Bay County Property Records
What Is Bay County Property Records
Bay County property records are official documents maintained by various county offices that contain detailed information about real estate parcels within Bay County, Florida. These records serve as the authoritative source of information regarding property ownership, valuation, taxation, and legal status. Property records are maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes Chapter 119, which governs public records in the state.
The primary custodians of property records in Bay County include:
Bay County Property Appraiser's Office
860 W 11th Street
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 248-8401
Bay County Property Appraiser
Bay County Clerk of Circuit Court
300 E 4th Street
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 763-9061
Bay County Clerk of Court
Bay County Tax Collector
850 W 11th Street
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 248-8501
Bay County Tax Collector
Property records typically include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, property tax assessments, and other documents that establish legal ownership and encumbrances affecting real property. These records are systematically organized according to parcel identification numbers (PIN) assigned to each property within the county's jurisdiction.
Are Property Records Public Information In Bay County?
Property records in Bay County are public information in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law, codified in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This law, commonly referred to as Florida's "Sunshine Law," establishes a presumption of openness regarding government records, including property records.
Under § 119.01, F.S., all records made or received by any public agency in the course of its official business are available for inspection, unless specifically exempted by law. Consequently:
- Any member of the public may access Bay County property records without demonstrating a specific need or purpose
- Requesters are not required to identify themselves when requesting public records
- Records must be provided in a reasonable time at a reasonable cost
- Agencies may charge only the actual cost of duplication plus labor charges for extensive requests
Certain limited information within property records may be exempt from public disclosure, including:
- Social Security numbers pursuant to § 119.071(5)(a), F.S.
- Information regarding certain public officials or protected individuals as specified in § 119.071(4), F.S.
- Bank account numbers and credit card information pursuant to § 119.071(5)(b), F.S.
The Bay County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains public access terminals at their office location where members of the public may search property records during regular business hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
How To Search Property Records in Bay County in 2025
Searching property records in Bay County in 2025 can be accomplished through multiple methods established by county agencies. The process has been streamlined to accommodate various user needs while maintaining compliance with Florida Statutes § 119.07 regarding reasonable access to public records.
To conduct a property records search in Bay County, individuals may utilize the following methods:
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In-Person Search: Visit the Bay County Clerk of Circuit Court's Official Records Department located at 300 E 4th Street, Panama City, FL 32401. Public access terminals are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
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Online Search: Access the Bay County Clerk's Official Records Search portal through their website. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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GIS Mapping Interface: Utilize the Bay County GIS system, which provides interactive mapping capabilities integrated with property record data.
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Property Appraiser Search: Access the Property Appraiser's database for assessment information, property characteristics, and ownership details.
When searching property records, users should have one or more of the following identifiers:
- Property owner's name (current or previous)
- Property address
- Parcel identification number (PIN)
- Legal description
- Book and page number (for recorded documents)
- Document type (deed, mortgage, lien, etc.)
The Bay County Property Appraiser's Office provides assistance with property record searches during regular business hours and can be contacted at (850) 248-8401 for guidance on complex searches.
How To Find Property Records in Bay County Online?
Bay County has implemented comprehensive digital systems for accessing property records online in compliance with Florida Statutes § 668.50, which governs electronic records and signatures. These online resources provide convenient access to property information without requiring in-person visits to county offices.
The primary online resources for accessing Bay County property records include:
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Bay County Clerk of Court Official Records Search
This system allows users to search for recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property-related filings. Searches can be conducted by name, document type, recording date, or book and page number. -
Bay County Property Appraiser's Online Database
This resource provides detailed property information including ownership history, assessed values, tax exemptions, building characteristics, and sales history. The database can be searched by owner name, property address, or parcel identification number. -
Bay County GIS
The Geographic Information System provides map-based access to property records with layers showing parcel boundaries, zoning designations, flood zones, and other geographic data relevant to property ownership and use. -
Bay County Tax Collector's Property Tax Records
This system allows users to view and pay property taxes online, as well as access tax payment history and current tax status for specific parcels.
To effectively use these online systems, users should:
- Determine which specific property information is needed
- Select the appropriate online resource based on the type of information sought
- Enter search criteria accurately (name, address, parcel number)
- Review search results carefully to identify the correct property
- Download or print relevant documents as needed
Online access to these systems is available 24 hours per day, though technical support is limited to regular business hours.
Can You Look Up Bay County Property Records for Free?
Bay County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost, in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.07(4), which governs fees for public records. While certain specialized services may incur fees, basic property record information is available without charge through multiple channels.
Free access to Bay County property records is available through:
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Public Access Terminals: Located at the Bay County Clerk of Circuit Court (300 E 4th Street, Panama City, FL 32401), these terminals provide free on-site access to the official records database during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM).
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Online Basic Searches: The Bay County Property Appraiser's website offers free basic property searches, including owner information, property characteristics, and assessed values.
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Bay County GIS: This online mapping system provides free access to parcel information, aerial photography, and various property-related geographic data layers.
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Constitutional Offices Portal: The county's official website provides links to various property record resources at no cost.
Services that may incur fees include:
- Certified copies of documents ($2.00 per certification plus $1.00 per page)
- Large-format maps and specialized prints (fees vary based on size and complexity)
- Bulk data requests requiring extensive staff time (special service charge may apply)
- Subscription services for professional users requiring advanced search capabilities
Per Florida Statutes § 119.07(4)(a)3, agencies may charge up to $0.15 per one-sided copy for duplicated copies of not more than 14 inches by 8½ inches. The Bay County Clerk's Office accepts payment by cash, check, or credit card for any applicable fees.
What's Included in a Bay County Property Record?
