Bay County FL Arrest Records Search | Jail & Court 2026

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Bay County, Florida · Jail, booking, report, warrant and court guide

Bay County Booking and Court Search: Follow the Arrest From Jail to Disposition

A Bay County arrest can create several records: a jail booking, booking photograph, arrest report, warrant entry, first-appearance event and criminal court case. These records are controlled by different offices and may update at different times.

This guide brings the useful county rules into one place, including booking procedures, bond payments, court-search formats, report requests, copy fees, video visits, inmate calls, account deposits, digital mail, property deadlines and record-correction steps.

Run the live inmate search Run the live court search Fix a missing result
An arrest is not a conviction. A charge displayed during booking is an allegation. Prosecutors may file a different charge, decline prosecution or dismiss a count, and the court may acquit the person or resolve the case without a conviction. Confirm identity and court disposition before relying on a record.
Jail address

5700 Star Lane, Panama City, FL 32404.

Main jail line

850-785-5245

Secondary jail line

850-215-5140

Clerk hours

Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Central.

Official review

Updated for 2026 county procedures.

Start here

Choose the record that answers your question

BAY COUNTY JAIL Is the person currently in custody?

Use the Sheriff’s inmate search for current booking information, custody status, control or inmate identifiers, booked charges and bond entries available in the roster.

Best for: recent arrest confirmation, jail location, inmate identification, bond and family-service setup.
ARRESTING AGENCY What does the police report say?

Request the incident report, arrest report, probable-cause affidavit or releasable supplements from the Sheriff or municipal police department that created the record.

Best for: incident narrative, officer observations, report numbers and releasable evidence references.
CLERK OF COURT What happened after the arrest?

Search the Clerk’s case system for filed counts, docket events, first appearance, hearings, amended charges, orders, judgments and final disposition.

Best for: prosecution status, upcoming court events, dismissal, plea, judgment and certified records.
Complete workflow: Find the jail booking, save the inmate control number and case identifiers, identify the arresting agency, search the Clerk docket and request only the report or certified document still needed.

Choose the problem you need to solve

Each section explains the county’s rules directly and points to the official portal only for the final live action.

Official lookup workflow

How to search the Bay County jail roster correctly

Open the official Sheriff inmate search Use the Bay County Sheriff’s Office search rather than a mugshot reposting site or commercial people-search database.
Start with the legal last name A surname-only search is useful when the first name, middle name, suffix or spelling may have been recorded differently.
Add the first name when too many records appear Enter one additional detail at a time. Overly narrow searches can hide the correct record when one field is wrong.
Try alternate name formats Test a maiden name, former surname, hyphenated version, suffix, alias, shortened first name or omitted middle name.
Open every plausible match Compare the date of birth or age, booking date, control number, arresting agency, charge and bond information.
Save the control or inmate number This identifier is commonly needed for money orders, account deposits, mail, visitation and jail questions.
Record each charge separately A person may have multiple charges, warrants or holds. One payable bond does not necessarily resolve every custody matter.
Search the related court case Use the name or criminal case number in the Clerk’s system to see what was formally filed and how the matter progressed.
Open the live Bay County inmate search Call the jail at 850-785-5245
Result decoder

What each Bay County booking field tells you

Booking fields, limitations and next actions
Field What it identifies What it does not prove Best next action
Control or inmate number The person’s identifier inside the Bay County Jail system. It does not explain the final criminal-case outcome. Use it for deposits, money orders, mail, provider accounts and jail calls.
Booking date When the person entered the county booking process. It may differ from the offense, arrest or court-filing date. Use it to distinguish a recent booking from an older custody event.
Arresting agency The Sheriff, police department or other agency responsible for the arrest. It does not mean the agency maintains the court file. Request the incident or arrest report from that agency.
Charge The allegation entered for booking or custody purposes. The State Attorney may file a different charge or decline prosecution. Review the Clerk docket for the formally filed count.
Bond amount The bond information presently associated with a charge. Payment will not cause release when another charge or hold remains. Confirm every charge and hold before paying.
No bond or first appearance The court may need to determine release conditions. It does not automatically mean the person will remain jailed for the case. Check first-appearance and court information.
Court case number The number used to organize the criminal court case. One booking may connect to more than one court case. Enter it in the Clerk’s case search.
Release status The custody system’s present release-related entry. It does not guarantee that the person has physically left the jail. Confirm release before arranging transportation.
Mugshot A photograph taken during jail processing. It is not proof of guilt, conviction or the final disposition. Verify identity with stronger biographical and case identifiers.
Same-name warning: Never send money, publish an accusation or contact an employer based only on a matching name or photograph. Use at least two independent identifiers and check the criminal court disposition.
Identity protection

