CPAR Govermental Affairs News

2025 Bay County Municipal Elections

CPAR's Pro-Realtor Recommended Candidates

April 2025

CPAR's Candidate Screening Sub-Committee conducted candidate screenings to determine which candidates best align with our REALTOR values, such as homeownership and fighting for private property rights. Their recommendations were closely evaluated by the CPAR Board of Directors and the below listed candidates have officially been recommended for candidacy.

We urge you to consider supporting these candidates in the upcoming elections on April 22nd. (Early Voting is April 14-18.)

For more information, head to cpar.us/vote

 

 

 

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Panama City Transitions to Cloudpermit for Online Permit Applications

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 2025

 

On February 28, the City of Panama City hosted their first-ever Development Services Symposium at City Hall. CPAR was there to hear about the newest addition to the Development Services Department—Cloudpermit.

The city has taken a significant step forward in streamlining its permitting process by adopting Cloudpermit, an online, cloud-based platform that allows applicants to submit, track, and manage permit applications remotely. This transition aims to improve efficiency, reduce paperwork, and enhance transparency in the permitting process.

What is Cloudpermit?

Cloudpermit is a leading e-permitting software designed to simplify the permitting process for municipalities, businesses, and individuals. The platform enables users to apply for permits, upload necessary documentation, communicate with officials, and receive approvals—all from a single online portal.

With Cloudpermit, the need for in-person visits and manual paperwork is significantly reduced, allowing for a more seamless experience for applicants and city staff alike.

Benefits of Using Cloudpermit

Switching to Cloudpermit offers several advantages for contractors, homeowners, and businesses seeking permits in Panama City:

1. Convenience and Accessibility – Applications can be submitted anytime and from anywhere, eliminating the need to visit city offices during business hours.
2. Real-Time Status Updates – Users can track the progress of their permit applications and receive notifications when additional documentation is needed or when approvals are granted.
3. Improved Communication – The platform allows for direct messaging between applicants and city officials, reducing delays caused by back-and-forth emails or phone calls.
4. Paperless Process – By digitizing the permitting system, Cloudpermit minimizes paperwork, leading to a more efficient approach.
5. Faster Approvals – With streamlined workflows and digital document submission,  applicants are already experiencing quicker review and approval timelines.

How to Use Cloudpermit

To apply for a permit through Cloudpermit, users simply need to visit us.cloudpermit.com, create an account, and follow the guided application steps. The system provides a user-friendly interface, making it easy to upload documents, review requirements, and submit applications.

By embracing cloud-based technology, it ensures that the permitting process is more accessible, transparent, and user-friendly than ever before.

For more information, visit the City of Panama City’s website or access Cloudpermit directly to begin your application today. If you have any feedback while using the platform, please reach out to the Development Services Department to share your experience.

 

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Governmental Affairs Committee Position Paper on Insurance Reform

February 2025

CPAR's Governmental Affairs Committee submitted a position paper to elected officials in Tallahassee outlining our support for Insurance Reform in the state of Florida. The position paper reflects CPAR’s ongoing commitment to advocating for practical, proactive solutions on behalf of our members and the communities we serve.

We invite you to read the full position paper to learn more about the specific reforms we are championing and how they aim to create a more balanced and stable insurance environment in Florida.

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Here's What Florida Realtors IS Watching During the 2025 Session

January 2025 

 Read More More About These Programs and Initiatives HERE

 

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Vote Yes for Half Cent Sales Tax Renewal!

 

Click HERE to Listen

 

 

Vote Yes for Half Cent Sales Tax Renewal!

 

CPAR, in partnership with The Bay County Chamber of Commerce and Bay County Contractors Association, is supporting efforts to promote the renewal of the half-cent sales tax, which has been funding vital infrastructure and public service projects since 2016. This initiative is primarily funded by tourists, alleviating the financial burden on local taxpayers while delivering long-term benefits to Bay County.

