Clearwater, FL Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Default hours
- Closed sunset to sunrise, most city parks
- Governing section
- City Code § 22.24(2)-(4)
- Exception
- Department permit or city manager permission
- Leased facilities
- BayCare Ballpark, golf courses set own hours
- Last amended
- Ordinance No. 9806-24, December 19, 2024
- Maximum penalty
- $500 fine, 60 days jail, or both
Summary
Most Clearwater parks close at sunset and reopen at sunrise under City Code § 22.24. Each park must post its hours, and entering or staying in a closed park is unlawful without a department permit or specific permission from the department or city manager.
(2)The hours of operation for each city park, as may be amended from time to time, are as follows: CLOSED FROM SUNSET TO SUNRISE ... (3)Each city park shall have at least one prominently posted sign that states the hours of operation for that park.(4)No person shall enter or remain upon park property at any time during which the park is closed except by permit issued by the department or unless permission has been given by the department or city manager.(5)The city manager or his or her designee may prohibit a party from parking a vehicle in an area designated for parking or upon any other park property if said party does not remain on the park property and such parking inhibits or prevents others from parking at the park facility in order to use the facility as intended.
Full Breakdown
24 gives the city manager authority to regulate the time, place and manner of use of Clearwater's public beaches, park property and the Courtney Campbell Recreation Area, and to post signs with the force of law enforceable by city police officers. Subsection (2) sets a default closing time of sunset to sunrise for the great majority of the city's parks, listed by name, including neighborhood parks such as Allen's Creek Park, Cliff Stephens Park and Cooper's Bayou Park; a separate list of city-owned facilities leased to private operators, such as BayCare Ballpark and the city's golf courses, instead runs on hours set by the lessee.
Subsection (3) requires each park to post a sign stating its actual hours, and subsection (4) makes it unlawful to enter or remain on park property while it is closed, with two narrow exceptions: a permit issued by the Parks and Recreation Department, or specific permission from the department or city manager. Subsection (5) separately lets the city manager or a designee bar someone from parking in a park lot if they are not using the park itself and their parking blocks legitimate visitors. The rule was most recently amended by Ordinance No. 01. 00, up to 60 days in jail, or both, imposed by the Pinellas County Court, rather than a simple civil fine.
Violations & Fines
Being present on park property after sunset, or before sunrise, without a Parks and Recreation permit or specific department or city manager permission, is itself the offense under § 22.24(4); no additional conduct is required. Clearwater police patrol posted parks and can cite or remove trespassers after closing. A conviction under Chapter 22 carries a fine up to $500.00, up to 60 days in jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Clearwater's city parks close?
Can I get in trouble for being in a park after closing?
Are the public beaches also closed at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clearwater
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Clearwater to another location·View the Florida curfew laws overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Park Curfew in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Pinellas County handle park curfew.