Confirm the person before using the arrest record

First and last names are consistent
Middle name, alias or suffix is consistent
Date of birth or age matches
Booking date matches the known arrest
Arresting agency matches the incident location
Control, report or case number matches another official record
Same name, different birth date Treat the records as belonging to different people unless the official custodian confirms an error.
Similar photo, different identifiers Give more weight to official numbers and biographical information than visual resemblance.
Different middle name Check aliases, former names and the linked court case before deciding that the record belongs to the person.
Outdated address Addresses may be old, incomplete or protected. Do not use an address as the only identity test.
Troubleshooting

No Bay County inmate record found? Follow this order

The arrest happened recently The person may still be undergoing identification, fingerprinting, medical screening, property inventory or intake.
The name may be recorded differently Search the surname alone and try aliases, former surnames, hyphen variations, suffixes and alternate spelling.
A municipal police department made the arrest The person may be temporarily held or processed by the arresting department before transfer to the county jail.
The record appeared earlier but disappeared The person may have bonded out, completed release, transferred or moved into another jurisdiction’s custody.
A court case exists but no jail record appears The defendant may be out of custody, released on bond or connected with an older criminal case.
The case is confidential Juvenile, sealed, expunged and legally protected information may not appear in public search results.
Call script for a missing booking “I am trying to confirm whether [full legal name], date of birth [date], is currently in Bay County custody. The arrest may have occurred on [date] through [agency]. I have [control, booking, report or case number]. Can you confirm whether the person is still processing, released, transferred or listed under another name?”
After an arrest

What happens during Bay County Jail booking?

People arrested in Bay County, as well as people arrested elsewhere and transported to Bay County to answer local charges, are processed at the Bay County Jail Facility.

Search and property inventory Personal property, valuables and money are collected and documented. Property is securely stored except for firearms, weapons and flammable items.
Fingerprinting and photography Fingerprints and a booking photograph are taken, and identifying information is entered into the jail record.
Medical screening The person receives an initial medical screening. Health information may affect placement or required care.
Shower, clothing and hygiene The inmate receives jail clothing and sanitary supplies before temporary housing.
Telephone access The Sheriff states that inmates receive access to make calls while completing the booking process.
Warrant database check State and national crime-information systems are checked for outstanding warrants from other jurisdictions.
Classification assessment The person enters temporary housing until classification determines an appropriate housing assignment.
Bond, first appearance or continued detention The person may post an available bond, be released by the court or appear before a judge when bond has not been determined.
First Appearance: When bond cannot be determined from the preset schedule, the person must appear before a judge within 24 hours. The hearing is conducted by video between the jail and Bay County Courthouse. The judge may set bond, hold the person without bond or release the person on recognizance.
Published timing: The Sheriff’s jail FAQ states that First Appearance is generally scheduled at 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, with varying schedules on weekends and holidays.
Bond and release

How Bay County bond payments and release work

Preset bond

A preset bond under the applicable administrative order may be paid by cash or money order.

Regular bond

A regular bond may be paid with cash at the Warrants Division at the jail or handled through a licensed bail-bond agent.

Child-support purge

The Sheriff states that a child-support purge may be paid by cash or money order.

