Michael’s Category 5 landfall
NHC places Michael’s October 10, 2018 landfall near Mexico Beach and Tyndall Air Force Base at 140 knots (about 160 mph).
Bay County · Florida
Bay County Public Adjuster: Panama City, Mexico Beach & Lynn Haven Claims
Hurricane Michael came ashore in Bay County as a Category 5 in 2018, and FEMA included the county in the 2026 Isaias emergency declaration. American Financial Claims reviews roof, water and wind claims countywide.
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Only in Bay County
Local facts that shape property claims.
Up to 14 feet of surge
NHC estimates 9 to 14 feet of surge inundation from southeast of Tyndall to Port St. Joe, highest in Mexico Beach.
Isaias emergency declaration
FEMA included Bay County in EM-3655 for Hurricane Isaias on October 9, 2026.
Rebuilt roofs, new disputes
Many Bay County roofs were replaced after Michael. Newer roofs can still be damaged, and insurers sometimes misread repairs as old wear.
What hits Bay County properties
The losses we document most often.
Hurricane wind damage
Roofs, siding, windows and carports across the county.
Surge on the coast and bays
Mexico Beach, St. Andrews Bay and beach property with flood questions.
Tree damage inland
Lynn Haven, Callaway and Youngstown tree-on-roof claims.
Condo and rental claims
Panama City Beach towers and rentals.
Storm history (NOAA)
What the National Hurricane Center recorded here.
- Michael (Oct 10, 2018) made landfall near Mexico Beach and Tyndall AFB at 140 knots. NHC estimates 9 to 14 feet of surge inundation, with as much as 14 feet in Mexico Beach. Source: NHC report
- Sally (Sep 2020): NHC reports sustained winds of 50 knots or higher at several sites between Pensacola and Panama City; FEMA’s DR-4564 opened Individual Assistance for Bay County. Source: NHC report
- Isaias (Oct 9, 2026) made landfall near Destin, west of Bay County, as a Category 2 hurricane with 105 mph winds. Source: NHC
Hurricane Isaias damage? Hurricane Isaias claim guide · Isaias damage guide: Panama City area
FEMA declarations
FEMA-declared storms for Bay County.
From FEMA’s disaster declarations data for Bay County: household-aid (Individual Assistance) disasters since 2004, plus the 2026 Hurricane Isaias emergency declaration.
Hurricane Isaias
Emergency declaration on Oct 9, 2026. Bay County included for Public Assistance. Individual Assistance was not part of this declaration as of October 18, 2026.
Hurricane Sally
Bay County designated for Individual Assistance (aid to households) and Public Assistance.
Hurricane Michael
Bay County designated for Individual Assistance (aid to households) and Public Assistance.
Hurricane Dennis
Bay County designated for Individual Assistance (aid to households) and Public Assistance.
Hurricane Ivan
Bay County designated for Individual Assistance (aid to households) and Public Assistance.
Nearby pages
Cities we cover in Bay County.
These are service areas, not separate offices.
Bay County FAQ
Questions people ask before hiring.
Deadlines, Florida public adjuster fees and local coverage questions. Start with a free review, or text us now.
Text an adjusterHow long do I have to file a Florida property claim?
Florida law (Fla. Stat. 627.70132) generally requires notice of a new or reopened claim within 1 year of the date of loss and a supplemental claim within 18 months. For hurricanes, the date of loss is the landfall date. Your policy may require faster notice. If you are unsure whether your Bay County file is still open, bring the policy and carrier letters to a free review at (239) 444-8101.
My roof was replaced after Michael. Can the insurer call new damage old?
They sometimes try. Bring the replacement permit, invoices and before photos. Showing the roof’s age and condition before the storm helps separate new storm damage from wear.
What is the deadline for an Isaias claim in Bay County?
Under Fla. Stat. 627.70132, report a new or reopened hurricane claim within 1 year of the October 9, 2026 landfall and a supplemental claim within 18 months.
What are public adjuster fees in Florida?
Florida law caps public adjuster contingency fees in most property claims at 20% of the amount paid by the insurer under the policy. For claims arising from a declared state of emergency, a lower 10% cap typically applies for one year after the declaration. Ask for fees and services in writing before you sign. A free review does not create a fee.
Bay County roof and water claims after Isaias: free review before you settle.
Sources
- FEMA: Hurricane Isaias (EM-3655)
- FEMA: Hurricane Sally (DR-4564)
- FEMA: Hurricane Michael (DR-4399)
- FEMA: Hurricane Dennis (DR-1595)
- FEMA: Hurricane Ivan (DR-1551)
- OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (dataset)
- NHC Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Michael (2018)
- NHC Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Sally (2020)
- NHC Tropical Cyclone Update: Isaias landfall near Destin (Oct 9, 2026)
- Fla. Stat. 627.70132 (claim deadlines)
- Hero photo: Panama City Beach from St Andrews State Park.jpg (Balon Greyjoy, CC0)