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Zoning Guide

ADU Rules in Clearwater, Florida

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ADU Rules in Clearwater, Florida

Florida has no enacted statewide ADU mandate. Fla. Stat. §163.31771 is permissive (may adopt), not mandatory. HB 1343 (2023) is an agricultural-employee-housing bill that died in committee. ADU rules are set locally.

Florida has no enacted statewide ADU mandate. Fla. Stat. §163.31771 is permissive (may adopt), not mandatory. HB 1343 (2023) is an agricultural-employee-housing bill that died in committee. ADU rules are set locally.

Florida has no enacted statewide ADU mandate. Fla. Stat. §163.31771 is permissive (may adopt), not mandatory. HB 1343 (2023) is an agricultural-employee-housing bill that died in committee. ADU rules are set locally.

Permitted ADU Types

  • Detached ADU: Standalone structure in rear yard
  • Attached ADU: Addition with own entrance
  • Garage Conversion: Converting existing garage
  • Interior Conversion: Converting existing space

Size Limits

ADU Type Maximum Size
Detached ADU 1,000 sq ft or 50% of primary dwelling
Attached ADU 50% of primary dwelling floor area
Garage Conversion Existing footprint

Setbacks

Per Clearwater Community Development Code:

  • Front: Per base zone
  • Side: 5 feet minimum
  • Rear: 5–10 feet minimum

Height

  • Detached ADU: Maximum 25 feet or per zone standard

Coastal and Flood Zone Considerations

Clearwater's Gulf Coast location creates significant flood and storm surge risks:

  • FEMA flood zones: Much of Clearwater is in AE and VE zones
  • CCCL (Coastal Construction Control Line): Properties seaward of CCCL face strict construction limits
  • Florida Building Code high-wind and flood provisions apply
  • Hurricane-resistant construction required

Permit Process

  1. Check zoning: Verify via Clearwater's zoning map
  2. CCCL check: Determine if property is seaward of CCCL
  3. Flood zone verification: FEMA flood map
  4. Submit plans: City of Clearwater Building Department
  5. Building permit and inspections: Florida Building Code
  6. CO: Required before occupancy

Contact

City of Clearwater Development and Neighborhood Services 100 South Myrtle Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33756 Phone: (727) 562-4567 Website: myclearwater.com/government/city-departments/planning-development

Disclaimer: Verify current Clearwater requirements and coastal/flood zone status before starting any project.

More about Clearwater Zoning

Sources

  1. City of Clearwater Community Development Code·library.municode.com·Accessed 2026-04-07·Direct link
  2. Florida Statutes § 163.31771 — Accessory dwelling units·leg.state.fl.us·Accessed 2026-05-24·Direct link

FAQ

Are ADUs allowed in Clearwater, Florida?
Florida Statutes §163.31771 is a permissive (not mandatory) statewide framework: a local government may adopt an ADU ordinance upon a finding of an affordable-rental shortage. Whether Clearwater has adopted such an ordinance and the applicable standards must be confirmed with Clearwater's Planning & Development Department. Clearwater is a Gulf Coast city in Pinellas County known for Clearwater Beach.
What coastal regulations affect ADUs in Clearwater?
Clearwater's Gulf Coast location means many properties are in FEMA flood zones and subject to Florida's Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) regulations. Properties on or near the beach face the strictest requirements.