Payment rules published by the Sheriff

Money orders should be payable to Bay County Sheriff’s Office
Bring the exact cash amount because the jail cannot make change
Credit-card payments must be made in person at the Warrants Office
The cardholder must present valid photo identification
The card name must match the DMV-issued photo ID
Jail employees will not recommend a bail-bond company
Check every charge before paying. One charge may have a payable bond while another charge, warrant, revocation or outside-agency hold prevents release.

Preset misdemeanor cash-bond guide

The jail FAQ lists a $250 preset misdemeanor cash-bond guide for certain offenses. This is a guide only; a judge can change bond, and several offenses require First Appearance instead.

Driving and traffic examples

First or second driving-while-license-suspended offenses, expired tag, registration or insurance issues, no valid license, no motorcycle endorsement, racing and reckless driving.

Drug-related examples

Possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia are included in the published guide.

Property and public-order examples

Petit theft, retail theft, trespassing, resisting without violence, disorderly conduct, disorderly intoxication and certain local ordinance offenses.

First Appearance required: The Sheriff states that domestic-violence battery cases and felony cases must attend First Appearance rather than relying on the misdemeanor preset guide.

Release timing after court

Court paperwork usually reaches the jail between approximately 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., depending on the size of the day’s court docket. Physical release may take additional time for record checks, property return and unresolved holds.

No transportation

The facility allows a released person to call a taxi or may provide transportation to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.

No clothing

The jail states that it will provide clothing when a released person has nothing suitable to wear home.

Account balance

During weekday business hours, the jail attempts to prepare a debit card for release. After-hours cards are available the next business day.

Sheriff public records

How to request a Bay County arrest or incident report

Custodian of Public Records

Mrs. Beth Nelson

Bay County Sheriff’s Office
3421 North Highway 77
Panama City, FL 32405
Direct contact

Phone: 850-747-4700

Fax: 850-914-2093

Email: beth.nelson@bayso.org

Ask for the exact record you need

Incident report

The primary report describing the reported event and initial law-enforcement response.

Arrest or probable-cause report

The document explaining the asserted basis for arrest when maintained and publicly releasable.

Supplemental reports

Later reports created during follow-up investigation, subject to active-case and statutory exemptions.

Property record

A releasable receipt or inventory associated with property collected or handled during the incident.

Audio or video

Body-camera, interview, dispatch or other recordings may require review, redaction and additional processing.

Background or local history

Specify the scope needed. A Sheriff search is not automatically a complete Florida or nationwide history.

Information that helps staff locate the record

Full legal name
Date of birth when known
Incident or arrest date
Exact or approximate location
Arresting agency or deputy
Report, booking, control or case number
Specific document types requested
Preferred electronic or paper delivery
Copy-ready public-records request
Under Florida public-records law, I request an electronic copy of the releasable incident report, arrest report, probable-cause affidavit and releasable supplemental reports concerning [full legal name], date of birth [date if known], for the incident or arrest occurring on or about [date] at [location]. Known identifiers are: report number [number], control or booking number [number] and criminal case number [number]. Please provide a written cost estimate before processing if the total will exceed $[amount].

Why information may be removed or delayed

  • The investigation remains active.
  • The record contains victim, witness or juvenile information.
  • Medical or protected personal information must be redacted.
  • Audio, video or photographs require detailed review.
  • The request is broad enough to require extensive staff or technology resources.
  • The requested document is controlled by another law-enforcement agency or the Clerk.
Submit or manage the records request Email the records custodian
Criminal court search

How to find the Bay County criminal-case outcome

The Bay County Clerk’s online records are intended for general public information. The Clerk warns that online information is not an official record and should not be relied on by itself for legal action.

