Bay County Property Appraiser 2026
Panama City and Panama City Beach are famous for their white sands and emerald waters.
But anyone who lives in Bay County knows that our real estate market is completely unique.
After the massive rebuilding efforts from Hurricane Michael and the constant growth around Tyndall Air Force Base, property lines, home values, and tax rules have changed a lot.
If you are buying a home or want to check your current property taxes, you cannot trust random websites. You must use the official county public records.
Below, I will show you exactly how to use the tools provided by Property Appraiser Dan Sowell.
You will find hidden details, interactive flood maps, and the exact steps to lower your tax bill legally.
Bay County Property Appraiser Property Search
Whether you are looking for a beachfront condo or a house inland in Lynn Haven, the public database is your first stop.
It shows you the owner, the building’s size, and the full tax history.
What to Do: You need to search the official Bay County database. You can find any property by typing in the street address, the owner’s name, or the Parcel ID.
How to Do It (Step-by-Step):
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Open the Portal: Go directly to the official Bay County Property Appraiser website.
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Choose Your Search Method: Look for the search boxes on the page. You can pick “Address Search,” “Name Search,” or “Parcel Search.”
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Type the Address Smartly: When typing an address, keep it very basic. Do not type words like “Street,” “Avenue,” or “Drive.” Just use the house number and the main road name so the system does not give you an error.
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Search by Owner Name: Always type the owner’s Last Name first, leave a space, and then type the First Name (Example: Smith John).
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Open the Property Card: Click the matching property to open the full file. You will see the “Just Value” (Market Value), the exact square footage, and past sales.
Expert Local Insight: Here is a secret most buyers miss. Because of Hurricane Michael, many homes lost extra features like boat docks, yard sheds, or pool cages.
Sometimes, these destroyed items were never removed from the official county property card.
If you buy a house and the record still shows a “shed” that blew away years ago, you will pay taxes on a ghost building! Always check the “Extra Features” list on the property card and call the appraiser to remove anything that is no longer there.
Bay County FL GIS Map Search
A text record only gives you numbers. If you want to see exactly where your backyard stops, check for flood zones, or see if a house is near a loud highway, you need the visual map.
What to Do: You will use the county’s special map tool called the BayView Interactive Map.
This puts colorful data layers directly over real satellite pictures of your neighborhood.
How to Do It (Step-by-Step):
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Open the Map Tool: Visit the BayView Interactive Map.
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Find Your Location: Type your address or Parcel ID into the search bar at the very top of the map.
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Open the Layer Menu: Look for the “Layers” icon (it looks like a stack of papers) on the side of your screen.
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Turn on Flood Zones: Because Bay County is on the Gulf Coast, you must check the box for “FEMA Flood Zones.” The map will turn different colors to show if your mortgage bank will force you to buy expensive flood insurance.
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Check Evacuation Zones: Turn on the “Evacuation Zones” layer. This is highly important future-proofing information. Knowing your exact zone tells you exactly when to leave if a major storm enters the Gulf.
Bay County Homestead Exemption
If you own a home in Bay County and it is your primary, full-time residence, you are throwing money away if you do not file for a Homestead Exemption.
This simple filing drops your property’s taxable value by up to $50,000.
What to Do: You must submit your application to the Property Appraiser before the absolute legal deadline of March 1st. You only have to do this once.
As long as you keep living there, it renews automatically every year.
How to Do It (Step-by-Step):
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Update Your ID First: Your Florida Driver’s License and Florida Vehicle Registration must show your new Bay County address before you apply.
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Go to the Exemption Page: Visit the Bay County PA website and click on the “Exemptions” tab.
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Download or E-File: The county allows you to print the application or start the process online. You will need your Social Security Number and your Parcel ID.
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Upload Your Documents: Make sure to attach a clear copy of your updated driver’s license.
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Save the Confirmation: Always write down your confirmation number or keep a copy of your mailed form.
Expert Local Insight: Bay County has many short-term rental homes and Airbnb properties. You cannot claim a Homestead Exemption on a house if you rent it out for more than 30 days a year.
If the county catches you running a vacation rental on a Homesteaded property, they will hit you with massive tax penalties and a 50% interest fine.
Bay County Property Tax Bill Search
Dan Sowell and his team decide how much your house is worth, but they do not collect your money.
The Bay County Tax Collector (Chuck Perdue) is the office that actually takes your tax payment.
What to Do: If you want to view your actual tax bill, see if you have any late fees, or pay online securely, you must use the Tax Collector’s website.
How to Do It (Step-by-Step):
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Visit the Tax Collector: Go to the official Bay County Tax Collector site.
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Search Your Account: Enter your property address, owner name, or Parcel ID in the big search bar.
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View the Bill: You can see your current tax bill and any past taxes you already paid.
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Pay Early for Discounts: Florida gives you a 4% discount if you pay your bill in November. That discount drops by 1% every month you wait. If you wait until the final deadline on March 31st, you get zero discount. Always pay early!
Bay County Local Offices & Contact Details
If the website is giving you an error, or if your name is spelled incorrectly on a public record, it is always faster to call or visit a real person.
Here are the exact local offices you need.
1. Bay County Property Appraiser (Main Office)
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What they do: Go here to fix record errors, ask valuation questions, or file your exemptions in person.
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Physical Address: 860 W. 11th Street, Panama City, FL 32401
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Working Phone Number: 850-248-8401
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Website Link: baypa.net
2. Bay County Tax Collector (Main Panama City Office)
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What they do: Call this office only when you are ready to pay your tax bill or if you have a question about a late payment.
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Physical Address: 850 W. 11th Street, Panama City, FL 32401
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Working Phone Number: 850-248-8501
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Website Link: baytaxcollector.com
3. Value Adjustment Board (VAB)
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What they do: If you strongly disagree with the value the appraiser put on your house, you must file a formal appeal here to fight your taxes.
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Physical Address: Bay County Board of Finance, 225 McKenzie Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401
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Working Phone Number: 850-767-3314
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Parcel ID in Bay County?
Yes, a Parcel ID is a long, unique number assigned to every single piece of real estate in Bay County.
It is the fastest and most accurate way to search for your tax records. You can find this number at the top of your official tax bill.
How do I apply for a Homestead Exemption in Panama City?
You must apply through the Bay County Property Appraiser’s office before March 1st. Make sure your Florida Driver’s License matches your new home address.
You can find the forms on baypa.net or visit the main office on 11th Street.
When are property taxes due in Bay County?
Property tax bills are mailed out every year on November 1st. You receive a 4% discount if you pay your bill in November.
The final, absolute deadline to pay your taxes without facing heavy late penalties is March 31st.
Why did my property taxes go up after buying a house?
When you buy a property, the county resets the tax value to match the current real estate market.
The previous owner likely had an exemption that kept their taxes artificially low for years. Your new bill is based on your higher purchase price.