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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:

Civil Traffic FAQs

Where do I mail my traffic fine?

If your traffic citation was issued in Bay County, mail payment to:

Bill Kinsaul, Clerk of Court
 Traffic Division
P.O. Box 2269
Panama City, FL 32402

or

Bill Kinsaul, Clerk of Court
 Traffic Division
300 East 4th Street
Panama City, FL 32401

When must my traffic citation be paid?

Payment of a traffic citation must be received in the Clerk’s Office within thirty (30) calendar days of the citation issue date. Remember that if you are mailing your payment, it must be received by the 30th day, or it be considered delinquent and subjected to late fee and/or a suspension of your driver’s license.

May I get an extension of time beyond the 30 days to pay my citation?

Yes. Additional time to pay a traffic fine may be granted by coming to the Traffic Department of the Bay County Courthouse and paying a $25.00 processing fee.

Can I make partial payments on my traffic citation fine?

Yes. Partial payments are now accepted. You must enter into a Partial Payment Agreement with the Bay County Clerk of Courts. To initiate this process come to room 111 in the Bay County Courthouse, complete a Partial Payment Agreement Form and paying a non-refundable processing fee of $25.00. The fine must be completely paid within two payments. Partial Payments are not accepted if you chose to go to traffic school to withhold points.

If my citation was issued outside of Bay County, may I pay the fine in Bay County?

No. Citations issued in Bay County must be paid in Bay County. If your citation was issued outside of Bay County, please contact the Clerk in the county of issue.

What will happen if I fail to pay my traffic citation within 30 days?

You will be assessed a late fee and a report will be mailed to the Department of Highway Safety to suspend your driver’s license. Your driver’s license will remain suspended until payment, including the late fee, is paid. Upon payment in full of your citation, you will be issued a D6 clearance form. This clearance must be presented to any office of the Department of Highway Safety or if you are a resident of Florida and this in your only outstanding citation your driving privileges may be reinstated through the Clerk of Court’s Office.

How can I reinstate my driver’s license for failure to pay a traffic fine?

The Clerk’s Office can assist you in reinstating your license. If there are other reasons for the suspension, you will need to go to driver license office for reinstatement. A reinstatement fee is required.

How do I keep from having points assessed to my license?

You may elect to attend traffic school if you have not done so within the past 12 months and have not attended more than five times in your lifetime.

If I complete traffic school, will my insurance rates increase?

Your insurance company will make that decision. Please contact them with this question.

How do I contact a traffic school?

Florida law prohibits the Clerk or any government entity from referring individuals to a particular Traffic School; however, you can find Traffic Schools listed in the telephone directory yellow pages under the heading “Driving Instruction” or online at “Traffic School Providers“.

Can I attend traffic school anywhere?

Yes. You may attend traffic school anywhere in the State of Florida, including approved online schools.

How long will I have to complete traffic school?

Your certificate of completion of traffic school must be received in this office no later than 50 days after the date you signed for the Affidavit for Traffic School election. A certificate received after the 50th day will be considered delinquent and late fees and/or a suspension of your driver’s license may apply. It is advisable to contact and enroll in a traffic school as soon as possible to ensure the completion being filed on time.

If I went to traffic school recently for another citation, may I go again?

No. Traffic school may be elected only once within a 12-month period and no more than 5 times total in a lifetime.

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:

Guardianship Audits and Reporting

Guardianship Audits

The Inspector General supports the Bay County Clerk of Court and Comptroller staff in an attempt to augment the court’s oversight process applicable to the protection of wards’ assets pursuant to Chapter 744, Florida Statutes.

Guardianship Reporting

Accountings should include all supporting bank statements, receipts, invoices and/or cancelled checks (if receipts are unavailable), as well as any other necessary documents for validation.

Plans should include a current Physician’s Report (unless exempt) and any other necessary supporting documentation.

Guardianship Reporting Calculator

CLICK HERE to open the Guardianship Reporting Calculator in a new tab.

Additional Resources

Probate Court Department, Clerk of Court & Comptroller

14th Judicial Website Forms

Office of Public & Professional Guardians (OPPG)

Florida Statute Chapter 744 Guardianship

Registered Professional Guardians (OPPG)

Florida Public Guardian Programs (OPPG)

National Guardianship Association, Inc.

Florida State Guardianship Association

FCCC 2021 Guardianship Audit Best Practice PDF

FCCC 2021 Guardianship Audit Best Practice – Checklist PDF

FCCC 2021 Guardianship Audit Best Practice – Appendix PDF

In this section:

Pay Traffic Citation

Traffic citations may be paid in three different ways.

