Florida · Bay County · Local exemptions · Updated Oct 2026
Bay County, FL property tax exemptions (2026)
The property tax breaks that are set or run locally in Bay County, on top of Florida’s statewide rules: what each is worth here, who qualifies, where to apply and the deadline.
What is different in Bay County
Bay County has adopted both optional senior exemptions (the low-income senior exemption of up to $50,000 and the long-term resident exemption) for county taxes, according to Florida Department of Revenue data. Cities with a senior exemption on city taxes in DOR data: Callaway, Lynn Haven, Mexico Beach, Panama City, Springfield. These facts come from Florida Department of Revenue data, because the property appraiser's website could not be checked; confirm the amounts and which cities apply with the property appraiser before you apply.
Apply at
Bay County Property Appraiser
Phone
Not confirmed
Local breaks
Additional Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older (low-income senior exemption), Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption (65+, 25 years in the home)
Tax year
2026
We could not confirm all of Bay County’s local rules yet. Some facts on this page rest on limited sources. Call the office below before you rely on them.
Additional Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older (low-income senior exemption)
Up to $50,000 off the assessed value for Bay County taxes; the amount is not in state data and the property appraiser's website could not be checked, so confirm it with the property appraiser. Florida DOR data also show a senior exemption on city taxes in Callaway, Lynn Haven, Mexico Beach, Panama City, Springfield.
Set by
county and some cities (not school taxes)
Tax year
2026
Who qualifies
You have the homestead exemption, at least one owner living in the home is 65 or older on January 1, and total household adjusted gross income for the prior year is at or below the limit.
Income limit
$38,686 household adjusted gross income (2026 limit, applied to 2025 income of everyone living in the home)
How to apply
First time: file Form DR-501 (check the age 65 and older with limited income box) plus Form DR-501SC household income statement with the property appraiser, with prior-year federal tax returns and W-2s for everyone in the household.
Under s. 196.075, F.S., the income statement is required the first year; after that you must tell the property appraiser by May 1 if household income goes over the limit. Some property appraisers ask for income proof every year, so ask the office how renewal works here.
Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption (65+, 25 years in the home)
Exempts the home's assessed value from Bay County taxes. The Florida DOR 2026 exemption report shows $36,531,031 of this exemption granted in Bay County.
Set by
county (not school taxes)
Tax year
2026
Who qualifies
Meets the senior exemption rules (65+, household income at or below the limit) and has lived in the home as a permanent residence for at least 25 years, and the home's just (market) value was under $250,000 in the first year you apply and qualify.
Income limit
$38,686 household adjusted gross income (2026 limit, applied to 2025 income of everyone living in the home)
How to apply
File Form DR-501 (check the age 65 and older with 25 years permanent residency box) plus Form DR-501SC with the property appraiser, with proof of 25 years of residence and prior-year tax returns and W-2s for the household.
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for Bay County
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Document checklist for Bay County
Pick the breaks you plan to apply for. You get a checklist of forms, documents, steps and deadlines to print or keep on your phone.
Questions about property tax exemptions in Bay County
What property tax exemptions are there in Bay County?
Bay County has adopted both optional senior exemptions (the low-income senior exemption of up to $50,000 and the long-term resident exemption) for county taxes, according to Florida Department of Revenue data. Cities with a senior exemption on city taxes in DOR data: Callaway, Lynn Haven, Mexico Beach, Panama City, Springfield. These facts come from Florida Department of Revenue data, because the property appraiser's website could not be checked; confirm the amounts and which cities apply with the property appraiser before you apply. Local breaks here: Additional Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older (low-income senior exemption); Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption (65+, 25 years in the home).
Where do I apply for a property tax exemption in Bay County?
Bay County Property Appraiser. Also: Bay County Tax Collector, which pays the tax bill.
When is the deadline to apply in Bay County?
Additional Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older (low-income senior exemption): March 1. Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption (65+, 25 years in the home): March 1.
Is there an income limit for Bay County’s local breaks?
Additional Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older (low-income senior exemption): $38,686 household adjusted gross income (2026 limit, applied to 2025 income of everyone living in the home) Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption (65+, 25 years in the home): $38,686 household adjusted gross income (2026 limit, applied to 2025 income of everyone living in the home)
Do I have to reapply every year in Bay County?
Additional Homestead Exemption for Persons 65 and Older (low-income senior exemption): Under s. 196.075, F.S., the income statement is required the first year; after that you must tell the property appraiser by May 1 if household income goes over the limit. Some property appraisers ask for income proof every year, so ask the office how renewal works here. Long-Term Resident Senior Exemption (65+, 25 years in the home): Same as the senior exemption: report by May 1 if household income goes over the limit.
Median effective tax rate for Bay County: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2020–2024 5-year estimates, county figures as published by Tax Foundation. The rate is property taxes paid divided by home value.