Marina Rules & Regulations
City of Clearwater Marina Rules & Regulations
(Updated August 2025, in accordance with Clearwater Code of Ordinance 33.021)
The city of Clearwater’s Marina Rules & Regulations outline essential guidelines for safe and enjoyable marina use. Compliance is mandatory for all users, emphasizing insurance, accident reporting, storage, fueling, security, conduct, advertising, and environmental stewardship.
Compliance with Rules & Regulations
All marina tenants, guests, and visitors are expected to comply fully with all applicable federal, state, county, and City of Clearwater laws, ordinances, and regulations, as well as the posted marina rules and directives issued by the Harbormaster or authorized staff. This includes adhering to safety requirements, environmental protection standards, and operational guidelines designed to ensure the marina remains safe, clean, and enjoyable for all users. Individuals are responsible for knowing and following these rules, and vessel owners are accountable for the conduct of their guests, crew, and patrons. Violations may result in warnings, suspension of marina privileges, or termination of docking agreements, depending on severity
Insurance Requirements
A valid certificate of insurance, or copies of it, must be kept on file at the office of the Harbormaster by all tenants holding a valid lease, license, contract, or permit executed with the city in the amounts of liability determined by the city’s Office of Risk Management.
The marina must be listed as an interested party on all insurance certificates, at the address listed below:|
City of Clearwater Municipal Marinas
Attn.: Billing
25 Causeway Blvd
City of Clearwater, FL 33767
A valid certificate of insurance must also be on file for any contractor, subcontractor, or construction company functioning on or in marina property. Amounts of liability are determined by the city’s Office of Risk Management. The Marina must be listed as an interested party on all insurance certificates, at the address listed below:
City of Clearwater Municipal Marinas
Attn.: Billing
25 Causeway Blvd
City of Clearwater, FL 33767
Accident Reporting & Responsibility
The Harbormaster’s office must inspect any marina facility involved in an accident with the vessel owner or operator to assess damage to public and private property. Individuals causing damage to public property will be fully liable to the city.
Anyone involved in an accident, whether personal or involving a vessel on the marina property, shall report it to the Harbormaster within five days. The report shall include the names and addresses of all principals and witnesses, if known, and a statement of the facts.
Tenants must adhere to all regulatory requirements in the event of an accident.
Non-Vessel Storage of Equipment
No person may use any marina area for storage of property or equipment unless authorized by a license, lease, contract, or Harbormaster’s written authorization.
Equipment, personal items, and other belongings are not permitted to be stored on the dock.
A dock box will be available for storage on the dock to both recreational and commercial tenants. The Harbormaster is not responsible for any lost or stolen property.
Commercial tenants may have an ice machine and freezer on the dock next to the seawall. Fishing charters can have a fish-cutting table. Other items require approval from the Harbormaster or their designee.
The Harbormaster or designee must approve fish cutting tables, ice machines, and freezers stored on the dock.
Fueling Hours of Operation
- Fuel Dock Operating Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
- Harbormaster Office Operating Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- Harbor Marina Operating Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
- Please note that all facility offices will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Security
The marinas offer nightly security. Gates must be secured, and tenants and guests are not allowed to prop gates open. Security Cameras are operational at various locations around the marinas. Security cameras can be reviewed by Harbormaster or designee upon request.
Advertising and Display
Posting, distributing, or displaying signs, advertisements, or any other forms of printed or written matter is strictly prohibited on marina property for any reason.
All commercial vessels must display a sign with the vessel's name, owner/captain, and type of operation. According to Community Development Code Section 3-1805, two signs (8 ft² and 6 ft²) per slip are allowed without a city permit. A portable sign can be placed on the dock while underway, but must be moved back onto the vessel when in port.
Upon returning to the marina, operators can display and dress fish as a service for patrons. Fish may also be hung until the end of the day.
Monitors or screens displaying commercial services are classified as moving signs and are prohibited by Code.
The display, waving, or carrying of signs by individuals for commercial promotional purposes is strictly prohibited.
Compliance with Posted Signs
The public is required to follow all posted signs, fences, and barricades that restrict entry to the marina docks or certain areas, as well as rules regarding activities and behavior while at the marina.
Boat Owner Responsibilities & Maintenance
Vessels must be seaworthy, hazard-free, and visually acceptable.
Owners must correct or remove any vessel in an unsafe condition as directed by marina staff.
Owners must immediately remove the vessel if notified by marina staff of an unsafe condition and are responsible for any damage caused to marina docks, pilings, and structures.
The owner must keep the vessel properly moored and dry within. Routine maintenance and minor repairs for the vessel's preservation and seaworthiness, such as mechanical adjustments, minor painting, sealing leaks, and preventing rot, may be performed within the marina. These repairs must:
- Not disturb marina users.
- Avoid creating a disorderly or unsightly appearance.
- Use hand tools or certain portable power tools typically on board.
- Be confined to the vessel.
- Prevent pollution or waste in marina waters.
Notify the Harbormaster of all major repairs. Major vessel work can be done at the Beach Marina’s commercial slip with Harbormaster approval.
Animals
- Domestic animals must be leashed to enter any part of the marina.
- Owners must clean up their animals’ mess.
- Do not feed or attract birds or other animals in the marina.
Lost, Found, and Abandoned Property
Found items at the marina can be deposited at the office. If unclaimed within 90 days, they must be returned to the finder upon request per Chapter 705, Florida Statutes.
No person shall abandon personal property on the marina.
Any property deemed abandoned by the city will be removed, stored, or disposed of at the Owner's expense per Florida Statutes.
