Metal Detecting at Panama City Beach
Bay County · Panhandle · City/County beach
Last verified:
The rules
No city ordinance bans metal detecting, but PCB Code Sec. 7-10 (No holes on beach) makes it unlawful to possess a hardware-store-type metal shovel on the Sandy Gulf Beach or dig a hole deeper than 2 feet. Sec. 16-3 bans digging holes or disturbing the ground within beach accesses. Use a plastic or sand-scoop-style tool, fill holes, and stay off dunes.
Permit: Not required
📞 Call ahead: 850-233-5100 (confirm the current rule before you go)
Why detect here
27 miles of open beach, high tourist traffic = lost jewelry/coins
Beach detecting here? You want a saltwater-capable machine and a long-handled sand scoop. The waterproof Minelab X-Terra Elite is the best value that handles wet salt sand. See the Minelab X-Terra Elite → All picks by budget →
More spots nearby: Panhandle & Emerald Coast · See the full Florida metal detecting laws · federal rules · which detector to buy
Source: City of Panama City Beach Code of Ordinances, Sec. 7-10 (No holes on beach) and Sec. 16-3 (Impermissible activities at beach accesses). Verify against the managing authority before detecting.