Clearwater vs Seminole
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Clearwater, FL and Seminole, FL?
Clearwater and Seminole 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 →Seminole, FL
Pinellas County
Florida Statute 381.986 restricts Seminole's authority over Medical Marijuana Treatment Center dispensaries. The city must treat MMTCs the same as pharmacies in zoning, or ban them entirely. No middle-ground regulation is permitted.
View full Seminole rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clearwater | Seminole |
|---|---|---|
| State preemption | FS 381.986(11) | - |
| Treated like | Pharmacies | - |
| School setback | 500 feet | - |
| Recreational | Prohibited | - |
| Dispensary regulation | - | Pharmacy parity or ban |
| Governing statute | - | FS 381.986(11) |
| Custom buffers | - | Not allowed |
| Recreational sales | - | Prohibited statewide |
| Licensing authority | - | OMMU only |
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.
Seminole FAQ
Are medical marijuana dispensaries allowed in Seminole?
Florida law requires cities to either treat dispensaries like pharmacies in zoning or ban them entirely. Check with Seminole Planning for current local status.
Can Seminole add buffer zones around dispensaries?
No, FS 381.986(11) prohibits dispensary-specific zoning beyond what applies to retail pharmacies. Custom distance requirements are preempted by state law.
Will recreational dispensaries open if Florida legalizes?
Local zoning authority would depend on the legalization framework adopted. Currently, recreational cannabis sales are not legal in Florida.
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