Photo of Bill Kinsaul

Privacy Policy

General

The Bay County Clerk & Comptroller’s Web site is for informational purposes only and is offered as a convenience for our customers. We make no warranty or guarantee regarding the accuracy or reliability of the content on this site. The Clerk & Comptroller’s office shall not be liable for errors or for any damages in connection with the use of the information appearing on this or other referenced websites.

This website does not provide legal advice. Please contact a qualified attorney for guidance about a particular legal issue.

By using the information, services and products available through this website, you agree to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of use as set forth herein.

The terms and conditions set forth in the PPTOU may be updated from time to time without notice to you. It is your responsibility to review it from time to time to be aware of any such change. Your continued use of this service will indicate your agreement to any such change.

Public Records

Florida has a very broad public records law. As a result, any written communication created or received by Bay County Clerk & Comptroller officials and employees will be made available to the public and media, upon request, unless otherwise exempt. Furthermore, under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact our office by phone or in writing.

Collection of Personal Information

When you engage in activities on this site, you may be asked to provide certain information about yourself by filling out and submitting an online form. It is completely optional for you to engage in these activities.

Depending upon the activity, some of the information that we ask you to provide is identified as mandatory and some as voluntary. If you do not provide the mandatory data with respect to a particular activity, you will not be able to engage in that activity online. Instead, you will need to use a non-Web option for transacting that business with the Bay County Clerk & Comptroller.

Protection of Your Personal Information

The Bay County Clerk & Comptroller recognizes and appreciates the importance of responsible use of information collected on this site. Information may be saved for a designated period of time in order to comply with the State of Florida’s archiving policies. However, information will not be disclosed to third parties or other government agencies, unless required by state or federal law.

Use of Cookies

When you visit the Bay County Clerk & Comptroller’s Web site, you can surf the site anonymously and access information without revealing your identity. In order to improve our site, we may use “cookies” to assist your visit. A cookie is small amount of data that is transferred to your browser by a Web server and can only be read by the server that gave it to you. It can function as your identification card, recording your passwords, purchases, and preferences. However, it cannot be executed as code or deliver viruses.

Most browsers are initially set to accept cookies. You can set your browser to notify you when you receive a cookie, giving you the chance to decide whether or not to accept it.

For some Web pages that require an authorization, cookies are not optional. Users choosing not to accept cookies will probably not be able to access those pages. While certain Web pages use cookies to assist your visit to the Bay County Clerk & Comptroller Web site, and while our Web servers automatically log the IP address of your computer, this information does not identify you personally, and you remain anonymous unless you have otherwise provided personal information to a specific Web page.

User Accounts

When registering to use a feature, it is solely your responsibility to keep your private account information, such as username and password, secure. You must not disclose your private account information to anyone except other authorized persons.

You are entirely liable for all activities conducted through your account. You agree to immediately notify the Bay County Clerk & Comptroller of any unauthorized use of your account or any breach of security.

The Bay County Clerk & Comptroller will never ask you for your password in an unsolicited phone call or in an unsolicited e-mail. Also remember to sign out of your account and close your browser window whenever you have finished your work.

Security

Data transmission over the Internet is not guaranteed to be 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, the Bay County Clerk & Comptroller cannot ensure or warrant the security of any information transmitted to us or received from our online products or services. Once we receive a transmission, we make our best effort to ensure it is secure on our systems.

Your Responsibilities

You are responsible for all charges associated with connecting to the Internet. You agree that any telephone or other communications fees and charges incurred are your sole responsibility.

Prohibited Uses

As a user of the Bay County Clerk & Comptroller’s website, you agree to use this service only for its lawful, intended purposes. Use of this service for transmission, distribution, retrieval, or storage of any information, data, or other material in violation of any applicable law or regulation is prohibited. You also agree not to use the service to:

  • Provide false information or to impersonate someone else;
  • Distribute computer viruses, worms, or any software intended to damage or alter a computer system;
  • Violate any applicable local, state, national or international law.

System and Network Security

Violations of system or network security of the service are prohibited, and may subject you to criminal and/or civil liability. The Bay County Clerk & Comptroller will investigate potential security violations, and may notify applicable law enforcement agencies if violations are suspected.

You may not attempt to circumvent the authentication procedures or security of any host, network, network component, or account to access data, accounts, or systems that you are not expressly permitted to access.

You may not interfere or attempt to interfere with service to any other user.

Violation of Terms of Use

In the event of any violation of the terms contained herein, the Bay County Clerk & Comptroller reserves the right to suspend or terminate, either temporarily or permanently, any or all services provided. Users who violate terms contained herein may additionally incur criminal and/or civil liability. The Bay County Clerk & Comptroller may refer violators to civil or criminal authorities for prosecution.

Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold the Bay County Clerk & Comptroller and its subsidiaries, affiliates, telecommunications providers, service providers, officers, employees and agents harmless from any claim, liability, loss, expense or demand, including attorneys’ fees, related to a user’s violation of the terms and conditions or the use of the services and information provided at this Web site.

Limitation of Liability

In no event will the Bay County Clerk & Comptroller, its suppliers, its service providers, or other third party affiliates be liable for any damages whatsoever including but not limited to:

  • Direct, indirect, incidental punitive and consequential damages arising out of the use, inability to use, or the results of use of this service;
  • Any Web sites linked to the service, the materials or information contained at any or all such sites;
  • Content anywhere on the internet, whether based on warranty, contract, tort or any other legal theory;
  • Including without limitation those damages resulting from lost profits, lost data or business interruption;
  • Aggregate liability of the Bay County Clerk & Comptroller or any of its suppliers, service providers, or third party affiliates.

In no event shall the Bay County Clerk & Comptroller be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special and exemplary damages, or any damages whatsoever, arising from the use or performance of this Web site or from any information, services or products provided through this Web site, even if the Bay County Clerk & Comptroller has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

If you are dissatisfied with this Web site, or any portion thereof, your exclusive remedy shall be to stop using the website.

Termination

If a user’s conduct fails to conform to the letter or spirit of these terms and conditions or if the Bay County Clerk & Comptroller believes the user’s conduct may create liability for its affiliates, then that user’s service will be terminated.

The Bay County Clerk & Comptroller reserves the right to restrict access of any user of this service and may at any time in its sole discretion with or without notice and with or without cause immediately deny access to the service and may remove all account information.

Disclaimer of Warranties

This service is provided by the Bay County Clerk & Comptroller on an “as is” basis. Neither the Bay County Clerk & Comptroller nor its partners, providers, or affiliates make any representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to the operation of the service, its contents, or any information made available by or through the service.

The Bay County Clerk & Comptroller disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or any infringement. Furthermore, the Bay County Clerk & Comptroller does not warrant that use of the service will not be interrupted, available at any time or from any location, secured and error-free. Corrected defects are not warrantable and the service is not guaranteed free of viruses or other harmful components.

Jurisdictional Issues

The PPTOU shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida as it is applied to contracts entered into by residents of the State of Florida including the public records law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). You also consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts in Bay County, Florida, and you further consent to the exercise of personal jurisdiction of the courts therein.

If any provision(s) of the PPTOU is found to be contrary to law, then such provision(s) shall be construed, as nearly as possible, to reflect the intentions of the parties with the other provisions remaining in full force and effect.

The Bay County Clerk & Comptroller’s failure to exercise or enforce any right or provision of the PPTOU shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision unless acknowledged and agreed to by the Bay County Clerk & Comptroller in writing. You and the Bay County Clerk & Comptroller agree that any cause of action arising out of or related to this PPTOU or the service must commence within one (1) year after the cause of action arose; otherwise, such cause of action is permanently barred.

The section titles in this PPTOU are solely used for the convenience of the parties and have no legal or contractual significance. These terms and conditions constitute the entire agreement between you and the Bay County Clerk & Comptroller with respect to the subject matter herein and supersede any and all prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreements. You may not assign this agreement to any other party.

In this section:

Passports

The Bay County Clerk’s Office accepts passport applications on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. U.S. citizens planning international travel may apply for their passports weekly Monday through Friday at the Bay County Clerk’s office 300 E 4th Street Room 101, Panama City, Florida 32401. Please call our office at 850-747-5100 option 3 for information and to set an appointment.

DS-11 passport applications are accepted between the hours of 8:00am – 11:30am and 1:30pm – 3:30pm. Appointments are preferred to avoid wait times, however, walk ins are accepted with completed applications, proof of citizenship, proof of identification and the application fee payable to U.S. Department of State ($100.00 under the age of 16) and $130.00 (ages 16 and above)which must be paid by personal check, money order or cashier’s check. Additional $60.00 fee due for expedited service and an optional $21.36 (1-2 day return service) on expedited passports only.

The Clerk of Court is due the following fees which can be paid by cash, credit (subject to 3.5% processing fee or by check (subject to $3.00 processing fee): Passport acceptance fee of $35.00, Passport Photo Fee of $15.00 (effective 4-1-2024), Passport Priority Mail Fee shipping fee of $9.85 (effective 4-1-2024) (which is subject to change by the USPS)

Please complete your passport application prior to your appointment time by visiting travel.state.gov and choose the application that meets your needs. Please print the application and bring to your appointment along with your proof of citizenship, picture identification and required methods of payment. A passport picture is also required. The Bay County Clerk’s office does provide this service if needed.

