In Clearwater, cannabis “consumption laws” are best understood as a stack of rules: Florida’s medical marijuana framework, statewide smoke/vape restrictions, and Clearwater’s local smoking/vaping bans in high-traffic outdoor areas. The headline for residents and visitors is simple: Florida remains a medical-only state, so adult-use (recreational) marijuana consumption is not legal—and “where you use it” can be just as important as “whether you can use it.”

Medical use is allowed—but generally only in private

Florida permits qualified patients to use medical marijuana, but official state guidance emphasizes private use. Qualified patients are directed to use medical marijuana at home or on private property, and public use is described as illegal.
For smokable medical marijuana specifically, Florida’s medical program materials state that it may not be smoked in public and may not be smoked in an indoor workplace.

Indoor spaces: smoke/vape rules still apply

Even when cannabis is lawfully possessed under Florida’s medical program, smoking and vaping restrictions can still limit where consumption is permitted. Florida law restricts smoking in most indoor workplaces and also limits vaping or the use of vapor-generating devices in indoor workplaces, with only narrow exceptions.
Practically, that means a medical patient cannot assume that “indoor” consumption is acceptable simply because they hold a medical marijuana card—particularly in places that function as workplaces, such as restaurants, bars, or many commercial settings.

Clearwater’s beach and park bans matter for cannabis users

Clearwater has drawn a bright line in the places tourists frequent most: the beach and city parks. Under local ordinance, smoking and vaping are prohibited on Clearwater Beach and in city-operated parks, and violations can result in fines.
Florida law gives local governments the authority to adopt stricter rules for smoking and vaping on public beaches and parks under their control. As a result, even lawful medical marijuana use does not override Clearwater’s beach and park bans.

Hotels, rentals, and “private property” aren’t automatic safe zones

Many visitors assume balconies, hotel rooms, or vacation rentals qualify as guaranteed “private property.” In reality, hotels, resorts, and property owners may impose no-smoking and no-vaping policies, regardless of whether the substance is tobacco or cannabis. Violations can lead to removal, cleaning fees, or other penalties separate from any criminal enforcement.
Additionally, if a location is considered a workplace for staff, broader indoor smoking and vaping restrictions may still apply.

Travel, vehicles, and visibility: common tourist pitfalls

Florida medical marijuana guidance also cautions patients against taking cannabis across state lines, even to states where marijuana may be legal. Federal law continues to govern interstate travel, creating legal risk for travelers.
Law enforcement attention in Florida has also consistently focused on public consumption, including sidewalks, streets, beaches, parks, and shared residential areas. For both residents and tourists, visibility often increases enforcement risk—even when possession itself may be lawful.

Bottom line: In Clearwater, cannabis consumption is effectively limited to private, permitted spaces for qualified medical patients. Public smoking or vaping—particularly on Clearwater Beach, in parks, or other shared spaces—remains prohibited and can result in enforcement action. Residents and visitors alike benefit from understanding that legality in Florida depends not just on possession, but on where and how cannabis is consumed.