Welcome, we are so glad you chose to move to Bay County! We hope you find the information below helpful in establishing residency here in Florida.
Before you get started, take a look at the Bay County Chamber of Commerce's "Guide to Discovering Bay County". It gives helpful information regarding schools, health care, municipalities and much more. If you would like a copy, you can get one free at our office in Downtown Panama City at 235 West 5th Street.
To become a legal resident of Florida, please refer to www.stateofflorida.com or one of the following websites for relocation requirements and resources:
Elder Affairs (retiring in Florida): www.elderaffairs.state.fl.us
Department of Revenue: www.myflorida.com/dor
See these sections of the Florida Statutes: www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes
• Section 222.17 (homestead exemption)
• Section 1009.21 (residency requirements for tuition & state financial aid for education)
• Section 196.015 (Permanent residency)
• Section 372.57 State Taxes
Personal Income Tax: None
State Retail Sale Tax: 6.0%
Florida Corporate Income Tax: 5.5% on net income w/exception on the first $5,000 of corporate profit.
Ad valorem taxes combine city, county & school district levies, plus special assessments.
Homestead Exemption: Up to $50,000.
Property is assessed at approximately 100% of true market value.
Bay County ranks among the lowest millage rates in the state.
License Tax: 1% (City of Panama City and Panama City Beach only)
Gasoline Tax: 6 cents per gallon (local), 23.8 cents per gallon (state).
Name Change for United States Citizens
If you have legally changed your name by marriage or court order, you must submit the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order. No photocopies will be accepted unless certified by the issuing authority.
New residents who have a current driver’s license from another state are required to pass only the vision portion of the examination. First-time applicants must take vision, written and road tests.
The name assigned to the social security number must match the name that will appear on the Florida driver license or identification card. If you have recently changed your name, update your records with the Social Security Administration before you apply for your license or identification card.
The cost of a first time Florida driver's license is $48. The license is valid for eight years. License renewal is $48 and a replacement license is $25.
Document requirements include: primary identification, proof of social security number, and two proofs of residential address.
Division of Motor Vehicles at Tax Collectors Office
850 W. 11th St.
Panama City, FL 32401
850.248.8501
17109 Panama City Beach Pkwy (No road tests at this location)
Panama City Beach, FL 32413
850.233.5035
Automobile Tags and Registration
New residents must register their vehicles and obtain a Florida license tag within 10 days of establishing legal residency or prior to beginning work or registering children in the public school system. Military personnel and students are exempt. Proof of Florida insurance, your out-of-state title or registration, and a completed Florida State Form 82042 which verifies the vehicles identity number and odometer readings is required. Visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website at www.flhsmc.gov for more information or the Bay County Tax Collector website at http://tc.co.bay.fl.us.
Bay County Tax Collector’s Offices
850 W. 11th St.
Panama City, FL 32401
850.248.8501
17109 Panama City Beach Pkwy
Panama City Beach, FL 32413
850.233.5035
801 Florida Ave.
Lynn Haven, FL 32444
850.271.8850
5416 N. Lakewood Drive
Parker, FL
850.872.4654
Voter Registration
Registration may be done at the Bay County Supervisor of Elections office, local libraries, driver’s license offices, by mail and online. You may register to vote if you are a U.S. Citizen, legal resident of Bay County and atleast 18 years of age, in possession of your civil rights and not currently adjudicated mentally incompetent. You are eligible to vote if your election falls on or after your 18th birthday. You can pre-register on or after your 17th birthday or upon receipt of a valid Florida driver’s license, whichever occurs earlier, and a voter information card will be sent to you when you turn 18. Voter registration must be completed 29 days prior to the election.
Supervisor of Elections Office
830 W. 11th St.
Panama City, FL 32401
820.784.6100
www.bayvotes.org
Recycling
Bay County residents may use drop centers, or take materials to a buy-back or other recycling center. For information on recycling centers or programs call 850.784.6127 or email recycle@baycountyfl.gov.
Fishing License
All freshwater and saltwater fishing requires a license. Some ages are exempt from licensing. Call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 850.488.4676 or visit www.myfwc.com for more info. Licenses are available at most Marina stores or from the Bay County Tax Collector offices, call 850.248.8501. Licenses are renewable annually at various costs.
Utilities
Electric, gas, telephone and water companies require deposits for first time service in the area, varying in each municipality.
Click below to search our business directory for the utility services you need.
Media
Various media resources are available from newspapers, billboard, online, radio and television. Click below to search our business directory for the type of media you would like.
