Frequently Asked Questions

The City of Dunedin is proposing Ordinance 26-08, amending the City of Dunedin Code of Ordinances to prohibit launching of motorized watercraft from the south side of Dunedin Causeway Beach to protect the shoreline, reduce negative environmental impacts and increase overall user safety.  

No, there is no paved boat ramp on the south side of the Causeway, meaning the public was launching directly from the beach/shoreline prior to the closure of the Causeway following Hurricane’s Helene and Milton.

 Yes, the proposed ordinance only prohibits the launching and retrieving of motorized watercraft from the south side of the Causeway and will not affect the operation of motorized watercraft in the Intracoastal Waterway or the St. Joseph Sound.  

Yes, kayaks, paddleboards and other non-motorized watercraft will still be allowed to launch from the south side of the Causeway in the areas permitted. The proposed ordinance only prohibits the launching and retrieving of motorized watercraft.  

The Dunedin Causeway was closed due to the damage that occurred from the 2024 Hurricanes. Pinellas County has been actively working to repair the damage. Work began in April 2026 and is expected to be completed by December 2026.  

According to a memo submitted by the Suncoast Sierra Club, there has been a demonstrable improvement to the aquatic habitat along the Causeway since the prohibition of motorized vessels and personal watercraft. The reintroduction of motorized vessels would reverse habitat improvements and adversely impact the sensitive aquatic ecosystem. 

Dunedin Fire reported that there have been two jet ski fatalities since 2020. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office also reported 80 jet ski-related incidents between January 1, 2022, and April 30, 2026. 

There are public and private boat ramps located between 2.8 and 12.8 miles from the Dunedin Causeway. The closest public boat ramp is the Seminole Boat Ramp in Clearwater which is 6.7 miles away from the Causeway and 3 miles from the Dunedin Marina. A list of public and private boat ramps can be viewed here. 

If adopted, the proposed ordinance will be enforced by Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

After hours of public input, the City Commission voted 4-0 in favor of the ordinance. Commissioners cited public safety, overcrowding and the value of protecting seagrass and wildlife. You can watch the full July 23 Commission meeting here.  

The Dunedin City Commission represents the residents of Dunedin. Commissioners are taking that into consideration when reviewing comments for and against the ordinance.   

The second and final public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, September 3, 2026. The hearing will be held at the Regular City Commission meeting at 6 p.m. at the Dunedin City Hall (737 Louden Ave). 

The public is encouraged to provide input on the proposed ordinance through e-Comment on the City website or by emailing the City Commission at CityCommission@Dunedin.gov. The Public is also encouraged to attend the second hearing scheduled for Thursday, September 3 at 6 p.m. at Dunedin City Hall (737 Louden Ave).  

The City has recently received a proposed 120-unit multi-family project that has been submitted under the State of Florida Live Local Act. 

To qualify under Live-Local, the developer must provide for at least 40% of the project to be affordable as defined in Florida Statutes for a period of at least 30 years. For this request, the developer is initially proposing that all 120-units will be affordable/attainable workforce housing.

This is not Section 8 housing, which is federal tenant-based rental assistance program, whereas Florida’s Live Local Act is a state legislative framework focused on boosting the physical supply of affordable and workforce housing through developer incentives and zoning preemptions.

The project site includes 5 parcels located 381 Patricia Avenue, 401 Patricia Avenue, 403 Patricia Avenue, 407 Patricia Avenue, 1090 Scotsdale Street. HERE is a link to the location in Pinellas County Property Appraiser website. 

The Live Local Program a comprehensive, statewide attainable housing strategy, designed to increase the availability of affordable workforce housing opportunities for Florida’s residents, who desire to live within the communities they serve and work. The Live Local Act was signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in 2023, Senate Bill 102, AKA the Live Local Act became law effective on July 1, 2023.

• The State of Florida Live Local Act pre-empts and/or limits municipalities from applying certain criteria including height and density. 
• The law further requires that any such project may not be subjected to public hearings and must be approved administratively – not by the City Commission.
• The City’s Community Development process for Live Local Act project requires that the developer host a public meeting with residents/businesses in the development area. Residents and business owners will be directly contacted by the developer for details on when and where the meeting will be held.

Please contact the Developer directly for community feedback: RK Development Partners, LLC; reed@rkdevpartners.com. 

For opposition to the Live Local Act – please contact the Governor’s office by calling 850-717-9337. You can recommend to either remove or add additional qualifying language to the Senate Bill 102 reference. The Bill has been modified at least twice since it was initially signed.

Live Local Dunedin Community Development administrative approval criteria, including traffic studies, engineering drainage studies, architecture styles, and more information is noted on the city’s webpage.