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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. 

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4 Important Reasons for a Will in Florida

November 29, 2023 • ryan

Here in Florida at the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. However, when it comes to ensuring the well-being of your loved ones, planning for the future is crucial, no matter how busy you are. One essential document that you should never do without is your last will and testament. Here are some important reasons why:

  1. Distribution of Assets:

Without a valid will in Florida, the state’s intestacy laws will determine how your estate will be disbursed to your heirs. By having a will in place, you retain control over who receives what. A simple will can be written to record how you want your assets distributed.

  1. Guardianship for Minor Children:

For parents of minor children, a will is especially critical and important. In the absence of a designated guardian named in a will, the court will appoint someone to care for your children. By designating a guardian for your children in your will, you take charge of their future in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

  1. Executor Appointment:

Appointing an executor in your will is a strategic decision that can help expedite the probate process. Your chosen executor will be responsible for managing your estate, paying outstanding debts, and distributing assets according to your wishes. This hopefully minimizes stress for your loved ones during an already challenging time.

  1. Minimizing Family Disputes:

Without a clear will, disagreements among family members often arise, leading to disputes over the distribution of assets. By articulating your wishes in a legally binding document, you minimize the likelihood of family conflicts and can provide guidance that can hopefully reduce stress during such a sensitive period.

In Bay County, as elsewhere, a will is a vital part of an estate plan. While addressing the end of life questions and scenarios may be challenging, taking the proactive step of creating a will is an act of love and responsibility toward those you care about most.

To work with a lawyer to write your will in Bay County, Florida, give one of our lawyers at The Morris Law Firm a call.  We offer free legal consultations and are waiting to help you provide peace of mind to yourself and your loved ones.

Our will and estate planning attorneys at The Morris Law Firm can be reached at (850) 257-5680.

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What are the Penalties for Underage Drinking on Panama City Beach during Spring Break?

March 21, 2023 • ryan

With all the fun things to see and do on Panama City Beach we really hope you will have a great time here! However, if an underage person (a minor, juvenile, or other person under 21) is caught with alcohol or alcoholic beverages, they could face a second-degree misdemeanor charge. 

In addition, some Panama City Spring Breakers and locals (regardless of age) are also being charged with consumption of alcohol on the sandy beach. According to the Panama City Beach ordinance, during the month of March “it shall be unlawful for any person to possess or consume any alcoholic beverage on the sandy Gulf beach of the Gulf of Mexico, within the City limits. For purposes of this section, ‘sandy Gulf beach‘ shall mean 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.” The penalty for this violation can be found here.

A question we often receive at our Panama City law office is; “My child has been charged with a minor in possession and alcohol on the beach charge. He/she is a good student and good kid who just made a mistake. Can you help?” The answer is yes! Our experienced Panama City attorneys have been helping visitors (and locals) with underage drinking charges and drinking alcohol on the sandy beach charges for many years.

It’s crucial to understand your legal options and consult with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. We have successfully defended many clients on these underage drinking and sandy beach charges and are here for you, your spring breaker, or a loved one. Please give our spring break defense lawyers in Panama City a call at (850) 257-5680 for a free consultation to discuss your best possible outcome to these alcohol related charges.

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What are the penalties for possession of marijuana oils or edibles in Florida?

February 21, 2023 • ryan

Florida lawmakers implemented Florida Statute § 381.986 in response to the passage of the medical marijuana constitutional amendment on the November, 2016 ballot. 

What are the laws in Florida for edibles containing marijuana for medical use? There are many restrictions outlined in the Florida Statute referenced above which relate specifically to edibles for medical marijuana use. Those restrictions include the specification that edibles may not be attractive to children or “bear any reasonable resemblance to products available for consumption as commercially available candy.” Under this law, edibles, such as pot gummies, that look like candy or are attractive to children are illegal even for medical marijuana use.

Is it a felony in Florida to possess marijuana edibles or oils without a prescription? Yes, a person caught without a prescription in possession of marijuana in the form of an edible or a vape is at risk of being charged with a felony offense pursuant to Florida Statute § 893.13(6)(a) and §893.03(1)(b)(190).

