Bay County trims short-term rental managing-agent fee to $35 after public complaints about inspection delays

Bay County commissioners on Monday approved an amendment to the county’s FY2025 fees and fines schedule that lowers a proposed registration modification fee for short-term rental managing agents from $100 to $35 while leaving the rest of the schedule unchanged.

The action followed public comment from short-term rental owners who said they tried to comply but received no follow-up from county staff. Patrice Couch of Lynn Haven told the commission she submitted a complete application in January 2024 but “no one followed up either to my email or followed up to schedule an inspection.” She asked the commission to consider tabling the fee item or reducing what she called an administrative charge for owners who manage properties themselves.

County staff explained the larger package of changes before commissioners, saying the amendments include new beach-bonfire permits, penalties for short-term rental noncompliance and clarifications…