Bay County Marriage License Search

Bay County marriage license records are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the courthouse in Panama City. The clerk's office handles new applications, records completed licenses after the ceremony, and keeps copies on file for the public. If you plan to apply for a marriage license in Bay County, you can start the process online before you visit the office in person. Bay County also has public terminals in the Recording and Marriage License department where you can fill out the pre-application on site if you prefer.

Bay County Clerk Marriage License Office

The Bay County Clerk of the Circuit Court processes all marriage license applications from the courthouse in Panama City. The office is in Room 110. Both people must be present to apply. You can begin the application online, and you will get a transaction number to bring to the office. This speeds up the process and cuts down on paperwork at the counter.

Bay County is part of the 14th Judicial Circuit. The clerk acts as an agent for the state of Florida to issue marriage licenses, following Florida Statute 741.01. Once issued, your Bay County marriage license is valid anywhere in Florida. You do not need to hold the ceremony in Bay County. The Bay County Clerk homepage has links to all services, including official records search and court information.

Public terminals are available at the Bay County courthouse if you do not have access to a computer at home. Staff in the Recording and Marriage License department can help if you have questions about the form.

How to Apply for a Bay County Marriage License

Start by filling out the online pre-application on the Bay County Clerk's website. Once you submit the form, a transaction number shows on the screen. Write it down and bring it with you to the office. Both people need to show up in person with valid photo identification. A driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID all work. You must know your Social Security number but do not need to bring the card.

Under Florida Statute 741.04, both applicants must be 18 or older. A 17-year-old can apply with consent from both parents, as long as the other person is not more than two years older. The 17-year-old needs a birth certificate, a valid photo ID, and a Social Security card for the Bay County application.

If either person was married before, you need the full date of the prior divorce, annulment, or death. The Bay County clerk asks for this during the application. You also need to read the Family Law Handbook from the Florida Bar before applying.

Note: The Bay County Clerk's office has walk-in hours, but calling (850) 763-9061 ahead of time is a good idea to confirm availability.

Bay County Marriage License Fees and Costs

A marriage license in Bay County costs $86. Every Florida county charges the same amount. The fee drops to $61 if both people complete a four-hour premarital preparation course before applying. Florida Statute 741.0305 allows this $25 reduction. You need the original certificate from the course when you apply at the Bay County clerk's office.

The premarital course saves you money and time. It cuts the fee by $25 and gets rid of the three-day waiting period. For couples who want to get their Bay County marriage license and hold the ceremony right away, this is the fastest route. The course covers communication, finances, conflict resolution, and parenting topics.

Bay County Marriage License Waiting Period

Florida residents who do not take the premarital course must wait three days before their Bay County marriage license becomes valid. The three-day count starts the day after the license is issued. Non-residents do not have a waiting period at all. Bay County sees many couples from out of state, especially those visiting the Panama City Beach area, and those folks can use the license right away.

Once valid, the license is good for 60 days. Florida Statute 741.041 sets this rule. If the ceremony does not happen within 60 days, the license expires. You would need to apply again and pay a new fee in Bay County.

Recording a Marriage License in Bay County

After the wedding, the signed license goes back to the Bay County Clerk. The person who performed the ceremony usually handles this step. Under Florida Statute 741.07, ordained ministers, judicial officers, clerks, and notaries can all perform a marriage in Florida. The signed license must be returned within 10 days of the ceremony. The Bay County clerk records it and then sends a copy to the Florida Department of Health for permanent state filing.

You can search for recorded marriage records in Bay County using the Bay County official records search or the MyFloridaCounty portal. The Florida Department of Health also keeps certificates from 1927 to the present.

Note: It takes about 60 days after the ceremony for the state to have your Bay County marriage record on file.

Cities in Bay County

Bay County includes Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, Callaway, Springfield, and Mexico Beach. All residents apply for marriage licenses at the Bay County Courthouse in Panama City. There is no separate office in Panama City Beach or the other towns. Bay County does not have any cities that meet the threshold for their own page, but all communities use the same courthouse for marriage license needs.

Nearby Counties

Bay County borders several other Florida panhandle counties. You can get a marriage license in any Florida county and use it statewide.