Panama City solo practice handling wills, trusts, estate planning, and Florida probate for Bay County families. Adam Hood has served clients in Panama City since 2008 and holds a master's degree in estate planning.
Panama City is in Bay County.
Probate in Bay County
Probate Court Record
Bay County Clerk of Circuit Court
Bay County · 14th Judicial Circuit
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM CT
Office
300 East 4th Street, Panama City, FL 32401
Website
E-filing
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
How to file probate in Bay County →
Verified October 15, 2026 · Source
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Bay County? →Settling an estate in Bay County →
Forms for Planning and Settling an Estate in Florida
Free Florida forms to plan or settle an estate: a will, trust, powers of attorney, TOD deed and the probate forms. Prepare each form for Florida.
$12/month
Revocable Living Trust
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
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Last Will and Testament
In Florida, a will is signed before 2Fla. Stat. § 732.502Verified Oct 18, 2026View source witnesses, and a self-proving affidavit signed with it lets the court admit it without witness testimonyFla. Stat. § 732.502Verified Oct 18, 2026View source.
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Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in Florida
Free calculators and checklists to plan or settle an estate in Florida: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay and taxes. Run each tool for Florida.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in Florida costs an estimated $30,600Fla. Stat. § 733.6171Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Attorney fees on a statutory schedule presumed reasonableFla. Stat. § 733.6171Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Calculate Costs
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Florida: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 daysFla. Prob. R. 5.340; Fla. Stat. § 733.604Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 3 monthsFla. Stat. §§ 733.2121, 733.702 (later of 3 months from first publication or 30 days from service on a served creditor), 733.703, 733.705, 733.707, 733.710Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.
See the Steps
How Much Can an Executor Charge?
Florida sets executor compensation on a statutory schedule that is presumed reasonable — about $15,000 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 3.0%Fla. Stat. § 733.617Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Calculate the Fee
Do I Need Probate?
Florida sets no dollar limit for its Disposition Without AdministrationFla. Stat. § 733.402 (bond — required by default: "Unless the bond requirement has been waived by the will or by the courtVerified Sep 8, 2026View source; eligibility turns on other tests.
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What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?
In Florida, creditors have 3 monthsFla. Stat. § 733.702Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication of the creditor notice to present claims; late claims are barred.
Check the Rules