Certification Program
The First Families of Bay County, Florida, Certification Program seeks to identify and honor the first families of Bay County, recognize their proven descendants, and promote interest in the rich genealogical heritage and history of Bay County. The Bay County Genealogical Society of Florida administers this program.

First Families of Bay County Certificate
The certificate will be awarded to any person who shall provide documentary evidence sufficient to establish that said person is credibly descended directly from a pioneer who settled within the present-day boundaries of Bay County, Florida, before the county was created.

The evidence submitted must establish, in the opinion of the First Families Committee, that the specified pioneer was, in fact, a bona-fide resident of what is now Bay County on or before 24 April 1913; and that the applicant is credibly descended from that pioneer.

Requirements

• The applicant need not be a resident of Bay County.
• The applicant need not ever have been a resident of Bay County.
• The applicant must submit a complete package of information, as described below, that credibly establishes residency of the pioneer and descendancy of the applicant.
• The applicant must include a non-refundable fee of $25 with the application.
• However, if the applicant is a member of good standing of BCGS, the fee will be $15.
• Decision of the judges regarding the adequacy of the submission is final.

Rules of Evidence
The Bay County Genealogical Society places great emphasis on the credibility of its certificate program. We believe that to be meaningful, each certified pioneering family and its descendant connection must be historically accurate. Therefore, BCGS adheres to the highest standards presently in effect for genealogical evidence.

How to Apply
You may download a complete application package below.