Wildlife Feeding: Clearwater vs St. Petersburg
How do wildlife feeding rules compare between Clearwater, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
St. Petersburg has fewer restrictions than Clearwater.
Clearwater, FL
Pinellas County
Clearwater enforces Florida Statute 379.412 and FWC rules under Chapter 68A-4 prohibiting feeding of bears, alligators, sandhill cranes, pelicans, raccoons, and similar wildlife.
View full Clearwater rules →St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County
Feeding wildlife that creates a public nuisance is prohibited in St. Petersburg, and Florida FAC 68A-4.001 bans feeding pelicans, sandhill cranes, bears, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes statewide.
View full St. Petersburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clearwater | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| State law | FS 379.412 | - |
| First offense | $100 civil penalty | - |
| Repeat | Second degree misdemeanor | - |
| Bear/gator | Escalates to first degree | - |
| State rule | - | FAC 68A-4.001 |
| First fine | - | $100 |
| Banned species feeding | - | Pelicans, cranes, bears |
| Local backstop | - | Chapter 4 nuisance |
| Enforcement | - | FWC and city |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Clearwater FAQ
Is it illegal to feed pelicans on Clearwater Beach?
Yes. Florida Statute 379.412 and FWC rules prohibit feeding pelicans, gulls, and other listed wildlife. First violations carry a $100 civil penalty, and repeat offenses become criminal misdemeanors.
Can I feed raccoons or ducks in my Clearwater yard?
Feeding raccoons is prohibited under FWC rules because it spreads disease and habituates wildlife. Casual duck feeding is discouraged and can trigger nuisance complaints if it attracts pests or fouls waterways.
St. Petersburg FAQ
Can I feed ducks at a St. Petersburg pond?
Casual duck feeding is not specifically banned, but if it attracts rats, raccoons, or creates a nuisance, you can be cited under city Chapter 4 nuisance rules. Feeding pelicans is barred by FAC 68A-4.001.
Is it illegal to feed raccoons in St. Petersburg?
Yes. Florida Administrative Code 68A-4.001 prohibits placing food in a manner that attracts raccoons, foxes, coyotes, or bears, with civil penalties starting at $100 per offense.
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