Beach Safety and Flag Ordinance
Panama City Beach utilizes the internationally accepted beach flag warning system in an effort to protect our estimated 4.5 million visitors and locals from dangerous rip currents. The flag meanings are explained in detail bel◊vv. Double-red flags mean the Gulf is closed to swimmers. With the exception of surfers tethered to a board, no one is allowed to be in the water when double reds are flying. Look for educational materials on these warning flags in your hotel, condo or vacation rental, as well as at every public beach access point. Flags are located up and down the beach both inside and outside of the City limits. If you’d like text alerts when the flags change you can sign up by texting “PCBFLAGS” to 888777.

Leave No Trace Ordinance
All personal items will be removed and disposed of if left on the beach between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. CST. These items include, but are not limited to, tents, chairs, toys, umbrellas and coolers.

Sea Turtles and Nesting Ordinance
All sea turtles are protected by the US Endangered Species Act and Florida State Law. It is illegal to kill or harm sea turtles. It is also illegal to disturb the nest of a sea turtle. Heavy fines and possible imprisonment may result.

Noise Ordinance
Hand-held sound production devices such as portable stereos or radios cannot be operated in a public space or right of way if they are plainly audible from 50 feet during the daytime, or plainly audible to any person other than the operator from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Vehicle sound systems cannot be operated if they are plainly audible from 50 feet during the daytime, or from 25 feet overnight.

Alcohol in Commercial Parking Lots Ordinance
Change makes it unlawful for any person to possess an open container of alcohol or to drink or otherwise consume alcohol in a commercial parking lot within the Beaches Area Special Treatment Zone (the land and water area between the Walton County line and the western terminus of the Hathaway Bridge, and between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico), unless the area is properly permitted by state license or an approved county special event permit which allows such use.

Motor Scooters Ordinance
Rentals are prohibited from 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.