city · Bay County · Florida

Panama City, Florida Building Permits & Zoning

Regulatory data for residential homebuilders and land developers

4.7

Friction Index Low Regulatory Environment

Permit Timeline

30 days

4 weeks

Total Fees Est.

$7,900

per residential lot

Impact Fees

$6,200

per lot

Permit Fee

$1,250

residential

Plan Review Fee

$450

per application

Delay Risk

18%

probability of delay

Zoning & Requirements

Overlay Districts

Permitted By-Right Uses

Permitting Requirements

✓ Building permit application
✓ Engineered site plan
✓ Bay County impact fees
✓ NWFWMD stormwater permit
✓ Enhanced construction standards (post-Hurricane Michael fortified requirements)
✓ Tree survey
✓ Stormwater management plan
✓ Fire department review
✓ Coastal construction permit (if applicable)
✓ FEMA flood zone compliance (updated maps)
✓ Enhanced wind load compliance (150+ mph coastal areas)
✓ Utility connection permits (rebuilt infrastructure)
✓ Florida Building Code 8th Edition compliance
✓ Fortified Home certification (encouraged/required in certain areas)

Process Notes

Staffing & Operations

Significant rebuilding activity post-Hurricane Michael (2018). Experienced with high-volume permitting. Enhanced building standards adopted. Fast-track available for rebuilds.

Recent Changes

Bay County maintaining stable impact fees to support recovery and growth. Post-Hurricane Michael enhanced construction standards now mandatory (fortified construction). New coastal high-hazard area requirements adopted Q1 2026. Updated flood maps implemented (significant changes post-Michael). Fast-track permitting continues for replacement homes.

Rezone Probability

77%

Contact Information

Permit Office Phone

(850) 872-3100

Official Website

https://www.pcgov.org/departments/building

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