Arson in Bay County, Florida
17 cases (2023-2025) · Bay County courts
Updated September 2026 · 2023-2025 data
In Bay County, arson cases result in conviction at notably high rates compared to statewide patterns. Of 17 cases, 47.1 percent ended in guilty verdicts, while zero cases were dismissed—a stark contrast to the statewide dismissal rate of 2.3 percent. The county recorded no withheld adjudications or diversions, outcomes that occur statewide in roughly 10 percent and 1.8 percent of arson cases respectively. This data suggests Bay County prosecutors pursue arson charges aggressively and successfully, with cases reaching guilty pleas or trial verdicts rather than alternative resolutions.
Sentencing in Bay County reflects the severity with which arson is treated. The median sentence stretches to 1,826 days—nearly five years—with probation averaging 1,583 days. About 23.5 percent of defendants received prison time, while 5.9 percent served jail sentences. The average fine was $627.50. Only 11.8 percent of defendants were represented by public defenders, suggesting most cases involved private counsel or differing economic circumstances among those charged.
Citing these figures? Attribution line and monthly data pack.
Figures cover 17 cases (2023-2025) — fewer than 30 cases resolved in 2025, so multi-year figures are shown.
Outcome Breakdown (2023-2025)
Exhibit · Case outcomes (2023-2025)
Largest outcomeGuilty — 47.1% of 17 cases.
Source: FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency · 17 cases · 2023-2025 — FloridaCourtFile.com
Sentencing Breakdown (2023-2025)
Exhibit · Sentencing when convicted (2023-2025)
Confinement-type detail below is computed across all available years (2023-2025).
| Confinement Type | Count | Avg Sentence (confined) |
|---|---|---|
| State Prison Facility | 4 | 5.3 years |
| County Jail | 1 | 11.2 months |
Convicted defendants' full sentencing detail — sentence ranges, fines, prison vs. probation odds: Arson sentencing in Bay County.
Demographics (2023-2025)
Demographic data reflects systemic patterns in the criminal justice system and should not be used to draw conclusions about any racial or ethnic group. Disparities may reflect differences in policing, prosecution, and socioeconomic factors rather than actual crime rates.
| Race | Cases | Guilty Rate | Dismissal Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 13 | 30.8% | 0.0% |
Age Distribution (2023-2025)
Charge Level Breakdown
| Level | Degree | Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Felony | First Degree | 9 |
| Felony | Second Degree | 8 |
Related Charges in Bay County
Rates shown are 2025 unless marked otherwise.
| Charge | Cases | Guilty Rate | Dismissal Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Possession | 2,895 | 65.9% | 1.2% |
| Traffic Offense | 2,096 | 55.2% | 0.9% |
| Other | 1,369 | 41.3% | 2.0% |
| Larceny / Theft | 1,107 | 66.5% | 1.1% |
| Battery | 1,040 | 64.7% | 1.9% |
| DUI | 622 | 98.1% | 0.5% |
| Resisting Officer | 623 | 66.8% | 1.9% |
| Fraud | 326 | 65.0% | 0.9% |
Cite this page
FloridaCourtFile.com (2026). Arson in Bay County, Florida (2023-2025). Based on 17 public court records; last updated September 2026. https://www.floridacourtfile.com/charges/arson/bay
About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Bay County. "Guilty" includes all cases where the defendant was found guilty. "Adjudication withheld" is a Florida-specific disposition where guilt is found but the court withholds formal adjudication under FL Statute 948.01. "Dismissed" includes all cases dismissed by the court or prosecution.
Source: FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency · 17 cases (2023-2025) · Data last updated September 2026 — FloridaCourtFile.com