Due to the greater availability of marijuana vapes, oils and edibles, we have seen a number of felony charges for the possession of marijuana oils and edibles by clients who did not have a medical marijuana card at the time of the possession of the marijuana vapes, oils and edibles.

The penalties for a felony offense in the state of Florida are significant.  A third degree felony is punishable by up to five years incarceration and/or probation.  If you find yourself charged in Bay County or the surrounding areas with felony possession of marijuana oils and/or edibles, it is extremely important that you contact a good Panama City criminal defense attorney to assist you in your case. 

If you have been arrested and need legal assistance from a criminal defense attorney with a possession of marijuana oil or marijuana edible charge in Panama City or Panama City Beach, contact The Morris Law Firm for a free consultation.

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Planning a trip to Panama City Beach during Spring Break? 9 laws you need to now.

February 10, 2023 • ryan

I’m Dana Morris, a criminal defense attorney in Panama City, Florida, and it’s that time again for me to warn you about some of our unique spring break laws passed by the local PCB City Council and Bay County Commission.

We hope that you and your family will plan your spring break vacation here in Panama City and enjoy all that these beautiful beaches have to offer.

Many of the best things to do on Panama City Beach include pontoon boat rentals, parasailing, fishing, off-shore fishing, shopping at Pier Park, eating at seafood restaurants, golf, night clubs, Shell Island dolphin tours, go-karts, putt-putt golf and so much more.  However, there are some unusual spring break laws that you need to know about.   

Here are some of the Spring Break rules in place on Panama City Beach during Spring Break:

1. During the month of March, no possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on the sandy beach of Panama City Beach. You must leave the alcohol in the room during March.

2. No alcohol possession or consumption in commercial parking lots.

3. During the month of March, all alcohol sales on Panama City Beach end at 2 a.m.

4. No open house parties.

5. Parking in a closed business parking lot is not allowed.

6. Overnight scooter rental is not allowed.

7. It is illegal to climb, jump from or throw things from balconies of hotel or condominiums on Panama City Beach.

8. Parking is prohibited on unmarked or unpaved portions of the road after dark.

9. Metal shovels are not permitted on Panama City Beach, and any holes dug in the sand should not be deeper than 2 feet.

I am a criminal defense attorney at the Morris Law Firm in Panama City, Florida, and have helped with countless spring break arrests of wonderful people who were in violation of these 9 spring break laws.  I want you to be informed and avoid the hassle of having to hire a Panama City attorney to help you navigate through the legal process.  If you do find yourself in need of an experienced attorney in Panama City, I am experienced in defending spring break law violations and will work hard to get your charges dropped or minimized.  Call me, Dana Morris, for a free consultation, (850) 257-5680.

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Top 4 Reasons You Need a Will Regardless of Your Age

April 26, 2021 • ryan

As a Panama City attorney, I am often asked by my clients, “I don’t have much, do I need a will?”

My answer is, “Absolutely! You need a will”

  • If there is no will in place, a judge will decide who cares for your children. We all know, the judge’s choice may not be the same as yours. For parents, making a will is one of the most important thing you can do. This allows you to determine who your minor children are cared for should anything happen to you.
  • In your will you can designate someone (personal guardian) to care for your children if you pass before they become legal adults. You can also name a trustee (property guardian) to manage your money for your children until they reach adulthood. You can appoint one person to act as both personal and property guardian, or choose two people to carry out the separate roles.
  • If you want to disinherit one of your children or would like to give more to one child than another, you must specifically establish your intentions in a will.
  • You can change or revoke your will at any time. In addition to helping you write a will, one of our Panama City attorneys at The Morris Law Firm can help you with a codicil, which is an amendment to an existing last will and testament.
  • Any person who is of sound mind and either 18 years of age or older or an emancipated minor may make a will.
  • In Florida, the Florida Probate Code states that a will must be signed by two witnesses to be valid. We have notaries available on-site to help with this.

Categories: General
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Hurricane Michael Disaster Relief Information

October 16, 2018 • ryan

I’m Dana Morris, attorney at the Morris Law Firm, and I will do my very best to pass along the information that I receive about assistance available to victims of Hurricane Michael.  It is important to me that you are informed about help available to you.

How to register for financial assistance following the devastation of Hurricane Michael in Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor,  Wakulla and Washington counties

Residents have several methods to register for financial assistance grants from FEMA.

  • Call 1-800-621-FEMA
  • Visit www.disasterassistance.gov
  • Talk with a FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance team
  • FEMA teams are going door-to-door to help people register. FEMA representatives are wearing blue vests with FEMA logos and are carrying FEMA identification. Do not provide personal information to anyone who does not have that identification.
  • Representatives will be at Sam’s Club on 23rd Street in Panama City, Bay County, starting October 16th to help with filing a claim and we have been told that they will be offering temporary housing allowances for those who are not insured.  This has not been confirmed, but we hope that it is true.

After filing for assistance through FEMA you will want to apply for a loan through the SBA (Small Business Administration).

  • Call 1-800-659-2955
  • Visit www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/

The assistance offered through SBA after a disaster is available to both homeowners and business owners.  You do not have to be a business owner to qualify for a loan through the SBA disaster loan program.  It is a low interest rate loan that can be used for, among other things, home repairs by homeowners or for business losses such as economic injury by business owners.  We contacted SBA today and were told that the interest rate for a homeowner’s SBA disaster loan would be between 2% and 4%.  The rate for the SBA disaster business loan would be approximately 4%.  30 year and 7 year terms would be determined.

Tax Relief is available for residents and businesses affected by Hurricane Michael

Individuals who reside or have a business in Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor,  Wakulla and Washington counties may qualify for tax relief.

The declaration permits the IRS to postpone certain deadlines for taxpayers who reside or have a business in the disaster area. For instance, certain deadlines falling on or after Oct. 7, 2018 and before Feb. 28, 2019, are granted additional time to file through Feb. 28, 2019. This includes taxpayers who had a valid extension to file their 2017 return due to run out on Oct. 15, 2018. It also includes the quarterly estimated income tax payments due on Jan. 15, 2019 and the quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on Oct. 31, 2018 and Jan. 31, 2019. It also includes tax-exempt organizations that operate on a calendar-year basis that had an automatic extension due to run out on Nov. 15, 2018. Businesses with extensions also have the additional time including, among others, calendar-year corporations whose 2017 extensions run out on Oct. 15, 2018.

How to apply for unemployment benefits for victims of Hurricane Michael

  • Call 1-800-204-2418
  • Visit https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Login.ASPX

You must provide the following information to complete your application:

  • Social Security number.
  • Alien registration number and expiration date (if applicable).
  • Name and address of your last employer.
  • If you worked in another state during the past two years, have the name and address of the out-of-state employer.
  • If self-employed and have proof of self-employment for the past two years. (For example, W-2 statements, state or federal tax returns, bank records of accounts, statement from a bank showing your business account, or a copy of title or deed to a business property.)
  • If you were scheduled to work but could not work due to the disaster, you must have the name and address of the employer and date you were scheduled to work.

Contact your mortgage company if you were impacted by Hurricane Michael to see if your mortgage company is offering deferred payments

  • Many homeowners are eligible to stop making mortgage payments for up to 12 months, during which time they:
    • will not incur late fees during this temporary payment break
    • will not have delinquencies reported to the credit bureaus
Categories: General
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Florida Penalties for a DUI

July 8, 2018 • ryan

The Florida DUI penalties are very strict and can vary on a number of given factors including whether this is your first DUI offense, how long it has been since your last DUI offense, who you had in the car with you at the time of the DUI arrest, etc.  Provided below is a list of penalties for a DUI in Florida.

First Offense DUI

A misdemeanor with penalties that include:

  • Up to 6 months imprisonment
  • 1 year probation (combined with imprisonment)
  • $500 to $1,000 fine
  • 6 months to 1 year license suspension
  • Community service (at least 50 hours)
  • Substance abuse course (DUI school)
  • Vehicle impoundment for 10 days

First Offense DUI, Enhanced Penalties

A DUI with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) over .15 or if there was a minor, a person under the age of 18, in the vehicle, will result in enhanced penalties.  The penalties will include the above penalties modified with these changes:

  • Up to 9 months imprisonment
  • $1000 to $2000 fine
  • Interlock Ignition Device on all vehicles for up to 6 months

Second Offense DUI in More than 5 Years

A misdemeanor with penalties that include:

  • Up to 9 months imprisonment
  • Up to 1 year probation
  • $500 to $1000 fine
  • 6 months to 1 year license suspension
  • Substance abuse course (DUI school)
  • Vehicle impoundment for 10 days
  • Interlock Ignition Device on all vehicles for 1 year

Second Offense DUI in More than 5 Years, Enhanced Penalties

A second DUI with a BAC over .15 or accompanied by a minor in the vehicle include the above penalties with these changes:

  • Up to 1 year imprisonment
  • $2000 to $4000 fine
  • 6 months to 1 year license suspension
  • Interlock Ignition Device on all vehicles for 2 years

Second Offense DUI in Less than 5 Years

A misdemeanor with penalties that include:

  • Mandatory 10 days to 9 month imprisonment
  • Up to 1 year probation
  • $500 to $1000 fine
  • 5 years license suspension
  • Substance abuse course (DUI school)
  • Vehicle impoundment for 30 days (not concurrent with incarceration)
  • Interlock Ignition Device on all vehicles for 1 year

Second Offense DUI in Less than 5 Years, Enhanced Penalties

A second DUI with a BAC over .15% or accompanied by a minor in the vehicle include the above penalties with these changes:

  • Mandatory 10 days to 1year imprisonment
  • $1000 to $2000 fine
  • Interlock Ignition Device on all vehicles for 2 years

Third Offense DUI in More than 10 Years

A misdemeanor with penalties that include:

  • Up to 1 year imprisonment
  • Up to 1 year probation
  • $2000 to $5000 fine
  • 6 months to 1 year license suspension
  • Substance abuse course (DUI school)
  • Vehicle impoundment for 10 days
  • Interlock Ignition Device on all vehicles for 2 years

Third Offense DUI in Less than 10 Years

A third degree felony with penalties that include:

  • 30 days to 5 years imprisonment
  • Up to 5 years probation
  • $2000 to $5000 fine
  • 10 years license suspension
  • Substance abuse course (DUI school)
  • Vehicle impoundment for 90 days
  • Interlock Ignition Device on all vehicles for 2 years

Third Offense DUI within 10 Years, Enhanced Penalties

A third DUI with a BAC over .15% or accompanied by a minor in the vehicle include the above penalties with these changes:

  • Minimum $4000 fine

Contact a Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer to defend your DUI charges at The Morris Law Firm – We Put Our Clients First

If you or a loved one needs the assistance of a DUI attorney, do not hesitate to contact The Morris Law Firm. We’re available 24/7, so call us now if you need help from an experienced lawyer in Panama City or the surrounding areas, (850) 257-5680. We have a Spanish translator available if you are looking for a Spanish speaking criminal defense attorney (abogado de defensa criminal) on your defense team.  We’ll provide the compassionate support, sound legal advice, and aggressive advocacy you need to get through this difficult time.  Furthermore, we’ll be happy to schedule a free consultation with you and our attorney to discuss your case and your rights at your convenience.

Categories: Criminal Defense, DUI, General
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Navigating through the Panama City Pretrial Diversion and Intervention (PTI) Process

May 31, 2018 • Dana Morris

Dana Morris is a criminal defense attorney in Panama City, Florida.  Many of the criminal cases that he has represented have resulted in Pretrial Diversion.

What are the benefits of a Pretrial Diversion Program?

  • Individuals who successfully complete a Pretrial Diversion Program will avoid a potential criminal conviction by having their criminal charges dismissed.  If they’re a candidate for expungement, they could also have the case removed from their criminal history.
  • They will also avoid the stress, hassle and expense of a criminal trial.