Search the case number first A criminal case number is more precise than a name and reduces the chance of combining cases belonging to different people.
Format a name as LAST, FIRST MIDDLE The Clerk gives DOE, JOHN D as the search-format example. A last-name-only search is also allowed.
Identify the criminal case suffix The final letters help identify whether the record is circuit criminal, county criminal, criminal traffic or another case type.
Open the Events section The Events area displays docket activity for the selected case without requiring a secure-login account.
Locate the filed charge Read the information, complaint or charging document rather than relying only on the original jail description.
Check for amended counts A later filing may reduce, replace, add or reorganize the original allegations.
Find the final disposition Look for dismissal, nolle prosequi, plea, adjudication, verdict, sentence or another final order.
Order a certified copy when proof is required Use a certified disposition for court, immigration, licensing, employment or another formal purpose when requested.

Bay County criminal case suffixes

Common criminal and violation case formats
Suffix Case type Practical use
CFMA Circuit criminal Commonly used for felony-level criminal cases.
MMMA County criminal Commonly used for misdemeanor cases.
MMMW County criminal worthless check Used for designated worthless-check criminal matters.
MOMS Municipal ordinance Used for qualifying municipal ordinance cases.
MMMO State statute or ordinance Used for designated statute and ordinance violations.
CTMA Criminal traffic Used for criminal traffic matters.
TOMA Wildlife or tobacco violation Used for qualifying wildlife and tobacco cases.
TR Civil traffic infraction A traffic-infraction case, not an ordinary criminal prosecution.

How misdemeanor cases usually begin

The Clerk explains that a misdemeanor is less serious than a felony and may be punishable by a fine, penalty, forfeiture or confinement in county jail for up to one year. Most, but not all, misdemeanor charges are bondable.

First appearance and counsel: The Clerk states that a person arrested for a misdemeanor is usually seen by a judge within 24 hours. The court sets bail and determines whether the accused can afford counsel. A Public Defender may be appointed when the defendant is found indigent, or the defendant may hire private counsel.

How to interpret common disposition terms

Criminal docket terms in plain language
Term Plain-language meaning What to verify
Pending The case has not reached a final result. Check the newest docket entry and next event.
Information filed The prosecutor filed formal charges. Read every count because it may differ from booking.
Nolle prosequi The prosecutor announced that a count would not be pursued at that time. Confirm which defendant and counts are covered.
Dismissed A charge or case was dismissed. Determine whether every count was dismissed.
Adjudication withheld The court withheld formal adjudication under the circumstances in the case. It is not a dismissal; read the plea and sentencing documents.
Adjudicated guilty The court entered a judgment of guilt. Review the judgment, sentence and affected counts.
Acquitted The defendant was found not guilty of the resolved count. Check whether other counts remained.
Closed The system no longer treats the case as active. Closed alone does not explain the result.
Search Bay County criminal cases
Copies and dispositions

How to request Bay County criminal court documents

Bay County Clerk of Court & Comptroller
300 East 4th Street
Panama City, FL 32401

Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Central

Criminal record requests

General phone: 850-747-5100

Email: Criminal@baycoclerk.com

Fax: 850-747-5188

Disposition and copy-request rules

Copy requests for case records must be in writing
Requests may be mailed or emailed to the Criminal Department
Money order is accepted
Certified check is accepted
Cashier’s check is accepted
Credit-card payment is available
Certified documents may be obtained through E-Certify
Average processing is approximately three to seven working days
Online-entry delay: The Clerk warns that there may be a delay before the disposition is entered into the online case-management system.

Published copy charges

$1 per page

Ordinary record-copy charge.

$2 per document

Additional certification charge.

3.5%

Processing fee on credit and debit card transactions.

Copy-ready criminal disposition request
I request a [certified/uncertified] copy of the final disposition and judgment for Bay County criminal case [case number], State of Florida v. [defendant’s full legal name]. Please include any order of dismissal, nolle prosequi, plea, judgment and sentence that constitutes the final disposition. Please advise me of the total page, certification and card-processing cost before completing the order.
Order an electronic certified record Email a written criminal-record request
Warrant information

How Bay County felony warrants are processed

The Sheriff’s Warrants Division Fugitive Recovery Unit is responsible for locating and arresting people wanted on felony warrants and coordinating extradition when a defendant is arrested in another county or state on Bay County charges.

