Panama City Beach, Florida Public Records

The Florida Bureau of Investigation also offers resources for Bay County residents seeking detailed background checks, making sure of access to criminal records for various purposes, including employment and legal proceedings.

Florida residents can register to vote online at https://registertovoteflorida.gov, though the system requires a Florida driver license or ID card number. The registration deadline stands at 29 days before any election. New registrants must be U.S. Citizens and Florida residents, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and cannot be currently adjudicated mentally incapacitated or convicted of a felony without restored rights. Acceptable identification includes a Florida driver license, state ID card, Social Security number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. As an incorporated municipality, Panama City Beach holds city elections for Mayor and City Council positions. The community operates under a council-manager form of government with a Mayor and four City Council members elected to staggered four-year terms. Municipal elections are nonpartisan and typically scheduled for November of odd-numbered years—2025, 2027, and so forth—though special elections may occur. The next regularly scheduled municipal election is expected in November 2025, with candidate qualifying typically occurring the preceding summer. Information about local candidates, ballot measures, and city commission meetings is available through the City Clerk's office at Panama City Beach City Hall (850-233-5100) and on the city website at https://www.pcbgov.com. Residents can locate their assigned polling place using the precinct finder tool on the Bay County Supervisor of Elections website at https://www.bayelections.com or by calling the elections office directly. Polling places are assigned based on residential address, and voters must cast ballots at their designated location on Election Day unless voting early or by mail. The county typically operates 10-12 early voting locations during the state-mandated early voting period, which begins 10 days before Election Day and ends 3 days before, with extended hours including evenings and weekends. Common early voting sites include the Bay County Government Center, libraries, and community centers throughout the area. Florida's public records law makes extensive election information publicly accessible. Voter registration lists are available for purchase as public records, though with restrictions on commercial use and requirements for stated purpose. Campaign finance reports for all candidates and political committees can be searched through the Florida Division of Elections website at https://dos.myflorida.com/elections/candidates-committees/campaign-finance/ and locally through the Supervisor of Elections for county-level races. Candidate qualifying information, including petitions and financial disclosure forms, is public. Precinct-level election results appear on the Bay County Supervisor of Elections website following certification, providing detailed breakdowns by race, precinct, and voting method—Election Day, early voting, and vote-by-mail. In the November 2024 general election, Bay County reported voter turnout of approximately 68-72% of registered voters. With roughly 130,000 registered voters countywide, approximately 88,000-94,000 ballots were cast, reflecting strong engagement in the presidential election. The county has historically leaned Republican in recent election cycles, with significant support for conservative candidates in federal and state races. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, Panama City Beach and Bay County voters will decide several significant races. In 2026, Florida will hold elections for Governor, all Florida Cabinet positions (Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer, Commissioner of Agriculture), one U.S. Senate seat (the Class III seat currently held by Marco Rubio), all Florida House of Representatives seats, and various Bay County constitutional offices including Sheriff, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, Supervisor of Elections, and Clerk of Court. Panama City Beach City Council positions may also appear on the ballot depending on the election cycle rotation. Voters should verify specific races and local ballot measures through the Bay County Supervisor of Elections as the election approaches. Florida offers vote-by-mail ballots (formerly called absentee ballots) to any registered voter without requiring an excuse. Voters can request a vote-by-mail ballot online through the Supervisor of Elections website, by phone, in writing, or in person. Vote-by-mail ballot requests are valid for two general election cycles and must be renewed thereafter. Requested ballots are mailed beginning 40 days before Election Day. Completed vote-by-mail ballots must be returned by 7:00 PM on Election Day either by mail (postmark does not count—must be received by 7 PM), by depositing in secure drop boxes located at early voting sites and the Supervisor of Elections office, or by delivering in person to the elections office or any polling place in Bay County on Election Day. Florida law requires signature matching on vote-by-mail ballots. If signatures do not match voter registration records, voters are contacted and given an opportunity to cure the signature discrepancy until 5:00 PM on the second day following the election.