Please read below for specific information regarding passport issuance, passport fees, and documents needed

Passports are issued by the U.S. Department of State.

Passport Card

Customers have the option of applying for a passport book, a passport card or both. The passport card may only be used for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. The passport card will provide a less expensive, smaller and more convenient alternative for those who travel to these destinations.

For more information about the difference between the passport book and passport card, please see “Should I get a passport book or card?” from the Department of State.

New Applicants

You must apply in person and complete the Passport Application Form DS-11 if any of the following are true:

  • You have never had a U.S. passport
  • You are under age 16
  • Your most recent passport was issued more than 15 years ago
  • Your most recent passport was lost or stolen

All applicants, including children, must apply in person and bring the following documents:

Proof of Citizenship – Provide one of the following:

  • Previous U.S. Passport
  • Certified copy of your birth certificate (must have names of both parents)
  • Certificate of Naturalization

Proof of Identity – Provide one of the following:

  • Previous U.S. Passport
  • Valid Driver’s License (A temporary license does not meet this requirement)
  • State Identification Card
  • Certificate of Naturalization

The Clerk’s office will offer passport photos on site for an additional cost.

Note: Payments to the Department of State must be made by personal check, cashier’s check or money order ONLY (no cash or credit cards). A separate application fee to the Clerk & Comptroller’s office may be paid by cash, personal check, cashier’s check, money order, MasterCard, Visa, American Express or Discover.

*If a customer’s passport has been expired for LESS than five years, the passport must be renewed by mail. Customers whose passports have been expired for MORE than five years must reapply in person and may use the expired passport as proof of citizenship and identification.

Passport Renewal (By Mail)

All Passport renewals require the completion of Form DS-82. You may renew your passport by mail if:

  • You hold a passport and it is not more than 5 years past the date of expiration and not more than 15 years since being issued.
  • You were at least 16 years of age when it was issued.

Instructions:

  • Complete, sign and mail Form DS-82.
  • Include your most recent passport with two new passport photos.
    • If the name you are using differs from the name on your most recent passport, you must
      • Submit a certified copy of the marriage certificate or
      • Certified copy of Court order showing the change.
  • If your passport is mutilated or damaged, you must
    • Use the DS-11 application form and
    • Apply in person at one of the acceptance agencies with a certified copy of your birth certificate (must have the names of both parents on it).

Passport Reapplication

If your most recent passport was issued less than 1 year ago, use DS-5504 form for the following:

  • Change of name
  • Correction of descriptive date
  • Extend the validity of a Limited Passport

Instructions:

  1. Complete, sign and date the Reapplication Form DS-5504.
  2. Mail your application to one of the addresses listed on page 2 of the DS-5504 form.

Note: There is no fee if your passport was issued less than 1 year ago, unless you request expedited processing.

If your most recent passport was issued more than 1 year ago AND you have the passport, use Form DS-82.

Instructions:

  1. Complete, sign and mail your application to the address listed on the back of the DS-82 form.
  2. Include the appropriate payment/fee.

If your most recent passport was issued more than 1 year ago AND you do not have the passport, use DS-11 form.

Instructions:

  1. Complete the DS-11 form
  2. Bring it to an acceptance agency for processing.

Applications for Minors

Children under age 16 (For new and renewal passports). Minors must be present when applying.You must complete the New Applicant DS-11 form and include:

  1. Proof of Citizenship
    • Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state (must have the names of both parents on it)
    • Certificate of Naturalization
  2. Proof of Identity
    • Previous U.S. Passport
    • Certificate of Naturalization
    • Government issued identification card

Both parents must appear together to sign the application DS-11 form, or one parent must be present to sign the application, and the absent parent MUST submit a completed and notarized “Statement of Consent” Form DS-3053 AND a photocopy (front and back) of their ID. The notarized consent form cannot be more than three months old.

For more information on obtaining passports for minors, see the Department of State website.

Fees

See Service Charges & Fees

How Long Passports Are Valid

Adults (16 years of age and older) – Ten (10) years
Children (15 years and younger) – Five (5) years

Passport Processing – Time Requirements

Please consult http://www.travel.state.gov for the most up-to-date processing times.

To check the status of your Passport Application:

  • Call 1-877-487-2778 from 6:00a.m. – Midnight EST, Monday through Friday (excluding federal holidays), or
  • Check online at http://www.travel.state.gov
  • If you are traveling within 9 weeks, you must make an appointment at the nearest Passport Agency by calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
  • If you are traveling within 13 weeks, the Department of State strongly recommends that you request and pay for Expedited Service. For current expedited service fees, see Passport Fees & Costs.

For application forms, information on documentation required, fees, and a wealth of other passport and international travel information, visit the only official website for passport information: https://travel.state.gov/

In this section:

Marriage FAQs

Marriage licenses can only be issued to persons who are at least 17 years of age but only with written consent of both parents.