The surtax has already made a tangible impact on the community, contributing to the completion of more than 100 miles of roadway resurfacing projects and upgrades, intersection and storm water improvements, bridge repairs, and new sidewalk construction near schools. 

Why Support the Surtax?

Tourist Contributions: Over 45% of the funds raised come from visitors, easing the financial responsibility on local residents.

Direct Community Impact: The surtax has already funded over 100 projects worth approximately $200 million, improving the safety and quality of life for Bay County residents.

Continued Growth: It is estimated that our population will grow by 30,000 residents in five years. This funding will ensure that we can maintain and enhance infrastructure, emergency services, and public amenities.

How will the funds be used?

The funds received through the Half Cent Surtax must be used for infrastructure maintenance and improvements (i.e., storm water drainage, transportation, transportation safety, pedestrian paths, sidewalks, etc.). The funds cover the project design, implementation and execution.

The funds will not be used for growing programs, hiring, or paying the salaries/benefits of workers.

What happens if it doesn’t pass?

If the surtax renewal fails, our county will face severe funding shortages for local infrastructure projects. We may have to raise property taxes or cut essential improvements. Key projects like the Sandy Creek Bridge, which was built using surtax funds, would be at risk. Additionally, without the surtax, we cannot place it back on the ballot until 2028, leaving a two-year gap in funding.

With the expected increase in new residents, the demand for infrastructure will increase, but we’ll lack the resources to meet those needs. Furthermore, without Bay County contributing finances, grant approval rates will decline, making it harder to secure additional funding for vital projects.

Is there a way for me to submit a request for a project in my area?

Residents are encouraged to reach out via email to their municipality leaders or county manager with project suggestions or questions.

Where can I find more information?

Click the image below to watch the recorded Zoom call with the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, and Bay County’s County Manager, Bob Majka.

 

 

 

For more information on the half-cent surtax and how it benefits Bay County, visit

https://bayhalfcent.com/. The site offers an interactive map showcasing past, current, and future projects by county or municipality. You can also find financial details, including $18 million in upcoming grants for a total of over $42 million received since the surtax was initially voted into place. While the site primarily features the financials received by the county board of commissioners, it’s important to note that it doesn’t reflect funds allocated directly to municipalities.

 

2024 Primary Election- Candidate Recommendations

July 8th, 2024- CPAR's Candidate Screening Sub-Committee recently hosted multiple candidate screenings for various races to determine which candidates best aligned with our REALTOR values such as homeownership and fighting for private property rights. Their recommendations were closely evaluated by the CPAR Board of Directors and the below listed candidates have officially been recommended for candidacy. We urge you to consider supporting these candidates in the upcoming elections on August 20th.

 

 

September 27, 2023 - CPAR was pleased to have a visit with D5 Representative Shane Abbott today where we were able to discuss our legislative priorities and show our support for him and the upcoming legislative session for 2024

June 6, 2023 - Click Here for Florida REALTORS® 2023 Legislative Wins

May 30, 2023  - CPAR Governmental Affairs committee has taken a position on proposed revision to the Minor Replats and Lot Split ordinance in Holmes County. The Central Panhandle Association of Realtors® supports the revision. The CPAR Board of Directors approved this formal position at their Board Meeting on Wednesday, May 24th. Our Position Paper is attached in the link below.

Contact Info for Additional Questions:

• Jacob Willenborg, REALTOR – Governmental Affairs Chairperson – 850-867-3301
• Kaydee Albritton, COO, CPAR – Staff liaison for Governmental Affairs Committee – 850-763-8078
• Debbie Ashbrook, CEO, CPAR – 850-763-8078

 

April 27, 2023 - The CPAR Governmental Affairs committee continues to recommend the following candidates in the 2023 Lynn Haven & Panama City Municipal run-off elections: Sam Peebles for Lynn Haven Commisioner Seat 1 and Greg Brudnicki for Panama City Mayor. Full voting information can be found at www.bayvotes.org. 

