Bay County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Bay County?

Public records in Bay County, Florida encompass a wide range of official documents, files, and information created or maintained by government agencies in the course of conducting public business. Pursuant to Chapter 119 of the Florida Public Records Act, these records are available for inspection and copying by members of the public, with certain exceptions as provided by law.

Bay County maintains the following categories of public records:

Court Records: Case files, dockets, judgments, and court proceedings maintained by the Bay County Clerk of Court
Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other real estate transactions
Vital Records: Birth certificates (limited access), death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records
Tax Records: Property tax assessments, payments, and delinquencies
Criminal Records: Arrest reports, booking information, and criminal case dispositions
Civil Records: Lawsuits, small claims, evictions, and other non-criminal court filings
Business Records: Business licenses, fictitious name registrations, and corporate filings
Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information and election results
County Commission Records: Meeting minutes, resolutions, and ordinances
Building and Zoning Records: Permits, inspections, code enforcement, and land use documents
Financial Records: County budgets, expenditures, and financial reports
Environmental Records: Environmental permits, inspections, and compliance documents

These records are maintained by various county departments including the Clerk of Court, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, Supervisor of Elections, and other county offices in accordance with Florida's public records laws.

Is Bay County an Open Records County?

Bay County is indeed an open records county, operating in full compliance with Florida's robust public records laws. The county's commitment to transparency is mandated by the Florida Public Records Act (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), which establishes one of the nation's most comprehensive frameworks for public access to government information.

According to § 119.01(1), Florida Statutes: "It is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. Providing access to public records is a duty of each agency."

Bay County government agencies adhere to this statutory requirement by:

Maintaining accessible systems for public records requests
Providing reasonable access to records during normal business hours
Responding to records requests in a timely manner as required by § 119.07(1)(a)
Establishing procedures for records inspection and duplication
Designating custodians responsible for maintaining public records

The Bay County Clerk of Court & Comptroller serves as the primary custodian of many county records and has implemented systems to facilitate public access both in person and through online portals. The county's commitment to open records is further demonstrated through the Bay County Florida Web Portal, which provides digital access to many public records.

How Do I Find Public Records in Bay County in 2025

Members of the public seeking access to Bay County records in 2025 may utilize several established methods to locate and obtain the information they require. The county maintains multiple access points for public records retrieval:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the Bay County Clerk of Court & Comptroller at 300 E 4th Street, Panama City, FL 32401
Visit specific county departments that maintain specialized records (Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, etc.)
Complete a public records request form at the appropriate agency
Present identification when required for certain restricted records

Online Access:

Utilize the Bay County Florida Web Portal for digital access to many county records
Access court records through the Bay County Courts online system
Search property records via the Property Appraiser's online database
Review Bay County Sheriff's Office public information for law enforcement records

Written Requests:

Submit formal written requests to the appropriate records custodian
Include specific details about the records being sought
Provide contact information for response and delivery options
Allow for processing time as permitted under § 119.07(1)(a), Florida Statutes

Telephone Inquiries:

Contact the Clerk's office at (850) 763-9061 for guidance on records availability
Speak with departmental records custodians for specialized information
Verify record availability before making in-person visits

For health-related records, individuals may need to contact the Florida Department of Health in Bay County at 597 W 11th Street, Panama City, FL 32401, (850) 872-4455.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Bay County?

The cost structure for obtaining public records in Bay County is established in accordance with § 119.07(4), Florida Statutes, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for duplication and labor costs under specific circumstances. The following fee schedule applies to most public records requests in Bay County:

Standard Reproduction Fees:

Paper copies (letter/legal size): $0.15 per one-sided page
Paper copies (letter/legal size): $0.20 per two-sided page
Certified copies: $1.00 per document plus copy charges
Large format documents (maps, plans): Actual cost of duplication
Electronic records provided on CD/DVD: $1.00 per disc
Electronic records provided on USB drive: Actual cost of the storage device

Special Service Charges:

Extensive use of agency resources (when staff time exceeds 30 minutes): $20-$35 per hour depending on personnel involved
Computer programming or information technology resources: Actual cost based on staff time and resources required
Redaction of confidential information: Labor costs may apply for extensive redactions

Specialized Records Fees:

Official records: $1.00 per page (statutory fee)
Court records: Variable fees established by Florida Courts Administration
Comprehensive case history: $25.00 per name search
Criminal history information: $24.00 per record search

Payment methods accepted include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards (subject to convenience fees) at most county offices. Prepayment may be required for requests exceeding $10.00 or for extensive use charges. Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances as permitted by statute.

Does Bay County Have Free Public Records?