(We have the consent forms to be completed)

However, the older party to the marriage cannot be more than 2 years older than the younger party to the marriage.
We must have the original of the following items from the applicant that is 17 years old:

  1. Birth certificate
  2. Driver’s license, state id or passport
  3. Social security card

(We will make copies of these items and scan into the marriage license transaction)

This is per Florida statute 741.04 which was effective July 1, 2018

Where is your office located?

We are located in the Bay County Courthouse at 300 East 4th Street Panama City, Florida (32401), Room 101.

If you’re coming from the beach, take Hwy 98 going east until you get to Harrison Avenue. Make a right on Harrison Avenue. Go down to 4th Street and take a left. Once you’re on 4th Street, the courthouse is 3 blocks up on the right.

What are your hours?

Our normal business hours are Monday thru Friday 8:00am until 4:30pm.

How long does it take to apply for a license?

It takes approximately 20 minutes to apply for a Marriage License.

What do we need in order to apply for a Marriage License?

For applicants who are 18 years of age or older. Both parties must have State or Government issued valid photo identification (Driver’s License, State issued ID card, Passport, or Military ID). Both parties must know their social security numbers (you do not need to bring the card with you). And if either party has been previously married you must know the FULL DATE of divorce, annulment, or death of previous spouse (you do not need to bring the divorce decree, annulment papers, or death certificate).

Who can issue a Marriage License?

According to Florida Statute 741.01; every marriage license shall be issued by a County Judge or Clerk of the Circuit Court under his hand and seal.

What is the fee for a Marriage License?

The cost of the license is $86.00. We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Checks are not accepted. Note: if you choose to use a credit or debit card you will be charged a convenience fee.

If we decide not to get married after purchasing the Marriage License, can we get a refund?

No, there are no refunds on a Marriage License.

Do both of us have to come in together to apply for the license?

Yes. Both parties must come in person to apply, no exceptions.

How long is the marriage license valid?

The Marriage License is valid for 60 days from the effective date (block 18a on the Marriage License). The license must be used on or before the expiration date (block 19 on the Marriage License). The person performing the ceremony must return the license to the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office for recording within 10 days after the marriage ceremony is performed.

If I live out of state, can I apply for my Marriage License in the state I live?

If you are planning a wedding in Florida, you must apply for your marriage license in the state of Florida. You may apply in any county as long as the license is obtained in the state of Florida.

Who can perform a Marriage Ceremony in the state of Florida?

As listed in Florida Statute 471.0; all regularly ordained ministers of the gospel or elders in communion with some church, or other ordained clergy, and all judicial officers, clerks of the circuit court, and Florida Notary Publics may solemnize matrimony.

Can the Clerk’s Office perform a Marriage Ceremony?

We no longer perform marriage ceremonies.  You may bring your own clergy or notary and be married on the front steps of the courthouse or on the front lawn, or click here for a local listing of officiants.

Is there a waiting period?

Non-Florida Residents do not have a waiting period. Florida Residents have a 3-day waiting period.

Is there a way to waive the 3-day waiting period for Florida Residents?

Yes, if BOTH PARTIES are Florida Residents they may choose to take a pre-marital preparation course. If so, the 3-day waiting period will be waived and the license will be discounted to $61.00.

As Florida Residents, how do we go about taking this pre-marital course?

The pre-marital preparation course is not something you can do through the courthouse. You must take the counseling with a registered course provider. The course must be a minimum of 4 hours. You can contact our office to see if your minister or counselor is registered with our office at 850-763-9061.

Who can provide Pre-Marital Courses?

If you are qualified and wish to be an official provider of the pre-marital preparation course, you must register with the Clerk of the Court’s Office. Your Registration Affidavit must be on file with the Clerk’s Office before we can accept any Certificates of Completion from couples counseled by you. The following is a list of qualifications for the pre-marital preparation course providers:

  • A psychologist licensed under Chapter 490, Florida Statutes
  • A clinical social worker licensed un Chapter 491, Florida Statutes
  • A marriage and family therapist licensed under Chapter 491, Florida Statutes
  • A mental health counselor licensed under Chapter 491, Florida Statutes
  • An official representative of a religious institution which is
    recognized under Chapter 4963404 (201) Florida Statutes (with relevant
    training)

Do we have to take this course?

No, the course is not required. However, if you are Florida Residents and you choose not to take the pre-marital preparation course the 3-day waiting period will apply and the license will be $86.00.

Are we required to have a blood test before we apply for our license?

Blood tests are not required in the state of Florida.

Can a Marriage Ceremony be performed without a Marriage License?

No, Florida Statute 741.08 states that the party solemnizing the marriage shall require a properly issued marriage license before performing the ceremony.

