Breed Restrictions: Clearwater vs St. Petersburg
How do breed restrictions rules compare between Clearwater, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
St. Petersburg has fewer restrictions than Clearwater.
Clearwater, FL
Pinellas County
Clearwater cannot restrict dogs by breed under Florida Statute 767.14 as amended in 2023, but enforces individual dangerous-dog rules under Chapter 8 based on behavior.
View full Clearwater rules →St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County
St. Petersburg cannot restrict dogs based on breed under Florida Statute 767.14 as amended in 2023, but the city still enforces Chapter 4 dangerous and aggressive dog rules based on individual behavior.
View full St. Petersburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clearwater | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| State preemption | FS 767.14 since 2023 | - |
| Standard | Behavior, not breed | - |
| Local code | Chapter 8 | - |
| Dangerous dog law | FS Chapter 767 | - |
| BSL allowed | - | No (preempted 2023) |
| State statute | - | FS 767.14 |
| City code | - | Chapter 4 Animals |
| Basis for label | - | Behavior, not breed |
| HOA/landlord rules | - | Still permitted |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Clearwater FAQ
Are pit bulls legal in Clearwater Florida?
Yes. Florida Statute 767.14 prohibits Clearwater from banning or restricting any specific dog breed. Owners must still comply with leash, licensing, and dangerous-dog rules that apply to all dogs.
How is a dog declared dangerous in Clearwater?
Pinellas County Animal Services investigates bite or aggression reports. After hearings under FS 767.12, a dog can be classified dangerous, requiring secure enclosure, muzzling in public, and owner liability coverage.
St. Petersburg FAQ
Are pit bulls banned in St. Petersburg?
No. Florida Statute 767.14 preempts breed-specific bans statewide as of October 1, 2023. St. Petersburg regulates individual dogs based on behavior, not breed, under Chapter 4.
Can my landlord still ban my pit bull in St. Petersburg?
Yes. The state preemption applies only to local governments. Private landlords, homeowners associations, and insurance carriers may still enforce breed-specific restrictions in St. Petersburg.
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