Clearwater permits residential rainwater harvesting through rain barrels and cisterns without a specific permit for typical home installations, supporting Florida-friendly landscaping principles protected under Florida Statute 373.185 for water conservation.
The City of Clearwater encourages rainwater harvesting as part of its sustainability and water conservation efforts. Residential rain barrels connected to downspouts and small cisterns intended for landscape irrigation typically do not require a building permit when not attached to potable plumbing. Larger cistern installations, those above 250 gallons, those plumbed into structures, or those involving electrical pumps may require a building permit through the Clearwater ePermit system. Florida Statute 373.185 protects property owners from local ordinances or HOA covenants that prohibit Florida-friendly landscaping practices, which include rainwater capture as a recognized water-conserving practice.
Improperly plumbed cisterns may trigger building code violations; cross-connections to potable supply violate state plumbing code and require immediate correction.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Pinellas County.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle rainwater harvesting.
See how Clearwater's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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