Can we, as the couple, return the Marriage License for recording?

No, it is the legal responsibility of the notary public or minister that performed the ceremony to return the license back to the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office where the license was obtained within 10 days after the ceremony.

How long does it usually take to get a certified copy of our Marriage License?

Once the license is returned to our office, it will be recorded and mailed out to you the same day.

Can we get married by a captain aboard a ship?

Yes, if the captain is a Florida Notary Public and the ship is in Florida waters (with 2 geographic miles of the coastline) at the time of the ceremony.

Do one or both applicants have to be American Citizens?

No. There is no citizenship requirement in the state of Florida. However, you must provide proper identification. (For proper identification, please see question)

Do we need to apply for our Marriage License to renew our vows?

No. Talk to your religious advisor or personal counselor.

Can I legally marry a family member?

No. Although the marriage application does not specifically ask about possible relationship of the parties, Florida law prohibits close blood relations from legally marrying. These include such relationships as parent-child, brother-sister, and uncle-niece. The nearest degree of relations who may legally marry in the state of Florida are first cousins.

What is the fee for a certified copy of a Marriage License?

Two certified copies are provided as part of the Marriage License fee. Additional certified copies may be obtained for a fee of $3.00 each.

How do I obtain a certified copy of a Marriage License?

If you are local, all you need to do is come to our office (in room 101 at the Bay County Courthouse). Make sure and know both parties names and the time of the marriage and the year of the marriage. You may pay by cash or a Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit or debit card. Note: if you choose to use a credit or debit card you will be charged a convenience fee.

If you are from out of town, you’ll need to send a letter requesting those copies. Be sure to include both names at the time of the marriage and the year of the marriage. Payment must be sent by money order (we do not accept checks) made payable to Bill Kinsaul, Clerk. The day we receive your request we will process it and send your certified copies back out to you. Send your request to the following address:

Bay County Clerk’s Office
ATTN: Marriage License Department
P.O. Box 2269
Panama City, FL 32402

Requests can also be sent via email by completing and attaching saved copies of the Marriage License Request Form and the Recording/Marriage License Department Credit Card Payment Form (both linked below). Forward the attachments to recording@baycoclerk.com for processing.

Or you may contact the Office of Vital Statistics:

Department of Health
Office of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231
904-359-6900

Who should I notify if my marriage means a name change and/or address change?

If your marriage means a change in name and/or address, remember to make the following important notifications:

  • Your state’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles- Division of Driver’s license
  • Your nearest Social Security Office (The Panama City office is located at: 3215 Highway 77, Panama City, FL 32405)
  • Your Supervisor of Elections (The Bay County office is located at 830 W 11th Street, Panama City, FL 32401)
  • Your Military Reserve Commanding Office (if applicable)
  • Beneficiaries or joint owners on many of these documents: bank accounts, insurance policies, employment benefits, etc.

In this section:

Search Official Records

Search Official Records Now
Search Prior to 1987
Search Older Alpha Index / Plats

By accessing these services, you agree to any terms and instructions defined below.

The Official Records Search allows you to search the entire Bay County Official Records database for final judgments, land records, and other public documents recorded after January 1st, 1987.

The search will return a list of Parties, the date the document was recorded, the type of document that was recorded, the Book type, the Book/Page and Clerk Instrument Number of the document.

The copies viewed on this website are not legal official documents. Official legal document copies are available only from the Clerk’s Official Records Department.

With information obtained online, you may easily retrieve and identify documents available at the Official Records Division of the Clerk’s Office. These documents can be obtained in the following manner:

  • By visiting the Bay County Official Records search page for free uncertified copies.
  • By contacting the Official Records Division of the Clerk’s Office (by phone (850)763-9061 opt 3 or by email recording@baycoclerk.com) and requesting that certified copies be mailed to you at a cost of $1.00 per page for copies and $2.00 for certifications.
  • Electronic Certifications are also available from our website by choosing the purchase certified documents option on the homepage or by following this link.
  • How do I obtain a certified copy of a Marriage License?
    If you are local, all you need to do is come to our office (in room 101 at the Bay County Courthouse). Make sure and know both parties names and the time of the marriage and the year of the marriage. You may pay by cash or a Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit or debit card. Note: if you choose to use a credit or debit card you will be charged a convenience fee.

    If you are from out of town, you’ll need to send a letter requesting those copies. Be sure to include both names at the time of the marriage and the year of the marriage. Payment must be sent by money order (we do not accept checks) made payable to Bill Kinsaul, Clerk. The day we receive your request we will process it and send your certified copies back out to you. Send your request to the following address:

    Bay County Clerk’s Office
    ATTN: Marriage License Department
    P.O. Box 2269
    Panama City, FL 32402

    Requests can also be sent via email by completing and attaching saved copies of the Marriage License Request Form and the Recording/Marriage License Department Credit Card Payment Form (both linked below). Forward the attachments to recording@baycoclerk.com for processing.