  • Online using nCourt 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is a convenience fee to use this service.
  • By calling 855-796-5762 Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – 12 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST. You can use a debit or credit card and there is a convenience fee.
  • You can mail your payment with a Money Order or Cashier’s Check.
  • In person payments may be made Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in room 111 of the Bay County Courthouse. Cash, personal checks ($3.00 fee) and debit/credit cards (3.5% fee per statute) are all accepted.

Traffic Related Forms

The Clerk’s Office will accept only Credit/Debit Cards (Discover, MasterCard, Visa & American Express), Money Orders or Cashiers Checks for payment of all monetary business transactions.

Pay Your Traffic Ticket Online

If you mail your payment, DO NOT SEND CASH OR CHECKS. Pay the amount indicated on the back of your citation and/or the amount indicated on the pre-printed envelope that the office has given you. Enclose the yellow copy of the citation to ensure proper credit. Points, if applicable, will be assessed. If paying your traffic fine by mail, please make cashiers check or money order payable to Bill Kinsaul or complete a Credit Card Payment Form and send to:

Bay County Clerk of Circuit Court
Attn: Traffic Division
P.O. Box 2269
Panama City, FL 32402

In this section:

Value Adjustment Board

2024 PETITION DEADLINE:
September 9, 2024

The Bay County Property Appraiser’s Office will send out trim notices on Thursday, August 15, 2024. The deadline for filing a petition to the Bay County Value Adjustment Board is Monday September 9, 2024. If you did not receive a trim notice or have questions concerning your assessment, you should contact the Bay County Property Appraiser’s Office at (850) 248-8401. If you have questions regarding the filing of a petition to the Bay County Value Adjustment Board please contact the Bay County Clerk’s Office at (850) 767-3314 or at vab@baycoclerk.com.

ALL PETITIONS MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE CLERK’S OFFICE BY THE END OF THE BUSINESS DAY ON THE DEADLINE DATE. PETITIONS POSTMARKED ON AND RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE DATE WILL BE CONSIDERED LATE. REFER TO 12D-9.015(14) FOR LATE FILING PROCEDURE.

F.S. 194.015 Value Adjustment Board

“There is hereby created a value adjustment board for each county, which shall consist of two members of the governing body of the county as elected from the membership of the board of said governing body, one of whom shall be elected chairperson, and one member of the school board as elected from the membership of the school board, and two citizen members, one of whom shall be appointed by the governing body of the county and must own homestead property within the county and one of whom must be appointed by the school board and must own a business occupying commercial space located within the school district.”

Education and Resources

Section 194.011(5)(b), Florida Statutes, states:

“(b) The department shall develop a uniform policies and procedures manual that shall be used by value adjustment boards, special magistrates, and taxpayers in proceedings before value adjustment boards. The manual shall be made available, at a minimum, on the department’s website and on the existing websites of the clerk of circuit courts.”

DOR – The Florida Department of Revenue (Department) has developed this uniform policies and procedures manual as prescribed by statute and other resources the public may find helpful. Click on the links below for more information.

FLORIDA STATUTES – The Florida Statutes pertaining to the Value Adjustment Board and its processes are available at the Bay County Public Library and online. Suggested statute references are Chapters 193, 194, and 196.

FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE (F.A.C) – In addition, Chapters 12D-9 and 12D-10 of The Florida Administrative Code can be found online.

FLORIDA SUNSHINE LAW – To access the Sunshine and Public Records Law click here for the Government-in-the-Sunshine Manual.

Fee to File a Petition

There is a $50.00 non-refundable filing fee to file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board. Petitions sent without the appropriate filing fees are deemed incomplete and cannot be processed unless the Clerk to the Value Adjustment Board receives the fee.

Petitioners filing a single joint petition containing multiple parcels or TPP accounts must first submit, to the Bay County Property Appraiser’s Office, a Florida Department of Revenue form DR-486MU, listing the contiguous parcels or similar accounts. The Property Appraiser’s Office must first approve the parcels or accounts as contiguous or like and similar in nature before the petition can be filed. The cost to file this type of petition is $50.00 + $5.00 each additional parcel or account after the first.

FILING FEES PERTAINING TO THE DENIAL OF HX EXEMPTION OR HX TAX DEFERRAL

Persons filing a petition due to the denial, by the Property Appraiser or the Tax Collector, of a timely filed application for a homestead exemption or a timely filed application for homestead tax deferral, are not subject to a filing fee. However, if the application was filed after the March 1st deadline and was denied, the $50.00 petition filing fee would apply.