 

 

March 22, 2023 - CPAR Governmental Affairs committee has been approved for a $25,000 issues mobilization grant from Florida REALTORS®. The campaign to Panama City voters will urge them to ‘Vote Yes’ for the Panama City Economic Development Ad Valorem Property Tax Exemption program referendum. Voting residents will receive informative mail pieces, text messages, and digital ads. The mail pieces are expected to arrive as early as March 24^th and will continue up until election day on April 18^th.

Click Here for Full Press Release Announcing our Partnership with the Bay County Chamber of Commerce & BayEDA to support the referendum.

Click Here for WMBB News 13 Coverage of our Press Conference.

 

2023 Municipal Elections - Candidate Recommendations

March 14, 2023 - Candidate Screening Results -  CPAR's Candidate Screening Sub-Committee hosted candidate screenings for various races to determine which candidates best aligned with our REALTOR values such as homeownership and fighting for private property rights. Their recommendations were sent to Florida Realtors and CPAR Board of Directors and have been approved. The candidates listed below have been recommended by CPAR for candidacy and we urge you to consider supporting them in the upcoming elections on April 18th.

 

 

February 27, 2023  - CPAR Governmental Affairs committee has taken a position on a City Referendum that will be on the April ballot. The Central Panhandle Association of Realtors® supports the intended purpose of supporting  the authority to the Panama City Commissioners to grant property tax exemptions to new businesses and expansions of existing  businesses to establish new jobs. The CPAR Board of Directors approved this formal position at their Board Meeting on Wednesday, February 22nd.  CPAR is applying for an "issues mobilization" grant from Florida Realtors. This grant will pay for a grassroots campaign to help spread knowledge to targeted voters to help educate what the Referendum is and why we are supporting it. Be on the lookout for the mail piece that should "drop' later in March. CPAR will be teaming up with the Bay Chamber and EDA to further promote this position.  Our Position Paper is attached in the link below.

More information about the Referendum can be found HERE

 

2022 Elections - Candidate Recommendations

August 11, 2022 - Candidate Screening Results -  CPAR's Candidate Screening Sub-Committee hosted candidate screenings for various races to determine which candidates best aligned with our REALTOR values such as homeownership and fighting for private property rights. Their recommendations were sent to Florida Realtors and CPAR Board of Directors and have been approved. The candidates listed below have been recommended by CPAR for candidacy and we urge you to consider supporting them in the upcoming Election on August 23rd. A full list of Florida Realtors Endorsed Candidates for the State can be found HERE

 

 

Hometown Heroes Training for Realtors - Florida Housing Finance Corporation

June 10, 2022 -  the Florida Housing Finance Corporation has training available for the Hometown Heroes Program. 

• Watch the recorded webinar HERE
• View the slides HERE

 

Outcome from Special Legislative Session - Property Insurance & Condominium Safety Reform

Property insurance reform

Lawmakers passed Senate Bill 2D which Florida Realtors heavily supported throughout the special session. On Thursday night, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it into law. The bill includes a variety of reform measures designed to reduce frivolous lawsuits, crack down on roofing scams, provide reinsurance relief – a type of insurance for insurers when they face heavy claims – and empower property owners to harden their homes against storms. Some changes in the bill include:

• Protecting Policyholders from Nonrenewal: Insurers may not refuse to write or renew policies on homes with roofs that are less than 15 years old solely because of the roof's age. 
• Roof Solicitations: Requires roofing solicitations to contain consumer-awareness language that the homeowner is responsible for the deductible under the insurance policy, and it is insurance fraud for the contractor to reduce or waive the deductible or file a claim with false or misleading information.
• Roof Deductible: Allows insurance companies to offer a policy at a reduced rate to consumers that includes a roof deductible of up to 2% of the insured value or 50% of the roof replacement cost. Roof deductibles will not apply when there is a total loss to the structure, a loss caused by a hurricane, a roof loss resulting from a fallen tree or other hazard, or a loss requiring a repair of less than 50% of the roof.
• Assignment of Benefits (AOB) Reform: Eliminates attorney fee awards where policyholder benefits have been assigned to a 3rd party.
• Contingency Fee Multiplier: Limits attorney fee multipliers to "rare and exceptional circumstances." 
• Notice of Intent to Litigate: Allows insurers to collect attorney fees where a case is dismissed because plaintiff fails to provide required pre-suit notice. 
• Civil Remedy Notice: Limits bad faith lawsuits by requiring policyholder to establish an actual breach of contract. 
• Improving Affordability for Policyholders: Authorizes $2 billion for a new Reinsurance to Assist Policyholders (RAP) program to help insurers obtain reimbursement for hurricane losses earlier than they normally would under the Florida CAT Fund. This reinsurance is provided by the state at no cost to the insurer. Insurers that participate in RAP must reduce policyholder premiums.  
• Home Hardening Grants: Appropriates $150 million to provide hurricane mitigation inspections and matching grants to help Floridians afford home hardening improvements to their homestead single-family residences with an insured value of $500,000 or less. The program provides $2 in grant funds for every $1 provided by the homeowner up to $10,000. 
• Holding Insurers Accountable: Prohibits insurance companies from denying claims without communicating sufficient reason. Requires the state to analyze why an insurer failed within two months after insolvency process begins. Strengthens Office of Insurance Regulation insurer oversight.

Condominium safety reform

Florida lawmakers also addressed condominium reform by passing Senate Bill 4D, which DeSantis also signed Thursday. This bill provides an overhaul of the high-rise inspection law, requires more frequent recertification of safety standards and mandates that condo boards build up reserves so they can make needed repairs. Changes in the bill include:

• Creates a statewide "milestone inspection" requirement for condominiums and cooperative buildings that are three stories or higher 30 years after initial occupancy, and 25 years after initial occupancy for buildings located within three miles of the coast. 
• Requires inspections every 10 years after a building's initial "phase 1" inspection.
• Requires an additional, more intensive inspection, or a "phase 2" inspection, if a building's initial inspection reveals substantial structural deterioration.
• Beginning in 2024, condo associations are required to conduct a structural integrity reserve study at least every ten years and prevents needed reserves from being waived.

 

2022 Municipal Elections - Candidate Recommendations

March 28, 2022 - Candidate Screening Results - The Candidate Screening Sub-Committee met previously this week and their recommendations for candidacy have been approved by our Board of Directors. The Committee has made a diligent effort to ensure that the following candidates identify strongly with the issues that are important to our industry such as home ownership and private property rights. The candidates listed below have been recommended by CPAR for election and will receive a contribution from the Florida REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC). We urge you to consider supporting these candidates in the upcoming Municipal Election. Municipal Elections for Callaway, Panama City Beach, and Springfield will take place on April 19th and early voting will be April 11th  – 15th.

 

 

2022 Legislative Wins

March 16, 2022 -Click HERE to see Florida Realtors Full Legislative Session Report

 

Highlights:

• New homeownership opportunities for hometown heroes: Included in the 2022-2023 fiscal year budget (House Bill 5001) is $100 million for the Hometown Hero Housing Program. This is a new revolving loan program for qualified firefighters, law enforcement officers, teachers, nurses and other hometown hero professions. The program reduces the upfront costs for these homebuyers by providing zero-interest loans to help with down payment and closing costs. The loan is repaid once the home is sold, rented or refinanced, creating a continuous cycle of homeownership for some of Florida’s most essential workers. Effective: July 1, 2022.
• $262 million for affordable housing programs: Lawmakers allocated $262 million in the 2022-2023 fiscal year budget (House Bill 5001) to the State and Local Government Housing Trust Funds, which fund the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and State Apartment Incentive Loan programs (SAIL). These long-standing affordable housing programs provide homeownership and rental assistance to low-income Floridians. Effective: July 1, 2022.
• Protecting private property rights: Senate Bill 518 helps protect the rights of property owners who wish to prune, trim and remove trees that present a danger to the property. Specifically, it strengthens a law passed in 2019 that prohibits local governments from requiring permits for the removal of “dangerous” trees on residential property. Effective: July 1, 2022.  
• Over $1.6 billion for the Everglades and water quality: The Florida Legislature continues to allocate significant funding for projects that improve Florida’s water quality. The 2022-2023 fiscal year budget (House Bill 5001) includes money for Everglades Restoration ($425 million), Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration ($450 million), springs restoration ($75 million), beaches ($50 million), Biscayne Bay ($20 million), the Wastewater Grant Program ($125 million) and the Resilient Florida Grant Program ($470 million). This includes $100 million for Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration and $200 million for the Resilient Grant Program funded through the Federal Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds. Effective: July 1, 2022

 

 

Lynn Haven City Ordinance #1117

 

UPDATE November, 2021 -

The Ordinance had previously been tabled and now has been brought back up for vote.

A special meeting to vote on the Ordinance will be held on December 1st at 9:00am at the Senior Activity Club

 

August 19, 2021 - CPAR has taken a position on a proposed Amendment to the ULDC In the City of Lynn Haven, Ordinance #1117

The proposed Ordinance would place specific requirements on lots within the 1911 Plat District that would infringe private property rights and potentially cause negative impacts to builders, home buyers, and the local economy.

Please read CPAR’s attached position paper on the matter.

 

 

Click Here for CPAR Position Paper

Click Here for Agenda & Proposed Ordinance

May 1, 2021 - Click here for Florida REALTORS® Legislative Wins Report

 

April 1, 2021 - Candidate Screening Results - The Candidate Screening Sub-Committee met previously this week and their recommendations for candidacy have been approved by our Board of Directors. The Committee has made a diligent effort to ensure that the following candidates identify strongly with the issues that are important to our industry such as home ownership and private property rights. The candidates listed below have been recommended by CPAR for election and will receive a contribution from the Florida REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC). We urge you to consider supporting these candidates in the upcoming Municipal Election. Municipal Elections for Lynn Haven, Panama City, & Parker will take place on April 20th and early voting will be April 12th  – 16th.

 

 

March 4, 2021 - Issues Mobilization - CPAR Governmental Affairs committee has taken a position on The two City Referendums that will be on the April ballot. The Central Panhandle Association of Realtors® supports the intended purpose of supporting  the authority to the Panama City and Lynn Haven Commissioners to grant property tax exemptions to new businesses and expansions of existing  businesses to establish new jobs. CPAR Governmental Affairs coordinator, Olivia Crosby Sanchez with the help of the Governmental Affairs committee and Chair, Teresa Dyer, has successfully secured a $24K "issues mobilization" grant from Florida Realtors. This grant will pay for a grassroots campaign to help spread knowledge to targeted voters in the cities to help educate what the Referendum is and why we are supporting it. Be on the lookout for the mail piece that is scheduled to "drop' later this month. Be sure to look out for an email and social media ads that will begin next month. Our Position Paper is attached in the link below. 

October 23, 2020 - PPP Forgiveness - A new easier process for PPP loan forgiveness has been approved for those who borrowed less than $50,000. Links to the new forgiveness application and instructions are listed below. 

PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Form

PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Form Instructions

 

October 13, 2020 - Candidate Screening - The Governmental Affairs Committee and the Candidate Screening Sub-Committee has made a diligent effort to ensure that the our endorsed candidates for County Commission District 4 identifies strongly with the issues that are important to our industry such as home ownership and private property rights. The candidate selected by the Sub-Committee is Doug Brown. We urge you to consider supporting him in the upcoming election and if all possible, becoming involved in their campaigns as well. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Mike Alvis, Governmental Affairs Committee Chair at mikealvis@gmail.com. 

