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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 $11.00 (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 6:00AM – 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:

Civil – County & Circuit Fees

Circuit Civil, County Civil, Small Claims Filing Fees
Effective June 1, 2009 Pursuant to SB1728

Small Claims ActionsCost
Under $100$55.00
$101 – $500$80.00
$501 – $2,500$175.00
$2,501 – $8,000$300.00
County Civil Actions Cost
$8,001 – $15,000$300.00
$15,001 – $30,000$400.00
Circuit Civil Actions Cost
$50,001 and up$400.00
Real Property or Foreclosure Cases with Claim Value Cost
$50,000 Or Less$400.00
$50,001 – $250,000$905.00
Over $250,001$1905.00
Replevin Actions Cost
Up to $1,000$130.00
$1,001 – $2,500$240.00
$2,501 – $15,000$385.00
$15,001 and over$485.00
Each Defendant (Not including aka, fka, dba) Cost
Over 5$2.50
Issuing Summons Cost
Per Summons$10.00
Preparing Summons In Addition to Issuing Fee Cost
Per Summons$7.00
Recording Lis Pendens Cost
1st Page$5.00
Each Additional Page$4.00
Tenant Eviction$185.00
Cross Claim, Counter- Claim, 3rd Party Claim or Counter-Petition Cost
County Court Actions Over $2500$295.00
County Court Actions Transferring Jurisdiction to Circuit Court$400.00
Circuit Court Actions$395.00
Foreclosure/Real Property Actions Claims up to $15,000 $395.00
Foreclosure/Real Property Actions Claims $15001 – $250,000 $900.00
Foreclosure/Real Property Actions Claims Over $250,001 $1,900.00
Reopen Fee Cost
Closed Case is Resubmitted to the Judge$50.00
Domestication of Foreign Judgment Cost
$15,000 Or Less$300.00
Over $15,000$400.00
Execution Fee on Foreign Judgment$42.00
Bond Approvals$8.50
Issuing Writ of Garnishment$85.00
Transferred Case From Another County Cost
Under $100$55.00
$101 – $500$80.00
$501 – $2,500$175.00
$2,501 – $15,000$300.00
$15,001 – $50,000$400.00
$50,001 – $250,000$905.00
Over $250,000$1905.00
Appeal Filing Fee Cost
County To Circuit$281.00
Copies Cost
Per Page$1.00
Foreclosure Sale Fee$70.00
Certifications$2.00
Records Search Cost
Per Year$2.00
Exemplifications$7.00
Malpractice Extension Fee$42.00
FAX Copies Cost
Per Page Local$1.00
Per Page Long Distance$1.25
Subpoenas Cost
Issue Only$2.00
Court Registry Fee Cost
3% of 1st$500.00
1.5% ofRemaining Balance

In this section:

Probate Fees

ItemFee
Caveat/Notice of Trust$41.00
Petition and order to admit foreign wills, authenticated copies, exemplified copies, or transcripts to record$231.00
Disposition of personal property without administration$231.00
Summary Administration Less Than $1,000$235.00
Summary Administration $1,000 or more$345.00
Formal Administration, guardianship, ancillary, curatorship, or conservatorship proceedings$400.00
Guardianship proceedings of person only$235.00
Veterans Administration Guardianship$235.00
Petition for determination of incapacity$231.00
Exemplified certificates$7.00
Case Re-Open$50.00
For the opening of any estate of one document or more, including but not limited to, petitions & orders to approve settlement of minor’s claims; to open safe deposit box; to enter rooms and places; for the determination of heirs, if not formal administration;and for foreign guardian to manage property of a nonresident, but not including issuance of letters or order of summary and family administration.$231.00
Guardianship Audit Fee, Initial Inventory, above $25,000$85.00
Guardianship Audit Fee, Annual Financial Return For Estates $25,000 or Less$20.00
Guardianship Audit Fee, Annual Financial Return For Estates $25,000 to $100,000$85.00
Guardianship Audit Fee, Annual Financial Return For Estates $100,000 to $500,000$170.00
Guardianship Audit Fee, Annual Financial Return For Estates more than $500,000$250.00

Please be informed that fee increases are added during Legislative Session.

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

In this section:

Value Adjustment Board

2025 PETITION DEADLINE:
September 8, 2025

The Bay County Property Appraiser’s Office will send out trim notices on Thursday, August 14, 2025. The deadline for filing a petition to the Bay County Value Adjustment Board is Monday September 8, 2025. 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:

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 110.

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 110 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:

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:

Make a Payment

Pay Fine or Traffic Citation
Pay Child Support Online
Pay Child Support E-Check

The Bay County Clerk’s office makes it easy to do business by allowing you to pay online for both traffic tickets and child support payments. Please review our detailed fee schedule.

Pay a 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 AM – 12 AM and Saturday and Sunday 9 AM – 6 PM 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 only to:
    Bill Kinsaul, Clerk of Court
    PO Box 2269
    Panama City, FL 32402
  • In-person payments may be made Monday-Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM 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.

Make a Child Support Payment

Child support payments may be paid in two different ways.

my florida county.com accepted payment options, mastercard, visa, amex, discover, paypal, apple pay, google pay, venmo, echeck

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 AM – 12 AM and Saturday and Sunday 9 AM – 6 PM 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 AM – 4:30 PM 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

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Family Law Fees

ItemFee
Dissolution of Marriage (Annulment)$397.50
Final Judgment Recording Fee$10.50
Name Change$400.00
Paternity $300.00
Counter Petition for Dissolution$392.50
Writ of Garnishment$85.00
Appeal to District Court$100.00 (DCA Fee Remains $300)
Reopens$50.00
Court Appointed Mediation Income >$50K < $100K$120.00
Court Appointed Mediation Income < $50K$60.00
Summons for Clerk to Issue$10.00 Per Defendant
Copies Per Page$1.00
Forms Per Page$0.15

Please be informed that fee increases are added during Legislative Session.

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

In this section:

Official Records Fees

Accepted forms of payment:

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

Calculate your fees

ServiceFees
Official Records CD (per book)$25.00
Plat copy per page$5.00
Record Search per year$1.00
Extra names (per name over 4)$1.00
Examining, certifying and recording plats larger than 8 1/2 x 14
Each additional page		$30.00
$15.00
Recording instruments – 8 1/2 x 14
Each additional page		$10.00
$8.50

Documentary Stamps

(anything that conveys real estate)

ServiceFees
Doc Stamps on Deeds (computed on the total purchase price)$0.70 per $100
Doc Stamps on Mortgages (computed on the amount of mortgage rounded to the nearest $100.00)$0.35 per $100
Intangible tax (computed on the exact amount of mortgage)$0.20 per $100

Please be informed that fee increases are added during Legislative Session.

Recording Fees History

DateFees
From 1931 to June 30th, 1957$00.10
From July 1st, 1957 to June 30th, 1963$00.20
From July 1st, 1963 to September 30th, 1979$00.30
From October 1st, 1979 to June 30th, 1981$00.40
July 1st, 1981 to June 30th, 1985$00.45
July 1st, 1985 to June 30th, 1987$00.50
July 1st, 1987 to May 31st, 1991$00.55
June 1st, 1991 to July 31st, 1992$00.60
August 1st, 1992 to present$00.70

To calculate your fees, click here.

Please be informed that fee increases are due to the Senate Bill 2962 that was passed during this Legislative Session.

In this section: