Circuit Civil Frequently Asked Questions

You may obtain a list through our registry of the court report

The Clerk’s Office is prohibited from giving legal advice. You must consult an Attorney for filing of a civil action. The Clerk’s office does not provide forms.  For Manatee County, if you cannot afford an attorney, contact Gulfcoast Legal Services at (941)746-6151 or www.gulfcoastlegal.org, or Legal Aid of Manasota at (941)747-1628 or www.legalaidofmanasota.org.  If you do not qualify for free legal assistance or do not know an attorney, you may email an attorney referral service (telephone listings) or contact the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-(800)-342-8011. 

You must carefully read the summons that you have been served with, as there is a time in which you must file a response to the case. You may submit a written response to the Clerk’s office via the Statewide ePortal, in person, or by mail. If you feel you need to seek legal advice, you must consult with an Attorney. The Clerk’s office is prohibited from giving legal advice. You may also contact the legal service number provided above.

You may search by the case number or by owner’s name under our Court Records. This will show you the docket of the case and the sale date will be listed under case information.

You may do a record search of Foreclosure cases filed through our Court Records section under case type. You may then select the date range you are seeking of.

The list of Foreclosure sales is located on the home page under Foreclosure Sales Calendar

The Clerk’s does not keep record of the address on foreclosure cases. You will have to do further research for this information. To view more information on a particular case you may become a public subscriber at no charge and be set up to access court records in the convenience of your home or office .You may also visit our Public Access Area in the Historical Courthouse to access court records

You must register at : www.manatee.realforeclose.com

It is suggested that you come in person to the Clerk's office on the day of the sale and register with the Clerk. Florida Statutes 45 require that a bidder other than the judgment holder must present a good faith deposit of 5% of your projected bid in cash or cashiers check in order to confirm a bid. You may contact the civil division for a written policy regarding foreclosure sales. Review the policy and procedures on-line.

You must carefully read the summons that you have been served with, as there is a time in which you must file a response to the case. You may submit a written response to the Clerk’s office in person or by mail. If you feel you need to seek legal advice, you must consult with an Attorney. The Clerk’s office is prohibited form giving legal advice. You may also contact the legal service number provided below:
Gulf Coast Legal Service- 746-6151
Legal Aide of Manasota- 747-1628
Lawyer Referral Service- 1(800) 342-8011

You must fill out a Foreclosure Surplus Claim form and submit it to our office in person or by mail.  The form will then be submitted to the Court who will determine if you are eligible for these funds.