If you’re typing "what county is Panama City" into your phone while driving down Highway 98, you probably just want a quick answer so you can find the nearest Publix or figure out who to call about a local parking ticket.
The short answer is Bay County.
But honestly, it’s a little more complicated than that. Depending on who you ask—or more importantly, where you actually are—"Panama City" can mean three very different places. Most people are looking for the one in the Florida Panhandle, but even then, there's a massive difference between the city and its famous beach neighbor.
The Bay County Connection
Panama City, Florida, is the "county seat" of Bay County.
Being the county seat basically means it's the brain of the operation. It's where the courthouse sits, where the tax collector hangs out, and where the local government does most of its heavy lifting. It’s the biggest city between Tallahassee and Pensacola, sitting right on the edge of St. Andrews Bay.
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Bay County itself was born back in 1913. A bunch of local leaders met up and decided they needed their own territory, carving it out of Washington, Calhoun, and Walton counties. They picked the name "Bay" because, well, the area is basically defined by the water.
The "Two Cities" Confusion: Panama City vs. Panama City Beach
This is where the GPS usually gets messy. You’ve got Panama City, and then you’ve got Panama City Beach (PCB).
Both are in Bay County.
However, they are entirely separate municipalities. If you tell someone you’re going to Panama City and you show up in a bikini with a surfboard, you’re probably in the wrong spot.
- Panama City: This is the older, more "real world" side of things. It's got the historic downtown, the working waterfront, and neighborhoods like St. Andrews and Millville. It’s where people live and work year-round.
- Panama City Beach: This is the resort town across the Hathaway Bridge. It’s got the 27 miles of sugar-white sand, the neon lights, and the "Spring Break" reputation.
If you get a speeding ticket on the beach, you’re dealing with the PCB police. If you’re downtown by the marina, that’s Panama City. But no matter which side of the bridge you’re on, you are firmly within the boundaries of Bay County.
Wait, What About Panama City, Panama?
Just for the sake of being thorough—because people actually do get this mixed up—if you’re looking for the capital of the country of Panama, you aren't in a "county" at all.
In the Republic of Panama, the city is located in the Panamá Province.
Funny enough, the Florida city actually changed its name to "Panama City" in 1906 specifically to ride the coattails of the Panama Canal's popularity. George Mortimer West, one of the city's founders, thought it would drum up real estate interest if people thought the Florida port was on a direct line between Chicago and the actual Panama Canal. It was a marketing stunt that worked so well we're still talking about it over a century later.
Why Bay County is Growing So Fast
Bay County has been through some serious stuff lately. If you look at the trees around town, you’ll notice many of them look a bit thin or are missing their tops. That’s the lingering fingerprint of Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 beast that roared through in 2018.
Despite that, the area is booming. By early 2026, the population of Bay County has climbed toward the 200,000 mark.
People are moving here for a few specific reasons:
- Tyndall Air Force Base: It's being rebuilt as the "Base of the Future," which brings in thousands of military families and contractors.
- Affordability (Kinda): Compared to South Florida or even Destin, Bay County still offers a slightly better bang for your buck, though prices have definitely jumped since the 2020s began.
- The Port: Port Panama City is a major player in regional trade, keeping the local economy from being 100% dependent on tourism.
Navigating the Local Government
If you're moving here or just visiting and need to get things done, you have to know who's in charge.
Since Panama City is the seat of Bay County, you've got layers. You have the Panama City Commission (led by the Mayor) for city-specific issues like Harrison Avenue's 15 mph speed limit or downtown parking rules. Then you have the Bay County Board of County Commissioners, who handle the bigger picture stuff like the Sheriff’s Office, the regional airport (Northwest Florida Beaches International - ECP), and the library system.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit or Move:
- Check the Zip Code: If you’re booking an Airbnb, 32401, 32404, and 32405 are usually in Panama City (the city). If you want the sand, look for 32407, 32408, or 32413 (the beach).
- The Bridge Matters: Traffic on the Hathaway Bridge connects the two cities. If there’s an accident on the bridge, you’re basically stuck on whichever side you’re on for an hour. Plan accordingly.
- Official Business: If you need a marriage license, a deed, or to pay property taxes, head to the Bay County Government Center on 11th Street in Panama City. Don't go to the beach for that.
- Know the Water: "The Bay" refers to St. Andrews Bay. "The Gulf" refers to the actual ocean. Locals will judge you if you mix them up.
Whether you're looking for the historic charm of the mainland or the chaotic fun of the beach, you're a guest of Bay County. It's a place that’s resilient, slightly confusing to outsiders, but undeniably beautiful once you get your bearings.
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Next time someone asks you what county Panama City is in, you can tell them it's Bay—but make sure they know which bridge they're supposed to be crossing first.
Actionable Next Steps
- Verify Your Jurisdiction: If you are dealing with a legal or administrative issue, confirm whether the address falls within the City of Panama City limits or Unincorporated Bay County, as this determines which police or code enforcement office you contact.
- Update Your GPS: When traveling, specifically enter "Panama City Beach" if you intend to go to the Gulf-front hotels, or "Historic St. Andrews" if you want the Panama City waterfront dining scene.
- Consult the Property Appraiser: For tax or boundary questions, use the Bay County Property Appraiser's online GIS map to see exact county and city lines.