The Civil Division is under the command of Lt. Vicky Heath who is a 25 year veteran of the Bay County Sheriff's Office.
The Civil Division receives and processes all judicial processes issued by various courts. The Section also serves civil and criminal process documents, which includes subpoenas, writs, summons, and executions. On average the Civil Process Section receives and processes approximately two thousand papers per month. Nine deputies, three clerks, and one special process server are assigned to this section.
*It is important to note that the Civil Section of the Bay County Sheriff's Office does not give legal advice. *Please note that we do not accept out of town personal checks, only money orders made out to the Bay County Sheriff's Office.
To arrange for service, the mailing and physical address is:
Bay County Sheriff's Office: Civil Section
Address: 3421 N. Hwy 77 Panama City, FL 32405
Phone: (850) 747-4700
Please Note: We make our return on our computerized Return of Service Form, and will not complete Out of State Affidavits or Return of Service Forms. Fees for service are fixed by Florida Statue 30.231 and are non-refundable.
Non-Enforceable Civil Process
Summons, Notices, Writs of Garnishment, Notices of Tax Sale, Subpoenas, and all other types of non-enforceable process requiring service only. This office will serve the process according to Florida State Statutes unless an explicit letter of instruction accompanies each document.
In-State
Service fee: $40 for each service include:
1. A stamped self-addressed envelope
2. Two certified copies of paper or summons to be served
3. One copy of complaint or petition
4. The best possible address (we will not accept papers with just a P.O. Box address)
Out of State
Service fee: $40 for each service include:
1. A stamped self-addressed envelope
2. Two certified copies of paper or summons to be served
3. One copy of complaint or petition
4. The best possible address (we will not accept papers with just a P. O. Box address)
** Note: We only use our computer generated return of service form and we will not fill out of state returns or affidavits.
Alias or Pluries Summons with Initial Pleadings
If the service fee was paid to this office on the original document, there will be no charge for service of this document; however, a copy of the prior Return of Service must accompany the Alias or Pluries Summons. Amended process requires a charge of $40. Each service must provide a specific physical location and address.
Service fees are NON-REFUNDABLE!
Enforceable Civil Process
All documents must be either issued in or domesticated within the State of Florida. Any enforceable process requiring in excess of one hour will be charged at the rate of $18 per hour per deputy.
Writ of Possession
Landlord/Tenant & Foreclosure Requirements
1. Original Writ and two certified copies of writ
2. Name and phone number(s) for person who will meet the Deputy and accept possession of the premises
3. A stamped self-addressed envelope if you need a copy of the return of service
Total fee: $90 per Writ
Service fees are non-refundable even if the landlord decides not to go through with the eviction after the writ has been posted.
Note: For help with filing eviction papers go to the Bay County Clerks website at: www.baycoclerk.com and look under the forms heading and click on evictions.
Writ of Replevin
Requirements:
1. Original Writ and one certified copy of the writ
2. Copy of Final Judgement/Order
3. Name and phone number(s) for person who will accept possession of the property. The plaintiff will provide labor and equipment necessary to complete the replevin
4. A stamped self-addressed envelope if you need a copy of the return of service
Total fee: $90 per Writ
Writs of Bodily Attachment, Civil Warrants, Orders of Commitment, etc.
Civil warrants to be served in Bay County
Requirements:
1. Two certified copies of order
2. Information sheet: must indicate address, date of birth, and description of subject
3. A stamped self-addressed envelope
Total fee: $90
Writs of Execution (Levy's)
Contact this office at: (850)747-4700 and ask for the Civil Section for information on costs and required paperwork.
* Note: It is important to know that the Bay County Sheriff's Office Civil Section does not give legal advice.
Rev 06/01/2023
