Florida Jeep Jam

Are you ready for an adrenaline-fueled adventure? Look no further than the 9th Annual Florida Jeep Jam. From May 13 to 19, 2024, Panama City Beach will transform into a Jeep lover’s paradise, welcoming over 15,000 Jeep and off-road enthusiasts. Buckle up while we explore what makes this event a must-attend for Jeep aficionados.

ENDLESS JEEP ACTIVITIES

Jeep Invasion Parade

Join the Jeep invasion as Panama City comes alive with the rumble of engines. Monday, May 13, 2024, Florida Jeep Jam kicks off with a Jeep Parade and Party on Beck Ave in the heart of Historic St. Andrews. Florida Jeep Jam welcomes all visiting Jeep enthusiasts and locals to come out to see Jeeps of all models and styles showcased. It’s a visual spectacle that captures the spirit of adventure in this street party event.

Obstacle Course Challenge

Navigate rugged terrain and put your off-road skills to the test. Be sure to experience it “Under the Lights” as this is the only course to be open at night and sure to provide an adrenaline rush.

Dunes Day Off-Road Excursions

Explore the natural beauty of North Florida during this guided off-road adventure. Wind through dunes, forests, and coastal landscapes – a Jeep owner’s dream come true.

Topless for Turtles Beach Krawl

Cruise the sandy beaches with your top down, celebrating ‘National Jeep Topless Day.’ Feel the wind in your hair as you soak up the sun and Gulf breeze. This is an awareness crawl benefiting the Florida OffRoad Foundation (FORF).

Vendor Village

Discover the latest Jeep accessories, parts, and gear from 100+ top vendors. Whether you are looking for custom modifications or stylish add-ons, you will find it here.

Live Music and Parties

Florida Jeep Jam is not just about Jeeps—it is also about having a blast! Enjoy live music, exclusive parties, and a vibrant atmosphere. Florida Jeep Jam offers Day Passes for those spectators who wish to come out to enjoy our live music and entertainment.

Family-Friendly Fun

Bring your family and experience the excitement. There are even activities for kids, making it a fantastic event for all ages.

Recently, we sat down with Mark Hess, the founder of Florida Jeep Jam. Known to be an innovator and visionary, Hess has been successful over the years by growing his annual Jeep event into a favorite among Jeepers from all over the country. He discussed his latest endeavors and shared some insight on an interesting Jeep related trend.

Why do people put rubber ducks on Jeeps?

At the heart of the Jeep duck phenomenon is a desire to put a smile on someone’s face. Jeep owners leave rubber ducks on other Jeeps to surprise the owner. It is a random act of kindness among fans of this beloved auto brand.

A custom that started after one Jeep owner felt unsafe and unwelcome, Jeep ducks are all about the opposite, making strangers and travelers feel like they are part of something bigger and kinder.

How did Jeep ducking start?

The movement now known as Jeep Ducking began in 2020, during the early days of COVID, in Ontario, Canada. After an ugly spat in a gas station parking lot, a Jeep owner named Allison Parliament needed to rely on a friend for a much-needed pit stop to calm down before continuing down the road.

To thank her friend, Parliament bought a bag of rubber ducks and hid them around his house as a joke before heading farther north into Canada to reach her family’s home. Prior to scattering the ducks around an unsuspecting friend’s home, Parliament put a single yellow duck on a stranger’s Jeep in the store’s parking lot, with a simple, note that read, “nice Jeep.”

The owner of that Jeep saw her and laughed then suggested that she post about it on social media. She did, and that was the birth of a movement that now has more than 73,000 fans (and growing) on Facebook. Parliament’s social media group is now the official Jeep duck account recognized by Jeep itself!

Hess was excited to share the news that Allison Parliament would be at Florida Jeep Jam 2024 as he introduces Florida Off-Road Foundation’s mascot (and of course it is a rubber duck) named, Billy Wheely.

Billy is a duck on a mission to educate off-road enthusiasts on the importance of trail maintenance through organized Clean & Krawl events. Proceeds from the sale of Billy Wheely and the Explore OffRoad Florida Specialty License Plate help fund these events. That’s why Billy proudly displays his Explore Off-Road Florida License Plate on his tail feathers.

Florida Off-Road Foundation, Inc. (FORF) is a nonprofit corporation founded by Hess under section 501(c)(3) charitable organization of the Internal Revenue Code. As the creator of the Explore Off-Road Florida Specialty License Plate, FORF’s core mission is focused on restoring and preserving Florida’s off-road trails and natural habitats, promoting responsible use, and educating people about the importance of Florida’s off-road culture and heritage. The Florida Off-Road Foundation has partnered with Tread Lightly!, a national nonprofit organization. Tread Lightly! aims to protect recreation access and opportunities in the outdoors through education and stewardship initiatives. Their principles emphasize responsible use of motorized vehicles in outdoor environments.