Panama City Beach Reports Continued Tourism Growth Through November and December 2025

November Up 7%, December Up 10.7% as Destination Reports Nearly 8% Fiscal Year Growth

The Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the Bay County Tourist Development Council (TDC) announce collections for the month of November 2025 were up 7% compared to November 2024, followed by a 10.7% year-over-year increase in December 2025. The destination is now up 7.8% for the fiscal year to date, which began in October 2025, reflecting sustained momentum through the late fall and early winter months.

“Seeing visitation growth in months traditionally considered a shoulder season across Florida reaffirms our long-term tourism strategy,” shares Jayna Leach, Senior Vice President and CMO of Visit Panama City Beach. “By driving national and regional visitation year-round, we’re strengthening the economic vitality of our community and creating meaningful impact for local businesses. We’re excited to build on this momentum as we welcome new and returning visitors throughout 2026 and beyond.”

The November increase reflects a diversified approach to visitation, driven by both large-scale events and lifestyle programming designed to extend the season. Sports tourism continued to contribute to the destination’s success, with major tournaments and events bringing teams and families to Panama City Beach during traditionally quieter travel weeks.

Meanwhile, seasonal initiatives like Beach Home for the Holidays—a program characterized by festive décor, community events and beachside programming—enhanced quality of life for residents while welcoming winter residents and extended-stay visitors. Together, these efforts encouraged longer stays, repeat visitation and sustained momentum throughout the late fall and early winter months.

The December increase was further supported by holiday travel and signature winter events such as the annual Beach Ball Drop, which once again ranked among the top 10 in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drops nationwide.

Back-to-back monthly growth and nearly 8% fiscal year-to-date gains underscore the effectiveness of the TDC and CVB’s efforts to appeal to locals, families, winter residents and extended-stay visitors.

The Tourist Development Tax is a five percent tax on short-term rentals including hotels and condominiums. The tax funds are used for marketing and promotional activities led by the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau. It is also used for beach cleaning and grooming, product improvement and beach renourishment. For more information on Panama City Beach visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com or the Bay County Clerk website https://tdc.baycoclerk.com/TouristTax/ to learn more about the bed tax.