Moving here
Moving to Northwest Florida?
Moving here is exciting, but the practical details matter just as much as finding the house. County lines can affect schools, taxes, utilities and local rules. Flood zones and insurance can change from one property to another. If rental income is part of your plan, city, county and association rules need to be checked before you buy. Use this as a starting checklist, then verify the details for the actual address you are considering.
Start with these questions
- 01
Pick the area first: Panama City Beach, 30A / South Walton, Mexico Beach, or Bay County.
- 02
Write down the county and the city on the address. They decide schools, taxes, and utilities.
- 03
Call the utility department for that address before you assume a city water account transfers.
- 04
Look the address up on the FEMA flood map.
- 05
Get a wind and hazard insurance quote for that address before you write an offer.
- 06
Call the school district and ask which campus the address is zoned for.
- 07
Read the rental rules and the HOA rules if the house has to earn rent.
- 08
After closing: driver’s license, voter registration, mail, and the power start date.
Numbers worth saving
Florida Power & Light
Electric for most of Bay County and this coast.
1-800-226-3545WebsiteCity of Panama City Beach
City hall, water, and trash inside the city.
(850) 233-5100WebsiteCity of Panama City
Utilities inside Panama City.
(850) 872-3000WebsiteCity of Lynn Haven
City water and wastewater.
(850) 265-2121WebsiteCity of Callaway
Water and sewer.
WebsiteBay District Schools
Panama City Beach, Panama City, Lynn Haven, Mexico Beach.
(850) 767-4100WebsiteWalton County School District
30A, Santa Rosa Beach, and Watersound.
(850) 892-1100WebsiteGulf District Schools
Port St. Joe.
(850) 229-8256WebsiteFEMA flood map
Zone lookup for a specific address.
WebsiteECP airport
Northwest Florida Beaches International, north of the beach.
WebsiteFlorida highway safety
Driver license and vehicle registration after you move.
Website