Clearwater encourages Florida-friendly landscaping with native plant species that conserve water and support pollinators, and Florida Statute 373.185 prohibits both city ordinances and HOA covenants from blocking property owners from installing such landscapes.
The City of Clearwater promotes Florida-friendly landscaping through educational outreach and the Pinellas County Florida-Friendly Landscaping Incentive Program (FLIP), which offers rebates up to 50 percent for replacing irrigated turf with water-conserving plantings. Florida Statute 373.185 defines Florida-friendly landscaping as quality landscapes that conserve water, protect the environment, and are drought-tolerant, applying right-plant-right-place principles. The statute expressly prohibits any local ordinance or deed restriction from preventing implementation of Florida-friendly landscaping. Community Development Code landscape requirements for new development encourage native species selection, though established turf areas remain permissible if maintained.
Few direct violations apply; non-native invasive species listed by FDACS are prohibited and must be removed when identified during code enforcement.
Clearwater, FL
Clearwater enforces Florida's Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act requiring a 4-foot barrier, self-closing gates, or alternative safety features on every ne...
Clearwater, FL
Clearwater follows Florida Building Code Residential Section R314 and Florida Statute 553.883 for smoke alarms, plus the Florida Fire Prevention Code adopted...
Clearwater, FL
Clearwater does not impose an annual night cap, because Florida Statute 509.032(7)(b) preempts cities adopted after June 1, 2011 from limiting the frequency ...
Clearwater, FL
Clearwater allows transient lodging (rentals under 31 days) only in Tourist District and Commercial zoning where the use is permitted, and requires a city Bu...
Clearwater, FL
Clearwater Code Chapter 22 establishes park use regulations, with most city parks closing at 11:00 p.m. or sunset and entry prohibited during posted closed h...
Clearwater, FL
Clearwater enforces juvenile curfew rules adopted by reference from Florida Statutes Sec. 877.20 through 877.24, restricting minors in public places during o...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Pinellas County.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle native plants.
See how Clearwater's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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