Bay County does provide certain public records at no cost to requesters, in accordance with Florida's public records laws and county policies that promote transparency and accessibility. The following records and access methods are available without charge:

Free Online Access:

The Bay County Florida Web Portal offers free search capabilities for many public records
Basic property information through the Property Appraiser's online database
County Commission meeting agendas, minutes, and video recordings
Bay County Courts case search for basic docket information
Voter registration verification through the Supervisor of Elections website
Building permit status checks through the Building Department portal

Free In-Person Inspection:

All non-exempt public records may be inspected at no charge during regular business hours
Self-service computer terminals at the Clerk's office for records research
Public access computers at Bay County Public Library locations for online records access
Viewing of County Commission meetings and public hearings

Free Records by Statute:

Veterans and their immediate family members may receive one free copy of discharge papers (DD-214)
Victims of crimes may receive one free copy of initial incident reports
Certain records provided to governmental agencies for official purposes
Public notices and legal advertisements published in official county publications

The Bay County Clerk of Court & Comptroller at 300 E 4th Street, Panama City, FL 32401, (850) 763-9061, serves as the primary provider of free public records access through their public terminals and basic online services.

Who Can Request Public Records In Bay County?

Under Florida's Public Records Act, specifically § 119.01(1), Florida Statutes, the right to access public records in Bay County extends broadly to all individuals regardless of citizenship, residency, age, or purpose. The statutory language explicitly states that public records are open for "personal inspection and copying by any person."

The following entities and individuals may request public records:

Any individual person, regardless of citizenship or residency status
Representatives of businesses, corporations, and organizations
Media representatives and journalists
Attorneys and legal representatives
Government agencies and officials
Advocacy groups and non-profit organizations
Academic researchers and students
Incarcerated individuals (though subject to certain procedural requirements)

Key provisions regarding requesters include:

Requesters are not required to provide identification for most records requests
Requesters need not disclose the purpose or motivation for their request
Requesters are not required to submit requests in writing, though written requests may help clarify complex inquiries
Requesters may remain anonymous for standard public records requests
Requesters need not cite the Public Records Act or any statutory authority

Exceptions to these provisions apply only in limited circumstances where:

Specific records have statutory access restrictions requiring verification of eligibility
Certain confidential records require proof of relationship or legal interest
Records containing exempt information require verification of authorized access

The Bay County Clerk of Court & Comptroller and other county agencies process requests in accordance with these statutory provisions without discrimination based on the requester's identity or purpose.

What Records Are Confidential In Bay County?

While Florida maintains a strong presumption of openness for public records, certain categories of information are exempt from public disclosure under state law. Bay County adheres to these statutory exemptions as outlined in Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, and other provisions of Florida law. The following records are generally considered confidential or exempt in Bay County:

Personal Information Exemptions:

Social Security numbers (§ 119.071(5)(a))
Driver license numbers and Florida ID card numbers
Medical and health information, including records protected under HIPAA
Bank account numbers, debit/credit card numbers, and financial account information
Home addresses, telephone numbers, and personal information of certain protected classes including:
- Current and former law enforcement officers and their families
- Judges and justices
- State attorneys and prosecutors
- Public defenders
- Victims of certain crimes

Juvenile Records:

Juvenile offender records except as provided in § 985.04, Florida Statutes
Child abuse and neglect records maintained by the Department of Children and Families
Dependency court proceedings involving minors

Public Safety and Security:

Security system plans and vulnerability assessments
Emergency communication plans and protocols
Certain law enforcement investigative information during active investigations
Information that would reveal undercover personnel or confidential informants

Other Protected Records:

Records subject to attorney-client privilege or work product doctrine
Trade secrets and confidential business information
Sealed court records and expunged criminal history information
Certain personnel records including medical information and performance evaluations
Examination questions and answer materials for licensing and employment tests
Certain economic development information

The determination of confidentiality is made by records custodians in accordance with applicable statutes. Requesters seeking potentially exempt information may be required to demonstrate legal authorization for access or receive redacted copies with exempt information removed.

Bay County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

The recording of official documents in Bay County is administered by the Recording Department within the Office of the Clerk of Court & Comptroller. This office serves as the official records custodian for the county, maintaining and preserving essential documents related to property ownership, court proceedings, and other official transactions.

Bay County Clerk of Court & Comptroller
300 E 4th Street
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 763-9061
Bay County Clerk of Court

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Recording Department Services:

Recording of deeds, mortgages, and property transactions
Filing of liens, judgments, and satisfactions
Marriage license applications and processing
Passport application acceptance and processing
Notary services and oath administration
Official records searches and certification
Tax deed applications and processing
Military discharge recording (DD-214)

Document Recording Requirements:

Original documents must be submitted for recording
Documents must be signed and notarized as required by law
Proper documentary stamp taxes must be paid
Recording fees must be paid at time of submission
Documents must have proper margins and formatting per § 695.26, Florida Statutes

Satellite Office:
Bay County Courthouse Annex
707 Jenks Avenue
Panama City, FL 32401
(Limited services available)

For electronic recording options and additional information about specific recording requirements, interested parties may contact the Recording Department directly or visit the official website.