    Request for Marriage Record
    Recording/Marriage License Department Credit Card Payment Form

    Or you may contact the Office of Vital Statistics:

    Department of Health
    Office of Vital Statistics
    P.O. Box 210
    Jacksonville, FL 32231
    904-359-6900

INSTRUCTIONS on using our Search Page – Click HERE.

Effective January 1, 2024, in accordance with Florida Statute 695.26 and the requirements for recording instruments affecting real property, the Clerk will not record an instrument by which title to real property or interest is conveyed, assigned, encumbered, or disposed of unless:
• The name of each witness is legibly printed, typewritten, or stamped immediately beneath the signature of the witness.
• The post office address of each witness is legibly printed, typewritten, or stamped on each instrument.

Property Fraud Alert

Bay County Clerk of Court offers property owners a free service to alert themselves of potential property fraud.

According to the FBI property and mortgage fraud is one of the fastest growing white-collar crimes. Scammers file fraudulent deeds making it appear as if they own the property. This type of fraud can go undetected if the property owner does not periodically check the Official Records. Although checking does not prevent the actual fraudulent activity from occurring it does provide an early warning of what may have otherwise gone undetected.

Properly Fraud Alert emails notifications to subscribers when a deed, mortgage, or other land record with their registered name on it has been recorded into the Clerk’s Official Records.

Property Fraud Alert is a free service that alerts subscribers when a mortgage, deed or other land document is recorded in their name in Bay County’s official records. Notifications are emailed within 24 hours of the document being recorded. Sign up and start protecting your most valuable investments.

Sign Up

  1. Visit the Recording Activity Notification page to register.
  2. Enter your personal or business name and email address.
  3. To register a Trust, enter the Trust as a business name

Notice

On or after October 1, 2002, any person preparing or filing a document for recording in the Official Records Department may not include a social security number, a bank account, credit, debit or charge card number in such a document unless required by law.

Any person has the right to request the Clerk/County Recorder to redact /remove social security, bank account, credit, debit or charge card numbers from any image or copy of an Official Record that has been placed on the Clerk’s publicly available website.

The request must be legibly written, signed and delivered in person, by mail or by fax to the Clerk’s Official Records Department. The request must specify the identification book and page number that contains the information to be redacted. No fee is charged for this service.

You may access the link to our Forms Page to print a request form or write your own request and hand deliver to the Bay County Courthouse, Room 101. Or mail to:

Bay County Clerk’s Office
Attention Official Records
P.O. Box 2269
Panama City, FL 32402

or

Bay County Clerk’s Office
Attention Official Records
300 East 4th Street
Panama City, FL 32401

**Because of the risk of computer viruses attached to electronic signatures, this office will not accept electronic requests.

In this section:

E-Certify

For your convenience, the Bay County Clerk of Court is now offering Electronic Certified Documents for purchase online.  Each electronic certified document uses advanced encryption features to produce a tamper-proof electronic certified document that will include a unique Clerk of Court digital signature.

To purchase an Electronic Certified Document on our website, the document must be in a viewable electronic format.

E-Certify Court & Official Records

Benefits of E-Certify:

  • Online
  • Real-time
  • 24-hour access
  • Convenient
  • Secure
  • Efficient
  • Environmentally friendly

Verify Certified Documents

Each document contains a Unique Reference Number for identification purposes and a tamper-evident seal to indicate if the document has been tampered with. To view the tamper-evident seal and verify the certifier’s digital signature, open this document with Adobe Reader software.

There are three ways to verify the authenticity of a document. The first, and easiest way, is to scan the QR code printed on your document.  If you do not have a QR code scanner, you may enter the Unique Reference Number for your document or upload the document below. Please watch the video above for detailed instructions.

Verify by code

Enter the Unique Reference Code from the original record to see the authentication results.

Verify by File Upload

Upload an electronic certificate file and we will perform an automated authentication.

In this section:

eRecording Information

eRecording is the secure online submission of documents to the Clerk’s office for recording in the Official Records of Bay County. eRecording streamlines the recording process by eliminating the need to mail or deliver documents to the courthouse, saving time and money for both the Clerk’s office and you. With eRecording, you scan your document and use a third-party vendor application to upload the document and associated data. No special equipment is required – just a computer with high-speed internet access and a scanner. Funds are transferred using Automated Clearing House (ACH) for recording fees, transfer taxes, and the fee that is paid to the vendor for this process.