Bay County property records contain comprehensive information about real estate parcels within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Statutes Chapter 695, which governs the recording of instruments affecting real property. The content of property records varies by document type but typically includes several standard elements.
A complete Bay County property record generally contains:
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Ownership Information
- Current property owner's name and mailing address
- Previous ownership history and chain of title
- Date of acquisition and type of transfer (sale, gift, inheritance)
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Property Identification
- Parcel identification number (PIN)
- Legal description of the property
- Property address (if assigned)
- Subdivision name and lot/block numbers (if applicable)
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Physical Characteristics
- Land area (acreage or square footage)
- Building size and specifications
- Year of construction
- Number of rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms
- Construction materials and quality grade
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Valuation and Taxation
- Assessed value for tax purposes
- Market value estimates
- Applicable exemptions (homestead, senior, disability)
- Annual tax amounts and payment history
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Legal Encumbrances
- Mortgages and financing information
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants and deed restrictions
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Plat Maps and Surveys
- Boundary surveys
- Subdivision plats
- Flood zone designations
- Zoning classifications
These records are maintained by various county offices, with the Property Appraiser focusing on valuation and physical characteristics, the Tax Collector handling taxation information, and the Clerk of Court maintaining the official recorded documents affecting title and ownership.
How Long Does Bay County Keep Property Records?
Bay County maintains property records in perpetuity in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules established under Florida Statutes § 119.021 and the guidelines set forth by the Division of Library and Information Services. These retention policies ensure the preservation of the county's property record history for both current reference and historical research purposes.
The retention periods for specific types of property records include:
- Deeds and Conveyances: Permanently maintained in the Official Records of the Clerk of Circuit Court
- Mortgages and Satisfactions: Permanently maintained in the Official Records
- Property Tax Rolls: Retained permanently by the Tax Collector's Office
- Property Appraisal Cards: Maintained permanently by the Property Appraiser
- Plat Maps and Surveys: Preserved permanently in both paper and digital formats
- Building Permits and Inspections: Retained for the life of the structure plus 10 years
- Zoning Changes and Variances: Maintained permanently as part of the county's land use records
Bay County has implemented a comprehensive records management system that includes:
- Climate-controlled storage facilities for original paper documents
- Digital scanning and indexing of historical records
- Regular backup procedures for electronic records
- Disaster recovery protocols to protect against data loss
The Bay County Clerk of Circuit Court has digitized property records dating back to the county's formation in 1913. These historical records are available through the same search systems as current records, allowing researchers to trace property ownership and transactions throughout the county's history.
For research requiring access to the oldest property records, the Bay County Historical Society maintains additional archives that may be consulted by appointment:
Bay County Historical Society
133 Harrison Avenue
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 818-0964
How To Find Liens on Property In Bay County?
Liens on property in Bay County are public records that can be searched through established channels maintained by county offices. These records are kept pursuant to Florida Statutes § 55.10 (judgment liens), § 713.08 (mechanic's liens), and other applicable statutes governing various types of liens.
To locate liens on Bay County properties, interested parties may utilize the following methods:
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Official Records Search: The Bay County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains records of liens filed against properties. These can be searched at:
Bay County Clerk of Circuit Court
300 E 4th Street
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 763-9061
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM -
Online Records Search: The Clerk's Official Records Search portal allows users to search for liens by property owner name, property address, or official records book and page number.
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Tax Collector's Office: For tax liens specifically, contact:
Bay County Tax Collector
850 W 11th Street
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 248-8501
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM -
Bay County GIS: The county's Geographic Information System can provide preliminary information about properties with tax liens.
Common types of liens that may be found include:
- Tax liens (property tax delinquencies)
- Judgment liens (resulting from court judgments)
- Mechanic's liens (filed by contractors for unpaid work)
- Homeowners Association liens
- Code enforcement liens
- Federal tax liens
When searching for liens, it is advisable to:
- Verify the correct legal name of the property owner
- Check for liens under previous property owners if the property was recently acquired
- Note the recording date, as some liens have expiration dates
- Verify the current status of the lien (satisfied, released, or active)
For complex lien searches or title issues, professional title companies operating in Bay County can provide comprehensive lien search services for a fee.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Bay County?
The Property Owner Rule in Bay County refers to the legal principles governing property ownership rights and responsibilities as established under Florida law. This rule encompasses various statutes and local ordinances that define the rights, limitations, and obligations of property owners within the county's jurisdiction.
In Bay County, property ownership is governed by several key legal frameworks:
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Florida Statutes Chapter 689: Establishes the legal requirements for conveyance of real property and defines the rights of property owners.
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Bay County Land Development Regulations: Local ordinances that regulate how property may be used, developed, or modified within county boundaries.
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Florida Statutes § 70.001 (Bert J. Harris, Jr., Private Property Rights Protection Act): Provides property owners with legal remedies when government regulations inordinately burden private property rights.
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Florida Statutes Chapter 712 (Marketable Record Title Act): Establishes time limitations on certain claims against property ownership to provide certainty in property titles.
Key principles of the Property Owner Rule include:
- Property owners have the right to possess, use, and dispose of their property within the constraints of applicable laws and regulations
- Owners must comply with zoning ordinances, building codes, and other land use regulations
- Property owners are responsible for payment of property taxes and special assessments
- Owners have certain rights regarding access to their property and protection against trespass
- Property ownership includes both surface rights and, unless severed, subsurface mineral rights
Property owners seeking information about their rights and responsibilities may contact:
Bay County Planning and Zoning Division
840 W 11th Street
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 248-8250
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Bay County Property Appraiser's Office can provide information regarding property boundaries, assessed values, and tax exemptions that may affect property ownership rights.