Manatee County, FL Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Circuit Court and County Court of Manatee County serve as Florida trial courts for Judicial Circuit 12. Circuit Court hears felonies, larger civil cases, family matters, and probate, while County Court hears misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, county civil cases, and evictions.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Manatee County Circuit Court and County Court (Judicial Circuit 12) |
| Website | flcourts.gov (Florida judicial branch) |
| Judicial Officers | 22 circuit judges and 10 county judges authorized for FY 2024-25 (circuit-wide count for Judicial Circuit 12; not a county-only count) |
| Handles | Felonies, civil cases above the county court limit, family matters (including domestic relations, juvenile delinquency, and dependency), and probate in Circuit Court; misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, county civil cases, and evictions in County Court |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for the relevant Florida district), appeals (District Court of Appeal), and parking tickets (issuing city or agency) |
| Online Case Search | myflcourtaccess.com (statewide e-filing portal) |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | MyFloridaCounty.com (statewide payment portal) |
How to Search Manatee County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. Manatee County court records are kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller.
Online
Go to myflcourtaccess.com to search statewide court case records.
Access follows statewide rules, and some case types are restricted.
Viewing fees are not stated on the portal; confirm before you pay.
Best for: Quick statewide lookups
In Person
Go to the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller in Manatee County.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk which division holds your case type.
Best for: Records not available online
By Phone
Call (850) 577-4609 for help with statewide portal access.
Have the case number ready before you call.
Ask which case types the portal can show you.
Best for: Portal access questions
Search by Name on FloridaCourtAccess.org
Go to FloridaCourtAccess.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Manatee County Court Statistics (FY 2024-25)
The Manatee County Circuit and County Courts together recorded 36,258 new filings in fiscal year 2024-25 and disposed of ~36,166 cases. Total filings rose 8.9% from fiscal year 2023-24, while dispositions rose 2.7%.
36,258
Total filings in FY 2024-25 (circuit 10,950, county 25,308)
~36,166
Total dispositions in FY 2024-25
79.0
Filings per 1,000 residents (population 458,956)
+8.9%
Change in total filings vs FY 2023-24 (33,294)
| Metric | FY 2024-25 | FY 2023-24 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | 36,258 | 33,294 | +8.9% |
| Total Dispositions | ~36,166 | 35,232 | ~+2.7% |
| Criminal Filings | 12,632 | 11,149 | +13.3% |
| Civil Filings | 17,589 | 15,619 | +12.6% |
| Family Law Filings | 3,691 | 3,903 | -5.4% |
| Probate Filings | 2,346 | 2,623 | -10.6% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~329 | ~303 | ~+8.6% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~439 | ~403 | ~+8.9% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~18 | ~18 | ~0.0% |
Civil filings drove the change, moving from 15,619 to 17,589 (1,970 more cases).
How Have Court Filings Changed in Manatee County?
This table covers the five most recent fiscal years for Manatee County. Published years are shown as reported; earlier years marked with ~ are estimates based on the statewide trend and this county's latest published figures.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY 2024-25 | 36,258 | ~36,166 | +8.9% |
| FY 2023-24 | 33,294 | 35,232 | ~+3.1% |
| FY 2022-23 | ~32,285 | ~34,180 | ~+3.2% |
| FY 2021-22 | ~31,276 | ~33,129 | ~+5.1% |
| FY 2020-21 | ~29,763 | ~31,551 | ~+1.7% |
Across the two fiscal years reported, total filings rose by 2,964 cases, or 8.9%, from 33,294 to 36,258. The biggest driver was county criminal filings, which rose by 1,424 cases (+16.3%). Dispositions rose 2.7%, from 35,232 to ~36,166.
Chart note: a line chart of filings versus dispositions would run from oldest to newest, with years marked ~ as estimates.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Manatee County?
County civil is the largest category in Manatee County, with 15,137 filings or 41.7% of the 36,258 total in FY 2024-25.
| Case Type | Filings FY 2024-25 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| County civil | 15,137 | 41.7% | +10.0% |
| County criminal | 10,171 | 28.1% | +16.3% |
| Family court (includes juvenile) | 3,691 | 10.2% | -5.4% |
| Circuit criminal | 2,461 | 6.8% | +2.5% |
| Circuit civil | 2,452 | 6.8% | +31.8% |
| Probate | 2,346 | 6.5% | -10.6% |
| Total | 36,258 | 100.0% | +8.9% |
Circuit civil filings grew fastest at +31.8%, while probate filings fell fastest at -10.6%.
How Does Manatee County Compare With Florida Overall?
