Manatee County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Manatee County?

Public records in Manatee County are defined according to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119, as all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency. This comprehensive definition encompasses a wide variety of records maintained by county offices and departments.

Manatee County maintains the following types of public records:

Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases processed through the 12th Judicial Circuit Court serving Manatee County
Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments maintained by the Manatee County Property Appraiser
Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious name registrations
Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax rolls
Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports
Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of County Commission meetings, advisory boards, and other public bodies
Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports (with certain exemptions), and booking information
Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning applications, and land development regulations

Each record type is maintained by a specific county office or department. The Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the primary custodian of court records and official county documents. Property assessment records are maintained by the Manatee County Property Appraiser's Office, while vital records are primarily handled through the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County.

Is Manatee County an Open Records County?

Manatee County fully complies with Florida's Public Records Law, making it an open records county. Under Florida Statutes § 119.01, all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. The statute explicitly states that providing access to public records is a duty of each agency.

The law further specifies in § 119.07(1)(a) that "every person who has custody of a public record shall permit the record to be inspected and copied by any person desiring to do so, at any reasonable time, under reasonable conditions, and under supervision by the custodian of the public records."

Manatee County government adheres to these statutory requirements and has established procedures for facilitating public access to records. The county also complies with Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine Law, which requires that meetings of public boards or commissions be open to the public, with reasonable notice provided, and minutes recorded.

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners has adopted policies that reinforce the state's commitment to government transparency. These policies guide county departments in fulfilling public records requests promptly and efficiently, while also protecting information that is exempt from disclosure under state law.

How to Find Public Records in Manatee County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Manatee County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:

Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official websites:
- Court records can be searched through the Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court
- Property records are accessible via the Manatee County Property Appraiser's search portal
- County Commission meeting minutes and agendas are available on the Manatee County Government website
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours:
- For court records, visit the Records Department at the Manatee County Judicial Center
- For property records, visit the Property Appraiser's Office
- For vital records, visit the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County
Written Requests: Submit a written public records request to the specific department that maintains the desired records. Requests should include:
- Specific description of the records sought
- Preferred format (paper copies, electronic files)
- Contact information for follow-up questions
Email Requests: Many departments accept public records requests via email. The county's website provides contact information for each department.
Records Request Form: The county provides a standardized public records request form that can be submitted to any department.

For records not available online, requestors should contact the specific department that maintains the records. The county is required to acknowledge requests promptly and provide records within a reasonable timeframe, though complex requests may take longer to fulfill.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Manatee County?

Manatee County charges fees for public records in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.07(4), which establishes the standard fee structure for public records throughout the state. Current fees include:

Standard Copies: $0.15 per one-sided copy (8.5 x 11 inches)
Double-sided Copies: $0.20 per double-sided copy (8.5 x 11 inches)
Certified Copies: Additional $1.00 per document
Special Service Charges: May apply for extensive use of agency resources (defined as more than 15 minutes of staff time)
Electronic Records: Actual cost of the storage medium if provided on CD, DVD, or other media

Specific record types may have statutorily defined fees that differ from the standard rates:

Vital Records:
- Birth certificates: $14.00 for the first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy
- Death certificates: $10.00 for the first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy
- Marriage licenses: $8.00 per copy
- Divorce records: $8.00 per copy
Court Records:
- Case dockets: $1.00 per page
- Certified court documents: $2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page

Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards at most county offices. Some departments may not accept all payment types, so requestors should verify payment options in advance.

If a request requires extensive use of information technology resources or clerical assistance, the county may charge a reasonable special service charge based on the cost actually incurred. The requestor must be advised of this charge in advance and has the option to modify the request to reduce costs.

Does Manatee County Have Free Public Records?

Manatee County provides free inspection of public records in compliance with Florida law. Under Florida Statutes § 119.07(1), all public records must be open for personal inspection by any person at reasonable times and under reasonable conditions.

The following free public records services are available:

In-Person Inspection: Any person may inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours at the appropriate county office
Online Records: Many records are available at no cost through county websites:
- Property information through the Property Appraiser's Office
- Basic court case information through the Clerk of Courts
- County Commission meeting minutes and agendas
- County ordinances and resolutions
- Budget documents and financial reports
Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at various county offices, including the Clerk's Office and public libraries, allowing free access to certain electronic records

While inspection is free, fees apply when copies are requested or when extensive staff time is required to fulfill a request. Additionally, some specialized databases or subscription services may require payment for access.

The county maintains public computers at the Manatee County Public Library system where residents can access many online public records at no charge. Library staff can assist patrons in navigating available resources.

Who Can Request Public Records in Manatee County?

Under Florida's Public Records Law, any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request public records from Manatee County. The law specifically states in Florida Statutes § 119.01(1) that public records are open for inspection and copying "by any person." This broad access right applies to:

Florida residents
Out-of-state residents
Foreign nationals
Organizations and businesses
Media representatives
Government agencies
Anonymous requestors

Requestors are not required to:

Provide identification (except for certain restricted records)
State the purpose of their request
Make the request in writing (although written requests are recommended for clarity)
Use a specific form or format

However, certain record types have specific eligibility restrictions:

Vital Records: Access to birth certificates is restricted to the person named on the certificate, parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives with proper identification and documentation
Medical Records: Protected under HIPAA and accessible only to the patient or authorized representatives
Juvenile Records: Generally confidential with limited access
Criminal History Information: Complete criminal histories may require fingerprint submission and fee payment

For records containing both public and exempt information, county staff will redact exempt information and provide the remainder of the record. The county may ask for clarification of requests but cannot require the requestor to explain why they want the records.

What Records Are Confidential in Manatee County?

While Florida maintains a strong public records law, Florida Statutes Chapter 119 contains numerous exemptions that protect certain information from public disclosure. In Manatee County, the following record types are confidential or exempt from public disclosure:

Personal Information: Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit/debit card numbers, and medical information
Security Information: Building security plans, security system layouts, and emergency response plans
Active Criminal Investigations: Records relating to ongoing law enforcement investigations
Juvenile Records: Most records related to juvenile offenders, dependency proceedings, and child welfare cases
Health Records: Medical records protected under HIPAA and other privacy laws
Personnel Records: Certain employee information including home addresses, telephone numbers, and family information for specific categories of employees (law enforcement, judges, etc.)
Sealed and Expunged Records: Court records that have been legally sealed or expunged
Adoption Records: Records related to adoption proceedings
Trade Secrets: Proprietary business information and trade secrets submitted to government agencies
Attorney-Client Communications: Communications between the county and its attorneys regarding pending litigation
Victim Information: Information that would identify victims of sexual offenses or child abuse
Whistleblower Information: Identity of whistleblowers in certain circumstances

These exemptions are specifically outlined in Florida Statutes § 119.071, which details general exemptions, and in other sections of Florida law that create exemptions for specific record types.

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, Manatee County will redact the exempt information and provide the remainder of the record. The county must cite the specific statutory exemption when denying access to records or redacting information.

Manatee County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
1115 Manatee Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 749-1800
Manatee County Clerk of Court

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Recording Division (Official Records)
1115 Manatee Avenue West, 1st Floor
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 741-4040

Historic Records Division
1115 Manatee Avenue West, 1st Floor
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 741-4070

Manatee County Property Appraiser's Office
915 4th Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 748-8208
Manatee County Property Appraiser

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Florida Department of Health in Manatee County
(Vital Records)
410 6th Avenue East
Bradenton, FL 34208
(941) 748-0747
Florida Department of Health in Manatee County

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and state-observed holidays

Manatee County Judicial Center
1051 Manatee Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 749-1800
12th Judicial Circuit Court

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and court-observed holidays