Report a STVR or Bonfire Violation

Fire & Life Safety Violations

Violations of Bay County ordinances related to Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVR), Beach Bonfires, and Dangerous Water Entry into the Gukd of America during Double Red Flag times, are all punishable by fines. Voluntary compliance is the most desirable outcome and our department seeks to have voluntary compliance whenever possible. However, in the event voluntary compliance, or a significant violation is present or has occurred, violators can be subject to significant fines for failure to comply. 

The following sections provide links to specific reporting mechanisms to alert Bay County Emergency Services of potential violations. Once completed, the forms are  emailed to the on-call inspector who is responsible for ensuring STVR and bonfires are properly permitted.

*Please Note: Bay County cannot enforce criminal infractions, such as noise, parking, or other nuisance or criminal activity.

Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) Violation Complaints

You can report a suspected non-registered and/or permitted Short-Term Vacation Rental by clicking and completing the STRV Violation Reporting Form, or submitting an email here, or calling (850) 248-5139.

Beach Bonfire Violation Complaints

You can report a suspected non-permitted beach bonfire by clicking and completing the Beach Bonfire Violation Reporting Form, submitting an email here, or calling (850) 248-5139.

Burn Permits and/or Violation Reporting

Bay County does not issue or regulate controlled burns, open burn permits, or planned land clearing burning. Those are all regulated and permitted by the Florida Forest Service. They can be contacted at: (850) 373-1801 or (950) 691-0800.