Conduct
The city of Clearwater Marine and Aviation Department aims to deliver top service to marina users. The Marine Rules and Regulations ensure the rights of tenants, guests, and visitors to enjoy a safe and pleasant marina environment.
The following activities are not permitted at all marine facilities, including all lands, structures, boat ramps, docks, and other amenities:
- Violating any federal, state, county, Marina Rules or Regulations, or city ordinance. Suspected illegal activity will be reported to the police immediately.
- Engaging in disruptive, unsafe, or threatening behavior affecting marina tenants, staff, guests, and visitors.
- Using alcohol or illegal substances on marine infrastructure, including lands, docks, and fishing piers.
- Performing personal hygiene or laundering clothes outdoors at marine facilities.
- Fishing in unauthorized areas.
- Unauthorized entry into controlled access areas (docks and restroom facilities) without permission.
- Throwing, shooting, or propelling any object in a manner that interferes with or endangers the safe operation of any vessel.
- Operating a vessel from or within the marina basins or city of Clearwater Harbor while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs.
- Skateboarding, cycling, rollerblading, or using other non-human propulsion devices on the sidewalks, docks, or seawalls within the marina property, including on docks and piers.
- Destroying, injuring, defacing, or disturbing any building, sign, equipment, marker, tree, flower, lawn, or other property on the marina premises.
All vessel activities in the marina must comply with U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules, city of Clearwater ordinances, and county and state regulations.
Any commercial activity or business venture, including charters, rentals, Airbnb and similar operations, is prohibited at the city marinas unless expressly authorized by the Harbormaster.
Report any accident-causing injury or damage at the Municipal marinas to the Harbormaster's office immediately.
All relevant Florida state laws and City/County ordinances are included in the marina's Rules and Regulations.
A business is permitted to engage only in activities directly related to the vessel in the slip, unless prior authorization is obtained from the Harbormaster or designee.
Public intoxication, disorderly conduct, threats, profanity, or abusive language by anyone associated with the vessel will result in immediate removal from the marina.
Severe violations will lead to immediate suspension and termination of your docking permit or license agreement. Vessel owners are responsible for the actions of guests, employees, patrons, and visitors.
Fire & Safety
All individuals using the marina are required to take precautions to prevent fire and ensure the safety of people and property.
All relevant City, County, State, and NFPA codes and standards are adopted as part of the Marina's Rules and Regulations. In case of conflict, NFPA codes, as determined by the City Fire Marshal, will prevail.
Smoking Restrictions: Smoking is not allowed in any public building of the marina. "No Smoking" signs must be posted in areas where fuels and other flammable liquids are stored or dispensed, in all covered or enclosed boat storage areas, in battery rooms, and in other designated locations.
Fueling Procedures and Practices
No outside fuel or containers are allowed in the marina without Harbormaster approval. Fueling is only permitted in designated slips by Marina personnel. All fueling will be offloaded by marina fueling facility.
Fueling or using fuel containers on marina property without Harbormaster approval will result in termination of your docking permit or license agreement.
BEFORE FUELING:
- Stop engines and auxiliaries.
- Turn off electricity, open flames, and heat sources.
- Check bilges for fuel vapors.
- Extinguish smoking materials.
- Close openings to prevent vapor entry.
- Remove all personnel except the handler.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Know emergency shut-off valve locations.
- Avoid fueling during thunderstorms or if they are within five miles.
DURING FUELING:
- Maintain nozzle contact with fill pipe.
- Pay attention to the nozzle.
- Clean spills immediately.
- Avoid overfilling.
AFTER FUELING AND BEFORE STARTING ENGINES:
- Check bilges for leaks or odors.
- Ventilate until no odors remain.
Notice of Suspension & Trespass Procedures
Depending on the offense, individuals may be asked to leave the marine facilities or property under Section 810.08, Florida Statutes, or staff may contact law enforcement.
Environmental Pollution & Sanitation
Any spills must be promptly reported to the Harbormaster’s office, which will then notify the appropriate agencies.
Waste oil can be disposed of at the Beach and Harbor Marina. All waste oil should be deposited in the waste oil tank located in the marine service shop area. Sewage pump-out facilities are available at the fuel dock and at the downtown city of Clearwater Harbor marina. These services are currently available to all users free of charge.
Do not waste potable water at the docks. According to Florida Administrative Code 40D-22, boats and motors can be washed with a shut-off nozzle or water-efficient device. Washing vehicles in the marina is prohibited.
Dispose of garbage in the dumpsters and trash cans.
All fish carcasses will be double-bagged and disposed of in the trash compactor in the public parking area. At no time will fish carcasses be fed to birds or disposed of in the water.
Clean Marina Program – Environmental Stewardship
The city of Clearwater Marinas are recognized as Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Clean Marinas. This status highlights our commitment to protecting Florida’s waterways through best management practices that reduce pollution and promote sustainable boating. All tenants, guests, and visitors must adhere to Clean Marina standards
to help preserve the marine environment, maintain water quality, and ensure continued enjoyment of Clearwater’s waterways for future generations.
- Dispose of oil, fuel, sewage, and waste properly.
- Report spills or discharges immediately to the Harbormaster.
- Use pump-out facilities for sewage; no overboard discharge allowed.
- Follow Florida-friendly landscaping and stormwater practices.
- Use water responsibly with shut-off nozzles on hoses.
- Keep debris, cleaners, and hazardous materials out of the water.
- Protect marine wildlife by not feeding birds, fish, or other animals.