Don't be a victim of a bad Spring Break.  Take the time to read this information and helpful hints!

Florida's Legal Drinking Age
The legal drinking age in Florida is 21 years of age.  Be aware, Panama City Beach utilizes police officers that "walk a beat" along the roadside, for high traffic areas of Panama City Beach.

Florida's Open Container Law
Open containers of alcoholic beverages are not allowed within vehicles in the state of Florida.  But wait, there's more to this law: Open containers of alcoholic beverages are not allowed within 50 feet of a public thoroughfare.  This means not only can you not have open containers while driving (or your passengers or within the driver's reach), you can't walk along the side of a road with an open container. 

Spring Break Court
Two years ago Panama City Beach's first experienced "Spring Break Court" as part of the judicial process to deal with spring breaker's who violate the law.  Spring Break Court only deals with crimes that are misdemeanors. The fines for Spring Break Court for the 1999 season were $215 and court was in session from March 6 - April 11.   Breaker's will had the option of paying a $215 fine or serving 8 hours of public service.  Read this article from the Panama City, News Herald about Spring Break Court from the 1998 season.

Directions to Panama City Beach
Check out Maps.Yahoo.com for an interactive map that will also provide driving directions.

Bring your ID
Make sure to bring your ID.  Each year, thousands of Spring Breaker's end up forgetting their ID.  Even though you must be 21 to drink, all of the clubs check ID's.  Most of the clubs will let you in if you're at least 18 but they tag or stamp persons 18 - 20 who can't drink and use a different tag or stamp for persons 21+.

Read the Damage/Security agreement where you're staying
Almost all of the hotel, motel or condo properties on Panama City Beach require some type of damage/security deposit for person's registering for rooms that are under 25 years of age.  Call the place you're staying and ask them to send you a copy of their agreement in advance.  Knowing the information in before hand (while you've got time to look over it) may keep you from being EVICTED from your motel/hotel/condo.  Lodging properties typically have policies against: underage drinking, loud or noisy behavior/music, fighting, balcony climbing, unregistered persons, and on... and on...

Balcony Climbing is against the law in Florida
It's a shame we have to say it, but occasionally Breaker's (the stupid one's) feel that they just have to climb out or hang over hotel balconies.  If we could say one thing, THIS IS REALLY DANGEROUS.  Several deaths have resulted from balcony climbing over the past several years.  Please, pay attention, it's punishable by fine or jail time.

Bring some warm clothes too!
Although Spring weather on Panama City Beach usually ranges from the lower 70's to the lower 80's, at some times, especially when a cold front blows down form the North, you may find a couple of days that you wish that you'd brought a sweat shirt and some long pants with you.  The weather is usually quite nice, but when you find conditions as described above, you'll probably find out that it's cold as h*ll at home, so you're better of here than at home

Bring your insurance information
Every Spring Break, hundred's of students get injured.  Causes may range from slips and falls, injuries sustained from renting a Moped, or what ever.  Make sure you have your insurance card or at least, if you're under 21, have you parents make out and sign a consent form giving someone 21 years or older the permission to authorization medical procedures in your parents behalf.

The sun is strong in this part of the U.S.
During spring break you'll notice a lot of people burnt to crisp on their first day.  Let me tell you, looking like a lobster isn't such a good idea.  The sun is almost at triple its intensity on the beach and near the water. Due to the reflections they give off.   Getting red as a lobster on your first day not only can give you sun poisoning, but it can also make the rest of your visit really miserable.  Follow some simple guidelines to make your tan not so harmful.

1. Tan in short intervals
This helps keep you from getting burned and also helps promote a more even, healthy, and non-peeling tan. Trying to tan in one day is just not smart. Not only can you receive sun poisoning, it can also make your visit a miserable one. 

2. Wear sun-block as often as possible
Any time  you're going to be in the sun, wear sun-block.  This keeps you from getting burned and protects you from harmful UV rays.  Also make sure to get those tender areas.  Such as  your nose, ears, neck, face and back portion of your body.  Remember the higher the SPF rating the better you're protected.  Also make sure to re-apply often.

3. Wear protective gear
Such as sunglasses (No, not because there cool), hats, sun-block, shirts over swim suits, socks and shoes. Do this right after tanning or if you're just walking around outside for the day.

4. Don't use products that speed up tanning
These are unnecessary and could   promote burning if you're not careful.

5. Don't fall asleep in the sun
If you fall asleep in the sun you're going to be a crispy critter if it's longer than 20 minutes without sun-block.  Try to stay alert while tanning not only for your own safety,, but for the safety of your friends as well.Following these guidelines will help protect you from the Sun.