5903 Gulf Drive
Panama City, FL 32408
MLS# 797757
3 beds | 2 baths | 1296 sqft
Property DescriptionWelcome to The Palapa House, a fully furnished Gulf-front retreat on Panama City Beach's sugar-white sands, with rare deeded ownership extending to the water's edge, a distinction held by fewer than 7% of coastal parcels in the area. Engineered by the architects of Regency Towers and positioned farther forward on the dune line than neighboring homes, this residence captures sweeping, unobstructed Gulf views stretching east and west for spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Enjoy the beachfront from the upper-level balcony off the main family room or the lower-level deck adjoining the second bedroom, with direct access to the sand. A private boardwalk connects the front porch to the shore, with an outdoor rinse shower for easy beach cleanup. Two new custom beach loungers and a premium faux-thatched palapa umbrella complete the waterfront setting.
Extensive improvements include a complete GAF roof system with new decking and fascia installed in July 2025, backed by a 15-year wind and material warranty. Exterior upgrades include a Tyvek vapor barrier, HardiePlank siding and trim, freshly caulked windows, Sherwin-Williams paint, and decks sealed with SuperDeck marine stain. A new Siemens 200-amp electrical panel and corrosion-resistant copper wiring were installed in 2025, while custom solar film on all windows helps manage heat gain. The property also passed professional four-point and wind mitigation inspections in 2025.
Inside, luxury vinyl plank flooring runs throughout, complemented by fresh paint, updated ceiling fans and bathroom lighting, smart TVs, upgraded Wi-Fi, and custom security features. A 3D glass electric fireplace with color-changing flames and optional heat anchors the main living area. Updated furnishings and accessories enhance the family room, dining room, and bedrooms.
Previously remodeled kitchen and bathrooms complement the turnkey offering, which includes an electric range, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, washer, and dryer. The three-bedroom layout sleeps up to 11, with a private second-floor primary suite with a spacious King bed and a full bath. The first floor features a full bath, custom twin XL bunks with trundle, a newer queen mattress in the bedroom, and a queen sleeper sofa.
Mature palms, an 8-by-40-foot privacy fence, covered porch areas, and private driveway parking add comfort and convenience. Both beach decks feature custom cable railings and premium Sunbrella outdoor furniture.
The property has no HOA fees and grandfathered flood mapping status. An established daily and weekly rental operation has consistently booked more than 200 days annually, with documented income available upon request.
Minutes from St. Andrews State Park, Shell Island, marinas, public boat access, and waterfront dining, The Palapa House pairs direct beachfront living with extensive recent improvements and an established rental history.
Acreage: 0.08
Design: Beach House
Lot Size (SqFt): 3485
Apx SqFt(Htd/Cooled): 1296
Construction Status: Construction Complete
SqFt Source: Prop App Site
# of Stories in Building: 2
Accessory Dwelling Unit: No
Lot Dimensions: 14.0 ft x 246.0 ft
New Construction: No
Garage Y/N: No
Driveway Spaces: 2
Pool: No
Sub-Type: Detached Single Family
Total Baths: 2
Year Built: 1982
List Price/SqFt: 1465.66
Status: Active
List Date: 2026-11-11
List Price: $1,899,500
Current Price: $1,899,500
Sub Area: 0323 - Beach - South of Grand Lagoon
Community/Resort: None
Waterfront: Yes
Gulf Access: Yes
Elementary School: Patronis
Middle School: Surfside
High School: Arnold
Directions: Travel south on Navy Blvd. Turn right at the big curve onto Thomas Dr. Turn left onto Nova St. next to Regency Towers. At the end of Nova St., turn left. 5903 Gulf Dr is the last house on the right.
Area: 03 - Bay County - Beach
Street #: 5903
Street Name: Gulf
Street Suffix: Drive
County: Bay
Subdivision: Gulf Lagoon Beach
Parcel ID: 30571-010-000
Legal Description: 8-4S-15W -17.1- BEG 374.25' SWLY OF NW COR LOT 11 BLK 13 GULF LAGOON BEACH TH NWLY 14' SWLY 246' TO GULF SELY TO PT NELY 246' TO POB AKA PT LOT 77 BLK 13 SACH'S UNREC TOG/W EAS ORB 4487 P 1769
HOA Fee: No
New Buyer Fee: No
Last Taxes: 8599.24
Last Tax Year: 2025
Brokerage Interest: No Interest
As Is: Yes
Remarks: Welcome to The Palapa House, a fully furnished Gulf-front retreat on Panama City Beach's sugar-white sands, with rare deeded ownership extending to the water's edge, a distinction held by fewer than 7% of coastal parcels in the area. Engineered by the architects of Regency Towers and positioned farther forward on the dune line than neighboring homes, this residence captures sweeping, unobstructed Gulf views stretching east and west for spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Enjoy the beachfront from the upper-level balcony off the main family room or the lower-level deck adjoining the second bedroom, with direct access to the sand. A private boardwalk connects the front porch to the shore, with an outdoor rinse shower for easy beach cleanup. Two new custom beach loungers and a premium faux-thatched palapa umbrella complete the waterfront setting.