The Bay County Clerk of Court and Comptroller is pleased to offer e-Recording services through the following vendors:

SIMPLIFILEPhone: 1(800) 460-5667Contact: https://www.simplifile.com/
CORPORATION SERVICE COMPANY (CSC)Phone: 1(866) 652-0111Contact: https://www.cscglobal.com/
ERECORDING PARTNERS NETWORK (EPN)Phone: 1(888) 325-3365Contact: https://www.goepn.com/
FILE AND GOPhone: 1(386) 845-8638Website: https://fileandgo.com/
Email: info@fileandgo.com
Recording customers should research the vendors and determine which one best fit their needs.

Benefits of eRecording

  • Submit documents for recording electronically 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Expedites recording process
  • Increases efficiencies, streamlines work flow
  • Original documents never leave your possession
  • Reduces time delay for recording

Documents That Cannot Be eRecorded

  • Bonds
  • Certain Miscellaneous Notices
  • Military Discharge (DD-214)
  • Notices of Bond
  • Notices of Contest of Lien
  • Notices of Homestead
  • Plat/Maintenance/Right-of-Way Maps
  • Transfers of Lien to Cash or Surety Bond

In this section:

Family Law FAQs

How can I obtain copies/certified copies of a final judgment?

Most initial judgments from a family law court case can be ordered online with a credit card at www.myfloridacounty.com.

Where can I find a list of parenting course providers?

Parents on divorce or paternity cases will need to take a parenting course approved by DCF https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/child-family/child-and-family-well-being/parent-education-and-family-stabilization.

Visit the Court Divisions page for more specific information.

In this section:

Foreclosure Auctions

Online Bidding and Auction System

Online bidding and auctions require advanced registration and advanced placement of deposits. Visit our online auction system at www.bay.realforeclose.com.

  1. Start here by reading our Bay Foreclosure FAQ
  2. Register Online
  3. View Auction Calendar

Foreclosure Sales List in Adobe PDF Format

The Clerk’s office of Bay County runs a Foreclosure report weekly that will be posted each Friday. You can obtain information regarding future foreclosure sales by researching the legal ad section of the Panama City News Herald or Bay County Bullet. The foreclosures are published once a week for two consecutive weeks before the sale takes place. You can also obtain information by clicking on the links provided on www.bay.realforeclose.com.

It is not possible to register to bid by mail. Our bidding process is the highest bidder wins the bid.  Please see bidding instructions on www.bay.realforeclose.com for various deposit and payment methods.

The successful bidder must pay the balance of the bid amount due by 11:00 am the following business day. In addition, fees for documentary stamp taxes and registry deposit fees must be paid at the time the balance of the bid amount is paid. This amount is based upon the bid amount.

Failure to pay the balance due and authorized costs by 11:00 am the following business day will result in the re-advertisement of the sale, the cost of which will be paid from the deposit. Any remaining funds will be applied towards the judgment.

In this section:

