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Spring Break Ordinances for 2024

March 6, 2024 • Dana Morris • Quote

Panama City Beach, Florida, is a spring break destination like no other, offering sun-drenched beaches, thrilling water sports, vibrant nightlife, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, you’ll find it all on the shores of this thriving Gulf Coast beach town. So pack your sunscreen, grab your friends or family, and get ready for an unforgettable spring break experience on Panama City Beach.

However, with all the fun that is surely to be had during spring break, there are many things you need to know about the spring break ordinances in effect on Panama City Beach. For clarification, the ordinances in effect during spring break are local laws passed by Panama City Beach City Council.

  • The consumption or possession of alcohol is not allowed on the sandy beach during the month of March. According to Panama City Beach Ordinance 1353, “Sandy Gulf Beach” means all loose or uncompacted sandy areas, including sand dunes and vegetated areas, lying between the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the seaward boundary of the seaward most public vehicular right of way.
  • Alcohol sales are not permitted after 2 a.m. and until 7 a.m. According to Panama City Beach Ordinance 1347, this is another of the beach alcohol laws during Panama City Beach spring break.
  • Loitering in parking lots or the shoulder of the roadway is strictly prohibited. The consumption of alcohol in parking lots and vehicles is not allowed. Panama City Beach spring break rules as they relate to parking lots, roadways, loitering and alcohol are found in Panama City Beach Ordinance 1348 and Panama City Beach Ordinance 1345-E.

In addition to the Panama City Beach Ordinances that are designed to be enforced during spring break on Panama City Beach, all laws are strictly enforced by our local law enforcement. Some of those include:

    • Must be 21 years or older to drink or possess alcohol.

    • Illegal drugs are prohibited.

    • Loud music which disturbs the peace is prohibited. Music which can be heard by someone more than 25 feet away is illegal.

    • Violence and fighting is strictly prohibited.

    • Climbing, jumping from, or throwing things from balconies is not allowed.

    • No metal shovels are allowed on the sandy beach, and digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited. Any holes dug should be properly filled in for the safety of all.

As you plan your spring break getaway, it’s essential to prioritize safety and responsibility. Panama City Beach officials work tirelessly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors! They have put ordinances in place to promote responsible behavior and prevent underage drinking.

Talk to a Defense Lawyer Who’s Helped Students Just Like You

If you or your child faces charges related to underage drinking, alcohol on the sandy beaches, drugs, theft, fighting or any other offense in Panama City, the best thing to do is contact a Panama City criminal defense attorney.  Do not hesitate to contact one of our attorneys at The Morris Law Firm.  We will be happy to offer a free initial consultation over the phone or in person. We have helped many college students avoid the serious consequences of a criminal record.  If you need a lawyer in Panama City or the surrounding areas, call our attorneys now, (850) 257-5680.  Once hired we will be there for you throughout the entire process including filing the paperwork that will allow us to appear on your behalf at all your court dates.  This will prevent the added trouble and expense of having to return to Panama City for each court date. 

Categories: Criminal Defense, Drinking on Sandy Beaches, General, Spring Break Arrests • Tags: , , , ,
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Criminal Defense Lawyer in Panama City Beach, FL

When Do You Need A Panama City Criminal Defense Attorney?

March 24, 2015 • Dana Morris

Many of the best vacations are had right here on Panama City Beach, Florida!  In fact, our beaches are often called “the World’s most beautiful beaches,” and this area is known as one of the top beach vacation destinations in the country.  Tourists and locals, alike, enjoy eating at Captain Anderson’s, having great adventures at sea, cruising the strip, enjoying the clubs on Thomas Drive, shopping at Pier Park, sunbathing or having lots of fun by the pool.

But what if the spring break partying gets out of hand?  What if alcohol, drugs or weapons are involved? Sometimes what starts as a great vacation can quickly turn into a nightmare and some spring breakers find themselves unfortunately charged with misdemeanor or felony charges.  Spring break charges that we see often include:

Was your son or daughter arrested on a spring break trip to the beach?  If so, you need a Panama City attorney to stay on top of things here locally in Panama City long after the vacation is over and everyone has returned home.  Once hired, we will file all the necessary paperwork to keep you and/or your son or daughter from having to return to Bay County for court dates.  Instead, we will be able to appear in front of the judge on your behalf.  This will save both additional expense and trouble.

We can walk you through the entire legal process, starting with first appearance, leading to and including expungement if applicable.

  • Within 24 hours of the arrest a first appearance takes place. In Bay County, the county that Panama City Beach is located in, the defendant will appear in front of a judge or a magistrate by live video feed. The prosecutor, an assistant state attorney, will be present.  We recommend you hire a private attorney to represent you at first appearance to start fighting immediately for the best possible outcome in your case.  Contact Attorney Dana Morris at (850) 257-5680 if you would like for him to represent you at your 1st appearance.

In Florida first appearances are held to:

  • notify the defendant of the charges brought against him/her by law enforcement
  • determine if there is probable cause for these charges
  • set bond and the conditions of release, if there are any.

Talk to a Criminal Defense Lawyer Who’s Helped Others Just Like You

How do you choose a criminal defense firm to hire in Panama City?  A good criminal lawyer will fight to protect your rights every step of the way.   Attorney Dana Morris, a criminal defense attorney with The Morris Law Firm, will represent you or your loved one with your case starting at first appearance and proceeding throughout the entire process.  Rest assured that he will be fighting for the best possible outcome.  He has over 17 years of legal experience and has handled thousands of criminal cases including indecent exposure, resisting arrest, fleeing or eluding a police officer, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, and much more.   Contact an experienced attorney.  Contact Dana Morris at (850) 257-5680 for a free consultation in our office or over the phone.

Categories: Criminal Defense, DUI, General • Tags: , ,
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