Extensive improvements include a complete GAF roof system with new decking and fascia installed in July 2025, backed by a 15-year wind and material warranty. Exterior upgrades include a Tyvek vapor barrier, HardiePlank siding and trim, freshly caulked windows, Sherwin-Williams paint, and decks sealed with SuperDeck marine stain. A new Siemens 200-amp electrical panel and corrosion-resistant copper wiring were installed in 2025, while custom solar film on all windows helps manage heat gain. The property also passed professional four-point and wind mitigation inspections in 2025.
Inside, luxury vinyl plank flooring runs throughout, complemented by fresh paint, updated ceiling fans and bathroom lighting, smart TVs, upgraded Wi-Fi, and custom security features. A 3D glass electric fireplace with color-changing flames and optional heat anchors the main living area. Updated furnishings and accessories enhance the family room, dining room, and bedrooms.
Previously remodeled kitchen and bathrooms complement the turnkey offering, which includes an electric range, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, washer, and dryer. The three-bedroom layout sleeps up to 11, with a private second-floor primary suite with a spacious King bed and a full bath. The first floor features a full bath, custom twin XL bunks with trundle, a newer queen mattress in the bedroom, and a queen sleeper sofa.
Mature palms, an 8-by-40-foot privacy fence, covered porch areas, and private driveway parking add comfort and convenience. Both beach decks feature custom cable railings and premium Sunbrella outdoor furniture.
The property has no HOA fees and grandfathered flood mapping status. An established daily and weekly rental operation has consistently booked more than 200 days annually, with documented income available upon request.
Minutes from St. Andrews State Park, Shell Island, marinas, public boat access, and waterfront dining, The Palapa House pairs direct beachfront living with extensive recent improvements and an established rental history.
Range - Electric: 1
Refrigerator: 1
Washer: 1
Water Heater - Electric: 1
Breakfast Bar: 1
Floor - Vinyl Plank: 1
Lighting - Recessed: 1
Lock Out Closet: 1
Window - Treatment All: 1
Foundation - On Piling: 1
Wood/Frame: 1
Roof - Dimensional Shg: 1
Siding - Hardie Board: 1
Balcony: 1
Deck Covered: 1
Fenced Lot-Part: 1
Shower: 1
Deeded Access: 1
Deeded Access Water: 1
Near Public Boat Ramp: 1
Survey Available: 1
Waterfront: 1
Within 1/2 Mile to Water: 1
Family Room: 1
Full Bathroom: 1
TV Cable: 1
Electricity - Connected: 1
Internet - Broadband Available: 1
Lift Station: 1
Public Sewer - Connected: 1
Public Water - Connected: 1
Ceiling Fan(s): 1
Central Air: 1
Fireplace - Electric: 1
Mini-Split/Ductless: 1
MBath Shower/Tub Combo: 1
Carbon Monoxide Detector: 1
Security Lights: 1
Appliances: Dishwasher; Disposal; Dryer; Microwave; Range - Electric; Refrigerator; Washer; Water Heater - Electric
Full Bathroom: First; Second
Cooling: Ceiling Fan(s); Central Air; Mini-Split/Ductless
Heating: Central; Electric; Fireplace - Electric; Mini-Split/Ductless
Exterior: Balcony; Deck Covered; Fenced Lot-Part; Shower
Financing: Cash; Conventional; VA
Lot Features: Deeded Access; Deeded Access Water; Near Public Boat Ramp; Survey Available; Waterfront; Within 1/2 Mile to Water
Security Features: Carbon Monoxide Detector; Security Lights; Smoke Detector(s)
Parking Features: Driveway
Rooms: Balcony; Bedroom; Family Room; Full Bathroom; Kitchen
Utilities: TV Cable; Electricity - Connected; Internet - Broadband Available; Lift Station; Public Sewer - Connected; Public Water - Connected
Waterfront Feature: Shore - Beach
Present Zoning: Resid Single Family
| Room Name | Level | Dimensions | Length | Width | Remarks |
| Bedroom | First | 15 x 13 | 15.00 | 13.00 | Includes bunk beds |
| Bedroom | First | 10 x 9 | 10.00 | 9.00 | Gulf front with direct access |
| Bedroom | Second | 15 x 13 | 15.00 | 13.00 | Gulf views |
| Family Room | Second | 19 x 16 | 19.00 | 16.00 | Gulf front balcony |
| Kitchen | Second | 10 x 9 | 10.00 | 9.00 | Breakfast bar |
| Balcony | Second | 13 x 6 | 13.00 | 6.00 | Expansive Gulf views |
| Full Bathroom | First | 8 x 5 | 8.00 | 5.00 | Shower only |
| Full Bathroom | Second | 7 x 4 | 7.00 | 4.00 | Tub/Shower combo |
Listing Office: SimpliHOM
Last Updated: November - 11 - 2026
Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.