Adult Use Establishments

The Office of Consumer Protection manages licensing for adult use establishments.

• The Pinellas County Adult Use Establishment ordinance applies only to the unincorporated areas of the county.
• Each city has its own adult use ordinance.
• You must have an adult use permit (zoning) before applying for a new adult use license. Please contact Pinellas County Building and Development Review Services for more information or call (727) 464-3888.
• Effective January 16, 2025, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners approved updates to existing Adult Use ordinance language to align with recent statutory changes, increasing the age to be employed at an Adult Use Establishment from 18 to 21. Section 42-141 has been amended to include these changes.
  • Employee means a person who works or performs or provides services in connection with an adult use establishment, irrespective of whether such person is paid a salary or wage, or is an independent contractor, provided such person has a substantial or consistent relationship with the business of or entertainment/services provided by the adult use.
  • Employee includes, but is not limited to, performers, managers and assistant managers, stockpersons, tellers, and operators.

Effective Oct. 1, 2024, there is a $59.00 increase in Adult Use license fees from $1,659 to $1,718 to remain consistent with costs to administer licenses.

• $100 Non-Refundable Application Fee – submitted with your Adult Use license application.
• $30 Non-Refundable Background Check Fee – Per applicant listed on your application.
• $1,718 License Fee – due and payable upon notification of approval of your license application.
• Payments by credit card can be made in the Pinellas County Access Portal or checks may be mailed to our office at:
  Consumer Protection
  14250 49th Street North
  Suite 1000, Rm 2
  Clearwater, FL 33762