Manatee County accounted for 1.0% of the 3,628,225 court filings statewide in FY 2024-25.
| Metric | Manatee County | Florida | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | 36,258 | 3,628,225 | 1.0% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | +8.9% | +1.1% | 7.8 points higher |
| Filings per 1,000 residents | 79.1 | 155.2 | 49% below state |
| Dispositions per 1,000 residents | 78.8 | 158.7 | 50% below state |
| Criminal share of filings | 34.8% | 19.7% | 15.2 points higher |
| Civil share of filings | 48.5% | 69.8% | 21.3 points lower |
| Family law share of filings | 10.2% | 6.6% | 3.6 points higher |
Manatee County filings grew +8.9%, compared with +1.1% statewide, and the county files 79.1 cases per 1,000 residents against 155.2 for Florida. Criminal filings make up 34.8% of the county docket versus 19.7% statewide, and civil filings make up 48.5% versus 69.8%.
Manatee County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Florida statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Manatee County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 10.0% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 83.8% of Florida's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
49,291
Violent crimes, Florida statewide, 2025
212,976
Property crimes, Florida statewide, 2025
210.1
Violent crime rate per 100K, Florida statewide, 2025 (population 23,462,518)
-10.0%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, Florida statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (262,267 vs 291,466)
| Offense (Florida statewide) | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 595 | 2.5 | 704 | -15.5% |
| Rape | 5,347 | 22.8 | 5,226 | +2.3% |
| Robbery | 6,589 | 28.1 | 6,979 | -5.6% |
| Aggravated assault | 36,760 | 156.7 | 36,760 | +0.0% |
| Violent crimes total | 49,291 | 210.1 | 49,669 | -0.8% |
| Burglary | 23,954 | 102.1 | 26,647 | -10.1% |
| Larceny-theft | 175,850 | 749.5 | 195,175 | -9.9% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 13,172 | 56.1 | 19,975 | -34.1% |
| Property crimes total | 212,976 | 907.7 | 241,797 | -11.9% |
Rates use the Florida 2025 population of 23,462,518. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Manatee County with the state.
Manatee County Courthouse Locations
Manatee County Circuit and County Court proceedings are held at 1 courthouse location in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manatee County Judicial Center | 1051 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205 | (941) 749-1800 | See location page |
Addresses and phone numbers come from public directory listings and may change, so confirm them with the Clerk of Court or the Florida courts website before you visit.
Which Court Handles Your Case in Manatee County?
The Manatee County Circuit Court and County Court divide cases by type, and some matters are handled outside the court. Federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for the relevant Florida district.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | County Court, traffic | Traffic citations are heard in County Court; check the citation for the court date. |
| Parking ticket | The issuing city or agency | The court does not handle parking tickets. |
| Misdemeanor | County Court, criminal | County Court handles misdemeanor charges. |
| Felony | Circuit Court, criminal | Circuit Court handles felony charges. |
| DUI | County Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony) | Check the charge on your paperwork to confirm the court. |
| Domestic violence | Circuit Court (family) and criminal court by offense | Protective injunctions are in Circuit Court; criminal charges follow the offense level. |
| Civil lawsuit | Circuit Court or County Court | Circuit Court hears larger civil cases and County Court hears smaller ones. |
| Small claims | County Court, small claims | Small claims is a County Court track for smaller money claims. |
| Eviction | County Court | Eviction cases are handled in County Court. |
| Divorce | Circuit Court, family | Divorce is handled in Circuit Court family matters. |
| Child custody or support | Circuit Court, family | Custody and support are handled in Circuit Court family matters. |
| Probate or estate | Circuit Court, probate | Probate matters are handled in Circuit Court. |
| Juvenile case | Circuit Court, juvenile | Juvenile delinquency and dependency are handled in Circuit Court. |
| Appeal | District Court of Appeal | Appeals from trial courts go to the District Court of Appeal. |
Are Manatee County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Manatee County court records are public, with exceptions. Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.420 gives the public access to judicial branch records except as the rule provides.
Public records
Most case files in the Circuit Court and County Court are open, including dockets, filings, and orders in civil, criminal, and family cases, except where a rule or order makes them confidential.
Restricted or confidential records
Under Rule 2.420, records such as juvenile delinquency and dependency records, adoption records, mental health records, and expunged or sealed records are confidential or restricted.
Online access
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal (myflcourtaccess.com) gives access to statewide court records under the Access Security Matrix. Not every document or case type is online, and confidential records are not shown.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller in Manatee County to view or request records that are not online.
Fees
No fee schedule was verified for this section. Ask the clerk about copy and certified copy fees.
How to Search Manatee County Court Records Online
Use the official Florida portals to search Manatee County court records by case type, and ask the clerk for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, or juvenile.
- Open myflcourtaccess.com for statewide case access, including circuit civil records.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case information shown for status and parties.
- Contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller | Case information held by the clerk | Not all criminal records are online; confidential records are restricted |
| Traffic | MyFloridaCounty.com (payment) | Citation payment; not a full record search | Citation number required; some citations are ineligible |
| Civil | myflcourtaccess.com | Non-confidential circuit civil case documents | Access follows the Access Security Matrix |
| Small claims | Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller | Case information held by the clerk | Confirm online availability with the clerk |
| Family law | Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller | Case information held by the clerk | Juvenile, dependency, and confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller | Case information held by the clerk | Confirm online availability with the clerk |
| Juvenile | Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller | Case information through the clerk only | Juvenile delinquency and dependency records are confidential |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Manatee County
Traffic citations for Manatee County can be paid through the statewide payment portal, depending on the citation.
- Online: Pay traffic citations at MyFloridaCounty.com, the statewide payment portal used by many clerks. A citation number is required, and some citations are not eligible for online payment.
Parking tickets are not paid through the court; pay or contest them with the city or agency that issued the ticket.
Manatee County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Manatee County court records?
Use myflcourtaccess.com to search statewide case records, or contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller for records not online.
Are Manatee County court records public?
Most are, under Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.420, but juvenile, mental health, expunged, and sealed records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller in Manatee County, which holds criminal case records.
How do I find a court date?
Check your citation or notice first, then contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller for the docket.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Pay online at MyFloridaCounty.com with your citation number. Parking tickets are paid to the issuing agency.
How many cases are filed in Manatee County each year?
Manatee County recorded 36,258 filings in FY 2024-25, +8.9% from 33,294 in FY 2023-24.
What is the most common type of case?
County civil is the largest category, with 15,137 filings or 41.7% of the FY 2024-25 total.
Is crime rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 0.8% to 49,291 in 2025 from 49,669 in 2024, and property crimes fell 11.9% to 212,976 from 241,797, as reported to the FBI. These are Florida statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Manatee County FL CourthouseMore Info
| Address: | 1115 Manatee Avenue W., Bradenton, FL, 34205 |
| Phone Number: | 941-749-1800 |
| Website: | https://www.flcourts.org/Florida-Courts/Court-Locations/Manatee |
Useful Links
- Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller - Official site for searching court records, filing fees, foreclosure sales, traffic tickets, marriage licenses, and other court services.
- Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida - Provides information on court administration, judges, and services offered within the circuit.
- Florida Governor's Office - Access executive orders, state laws, and initiatives impacting court operations and governance in Florida.
- The Florida Bar - Comprehensive legal resources including attorney directories, consumer resources, and public information on state bar regulations.
- Florida Courts - Official website for the Florida State Courts System with court schedules, rules, and self-help resources.
- Manatee Clerk: Open Circuit Civil Cases - Detailed listings of open circuit civil cases in Manatee County court, with case numbers and dates.
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement - Statewide public safety and records resource, including criminal history information and background screening.
- Manatee Clerk: Official Records Department - Database for public records, including deeds, mortgages, and other official documents in Manatee County.
- Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles - Provides driver license check, vehicle records, and enforcement agency information across Florida.
- National Association for Court Management (NACM) - Offers court management resources, professional development, and support for judicial systems nationwide.
- National Center for State Courts (NCSC) - Research and data on state courts, along with resourceful publications and consulting services.
- United States Courts - Provides information on the federal judicial system, rules of courts, and electronic access to court records.
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) - Advocacy for civil rights and liberties with resources on legal rights in various situations.
- Legal Services Corporation (LSC) - Non-profit organization that promotes equal access to justice by providing legal assistance to low-income individuals.
- Florida Attorney General - Provides information on legal opinions, consumer protection, and key initiatives affecting Florida residents.
- Florida Department of Children and Families - State agency responsible for family services, child protection, and maintaining safety and well-being related resources.
- Manatee Clerk: Tax Deed Auction - Offers information on upcoming tax deed sales, auction details, and procedures for bidding in Manatee County.
- Florida Legal Services, Inc. - Advocacy group providing comprehensive legal assistance, education, and support services for residents in Florida.
- Manatee Clerk: Small Claims Court - Guides on pursuing small claims in Manatee County, detailing procedures, fees, and legal resources available.
- Manatee Clerk: Family Law - Resources and information on divorce, child custody, and other family law matters handled within Manatee County courts.
Table of Contents
- Manatee County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Manatee County Court Records
- Manatee County Court Statistics (FY 2024-25)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Manatee County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Manatee County?
- How Does Manatee County Compare With Florida Overall?
- Manatee County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Manatee County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Manatee County?
- Are Manatee County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Manatee County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Manatee County
- Manatee County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links