Vacationing at the beach should be a fun and relaxing time, but it’s important to remember that there are still rules to keep you safe along with the people and marine life around you. Be sure to keep in mind these important beach rules during your next visit!
Beach Flags
When visiting the beach it is important to understand the flag system and heed those warnings. The flags are updated periodically throughout the day as weather and conditions may change. The flag system is in place to keep visitors safe. Green flags mean that the surf is calm. Yellow flags indicate moderate conditions. Red flags mean dangerous conditions and knee deep is too deep. Double red flags mean that the water is closed to the public. Purple flags mean that there is an increased presence of dangerous marine life. Regardless of the posted flag, it is important to exercise caution in the water. Conditions can change at any time and flags may not be updated immediately. The best way to stay informed is to subscribe to flag texts by texting “PCBFLAGS” to 888777. You can also check flag conditions on our website and the official Visit Panama City Beach website.
Leave No Trace
In an effort to keep the beaches beautiful, Panama City Beach has instituted the leave no trace ordinance. This means that anything you bring with you to the beach needs to leave the beach with you. Nothing may be left unattended on the beach from 7 pm until 7 am. When visiting the beach, it’s also important to properly dispose of your trash. Disposing of your trash helps to protect the visitors around you as well as the beautiful marine life that calls our beaches and waters home. The leave no trace ordinance is also vital in protecting sea turtles during nesting season. To learn more about protecting the turtles, read our blog post.
Grill and Bonfires
Open flames pose a fire risk and can cause major damage to the area surrounding the beaches if the wind carries any embers away. Due to this risk, grills are not permitted on the beaches in Panama City Beach. However, it is possible to have a beach bonfire with a permit from the city. The city will issue permits after an in person application is permitted. To learn more about beach bonfires read our blog post.
Alcohol
Generally, alcohol is permitted on the beach. However, during the month of March in Panama City Beach, alcohol is not permitted on the sandy beach. There are other important things to remember when thinking about taking alcohol to the beach. First, glass is not permitted on the beach. Also, it is important to exercise even more caution when consuming alcohol on the beach. You should avoid swimming while under the influence of alcohol.
Dogs
Dogs are not permitted on the beaches of Panama City Beach. The only exception to this rule is the dog beach located just west of Russell-Fields Pier across from Pier Park. Dogs must always be on a lead, and owners must pick up after their dogs.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted on the beaches and piers in Panama City Beach. When fishing on the beaches you will need to purchase a fishing license. A fishing license can be purchased from a local Walmart or bait shop. When fishing on the pier, a fishing license is not needed, because a one-day license is included with your fee.
Here at Premium Beach Condos, we want to ensure that each and every guest has a fun and safe vacation. We encourage guests to follow these rules and remember to pay close attention to the beach flags to ensure that you are staying safe and are aware of your surroundings. To book your Panama City Beach vacation, visit our website!
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