State statute | - | FS 381.986(11) |
| Local code | - | Chapter 18 Land Development |
| Recreational sales | - | Not authorized |
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.
Pinellas Park FAQ
Where can dispensaries open in Pinellas Park?
Dispensaries may locate in commercial zones permitting pharmacies, subject to a 500-foot separation from public and private schools and standard site plan review.
Can Pinellas Park ban dispensaries entirely?
Yes, Florida law allows cities to ban MMTCs outright, but they cannot impose stricter zoning rules than those applied to pharmacies if dispensaries are allowed at all.
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