Panama City Vital Records Research

Bay County genealogy research uncovers family history along Florida's Gulf Coast. The county formed in 1913 from parts of Washington and Calhoun counties. Records span over a century of local history. The county seat is Panama City. You can find birth records, marriage licenses, and death certificates. The Clerk of Court maintains court records.

Bay County Clerk of Court Records

The Clerk of Court preserves vital records for genealogy research under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This office stores marriage licenses and court documents dating back decades. You can search official records online or visit in person. The courthouse sits in downtown Panama City. Staff members can help you locate old documents. Many records have been digitized for easier access.

Marriage records before 1927 stay at the county level while the state only holds records from June 6, 1927 forward under Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes. Contact the Bay County Clerk for earlier licenses. Probate records show estate settlements. These files contain family relationship details. Court records document legal matters. Official records include deeds and mortgages. You can search many records online through the clerk's digital system.

Contact the Bay County Clerk at 300 E. 4th Street, Panama City, FL 32401. Call 850-763-9061.

Florida State Archives Genealogy Resources

The State Archives of Florida holds Bay County resources. Confederate Pension Applications include veterans from this area. World War I Service Cards document military service. Supreme Court Records contain Bay County cases. Voter Registration Rolls from 1867-68 include early residents. You can access these in Tallahassee.

These collections help trace families across time. Confederate Pension files list military service details. They include family information about veterans. Visit the State Archives of Florida for access to these materials.

Bureau of Vital Statistics for Bay County

The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps birth and death records under Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes. Birth records start from 1917. Death records go back further. You can order certified copies online. This law sets access rules.

Birth certificates less than 125 years old are restricted under Florida law, with access limited to the person named on the record, parents listed, legal guardians, or legal representatives who can demonstrate a direct interest. You must show valid identification when ordering. Marriage records from June 6, 1927 are at the state level. Earlier marriages are at the county clerk office. Death records without cause of death are public. The cause stays private for 50 years.

Order through VitalChek for faster service.

Call 877-550-7330 for assistance.

Bay County Property and Land Records

Property records in Bay County trace land ownership patterns recorded under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. The Property Appraiser maintains these documents. You can research ownership chains back many decades. Deeds show property transfers between family members. They reveal relationships not found in other sources. Maps and plats display boundaries clearly. These records help reconstruct ancestral neighborhoods.

The Property Appraiser works with the Clerk of Court. Together they maintain Bay County land history. Visit the Clerk website for property searches.

Bay County Genealogy Research Tips

Start your research with family documents. Gather names and dates.

Census records document Bay County families from 1920. Track families across years. Look for neighbor patterns. Families often lived near relatives. Check neighboring counties.

The State Library Genealogy Page offers research help. They provide access to national databases.

Nearby Counties for Genealogy Research

These counties border Bay County. Your ancestors may have lived in or moved to these areas. Check records in neighboring counties.