Public Records Requests

Looking for additional services from our office?

As set forth in Florida Statute Chapter 28, copies of the record are to be provided only upon payment of a fee prescribed by law. Please click here for current fee schedule.

Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public-records request, do not submit a request online or send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing. 

Court/Official Record Request Form

This request form should ONLY be submitted if asking for COPIES of Court/Official Records.

This link will take you to the Court/Official Record Request form:

Public Record Request

Manatee County Government       

•  Permits/Building Dept.
•  Code Enforcement
•  Abandoned Properties
•  911 Calls 

Manatee County Sheriff's Office 

• Incident Records 
• Background Checks
• Body Camera Footage

Manatee County Property Appraiser

• Property Documents
• Homestead Exemption
• Search of a Property Address
• Mobile Home Registration

Florida Department and Health

• Birth Certificate
• Death Certificate

12th Judicial Circuit Court 

• Court Hearing Transcript

If a transcript has been filed for record, you may obtain it online through our court records - Search Court Records - Manatee County Clerk 

Land surveys are not recorded or filed with the Clerk’s office. To obtain a copy, you will need to contact the land surveyor who performed the survey. If there is a mortgage on the property, sometimes the mortgage holder has a copy of the survey in their records. 

You may also attempt to contact the municipality where your property is zoned for, either the city or county. There are times when they may have a copy if permits were filed.

As set forth in Florida Statute Chapter 28, copies of the record are to be provided only upon payment of a fee prescribed by law. Please click here for current fee schedule.

Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public-records request, do not submit a request online or send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing. 

Manatee County Clerk Public Record Request Form

This request form should ONLY be submitted if asking for documents/information NOT filed in a court case or recorded in official records.

This link will take you to the Public Record Request form:

Already requested a public record?

Track your request status here! Simply enter your request number and security key to check the latest updates.

Court Appeals

The Appeals Department manages circuit and county court appeals. Most cases go to the District Court of Appeal, while death penalty cases go to the Florida Supreme Court. Appeals must be filed within 30 days.

Violence Protection

This page provides information on injunctions for protection in Florida, detailing the types
available, including domestic violence, repeat violence, dating violence, sexual violence, and
stalking. It explains the process for filing an injunction, including free filing, judge review, and
possible temporary orders. There are also resources for self-filers (Pro Se), with weekday and
weekend filing options. Victims under 18 require a parent or guardian to file on their behalf.
Forms and assistance are available through the Clerk’s Office.

Finance

The Finance Department is responsible for carrying out the Clerk's duties as the county's chief financial officer and comptroller for the Board of County Commissioners and Port Authority. Those duties include pre-auditing disbursements made on behalf of the county. The Clerk may refuse to sign and deliver a county payment for any unlawful expenditure.

The Finance Department also processes payroll for the Board and the Clerk, manages the county's investment portfolio, maintains the records and conducts annual physical inventories of capital assets for the Board, Clerk, Property Appraiser, Supervisor of Elections and Tax Collector and, as the accountant to the Board, prepares financial reports.

Inspector General

The Division of Inspector General ensures accountability and efficiency in Manatee County Government by auditing departments and agencies under the Board of County Commissioners. It evaluates financial integrity, compliance with laws, operational effectiveness, and investigates fraud or misconduct.

Key Functions:

• Audits: Financial, compliance, performance, and operational reviews.
• Investigations: Fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct reports.
• Consulting: Provides recommendations for improving processes.

The Inspector General operates independently, reporting to the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Audit reports are publicly available, and follow-up audits ensure corrective actions are taken.

Official Records

The Official Records Department of Manatee County maintains and preserves public records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, court judgments, and other official documents. These records ensure transparency and protect property rights by providing public access to historical and current filings. The department also processes marriage licenses, notary commissions, and other legal recordings in compliance with Florida law. Documents can be accessed online or in person.

Board Records

The Board Records Department serves as the official record keeper for the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners, maintaining meeting minutes, agendas, ordinances, resolutions, zoning ordinances, and contracts. It also functions as Clerk to the Value Adjustment Board and administers Tax Deed Sales. To protect sensitive information, links to agenda packets have been removed from public records, but documents remain available upon request.

Tax Deeds

The Tax Deeds Department conducts public auctions for properties with delinquent taxes in accordance with Florida law. Sales take place online, with public computers available at the Clerk’s Office for participation.

Key Points:

• Opening bids may change and are updated before each sale.
• Buyers are responsible for any additional taxes, liens, or judgments beyond the initial certification.
• Case files can be searched by case number, parcel ID, or property address online.
• Deposits must be made at least one hour before an in-person sale or 4-5 business days before an online sale via ACH.

Registry Reports

The Clerk's Accounting division performs general accounting functions for the Clerk of the Circuit Court, including the preparation of the Clerk's financial statements and reports, serving as a central collection point for all funds received at the Courthouse by the Clerk's Office and remitting funds to appropriate government agencies, and pre-auditing the purchases of the Clerk's Office to ensure adherence to budgetary and policy guidelines.

Jury Duty

Check-in Process:
The night before you report (even on Sundays or holidays), confirm your status by:

• Calling 941-748-7407
• Visiting the Jury Duty Reporting page
• Using the eJuror Portal

If no message is available, report as directed on your summons to the Manatee County Judicial Center at 1051 Manatee Ave W.

ADA Accommodations:
Jurors with disabilities can request assistance by contacting the Jury Office at least 2 days prior to service.

Jury Duty Scam Alert:
Scammers may impersonate law enforcement, claiming you missed jury duty and demanding payment. The Court or the Clerk will never request money or personal info over the phone or email.

Criminal Court System

Criminal cases are classified as misdemeanors or felonies:

• Misdemeanors (County Court) – Punishable by fines, probation, or up to 1 year in County Jail. Includes Petit Theft, Criminal Mischief, and certain DUI offenses.
• Felonies (Circuit Court) – Punishable by fines, probation, state prison, or death for capital crimes. Includes Burglary, Grand Theft, Drug Offenses, and Murder.

Clerk’s Criminal Division

The Clerk’s Office manages court files for all arrestable offenses in Manatee County, ensuring accurate records, court documentation, and preparation of criminal judgments.

Criminal Fines

The Criminal Fines Division handles payments for criminal cases, including payment plans, cash bonds, court fines, fees, restitution, and judgments. It ensures proper assessment and distribution of payments per statute.

Also Processed:

• County probation supervision costs
• Drug court fees
• Non-criminal violations (boating, animal control, ordinance violations)

Traffic

Traffic violations are non-criminal offenses that do not require a court appearance. The Clerk’s Office processes citations, collects fines, and maintains records.

Options to Resolve a Traffic Citation (Within 30 Days):

1. Pay the ticket – Points may be assessed on your license. Late payment results in suspension and fees.
2. Plead Not Guilty – Request a hearing in writing; a court date will be provided.
3. Attend Driver Improvement School – No points assessed; must submit payment and form within 30 days, then complete the course within 90 days.

Additional Information:

• Past-Due Citations – Payment notifies the DMV but does not automatically reinstate your license.
• Driver’s License Transcripts – Available for $23.25 with valid ID.
• Red-Light Camera Citations – The program ended in October 2022, but outstanding citations must still be resolved.

For questions, have your citation or case number ready when contacting the Traffic Division.

Circuit Civil

The Circuit Civil Division handles civil cases exceeding $50,000, including foreclosures, real property disputes, contract issues, negligence claims, malpractice, and eminent domain.

Foreclosures

• Judicial sales are scheduled by the court and conducted by the Clerk’s Office.
• Sales occur at the Manatee County Judicial Center or online, as specified in the Final Judgment.
• Sales start at 11:00 a.m. on scheduled dates.

