Clearwater renters are covered by Florida state law on deposits, habitability, and eviction — rent control is banned statewide, but Florida's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act provides key tenant protections.·Updated April 2026
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Key Takeaways
Learn whether rent control exists in Clearwater or anywhere in Florida.
Review Florida's deposit-return timeline and how renters can recover wrongfully withheld funds.
See the lease-end notice Florida requires landlords to give tenants.
Check whether just-cause eviction protections cover renters in Clearwater.
Find out whether Clearwater layers additional tenant protections on top of Florida law.
Bay Area Legal Services (bals.org), Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida (clsmf.org)
1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Clearwater
Clearwater is the county seat of Pinellas County on Florida's Gulf Coast, part of the Tampa Bay metropolitan area. All renter protections in Clearwater derive from Florida state law — the city has no local tenant ordinances expanding upon state rights. Florida's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Fla. Stat. Ch. 83) governs deposits, habitability, retaliation, and eviction for all Clearwater renters.
2. Does Clearwater Have Rent Control?
Clearwater has no rent control, and Florida's 2023 HB 1431 ensures no Florida city or county can enact any. The law overrode existing local rent control measures and prohibits future ones — even voter-approved ordinances. Landlords in Clearwater may raise rent to any amount with proper advance written notice to tenants.
3. Florida State Tenant Protections That Apply in Clearwater
Florida state law provides Clearwater renters with the following rights:
Security Deposit: If no deductions are made, the deposit must be returned within 15 days of move-out. For deductions, written notice must be sent within 30 days — tenants have 15 days to object. Failure to comply forfeits the landlord's deduction rights (Fla. Stat. § 83.49).
Notice to Terminate: Month-to-month tenants are entitled to 15 days' written notice; week-to-week tenants get 7 days (Fla. Stat. § 83.57).
Repairs & Habitability: Landlords must maintain habitable conditions. After a 7-day written repair notice, a landlord who fails to act allows the tenant to terminate or pursue other remedies (Fla. Stat. § 83.56).
Retaliation Protection: Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting code issues, joining tenant groups, or exercising other legal rights (Fla. Stat. § 83.64).
Lockout & Utility Shutoff: Self-help eviction is illegal. Landlords cannot lock tenants out or cut off utilities without going through the courts. Violations entitle the tenant to actual damages and attorney's fees (Fla. Stat. § 83.67).
4. Security Deposit Rules in Clearwater
Under Fla. Stat. § 83.49, Clearwater landlords must return your security deposit within 15 days of move-out if no deductions are made. If they plan to deduct, they must mail a written itemized notice within 30 days — you have 15 days to object in writing. A landlord who fails to send the notice within 30 days loses the right to make any deductions at all. Always take dated photos of the unit and document any existing damage at move-in to protect yourself.
5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Clearwater
To evict a Clearwater tenant, a landlord must provide written notice to vacate (3 days for nonpayment; 7 days for lease violations; 15 days' notice to end a month-to-month tenancy without cause — Fla. Stat. § 83.57), and then file suit in Pinellas County Court if the tenant does not leave. Self-help evictions — removing doors, changing locks, or cutting utilities — are illegal under Fla. Stat. § 83.67 and expose the landlord to a lawsuit for damages and attorney's fees.
6. Resources for Clearwater Tenants
Bay Area Legal Services — Free legal aid for low-income residents in the Tampa Bay area including Clearwater and Pinellas County.
This article provides general information about tenant rights in Clearwater and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization.
Check Your Address
Find out if your home is covered by rent control or tenant protections.
No. Florida's HB 1431 (2023) banned all local rent control statewide. Clearwater has no rent caps.
How much can my landlord raise my rent in Clearwater?
There is no limit. Florida has no rent control. Landlords must give proper advance written notice before a rent increase takes effect.
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Clearwater?
15 days if no deductions; if deductions are planned, written notice within 30 days, with you having 15 days to object. Missing the deadline forfeits all deduction rights (Fla. Stat. § 83.49).
What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Clearwater?
3-day notice to pay or vacate for nonpayment; 15 days' notice to end a month-to-month tenancy without cause (Fla. Stat. § 83.57).
Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Clearwater?
No. Self-help eviction is illegal under Fla. Stat. § 83.67. You can sue for actual damages and attorney's fees.
What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Clearwater?
Serve a 7-day written notice to repair under Fla. Stat. § 83.56. If there is no action, you may terminate the lease or pursue other remedies. Bay Area Legal Services can assist.
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