Clerk sends the warrant

The Warrants Division receives criminal felony warrants from the Bay County Clerk’s Office.

State and national entry

The division enters felony warrants into the Sheriff’s records system, FCIC and NCIC.

Extradition coordination

The unit coordinates the return of defendants arrested elsewhere on Bay County charges.

Do not confront anyone. A warrant result may involve a similar name, recalled warrant or delayed status update. Contact law enforcement and provide the exact name, date of birth, case number and warrant information.
Checking your own possible warrant: Contact a Florida-licensed attorney, the appropriate court or the Sheriff’s Office for case-specific resolution instructions. Do not rely on a third-party mugshot site.
Open Bay County warrant information Call the Sheriff’s Office
Video visitation

Bay County Jail video visits, costs and visitor rules

Provider

ViaPath Technologies / GettingOut.

Published rate

$0.25 per video minute.

Messages

$0.25 per message.

Electronic photos

$0.50 per photo.

Account help

888-516-0115

90-day restriction: A person who was incarcerated in the Bay County Jail during the previous 90 days is not eligible to schedule a visit.

How to create and verify the visitor account

Create a GettingOut account Use the website or mobile app and select the option to create a new account.
Enter the required information Provide accurate identity and contact details.
Upload identification Upload a photograph of your driver’s license. A profile photograph may also be added.
Add the inmate to your contact list Use the correct name and identifying information to avoid adding the wrong person.
Complete email verification The Sheriff states that a verification email should arrive within 24 hours.
Complete phone or text verification Confirm the telephone number connected with the account.
Fund the visit when needed Use a credit or debit card. The inmate may also pay when sufficient inmate funds are available.

Scheduled and on-demand visits

Schedule a Remote Visit

Select the inmate, choose a date and select morning, afternoon or evening. Choose an available time and confirm. At the appointment, open My Visits and select Start.

Visit Now

Select the inmate and choose Visit Now. When a station is available in the housing unit, it alerts the inmate, who may accept or decline the connection.

Conduct that can end or disqualify a visit

Using a secondary recording device
Nudity or exposing breasts, buttocks or genitalia
Revealing clothing
Sexual posing, innuendo or performances
Displaying pornography
Displaying weapons, ammunition or destructive devices
Displaying alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia
Operating a motor vehicle during the visit
Sharing a visitation account
Attempting contact prohibited by a court no-contact order
Photo review: Electronic photos are reviewed before delivery. Photos containing nudity, profanity, paraphernalia or other prohibited content may be denied without a refund.
Schedule or start a video visit
Calls and messaging

Bay County inmate telephone rules and account numbers

Inmates cannot receive incoming telephone calls. They may place collect or account-funded calls to eligible telephone numbers.
Telephone provider contacts and facility identifiers
Purpose Number or identifier When to use it
GTL customer service 877-650-4249 Create or manage the account used to receive inmate calls.
Facility number 15773 Use when the telephone provider asks for the Bay County facility number.
Facility site ID 232401 Use when specifically requested by the provider.
AdvancedPay automated system 800-483-8314 Manage AdvancedPay telephone funding.
PIN Debit automated system 855-706-2445 Manage qualifying PIN Debit funding.
Block or unblock a number 850-215-5135 Ask the facility to block or remove a block from a telephone number.

Actions that can disconnect or suspend calls

Attempting a three-way conference
Attempting to transfer the call
Merging another number into the call
Using call forwarding
Calling a number restricted for security reasons
Misusing another person’s provider account
Monitoring: Inmate collect calls are subject to monitoring and recording. Avoid discussing privileged legal strategy on a standard recorded inmate telephone call.
Fraudulent call charges: Contact your telephone service provider and GTL when you believe unauthorized inmate-call charges have appeared.
Accounts and commissary

How to deposit money for a Bay County inmate

Money order

Deliver it in person or mail it to the jail under the specific money-order rules.