FILING YOUR PETITION IN PERSON OR THROUGH THE MAIL

You will file your petition with the Clerk of the Value Adjustment Board who is located at the Bay County Board Finance Office building located at 225 McKenzie Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401. Payment can be in the form of cash, check, cashier’s check, or money order made payable to the Clerk of the Value Adjustment Board. ALL PETITIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE CLERK OF THE VALUE ADJUSTMENT BOARD BY THE END OF THE BUSINESS DAY ON THE DEADLINE DATE PROVIDED ON YOUR TRIM NOTICE. PETITIONS POSTMARKED ON AND RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL BE CONSIDERED LATE. REFER TO 12D-9.015(11) FOR LATE FILING PROCEDURE.

FILING YOUR VALUE OR TPP PETITION ONLINE

To file a petition online and pay with a credit card, click on the link below. Credit cards are subject to a 3.5% non-refundable processing fee. Note: Single joint petitions containing multiple parcels must be filed in person or by mail and accompanied by a letter of approval from the Property Appraiser’s Office.

File a new petition or check the status of a petition

Value Adjustment Board Downloads

Notices
Information
Forms

Download links above open in a new tab

Contacting the Value Adjustment Board

Deputy Clerk to the VAB
Patrice Smart
Phone : (850) 767-3314
Fax : (850) 747-5212
225 McKenzie Avenue
Panama City, FL 32401
Email Value Adjustment Board

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 110, 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 – 11:00am 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 $22.05 (1-2 day return service) on expedited passports only.

The Clerk of Court is due the following fees:
Passport acceptance fee of $35.00
Passport Photo Fee of $15.00
Passport Priority Mail Fee shipping fee of $10.45 (which is subject to change by the USPS)

Accepted forms of payment:

  • Cash
  • Money Orders, Cashier’s Checks & Business Checks
  • Credit/Debit Cards- Subject to 3.5% processing fee of total transaction

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:

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) 460-5657Contact: 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:

Search Court Cases & Court Docket

Search Court Cases Now

By accessing this service, you agree to any terms and instructions defined below.

Bill Kinsaul is pleased to offer Internet access to information deemed as public record by Florida Statute 119.01 (1), (2), (3). Please accept the disclaimer below in order to access these electronic records.

This website is intended for the general public’s personal use to retrieve general information. The information available on this website is not official and should not be relied on for any type of legal action.

While the Clerk’s Office attempts to preserve the accuracy of the online version of these records, they are not official and the Bay County Clerk of Circuit Court will not be responsible for any inaccuracies that may be encountered. By using this service, in any form, the User agrees to exonerate and pardon the Bay County Clerk of Circuit Court and his staff involved in storing, retrieving, or displaying this information for damage of any type that may be caused by accessing this information over the Internet. Parties, or their attorneys, are required under Rule 2.420 to file a Notice of Confidential Information Form along with any document that contains confidential information.


Accept Terms of Agreement And Search All Cases

Request Secure Login

The General Public, Parties to a Case, and Florida Attorneys may request secure access subscription and access information by completing a Bay County Access Agreement and emailing eSupport@BayCoClerk.com

Court Docket

830 W 11th Street, Panama City, FL  32401

If you visit our Case Search site and search for any specific case (no login needed) the EVENTS section will show court docket events for that case.

If you need broader access to review a full calendar of Court Docket events then you can request secure login using the links and fill out an application for a free login name and password that will enable you to access advanced search features such as full Court Docket information.

Search Tips

View case format examples for both civil and criminal cases. Criminal example: 02000034CFMA, Civil traffic example: 02000034TR, Probate example: 02000034CP

NAME SEARCH: LAST, FIRST MIDDLE – the more explicit the name information the more the search will be narrowed down, but you can search by last name only.

Example – DOE, JOHN D

Case types are as follows:

  • Civil Traffic Infraction cases end in TR
  • Circuit Criminal cases end in CFMA
  • County Criminal cases end in MMMA
  • County Criminal worthless check cases end in MMMW
  • Municipal Ordinances cases end in MOMS
  • State Statute and Ordinance cases end in MMMO
  • Criminal Traffic cases end in CTMA
  • Wildlife and Tobacco Violation cases end in TOMA
  • Animal Control Violations end in ACMA
  • Code Enforcement Violations end in CEMA
  • Parking Violations end in PKMA
  • Circuit Civil cases end in CA
  • Domestic Relations and Family Law cases end in DR
  • County Civil and Landlord Tenant cases end in CC
  • Small Claims cases end in SC
  • Motor Vehicle cases end in MO
  • Solicitors Permit cases end in SL
  • Probate cases ending in CP or GA

Federal Court Records

For inquiries of Federal Court Records please contact:
Tallahassee: 850-521-3501
or
Pensacola: 850-435-8440

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: