Spring Break Operations by Ordinance

Panama City Ordinance on Late-Night Establishments During Spring Break

The City of Panama City adopted Ordinance No. 3244 in 2024, amending previous regulations on the sale and service of alcoholic beverages during the Spring Break season. This ordinance was enacted to enhance public safety, promote regional consistency, and reduce the risk of crime associated with late-night operations. 

Key Provisions of the Ordinance

Spring Break Period: Defined as March 1 through March 31 each year. 

Adjusted Hours of Sale: 

  • During Spring Break, establishments licensed to sell alcoholic beverages must cease the sale and service of alcohol by 2:00 a.m.
  • Normal restrictions outside Spring Break remain in effect: no alcohol sales between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Off-Premises Sales: Beer and wine may continue to be sold for off-premises consumption during restricted hours, as regulated by Florida Statutes. 

Penalties: Violations are subject to enforcement under Section 1-8 of the City Code. 

Rationale for the Amendment

The City Commission determined that late-night alcohol sales during Spring Break increase the risk of crime and place additional demands on public safety resources. Limiting alcohol sales after 2:00 a.m. during this period is intended to mitigate these risks while preserving a vibrant and economically beneficial tourism season. 

Additionally, the Commission recognized the importance of maintaining consistency with neighboring jurisdictions. Panama City Beach implements earlier closing times during Spring Break, which has historically resulted in patrons relocating to establishments within the City after the Beach’s closures. This migration of late-night activity has the potential to create overcrowding in the City’s entertainment venues and increase associated safety concerns. Aligning the City’s Spring Break closing time with that of Panama City Beach at 2:00 a.m. is intended to reduce patron displacement, prevent concentrated late-night surges, and support coordinated regional public safety efforts. 

Entertainment District Exemption

In 2025, the City Commission adopted a resolution exempting businesses located in the St. Andrews and Downtown Entertainment Districts from the Spring Break restrictions. These districts operate under separate standards due to their concentrated safety resources and unique event regulations. 

Establishments in these districts follow the standard citywide hours (no sales between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.) rather than the Spring Break 2:00 a.m. cutoff. 

Effective Date

Ordinance No. 3244 took effect immediately upon adoption on October 22, 2024, and remains in force for all future Spring Break periods.