Lobby kiosk

The jail-lobby kiosk accepts cash, credit cards and debit cards. A service fee applies.

Telephone deposit

Use the approved inmate-account provider and exact inmate identifiers.

Internet deposit

The online option requires the inmate’s control number and facility ID 15733.

Money-order instructions

Make the money order payable to the inmate
Write the inmate’s full name
Write the control identification number
Include the purchaser’s name
Include the purchaser’s address
Mail money orders to the jail, not the digital personal-mail center
Kiosk deposits are not refundable. Verify the inmate’s full name and control number before submitting cash or card payment.

Deposit and commissary timing

  • The jail FAQ states that deposited money is posted to an inmate account within 24 hours.
  • The inmate can check the account balance through a housing-unit kiosk.
  • An inmate may order commissary through the kiosk at any time.
  • After placement in permanent housing, it may take up to 72 hours before ordered items are received.
  • Orders are delivered according to assigned dormitory delivery days.

Published commissary categories

Health

23 listed health-item selections.

Food and drinks

20 food, 18 beverage, 10 cookie/pastry, 15 chip/snack and 14 candy selections.

Clothing

43 listed clothing-item selections.

Other goods

Postal items and general-merchandise selections are also listed.

Account refund checks

Refund checks may be collected from the jail’s front lobby Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The person collecting the check must present valid DMV-generated photo identification. Out-of-town checks may be mailed after a proper request.

Digital personal mail

Bay County Jail mailing address, photos and rejected items

Routine letters and approved family photographs are scanned into the jail kiosk system for inmate access. Original letters and photographs are discarded after scanning.

Personal correspondence address
Bay County Jail, FL
Inmate Full Name, Inmate Identifier
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
Money-order destination
Bay County Jail Facility
5700 Star Lane
Panama City, FL 32404

Use this physical jail address only for money orders and other items specifically accepted there—not routine personal letters.

Personal mail preparation checklist

Write Bay County Jail, FL as the facility
Use the inmate’s full name exactly as displayed
Include the correct inmate identifier
Use the Phoenix, Maryland processing address
Include a complete sender return address
Keep copies of irreplaceable letters or photographs

Items not accepted through ordinary inmate mail

Physical supplies

Food, medicines, pens, pencils, markers, envelopes, stamps, stickers and packages are not accepted.

Greeting cards and cash

Greeting cards and cash are not accepted through inmate mail.

Dangerous or prohibited content

Threats, sexual content, encouragement of violence and instructions for making contraband are rejected.

Photograph rules

Photographs may be rejected when they:

  • Are offensive or sexual in nature.
  • Contain gang references.
  • Display firearms or other weapons.
  • Display drugs or drug paraphernalia.
  • Display intoxicants.
Legal mail: Attorney legal paperwork may be received and opened in the inmate’s presence. Do not route privileged legal correspondence through a process intended for ordinary scanned family mail without confirming the legal-mail procedure.
Religious materials: Paperback religious materials shipped directly from a manufacturer are considered case by case. An inmate may request religious items through the jail Chaplain’s Department.
Property and medical needs

Bay County inmate property, medication and medical charges

Personal property after booking

  • Newly booked property is inventoried and securely stored.
  • Firearms, weapons and flammable items are handled outside the ordinary property-storage process.
  • Inmates receive facility clothing and hygiene items with weekly exchanges.
  • Commissary items may be kept during incarceration when accompanied by the receipt.
  • After release, the person has 30 days to collect remaining personal property.
  • Property remaining after 30 days is treated as abandoned and discarded.
Do not wait to retrieve property. The 30-day deadline runs after release, and discarded abandoned property may not be recoverable.

Prescription medication brought to the jail

Contact medical staff before bringing medication The Health Services Administrator must approve medication entering the facility.
Ensure the medical department knows the need Unannounced medication may not be accepted at the lobby.
Keep medication in the original prescription container Medication that cannot be readily identified or is not in its original container will not be accepted.
Wait for case-by-case approval Medical personnel decide whether outside medication will be accepted and used.

Medical and dental charges

Inmates are assessed minimum medical and dental fees to offset part of the service cost. An inmate who cannot afford the fee is not denied treatment. The account is charged, and funds deposited later may be used to satisfy the charge.

Emergency care: An inmate should immediately alert a detention officer about an urgent medical condition. Family members should not attempt to diagnose or deliver unapproved medication through mail or visitation.

Items families cannot bring directly

Soap, shampoo, underwear, shoes and similar items are not accepted from family members. The jail explains that even sealed items can conceal contraband, so approved goods should be purchased through commissary.

Smoking prohibited: Tobacco, matches and cigarette lighters are contraband. The jail states that introducing contraband into a county detention facility can be a third-degree felony.
Inmate programs

Programs available inside the Bay County Jail

Lifeline Program

Lifeline addresses addiction, substance abuse, physical limitations, coping skills, conflict resolution, family relationships and self-worth. Many participants are court-ordered, so volunteer admission may be limited.

Life-Skills Pre-Release Program

This program focuses on job readiness, vocational construction-trade training and strategies for returning to employment. It is described as required for sentenced inmates within 75 days of release.

Enrollment: Program access depends on sentence status, court requirements, housing, available capacity and facility classification. The inmate should request information through the appropriate jail process.
Errors and record relief

Correcting, sealing or expunging a Bay County record

Correct the information at the source

Which office controls the disputed information?
Problem Office to contact Evidence to prepare
Wrong jail identity or custody field Bay County Jail Facility Government ID, inmate identifier, booking date and the exact incorrect field.
Incorrect Sheriff incident report information Bay County Sheriff’s Office Records Section Report number, official documents and the disputed passage.
Incorrect criminal docket or index Bay County Clerk of Court Case number, filed order and exact docket entry.
Incorrect statewide Florida history Florida Department of Law Enforcement Personal Review, fingerprints and certified supporting documents.
Third-party mugshot page The third-party publisher after official verification Corrected record, certified disposition or sealing/expungement order.

Florida sealing and expungement path

Review eligibility Eligibility depends on the arrest, filed charge, disposition, prior record and Florida law. Dismissal does not automatically erase the arrest.
Obtain certified dispositions Request certified court documents for every charge involved in the application.
Complete the FDLE eligibility process Provide the required application, fingerprints, dispositions, prosecutor section when required and processing fee.
Receive an eligibility decision An FDLE Certificate of Eligibility does not itself seal or expunge the record.
File the Bay County court petition Submit the required petition, affidavit, certificate and proposed order in the court with jurisdiction.
Obtain a signed judicial order Relief is effective only after the court grants the petition and the responsible agencies process the order.
Keep copies before expungement. Save the arrest report, certified disposition, Certificate of Eligibility and final signed order. Access to expunged material is highly restricted afterward.
Legal guidance: Certain offenses, prior adjudications and earlier sealing or expungement can affect eligibility. Consult a qualified Florida attorney for case-specific legal advice.
Start the FDLE eligibility process
Contact directory

Bay County jail, Sheriff and court contacts

Call the office that controls the record or service
Office or service Contact Use this contact for
Bay County Jail main line 850-785-5245 Custody, booking, release and general jail questions.
Bay County Jail secondary line 850-215-5140 Secondary jail contact when directed.
Bay County Sheriff’s Office 850-747-4700 General Sheriff and public-record questions.
Public Records Custodian beth.nelson@bayso.org
Fax: 850-914-2093		 Sheriff incident, arrest and public-record requests.
Bay County Clerk 850-747-5100 Criminal cases, copies, dispositions and court questions.
Clerk Criminal Department Criminal@baycoclerk.com Written criminal-record and disposition requests.
ViaPath / GettingOut 888-516-0115 Video-visitation account setup and support.
GTL phone customer service 877-650-4249 Inmate telephone account and call support.
Phone block assistance 850-215-5135 Block or unblock inmate collect calls.
Bay County Sheriff’s Office
3421 North Highway 77
Panama City, FL 32405
Bay County Jail Facility
5700 Star Lane
Panama City, FL 32404
Bay County Clerk of Court
300 East 4th Street
Panama City, FL 32401
Clerk office hours

Monday through Friday

8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Central Time

Map and directions

Bay County Jail Facility in Panama City

The Bay County Jail Facility is located at 5700 Star Lane, Panama City, Florida 32404. Confirm current custody and the purpose of your visit before traveling.

