Find Bay County Marriage Records

Bay County marriage records are on file with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Panama City. The clerk office issues marriage licenses, performs ceremonies, and stores the recorded documents. If you need to search for a marriage record or get a certified copy of a license filed in Bay County, you can do it in person, by mail, or through online tools. The Florida Department of Health holds state-level marriage certificates going back to June 1927, which covers Bay County filings as well. This page breaks down the steps for finding and requesting Bay County marriage records through both local and state sources.

Bay County Clerk of Court

The Bay County Clerk of the Circuit Court handles marriage license services for the entire county. The main office is in Panama City. Both applicants must visit together with valid photo ID. Accepted forms of identification include a driver license, passport, military ID, or state-issued ID card. A Social Security number is required for U.S. citizens. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 741, the Bay County clerk issues licenses when no legal impediment to the marriage exists. Both parties sign an affidavit confirming their ages as required by Section 741.04.

You can reach the Bay County clerk at (850) 763-9061. For marriage license requests by email, use recording@baycoclerk.com. The Bay County clerk processes applications during standard business hours at the Panama City courthouse.

Note: If either applicant was married before, the exact date that previous marriage ended is required at the time of application.

Marriage License Costs in Bay County

A Bay County marriage license costs $86 without a premarital course. Couples who complete an approved premarital preparation course pay $61. The course needs to be done within the year before you apply. Under Section 741.0305, completing the course also removes the three-day waiting period for Florida residents. Non-residents skip the wait anyway, so it mainly benefits people who live in Bay County or elsewhere in Florida.

The license fee includes a $2 application charge and a $25 Domestic Violence Trust Fund fee as set by Section 741.01. After the license is issued, it stays valid for 60 days. It works at any location in Florida, not just Bay County. If you want the clerk office to perform the ceremony, the fee is typically $30. Ministers, judges, and notaries public can also officiate under Section 741.07 of Florida law.

Getting Copies of Bay County Marriage Records

The Bay County clerk records every marriage license after the ceremony is completed and the signed document is returned within 10 days. Section 741.09 requires the clerk to keep an accurate record of all licenses issued. Once the license is recorded, one free certified copy goes to the couple. For additional copies, contact the clerk office at (850) 763-9061 to ask about the current fee.

Marriage certificates are also available from the Florida Department of Health in Jacksonville. The state has Bay County marriage records from June 6, 1927 forward. A search and one certified copy cost $5. Additional copies are $4. Mail requests go to P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. Include both spouse names before their first marriage, dates of birth, the date and county of the marriage. Pay by check or money order made out to Vital Statistics. Do not send cash.

Online orders go through VitalChek, the sole contracted vendor. The charge is $15 for the state fee and $7 for processing. UPS shipping costs extra. This works well for Bay County marriage records when you cannot make the trip to Panama City or Jacksonville.

Bay County Marriage Records and Public Access

Under Florida Statutes Chapter 119, marriage records in Bay County are public. Section 119.01 declares it state policy that all county records are open for inspection and copying. Anyone can request a Bay County marriage record. No reason is needed. The custodian of the records must allow access at any reasonable time under Section 119.07. Standard copy fees are 15 cents per page for uncertified copies. Certified copies are $1 under the general public records statute, but clerk offices may have different rates for specific document types.

Protected information gets redacted from public copies. Social Security numbers, bank details, and medical data stay confidential under Section 119.071. Everything else on the Bay County marriage record is fair game for public inspection.

The My Florida County Records portal covers many counties and can help when you need to search across multiple jurisdictions for a marriage filing. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers site has a full list of all county clerk contacts if you need to reach the Bay County office or any other county.

The Bay County Clerk of Court website has information about marriage licenses and other recording services available in Panama City.

Check the Bay County clerk site for the latest details on office hours, fees, and what documents to bring when applying for a marriage license.

Bay County Marriage License Steps

The steps are simple. Both people show up at the Bay County clerk office in Panama City. Bring your photo ID and Social Security number. If previously married, know the exact date your last marriage ended. Sign the affidavit. Pay the fee. The clerk issues the license that day. Florida residents wait three days before the license becomes effective unless they took a premarital course. Non-residents can use it right away.

After the wedding, return the signed license to the Bay County clerk within 10 days. The clerk records it and sends the information to the state. It takes around 60 days for the state to process and file the record. If you need proof of marriage before the state catches up, the Bay County clerk can provide a certified copy from their own records. Both parties must be at least 18. A 17-year-old may marry with parental consent, but only when the other party is within two years of age.

Cities in Bay County

Panama City is the county seat and main hub for Bay County services. Marriage license applications go through the clerk office there. Several other communities are in the county as well.

Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, Springfield, and Callaway are also in Bay County. Residents of these areas all use the same clerk office in Panama City for marriage records.

Nearby Counties

Bay County is in the Florida panhandle. These neighboring counties each have their own clerk of court for marriage license services.