Probate in Bay County runs through the Clerk of Circuit Court: prove the will, settle the debts, and pass the house to the heirs. Here is how the local process works—and what each step actually costs.
When someone dies in Bay County, settling their estate runs through the Clerk of Circuit Court. This page covers the court record, whether probate is required, what it costs, how to file, transferring property, and the local attorneys who handle probate here.
Probate Court Record
Bay County · 14th Judicial Circuit
Address
Phone
Hours
Accepted paymentCash, Credit card, Debit card, Money order. Cashier's checks also accepted. The Clerk's Office accepts only cash, credit/debit cards (Discover, MasterCard, Visa, American Express), money orders, or cashier's checks for all monetary business transactions. Personal checks are not listed.
Departments
Mailing: P.O. Box 2269, Panama City, FL 32402. Office hours are in Central Time (CST).
Verified July 3, 2026 · Source
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Bay County, probate runs through the Clerk of Circuit Court at 300 E. 4th Street, Panama City. The court sits in the 14th Judicial Circuit. The same 14th Judicial Circuit also serves Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson and Washington.
The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Florida intestacy law when there is no will.
Most Florida estates take 9 months to 12 months to move through this process. The 3 monthsFla. Stat. § 733.702Verified Sep 8, 2026View source creditor claim window is the largest fixed piece of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of how simple the estate is.
What probate costs in Bay County, Florida comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the Clerk of Circuit Court at 300 E. 4th Street, Panama City. The court is part of the 14th Judicial Circuit.
Probate matters are handled through the Probate. Filing and payment go through these offices, not the main clerk window.
Florida charges $399Fla. Stat. § 28.2401(1)(g), (3)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys filing at the Clerk of Circuit Court (https://www.myflcourtaccess.com/). Self-represented filers can request a paper-filing exemption.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Florida are based on reasonable compensation — usually hourly billing or a flat fee for the engagement.
Executor compensation is based on reasonable pay for time and effort. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Florida requires publishing creditor notice in a local newspaper, typically $200–$500. Professional appraisals for real estate or business interests add $300–$600 per asset.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%Fla. Stat. § 733.402Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value annually.
Probate in Florida typically runs 9 months to 12 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.
If you're handling probate yourself in Bay County, Florida, you can file at the Clerk of Circuit Court in person or by mail. E-filing is mandatory for attorneys but families filing without one are exempt and can use paper forms. The court sits in the 14th Judicial Circuit.
Filings here are routed through the Probate. Confirm with the office which intake handles the petition type you're filing.
How to File Your Documents
You can file your probate documents in person or by mail. While attorneys are required to e-file in Bay County, families handling probate themselves are exempt and can file on paper.
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationNot every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the Clerk of Circuit Court is realistic.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Bay County Self-Filing Assessment.
Before You Go
Cash, Credit card, Debit card, Money order. Cashier's checks also accepted. The Clerk's Office accepts only cash, credit/debit cards (Discover, MasterCard, Visa, American Express), money orders, or cashier's checks for all monetary business transactions. Personal checks are not listed.
To file at the Clerk of Circuit Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Clearing title to real estate after a death, whether by a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order, happens at the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Deeds and other real property documents for Bay County are recorded with the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 300 East 4th Street, Panama City, FL 32401. Phone: 850-747-5100. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM CST.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court charges $10 for the first page plus $9 for each additional page.
Bay County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile, CSC, eRecording Partners Network (ePN), File and Go, Hopdox.
Recording Office Record
Bay County
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
E-recording
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $10 |
| Each additional page | $8.5 |
Fla. Stat. 28.24(13), (13)(c), (13)(d), (13)(e); Fla. Stat. 201.02(1)(a)
Verified September 4, 2026 · Source
Florida uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Bay County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.
Florida uses a presumed-reasonable fee schedule for probate attorneys — the percentages are a starting point that can be negotiated, especially for simple estates. Bay County firms typically follow the schedule for routine work and negotiate on complex matters.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Clerk of Circuit Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
Solo PracticePanama City, FL
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.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
FirmShalimar, FL
Shalimar firm on Eglin Parkway, near Fort Walton Beach, serving Okaloosa, Walton, Santa Rosa, and Bay counties since 1987. Handles probate administration, guardianships and conservatorships, and tax-efficient estate planning. Founding shareholder H. Bart Fleet is admitted to the U.S. Tax Court and teaches the Wills, Trusts and Probate course at Northwest Florida State College.
PracticesEstate PlanningTax PlanningConservatorshipGuardianshipand 2 more
Solo PracticeChipley, FL
Chipley solo practice serving Washington, Holmes, Calhoun, Jackson, and Bay counties in the rural Panhandle. Handles formal, summary, and ancillary probate, wills and trusts, lady bird deeds, and real estate and family law matters. James W. Batton started the firm in 2014.
PracticesEstate PlanningSpecial Needs PlanningProbate AdministrationReal Estate LitigationWills Trusts
Solo PracticePanama City, FL
Boutique tax and estate practice in Panama City serving Bay County and the surrounding Northwest Florida panhandle. Advises executors and trustees on their fiduciary duties, defends estate tax and valuation audits, and handles estate and gift tax planning, business succession, and special needs planning. Laura C. Pyne is also a CPA and worked at KPMG and PwC.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationTax PlanningSpecial Needs Planningand 4 more
FirmPanama City, FL
Panama City firm founded in 1985 serving Bay County and the surrounding rural panhandle -- Gulf, Calhoun, Washington, Holmes, Jackson, and Walton counties. Handles elder law, estate planning, and probate alongside personal injury and civil litigation. Pamela Dru Sutton has practiced 30+ years with Martindale-Hubbell's highest peer-review rating.
PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawCivil LitigationProbate Administration
FirmGainesville, FL
Gainesville firm handling probate in every Florida county on a flat fee, with an Ocala office and a fully remote administration process. Founding partner R. Nadine David advised Florida circuit court probate judges as a probate court staff attorney before entering private practice in 2014. Handles formal and summary administration, trust administration, and estate litigation.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate LitigationTrust LitigationProbate Administration
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
Data sourced from Florida statutes and official state code. How we research.
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Vehicles, jewelry, collectibles, etc.
Mortgages, credit cards, loans, etc.
Living trust assets, and accounts with a named beneficiary or surviving joint owner. These skip probate; some states charge the court fee only on what remains.
Select your state and enter an estate value to see a detailed cost estimate.
Probate fee bases vary by state and may use gross estate, personal property, inventory value, or net property after debts. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Actual costs vary significantly by county, attorney, and estate complexity. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
Total probate assets (exclude beneficiary-designated accounts)
Enter your state and estate value to get a personalized recommendation with estimated cost savings.
Score-based assessment with reasoning
Cost comparison vs. hiring an attorney
This tool provides general information about self-filing probate and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
Step-by-step tools for families in Bay County, Florida.
Get a personalized plan for settling an estate after someone passes away. Covers trust administration, probate, and intestate estates.
Get a personalized plan for settling a trust after the grantor passes away. Covers beneficiary notification, asset transfers, creditor handling, taxes, and distributions.
Get a score-based recommendation on whether self-filing probate is right for your situation. See estimated savings vs. hiring an attorney and get a step-by-step checklist.
Browse vetted Florida attorneys handling probate matters.