September 30, 2020 - Nar Advocacy - Affordable Care Act - Recent events have highlighted the need to protect insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions. Know this is an issue NAR is closely following and weighing in with policy makers where appropriate, as we know how important these protections are for REALTORS® and their families.The threat of actually losing protections for pre-existing conditions is currently very low. While there is litigation pending before the Supreme Court that could potentially strike down the entire Affordable Care Act (ACA), including protections for pre-existing conditions, this outcome is unlikely. To start, the earliest a decision in this case will be issued is next summer, and there is no other current threat to these protections. Should the Court rule that the ACA is unconstitutional, eliminating pre-existing condition protections, we know Congress and the next Administration will do what they can to make sure there is no lapse in coverage for these conditions. It is also very possible the Court never gets to the question of the constitutionality of the ACA or remands the case back to the lower court that would result in the merits being re-litigated all over again and further delaying any immediate changes. While the President’s recently issued Executive Order stated a commitment to upholding protections for pre-existing conditions, it did not make any actual changes to the current law that already includes these protections. Thus, as long as the ACA is the law, this will continue to be true. Know that NAR will keep you updated on these issues and keep fighting to protect your interests.  Should you have any questions, please contact Christie DeSanctis at cdesanctis@nar.realtor National Flood Insurance Program - The Senate voted 93-2 Thursday, September 24th to move forward on a federal spending bill through December 11, but a vote on the actual legislation is not expected until Tomorrow from the Senate. While Congress must act before Thursday to fund the federal government – including authority for the NFIP to write and renew flood insurance policies – Good news, there is currently no threat of a government shutdown or an NFIP lapse. To read more visit https://www.narfocus.com/billdatabase/index.php and look for the National Flood Insurance Program under the header "Insurance".

 

September 28, 2020 - Second Round of CARES Act Funding to Counties Announced - This week, Governor DeSantis announced Florida’s plan for the second round of disbursement of the CARES Act funding for counties with populations below 500,000. This is a follow up to June's announcement of the first round of funding released from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to Florida’s 55 counties with populations below 500,000, totaling $318.8 million. Click Here to Read More. 

 

September 22, 2020 - Issues Mobilization - CPAR Governmental Affairs committee has taken a position on The County Referendum that will be on the November ballot. The Central Panhandle Association of Realtors® supports the intended purpose of supporting  the authority to the Bay County Commissioners to grant pursuant to Section 3, Article VII of the  State Constitution, property tax exemptions to new businesses and expansions of existing  businesses to establish new jobs. CPAR Governmental Affairs coordinator, Olivia Crosby Sanchez with the help of the Governmental Affairs committee and Chair, Mike Alvis, has successfully secured a $25K "issues mobilization" grant from Florida Realtors. This grant will pay for a grassroots campaign to help spread knowledge to targeted voters in Bay County to help educate what the County Referendum is and why we are supporting it. Be on the lookout for the mail piece that is scheduled to "drop' on October 15th. Be sure to look out for an email and social media ads that will begin on October 7th. Our Position Paper is attached in the link below. 

 

 

August 11, 2020 - CPAR GA will be hosting an Informational Update on August 24th. Click the flyer to register. Open to the public.

 

 

August 10, 2020 - Find your polling place for Early Voting and Election day for the 2020 Primary Election in the 5 Counties we serve. 

• Bay County

• Calhoun County

• Holmes County

• Jackson County

• Washington County

 

July 21, 2020 - The Governmental Affairs Committee and the Candidate Screening Sub-Committee has made a diligent effort to ensure that the following candidates and incumbents identify strongly with the issues that are important to our industry such as home ownership and private property rights. The candidates listed below have been recommended by CPAR for election and have received a contribution from the Florida REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC).We urge you to consider supporting these candidates in the upcoming election and if all possible, becoming involved in their campaigns as well. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Mike Alvis, Governmental Affairs Committee Chair at mikealvis@gmail.com. 

 

March 5, 2020 - The Central Panhandle Association of Realtors® supports the intended purpose of the William E. Sadowski Housing Act enacted by Florida Legislature in 1992 as a means to leverage and augment federal resources to finance housing. CPAR encourages our legislators to pass Senate Bill 306/House Bill 381 to exempt Sadowski funds from being transferred to the Budget Stabilization Fund and the General Revenue Fund.