For bidding procedures, refer to the Clerk’s Office policies.

County Civil

The County Civil Division handles disputes between $8,000 and $50,000. The Clerk's Office does not provide lawsuit forms, but the Layon F. Robinson II Law Library offers research materials and copies of some forms. Clerk staff cannot provide legal advice—consulting an attorney is recommended.

Evictions

Most tenant eviction cases are filed in County Civil Court. The Clerk's Office provides packets for:

• Non-Payment of Rent (Possession Only)
• Eviction & Damages

Pro Se Filing Assistance

Turbo Court is an online tool for preparing Florida Supreme Court-approved legal forms. Local rules may apply, so contact the Clerk’s Office before filing.

Circuit Civil

The Circuit Civil Division handles civil cases exceeding $50,000, including foreclosures, real property disputes, contract issues, negligence claims, malpractice, and eminent domain.

Foreclosures

• Judicial sales are scheduled by the court and conducted by the Clerk’s Office.
• Sales occur at the Manatee County Judicial Center or online, as specified in the Final Judgment.
• Sales start at 11:00 a.m. on scheduled dates.

For bidding procedures, refer to the Clerk’s Office policies.

Small Claims

Small Claims Court handles disputes involving $8,000 or less (excluding costs, interest, and attorney fees). Most parties represent themselves, and hiring a lawyer is not required.

Filing a Small Claims Case

• The Clerk’s Office provides necessary forms but cannot offer legal advice or guarantee collection of awarded amounts.
• Turbo Court is an online tool to help individuals prepare Florida Supreme Court-approved legal forms. Local rules may apply, so contact the Clerk’s Office before filing.

Probate & Guardianship

Probate

Probate is the court-supervised process of managing a deceased person's estate, ensuring debts are paid and assets are distributed according to the Last Will and Testament or Florida law.

• Wills must be filed with the Clerk’s Office within 10 days of death.
• An attorney is not required to file a will but may be needed for probate proceedings.
• Probate types: 
• Disposition Without Administration – Releases assets for final expenses.
• Summary Administration – Available for estates under $75,000.
• Formal Administration – Used for larger estates, requiring a court-appointed representative.

Guardianship – Incapacity

Guardianship protects incapacitated individuals by appointing a guardian to manage their personal and financial affairs.

• A court-appointed committee evaluates incapacity before a guardian is assigned.
• Guardians must file annual reports and may need court approval for financial decisions.
• An attorney is required to file for guardianship.

Guardianship – Minors

• Parents are natural guardians, but a court-appointed guardian is required if a child inherits over $15,000 or if both parents die or become incapacitated.
• A guardian can be named in a will or through a written declaration filed with the Clerk’s Office.

Family Law

Divorce (Dissolution of Marriage)

• Florida requires at least one spouse to be a resident for 6 months before filing.
• Self-help divorce packets are available for those representing themselves, but legal assistance is recommended if needed.

Other Family Law Cases

Includes child and spousal support, adoption, paternity, name changes, child custody, annulment, and separate maintenance.

Self-Help & Pro Se Filing

• Family law packets can be purchased at the Courthouse Cashiering Station.
• Turbo Court provides an online guide for preparing Florida Supreme Court-approved legal forms.
• Indigent status applicants may qualify for a payment plan through the Clerk’s Office.

Juvenile Division

The Juvenile Division handles Circuit Court cases involving individuals under 18. It is not affiliated with the Department of Juvenile Justice or other agencies.

Case Types:

• Delinquency (Criminal) – Includes felonies, misdemeanors, and felony traffic charges.
• Dependency (Non-Criminal) – Covers abuse, neglect, ungovernable behavior, and truancy.

Confidentiality:

By Florida law, juvenile case information cannot be given out online or by phone. Only parents, legal guardians, the juvenile, or their attorney can request case details in person with proper identification at the Courthouse.