Bay County Court Records
What Is Bay County Court Records
Bay County court records are official documents created and maintained by the courts operating within Bay County, Florida. These records document the proceedings, filings, and outcomes of cases heard in the county's judicial system. Pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), most court records are considered public documents.
Court records typically include:
- Case filings and pleadings
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing transcripts
- Evidence presented in court
- Docket information
- Case dispositions
The Bay County Clerk of Court & Comptroller serves as the official custodian of these records, maintaining them in accordance with Florida law and administrative orders of the court. The Clerk's office is responsible for processing, indexing, and preserving these documents for public access and historical purposes.
Bay County Clerk of Court & Comptroller
300 East 4th Street
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 763-9061
Bay County Clerk of Court
Are Court Records Public In Bay County
Court records in Bay County are generally public pursuant to Florida's Constitution (Article I, Section 24) and the Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, specifically Rule 2.420, governs public access to judicial branch records.
Members of the public may access most court records with the following considerations:
- Records are presumed open unless specifically exempted by statute or court rule
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted or restricted
- Confidential records may include those involving juveniles, adoption proceedings, mental health matters, and certain family court cases
- Records may be sealed by court order when legally justified
Exemptions to public access are specifically defined in Florida Statutes § 119.071 and other provisions of Florida law. The courts balance the public's right to access with privacy concerns and the administration of justice.
Individuals seeking access to Bay County court records should be aware that while most records are public, access methods and restrictions may vary based on the type of case and the specific documents requested.
How To Find Court Records in Bay County in 2025
Bay County residents and interested parties may obtain court records through several established channels. The Bay County Clerk of Court & Comptroller maintains these records and provides multiple access options:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Bay County Courthouse Records Department
- Complete a records request form at the public service counter
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for certified copies, $0.15 per page for standard copies)
Bay County Courthouse
300 East 4th Street
Panama City, FL 32401
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(850) 763-9061
Written Requests:
- Submit a detailed written request to the Clerk's Office
- Include case number, party names, and date range if known
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
- Include payment for estimated copy fees
Online Access:
- Utilize the Bay County Clerk's online records portal for many public records
- Access the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit website for court calendars and case information
- Search the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal for electronically filed documents
Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420(m), the Clerk may charge a service fee for remote electronic access to court records in addition to statutory fees for copies.
How To Look Up Court Records in Bay County Online?
Bay County provides comprehensive online access to court records through several digital platforms. The electronic systems allow for efficient searching of public case information without visiting the courthouse.
Primary online resources include:
-
Bay County Clerk's Records Search: The official records search portal provides access to civil, criminal, traffic, and probate cases. Users may search by case number, party name, citation number, or date range.
-
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal: Registered users can access documents filed electronically in Bay County courts through the statewide e-filing system.
-
Comprehensive Case Information System (CCIS): This statewide system provides authorized users with case information across multiple counties, including Bay County.
To conduct an online search:
- Navigate to the appropriate website
- Select the desired search parameters
- Enter known information (names, case numbers, dates)
- Review search results
- Access viewable documents (some may require fees)
Pursuant to Administrative Order 2016-14 of the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, certain confidential information may be redacted from online records. Users should note that some documents may only be available for in-person inspection due to confidentiality restrictions under Florida Statutes § 119.0714.
Can You Search Bay County Court Records for Free?
Bay County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic court record information, though fees may apply for obtaining copies or accessing certain detailed records.
Free access options include:
-
Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at the Bay County Courthouse for free public use during regular business hours. These terminals provide access to non-confidential court records.
-
Basic Online Searches: The Bay County Clerk's website offers free case searches that display basic case information including party names, case types, filing dates, and docket entries.
-
Court Dockets: Daily court calendars and hearing schedules can be viewed at no cost on the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit website.
Fee-based services include:
- Document copies ($0.15 per page)
- Certified copies ($1.00 per page plus $2.00 certification fee)
- Complete case file reviews requiring staff assistance
- Subscription services for high-volume users
In accordance with Florida Statutes § 28.24, the Clerk of Court is authorized to charge statutory fees for copies and certain search services. However, pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420(l), persons unable to pay prescribed fees may request a determination of indigency for possible fee waiver.
What's Included in a Bay County Court Record?
Bay County court records contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings. These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.430 and include multiple components that document the case from initiation through disposition.
Standard components of a court record include:
- Case Initiation Documents: Complaints, petitions, indictments, or information that commenced the case
- Party Information: Names and contact information for plaintiffs, defendants, attorneys, and other involved parties
- Pleadings: Motions, responses, and other formal written statements of claims and defenses
- Court Orders and Judgments: Official decisions and directives issued by the presiding judge
- Hearing and Trial Transcripts: Verbatim records of court proceedings when prepared
- Evidence Logs: Inventories of exhibits and evidence presented during proceedings
- Financial Records: Documentation of filing fees, fines, restitution, and other monetary transactions
- Case Disposition: Final outcome and resolution of the case
- Post-Judgment Filings: Appeals, modifications, and enforcement actions
Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public view, including social security numbers, bank account information, and other confidential data as defined by statute.
How Long Does Bay County Keep Court Records?
Bay County retains court records according to schedules established by the Florida Supreme Court and the Division of Library and Information Services. Retention periods vary based on case type and document significance.