We recommend that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney in Panama City, Florida, to review your charges and see if you qualify for the Pretrial Diversion or Pretrial Intervention programs.  Dana Morris, at The Morris Law Firm, offers free legal consultations and would be happy to meet with your to discuss your charges and your options.  Give him a call at (850) 257-5680.

Pretrial Diversion

To participate in the Pretrial Diversion Program in Bay County, the defendant must not have a prior criminal record. Alternatively, the Defendant may be recommended by an Assistant State Attorney to the program during pre-trial proceedings.

Once you are accepted into pretrial diversion, you will need to complete an online test, serve or pay for eight community service hours, and pay the assessed fees (see below).  Once you complete all terms of the program, the charges are dropped.

Click here for a list of misdemeanor crimes  that are eligible to be diverted by the Bay County State Attorney’s office.

If you and your criminal defense attorney determine that you are eligible for the Pretrial Diversion Program and you enter into the agreement, you will have 90 days to complete an online test and complete it with a score of 70% or better.  Keep in mind, the test is “open book” and you may use the internet or other sources for information.

Take the Pretrial Diversion test here.

During the 90 days after entering into the Pretrial Diversion Program, you will also need to pay the assessed fees

  • Pay $280.00 – Online or with Money Order/Cashier’s Check
  • Pay $200.00 and perform 8 hours of Community Service at a non-profit organization
  • Perform 28 hours of Community Service at a non-profit organization

Pay Pretrial Diversion fees online here.

Pretrial Intervention

For first time offenders with more serious charges, Florida law offers pretrial intervention, which typically involves more conditions than would be associated with a Pretrial Diversion Program and takes a longer period of time to complete.

Give one of our attorneys at The Morris Law Firm a call if you need to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Bay County, Florida or the surrounding counties.  They offer free legal consultations with an attorney. Criminal defense attorneys at The Morris Law Firm can be reached at (850) 257-5680.

Categories: Criminal Defense, General
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Spring Break ordinances in place on Panama City Beach during Spring Break

March 7, 2018 • ryan

9 of the best things to know before you party on Panama City Beach during Spring Break in March

I’m a criminal defense attorney in Panama City, Florida, and it’s that time again for me to try to do my best to warn you about our unique spring break laws passed by the local PCB City Council or Bay County Commission.

On Panama City Beach, Florida, each year we have our own version of March Madness; it’s called Spring Break!  The weather is typically sunny and beautiful and college students and families flock to our beautiful beaches for rest, relaxation and a great time.   We hope that you will plan your spring break vacation here and enjoy all that these beautiful beaches have to offer.

Here you will find many of the best things to do on Panama City Beach like pontoon boat rentals, parasailing, night clubs, Shell Island dolphin tours, go-karts, putt-putt golf and so much more.  However, you will also find some unusual spring break laws that you need to know about.

Here are the Spring Break ordinances in place on Panama City Beach during Spring Break:

1. During the month of March, no possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on the sandy beach of Panama City Beach, so leave the alcohol in the room.

2. No alcohol possession or consumption in commercial parking lots.

3. During the month of March, all alcohol sales on Panama City Beach end at 2 a.m.

4. No open house parties.

5. Parking in a closed business parking lot is not allowed.

6. Overnight scooter rental is not allowed.

7. It is illegal to climb, jump from or throw things from balconies of hotel or condominiums on Panama City Beach.

8. Parking is prohibited on unmarked or unpaved portions of the road after dark.

9. Metal shovels are not permitted on Panama City Beach, and any holes dug in the sand should not be deeper than 2 feet.

I am a criminal defense attorney at the Morris Law Firm in Panama City, Florida, and have helped with countless spring break arrests of wonderful people who were in violation of one or more of these 9 spring break laws.  I want you to be informed and avoid the hassle of having to hire a Panama City attorney to help you navigate through the legal process.  If you do find yourself in need of an experienced attorney in Panama City, I am experienced in defending spring break law violations and will work hard to try to get your charges dropped or minimized.  Call me, Dana Morris, for a free consultation, (850) 257-5680.

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