Found an item? Your responsibilities

What to do when you find someone else's property — your responsibilities and how to return it safely.

Found something in Panama City? Handling it responsibly protects both you and the owner. Rules vary by location, but the principles are consistent.

Make a reasonable effort to find the owner. Check for ID, contact details, or anything that identifies who it belongs to.
Don't assume it's yours to keep. Keeping found property without trying to return it can have legal consequences. When in doubt, hand it in.
Hand valuables to the authorities. Report significant or high-value finds to the police non-emergency line for Panama City; they'll log it and may issue a reference.
Store it safely. Keep the item secure and unchanged while you try to return it.
Post a found listing. Add a found-item listing for Panama City with enough detail for the real owner to identify it — while holding back one verifying detail.

Helpful resources for Panama City

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Panama City

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Found work cases in Panama City, FL

I found a black leather work case lying on the sidewalk in front of City Hall on 5th Street in Panama City this morning around 7:15 AM. It’s a compact briefcase with a worn zipper, a few folders sticking out, and a blue notebook titled 'Invoices' peeking out. A badge clip reads 'Staff,' but there’s no clear name tag. I didn’t see anyone nearby, and I figured someone must be in a rush and dropped it. I’m holding onto it for now, hoping the owner sees this and can reclaim it through the site.

Front of City Hall on 5th Street 3 days ago

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Found wallet on N. Fox Ave

Found this on N. Fox Avenue between Lois Street and Cherry Street. If it’s your you should know what is in it.

Panama City 29 days ago

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FOUND: Wrist Watches in Panama City

I was cleaning up a bench area near St. Andrews Marina in Panama City Beach this afternoon around 3:20 p.m. when two wrist watches were spotted tucked under a bench. One has a brown leather band and a classic dial, the other a silver digital face with a black strap. They looked cared for, and I’m sure they matter a lot to someone. I’m posting here to help the owner locate them.

St. Andrews Marina, near the City Pier about 1 month ago

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Found Driver's License near Panama City Marina

Today, around 11:25 a.m., I found a driver's license in the parking lot of the Panama City Marina, by the water's edge near the slip. The card bore a photo and the owner's name, and it looked like it had fallen from a wallet during a quick dash to the car. I kept it safe in my jacket pocket and wanted to post here so the owner can reclaim it. It’s amazing how a small card can carry someone’s morning routine and plans. I hope the owner sees this and knows it’s been looked after.

Sentimental

Panama City Marina parking lot about 2 months ago

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Found Toasters in Panama City, Florida

I found these toasters on the sidewalk outside the Panama City Public Library along Harrison Ave around 3:10 pm today. They were simply sitting there, plugged into nothing and looking oddly out of place among the passersby. I picked them up and carried them to a shaded bench, wondering who might be missing a morning wake-up call. It felt strange to hold someone else’s appliances, yet I knew I’d want someone to reclaim mine if it happened. Maybe they’ll belong to someone about to host a charity brunch—hope they’re reunited soon.

Outside Panama City Public Library, Harrison Ave 2 months ago

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Cream teapot with blue floral pattern

I found this cream ceramic teapot this afternoon around 2:15pm outside the main entrance of Albrook Mall along Avenida Balboa. It's about 8 inches tall, with a hand-painted blue floral design circling the body and a smooth, curved spout. There's a small chip on the rim and a tiny maker's mark on the bottom that reads "Neko Pottery". It looks gently used but in good condition overall. It has sentimental value because it was a gift from a friend who visited Panama City last year, and I'm hoping to reunite it with its owner—happy to arrange a pickup near the Lost-and-Found desk.

Panama City 3 months ago