08/03/2026
Back to school information from the Health Dept:
August 10th will be here before we know it and the Florida Department of Health in Bay County is ready to help make sure every student walks into that first day fully prepared!
We know school paperwork can feel overwhelming, so here's the good news: we are a one-stop shop for everything your child needs to be back-to-school ready. Come see us and check it all off your list in a single visit.
What Schools Require:
A School Health Entry Exam form
Completed right here at our Health Department for your convenience, or you can find it online HERE. The school entry health exam, completed and signed by a health care provider licensed to perform physical exams in the U.S., should be taken to the child’s school upon enrollment.
Vaccination record (Form 680) or a religious/medical exemption form
Issued on-site, free of charge. If immunizations are still needed, please call 850-872-4455 to schedule your appointment. The Immunization Clinic is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All immunization services are by appointment only. Please bring your picture ID and previous immunization records for each individual needing services to your appointment. Prior records must be available prior to or at visit time. See school guide on which immunizations you need HERE. What if they do not have previous immunization records? If the child had any immunizations in Florida, the record is entered into a statewide data base—Florida Shots. Out of state records we do not have access too. All out of state children will need to bring in the out of state record or sign a ROI for us to request the out of state record to upload into Florida Shots.
Student Emergency Information Card –
Some schools may have their own version of this or not require it at all. We can help you meet that requirement either way.
School Physical –
Physicals are by appointment only, so call ahead and reserve your spot. Appointment can be made in person as well at our Health Department.
What Bay District Schools Also Requires Parents to Bring:
Student's Birth Certificate
Need a copy? Our Vital Statistics office can issue one for just $15. You will need a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport, or military ID. All identification must be valid (cannot be expired). For mailed requests, please provide a clear, readable photocopy. You will also need to complete a Birth Certificate Application Form, including the person’s full name, date of birth, county of birth, mother’s full name, including maiden name and father’s full name. For more information visit https://bay.floridahealth.gov/certificates/birth-certificates/ or call 850-872-4455, option 4, option 1.
Enrolling parent's government-issued photo ID
Two proofs of current address
Our team is ready to help your family move through this quickly and painlessly, so you can spend less time on paperwork and more time celebrating the new school year. For the next few weeks, the Florida Department of Health in Bay County will have a table in the Clinic lobby with the forms listed above, instructions on how to complete them, and some extra goodies to give you a head start this coming school year. On August 6th, our notary will be available on site to notarize any forms you may need completed as well.
Please call ahead to schedule school physicals and immunizations, as those are by appointment only. All other services are available during our regular walk-in hours. You can find us at 597 W. 11th St, Panama City, FL 32401, and our operating hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Help us spread the word and share this with the families in your network so no one is caught off guard before the first bell rings! We look forward to seeing you soon.
Florida birth certificates are issued through the Bureau of Vital Statistics at the Department of Health. Orders may be placed online, by mail, or in-person.
