A double-red flag warning means rip currents are so dangerous that the Gulf is closed to swimmers. Panama City Beach and Bay County currently enforces $500 fines for double-red flag violations.
In 2019, the City Council imposed fines for failing to get out of the water during double-red flags, when instructed by City personnel. The Council revised the ordinance in 2020, and a first offense is a $500 fine, which drops to $250 if paid within 20 days. A second offense is $1,000.
In 2021, the Bay County commission voted to enforce the stiffer penalties for double-red flag violations, as well.