Standard retention periods include:
- Felony Cases: Maintained permanently for capital cases; 10 years after final judgment for other felonies
- Misdemeanor Cases: 5 years after final judgment
- Civil Cases: 10 years after final judgment for standard civil matters
- Probate Cases: Permanently maintained
- Family Law Cases: Varies by case type; divorce records maintained permanently
- Traffic Cases: 3 years after final disposition for standard infractions
Historical records of significant legal or community importance may be preserved permanently regardless of standard retention schedules. The Bay County Clerk of Court maintains an archival system for older records that may be stored off-site but remain accessible through special request procedures.
Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.430(c), no court records may be destroyed without meeting minimum retention requirements. Additionally, records subject to continuing judicial or administrative proceedings may be retained beyond standard schedules until all related matters are resolved.
Types of Courts In Bay County
Bay County's judicial system consists of several court levels operating within the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida. Each court has specific jurisdiction and authority to hear designated case types.
The court structure includes:
-
Circuit Court: The primary trial court with jurisdiction over felonies, civil cases exceeding $30,000, probate, family law, and juvenile matters. Circuit judges are elected to six-year terms.
-
County Court: Handles misdemeanors, civil cases under $30,000, small claims up to $8,000, and traffic infractions. County judges are elected to six-year terms.
-
Drug Court: A specialized problem-solving court that provides supervision and treatment for eligible non-violent offenders with substance abuse issues.
-
Veterans Treatment Court: Addresses cases involving military veterans, focusing on treatment and rehabilitation rather than incarceration when appropriate.
-
Mental Health Court: A specialized docket for defendants with mental health conditions, providing treatment-based alternatives to standard prosecution.
The Bay County Courthouse houses these courts at:
Bay County Courthouse
300 East 4th Street
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 763-9061
Appeals from Bay County courts are heard by the First District Court of Appeal located in Tallahassee, with further appeals possible to the Florida Supreme Court.
What Types of Cases Do Bay County Courts Hear?
Bay County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters in accordance with jurisdictional authority established by the Florida Constitution and statutes. The courts process thousands of cases annually across multiple categories.
Circuit Court Cases:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil disputes exceeding $30,000
- Domestic relations (divorce, child custody, support)
- Juvenile dependency and delinquency
- Probate and guardianship matters
- Mortgage foreclosures
- Appeals from County Court decisions
County Court Cases:
- Misdemeanor criminal charges
- Civil disputes up to $30,000
- Small claims up to $8,000
- Traffic infractions and violations
- Landlord/tenant disputes
- Ordinance violations
Specialized Court Programs:
- Drug-related offenses (Drug Court)
- Cases involving military veterans (Veterans Court)
- Mental health-related cases (Mental Health Court)
Case assignment follows procedures established by Administrative Order of the Chief Judge of the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit. The Fourteenth Judicial Circuit encompasses Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties, with Bay County serving as its largest jurisdiction.
How To Find a Court Docket In Bay County
Court dockets in Bay County provide schedules of upcoming hearings, trials, and other judicial proceedings. These calendars are essential for attorneys, litigants, witnesses, and members of the public seeking to attend court sessions.
Multiple methods exist to access Bay County court dockets:
-
Online Access: The Fourteenth Judicial Circuit website publishes court calendars for all divisions. Users can search by date, judge, or case type to view scheduled proceedings.
-
Clerk's Office Inquiry: The Bay County Clerk of Court maintains current docket information and can provide printed copies upon request.
-
Courthouse Display Boards: Electronic displays in the Bay County Courthouse lobby show daily court schedules by courtroom and judge.
-
Case-Specific Docket: Parties to a case can view scheduling information through the Bay County Clerk's online case search by entering their case number.
-
Attorney of Record: Attorneys receive notifications of scheduled hearings for their cases through the e-filing portal and court administration.
Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.545, courts must establish case management systems that include coordinated docketing procedures. Docket information is typically updated daily, though emergency hearings may be added with minimal notice.
Bay County Courthouse
300 East 4th Street
Panama City, FL 32401
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(850) 763-9061
Which Courts in Bay County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Bay County's judicial system, certain proceedings do not generate official verbatim transcripts and are therefore not considered "courts of record" in the traditional sense. These proceedings typically involve minor matters where simplified procedures apply.
Non-record proceedings include:
-
Small Claims Court: While technically part of County Court, small claims proceedings (for cases under $8,000) follow simplified rules of procedure under Florida Small Claims Rules. These hearings are not automatically transcribed, though parties may arrange for a court reporter at their own expense.
-
Traffic Infractions Hearing Officer Program: Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 318.32, certain traffic infractions may be heard by hearing officers rather than judges. These administrative proceedings are not courts of record, though basic outcome information is documented.
-
Code Enforcement Hearings: Municipal code violations are often adjudicated by special magistrates rather than judges. These administrative hearings maintain written records of decisions but not verbatim transcripts.
-
Value Adjustment Board: Property tax assessment disputes are heard by this administrative body rather than a court. While written decisions are issued, these are not court proceedings in the formal sense.
Parties involved in non-record proceedings who wish to preserve a verbatim record must make independent arrangements with a certified court reporter. This becomes particularly important if a party anticipates appealing a decision, as appellate courts typically require a transcript of proceedings.
Lookup Court Records in Bay County
Bay County court records search
Find Bay County case information
Search Fourteenth Judicial Circuit cases