Do not travel based only on an online status. Confirm the inmate remains in custody, the required office is open and the service you need is handled at that location.
Source method

How this Bay County guide was built

The procedures in this article were extracted from Bay County Sheriff jail, booking, bond, visitation, telephone, mail, property, inmate-account, warrant and public-record materials, along with Bay County Clerk criminal court, case-search, copy and disposition instructions.

Information kept in-page

Addresses, phone numbers, search formats, processing rules, fees, mail instructions, visit costs, account identifiers and court terminology are explained here.

Links reserved for actions

Official portals are used mainly when the user must run a live search, submit a request, fund an account, schedule a visit or order a certified record.

Status must remain live

Custody, bond, warrant, release and court-event information can change after publication and must be rechecked before action.

Frequently asked questions

Bay County Florida arrest-record questions answered

How do I search a current Bay County inmate?

Use the official Bay County Sheriff inmate search. Start with the legal surname, add the first name only when needed and verify the record with the birth date or age, booking date and control number.

Why is a recent arrest not appearing?

The person may still be undergoing fingerprinting, medical screening, property inventory, photography, warrant checks or other booking steps. Retry later and call the jail when the matter is urgent.

What happens during Bay County booking?

The person is searched, fingerprinted, photographed, medically screened, showered and issued jail clothing and hygiene supplies. Property is inventoried, warrant systems are checked and the person enters temporary housing pending classification.

How do I find out whether the charge was dismissed?

Search the Bay County Clerk criminal docket and locate the dismissal, nolle prosequi, judgment, verdict or other disposition. Do not rely only on the charge listed at booking.

How much does a certified Bay County court record cost?

The Clerk publishes a copy fee of $1 per page and an additional certification fee of $2 per document. Credit and debit card transactions carry a 3.5% processing fee.

How do I request the arrest report?

Submit a public-records request to the arresting agency. For Bay County Sheriff records, contact the Public Records Custodian at 850-747-4700 or beth.nelson@bayso.org and include the name, date, location and report identifiers.

How much does a Bay County video visit cost?

The Sheriff publishes a rate of $0.25 per minute through ViaPath and GettingOut. Messages cost $0.25 each, electronic photos cost $0.50 each and prohibited photos may be denied without a refund.

What address should I use for personal inmate mail?

Use Bay County Jail, FL, followed by the inmate’s full name and identifier, P.O. Box 247, Phoenix, MD 21131. Approved correspondence is scanned for electronic access and the original is discarded.

Can I send money in an inmate letter?

No. Cash is not accepted through inmate mail. A properly prepared money order may be mailed directly to the Bay County Jail Facility under the inmate-account rules.

Does a mugshot mean the person was convicted?

No. A mugshot documents booking. It does not establish guilt or show the final court result. Check the Clerk’s criminal docket and obtain a certified disposition when formal proof is required.

Accuracy, identity and legal-use notice

County Arrest Records is an independent informational guide. It is not the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Bay County Jail, Bay County Clerk of Court, State Attorney, Florida Department of Law Enforcement or a law firm.

Jail, bond, release, warrant and court information can change after judicial action, payment, transfer, correction, sealing or expungement. Confirm identity with multiple identifiers and obtain the current official record before making legal, employment, housing, financial, safety or publication decisions.

Every arrested person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. This page provides procedural information and does not provide legal advice.

Article scope: Bay County, Florida · Jail booking, arrest reports, warrants and criminal court records · 2026 edition.

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