Types of Documents

AFFIDAVITAFFAffidavit, Declaration of Domicile
AGREEMENTAGRAgreement, Assumption Agreement, Bill of Sale, Consent, Future and Advanced Agreement, Lease, Merger, Promissory Note, Trust, Subordination
AGREEMENT AND/OR CONTRACT FOR DEEDAGDAgreements for Deed, Contracts for Deed
ASSIGNMENTASGAssignment of Anything (Mortgages, Liens, Court Papers)
BONDBNDAll Bonds (Ie. Performance), Appearance Bond, Bail Bonds
CERTIFICATECTFArticles of Incorporation, Certificate
CERTIFIED COPY OF A COURT JUDGMENTCCJCertified copy of a Previously Recorded judgment
CONDOMINIUM, DECLARATION OFCNDDeclaration of Condominium
COURT PAPERCPCircuit and County Court Papers (Except Probate): Administrative Orders, Appeal, Decree, Dismissal, Execution, Injunction, Letter, Mandate, Motion, Notice of Court Paper, Verdict, Vacation
DEATH CERTIFICATEDCDeath Certificate
DEEDDCertificate of Title, CO-OP Lease, Deed, Personal Representative Deed, Quit Claim Deed, Property Lease, Timeshare Deed, Tax Deed, Trustee Deed, Warranty Deed, 99-Year Lease
EASEMENTEASEasement, Right-of-Way, Conservation Easement (Per 704.06)
FINANCING STATEMENT/UCCFINFinancing Statement, UCC-1, UCC-3, Continuations of UCC, Terminations of UCCs-Anything/Everything Related to Financing Statements
GOVERNMENT-RELATEDGOVOrdinance, Resolutions, Supervisor of Elections Precincts, Notice of encumbrance Annexation, Vacation of Road
JUDGMENTJUDCourt judgment: Bankruptcy, Default judgment, Final judgment on Foreclosure, Quiet Title judgment, Stipulation of Final judgment, Summary judgment, Vacation of judgment
LIENLNAssessments, Certificate of Indebtedness, Claim of Lien, Code Enforcement, Board Lien, Federal Tax Lien, Lien, Hospital Lien, Tax Lien, Tax Certificate, Tax Warrant
LIS PENDENSLPLis Pendens
MARRIAGE RECORDMARThe One Page Form of Marriage Application, LIcense, and Certificate
MODIFICATIONMODModification of Anything (Mortgage, Liens, Court Papers), Extensions of Anything, Continuations of Anything
MORTGAGEMTGMortgage, Chattel Mortgage
NOTICENOTAppointment, Approval, By Laws, Commission, Designation of Homestead, Document of Unknown Purpose, “Garbafe” Document, Memorandum, Miscellaneous Document, Notice (Not of Court), Notice of Bond, Oaths, Waiver (Not of Court)
NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENTNOCSection 713 Notices of Commencement (Including Bonds when Attached to the Notice of Commencement)
NOTICE OF CONTEST OF LIENNCLNotice of Contest of Lien
ORDERORDOrders from the Circuit and County Courts: Final Order, Final Order/Action, Order, Order of Taking
PARTIAL RELEASEPRPartial Release of Anything (Mortgages, Liens, Court Papers)
PLATPLPlat
PLAT RELATEDPLRSurveyor’s Certificate/Affidavit, Affidavits/Certificates of Correction to Plat, Surveys, Lot Split Surveys, Vacations of Plat
POWER OF ATTORNEYPOAPower of Attorney
PROBATE DOCUMENTSPROProbate Anything: Non-Taxable Certificate, Estate Tax Closing Letter, Guardianship Letter, Letter of Administration, Will
RELEASERELRelease of Anything (Mortgages, Liens, Court Papers), Cancellations of Anything (Mortgages, Liens, Court Papers)
RESTRICTIONSRESSubdivision Restrictions, Condo restrictions, Covenants, Homeowners’ Association Bylaws
SATISFACTIONSATSatisfaction of Anything (Mortgage, Liens, Court Papers)
TERMINATIONTERTermination of Power of Attorney and Notice of Commencement
TRANSFERTRATransfer of Lien to Cash, Transfer of Lien to Bond, Transfer of Lien to Security

In this section:

Jury Duty

Click Here to confirm your juror summons or elect a change in your juror service.

Jurors for County and Circuit Court are selected from the driver’s license records of Bay County. Jurors are generally summoned two weeks prior to jury duty. All licensed drivers, with valid driver’s licenses may serve on a jury.

Juries are generally selected on Monday morning at the courthouse for all trials scheduled for the week. Approximately 80% of the trials in Bay County are for one day only. Therefore, most jurors serve the day of selection and one additional day.

Jurors are paid by the state only if their employer does not pay them during their first three days of jury duty. If the Juror is not paid by his/her employer, they are paid $15.00 for each of the first three days they serve. After the third day, all jurors are paid $30.00 per day served regardless of whether or not their employer pays them for their time spent at the Courthouse.

Florida law allows certain exemptions from Jury service. These include, but are not limited to:

Optional

  • Person’s over 70 years of age
  • Expectant mothers
  • Parents with children under 6 years of age, who are not employed full-time
  • Persons who have served on a jury within the past year
  • Caregiver of a disabled person/relative who resides with you

Mandatory

  • Law enforcement officers with arrest power
  • Municipal police officer
  • Convicted felon, civil rights not restored
  • Under prosecution for a crime
  • No longer a resident of this county

In accordance with the American’s With Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact Court Administration no later than seven days prior to the proceeding at:

Court Administrator
PO Box 1089
Panama City, Fl 32402
850-747-5338

For reporting instructions please call (850)747-5176 after 5:00 p.m. the day before you are to report, even if that day is a weekend or a holiday.

Your service as a juror in Bay County is greatly appreciated.

Warning to Bay County Residents of a Jury Duty Call Scam

Identity thieves are using a ‘Jury Duty Scam’ to obtain personal information from citizens throughout Florida. The scammers are telephoning and emailing individuals identifying themselves as local Bay County Clerk of Court or Bay County Sheriff’s Office employees and advising these individuals they failed to report for jury duty. In many cases, the scammer indicates a warrant has been issued for their arrest and requests the individual to provide confidential information such as Social Security number and date of birth for ‘verification’ purposes.

Bay County Clerk’s Office employees within the Jury Management division never make such calls or emails. In fact, initial notifications, as well as follow-up notices, are processed through the US Postal Service. Clerk’s Office employees will, however, respond by telephone or email to a prospective juror’s inquiry if requested.

Please avoid becoming a victim of this type of identity theft scam by simply refusing to provide the information requested by the caller, and know that you can always contact the Bay County Clerk’s Office Jury Division for verification.

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