Artificial Reefs

Panama City Beach is a year-round destination for anglers, divers, snorkelers, and anyone who loves life on the water. Our Coastal Resources Department works to protect and enhance our marine resources through the creation, maintenance, and monitoring of artificial reefs that provide world-class fishing and diving opportunities.

Artificial reefs are the foundation of many of the fishing, snorkeling, and diving experiences that make Panama City Beach unique. In the Gulf, natural hard-bottom habitat is limited, making artificial reefs essential for creating the underwater structure that marine life depends on. These reefs provide shelter, feeding areas, and spawning habitat for a wide variety of fish and invertebrates, transforming otherwise featureless seafloor into thriving underwater ecosystems.

As marine life colonizes reef structures, they become productive fishing and diving destinations. Anglers benefit from increased opportunities to target reef-associated species, while divers and snorkelers enjoy exploring vibrant underwater habitats filled with fish, corals, sponges, and other marine life. From large concrete reef modules to intentionally prepared vessels, each reef is designed to maximize ecological benefits and recreational opportunities.

Creating artificial reefs is only part of the process. Long-term maintenance, monitoring, and responsible management are critical to ensuring reefs remain safe, stable, and productive for future generations. Our Coastal Resources team regularly evaluates reef performance, verifies structural integrity, and uses scientific data to guide future reef development and enhancement projects.

Through ongoing innovation and investment, we continue to build and maintain one of Florida's most ambitious artificial reef networks, providing unforgettable experiences both above and below the water's surface!

Real. Fun. Reefs.

Marlin Fight

Fishing

Diving Boat

Diving

Two adults snorkeling near a rocky shore

Snorkeling

Couple In A Kayak At Panama City Beach, FL

Kayaking

Diving w fish

Resources

Updates

1. Coastal Resources led the Bay County RESTORE grant project that deployed 150 tons of secondary use concrete! 

 

2. Coastal Resources sinks the Black Pearl! 

 
3. The Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is proud to announce that it has officially assumed responsibility for managing the Bay County Artificial Reef Program. CVB Coastal Resources will oversee the creation, maintenance, and monitoring of artificial reefs that enhance marine habitat, support the conservation of local fish species, and contribute to coastal tourism. This transition strengthens ongoing efforts to promote sustainable recreation and responsible stewardship of our Gulf waters. 
 
 
Bue Wave

 

Private Artificial Reefs in Panama City Beach 

In Florida, artificial reefs may only be constructed by state or local coastal governments within permitted zones. Because of long-term liability requirements, private citizens and organizations cannot receive reef permits directly.

Panama City Beach offers a unique private reef program that allows eligible Bay County residents to apply for the deployment of their own artificial reefs within a Large Area Artificial Reef Site (LAARS A&B). 

The process includes application, material inspection, applicable fees, and post-deployment verification.
 
 
Approved Artificial Reef Materials

For private reef inquiries: reefs@visitpanamacitybeach.com

 

Find our strategic management plan and supporting research below:

Coastal Resources Strategic Plan

Artificial Reefs in Florida 101 – why are they built? Part 1 of an Artificial Reef series: FOR379/FR450, 4/2022 https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fr450-2022

Artificial Reefs in Florida 101 – effects on fish: Part 2 of an Artificial Reef series: FA240, 5/2022 https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fa240-2022

Artificial Reefs in Florida 101: Effects on Fishers (and Divers))—Part 3 of an Artificial Reef Series: FA243, 10/2022  https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fa243-2022