Updated November 3, 2026 · Local data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates
Clearwater at a glance
Local notes: Clearwater
The county seat stretches from Clearwater Beach on its barrier island, through downtown, to the newer Countryside area in the north. Beach condos, 1970s–80s single-family subdivisions and 55+ communities all trade here.
Hurricane Helene's 2024 storm surge flooded many homes on Pinellas barrier islands. Under the National Flood Insurance Program's substantial-damage rule (the "50% rule"), a heavily damaged or heavily renovated older home may have to be elevated or brought up to current flood code. That affects price, insurability and renovation plans, so ask for permits, damage determinations and an elevation certificate.
Condos are a big part of the Clearwater market. Florida's post-Surfside condo safety laws require milestone structural inspections and fully funded structural reserves for many buildings. Review the association's reserve study, milestone reports and any special assessments before you buy or list.
Housing stock in Clearwater
Clearwater has about 61,123 housing units. 45% are single-family homes and 36% are in buildings with 10 or more units, and 5% are mobile or manufactured homes. 56% of homes were built before 1980 and 16% were built in 2000 or later. The median resident is 46.6 years old. About 10% of housing units are seasonal or occasional-use homes, so part-time residents are a meaningful slice of the market.
Condo owners need an HO-6 policy. Read the master policy to see what the association covers and what falls on you.
Which inspections Clearwater buyers usually order
| Inspection | What it's for | Relevant here? |
|---|---|---|
| Full home inspection | Your own due diligence on the whole house | Always |
| 4-point | Insurer review of roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC | Very likely (median home built 1978) |
| Wind mitigation (OIR-B1-1802) | Documents features that earn windstorm discounts | Recommended |
| WDO / termite | Wood-destroying organisms. Often required by lenders | Common |
| Sewer scope | Camera check of the drain line | Worth it. Older cast-iron and clay lines are common in homes from this era |
Florida home inspectors must hold a license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You can verify any license at myfloridalicense.com.
Clearwater vs. similar communities
| Community | Median value | Median year built |
|---|---|---|
| Clearwater | $361,300 | 1978 |
| Gulfport | $366,200 | 1963 |
| St. Petersburg | $371,100 | 1969 |
| South Pasadena | $350,200 | 1978 |
| Seminole | $348,500 | 1979 |
| Oldsmar | $380,300 | 1988 |
What happens after you ask
We read your request, then introduce you to a single licensed home inspector who works in Clearwater. They reach out directly, typically the same business day. You decide whether to work with them, and there's no cost or commitment from you.
Frequently asked questions
Are home inspectors licensed in Florida?
Yes. Home inspectors are licensed by the Florida DBPR under Chapter 468, Part XV, Florida Statutes.
Can one inspector do the 4-point and wind mitigation?
Usually, yes. Many licensed inspectors bundle the full inspection, 4-point and wind mitigation report in one visit.