Court records of Manatee County, Florida, are available through several channels. ManateeCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be searched through official court resources — including the 12th Judicial Circuit portal — directly at the clerk's office or through public terminals in the courthouse. Below is a practical guide to the county's court system, hearing calendar, obtaining documents, and paying fees.
Manatee Court System & Jurisdictions
Manatee County is part of the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida, which also includes Sarasota and DeSoto counties. The main judicial facility is the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.
Circuit Court
Handles more serious categories of cases:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil lawsuits with a dispute amount over $50,000
- Family law — divorce, child custody, alimony (approved Florida Supreme Court family law forms available online)
- Probate cases — the judicial process of distributing a deceased person's estate
- Juvenile cases
County Court
This is where most people end up. The county court handles:
- Misdemeanors — minor criminal offenses
- Civil disputes with amounts up to $50,000
- Small claims — up to $8,000
- Traffic violations and other road-related cases
- Eviction cases
If you're unsure which court your case belongs to, contact the clerk's office at the Judicial Center or check the information on the 12th Judicial Circuit website.
Manatee Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out about scheduled hearings for today, tomorrow, or this week, use one of the following methods:
- 12th Judicial Circuit website. The official site publishes court calendars, judge schedules, and announcements about schedule changes.
- Florida Courts portal. A statewide resource with links to schedules for all judicial circuits in the state.
- Public terminals. Computers are available in the Manatee County Judicial Center building where you can view the hearing calendar and find the courtroom number.
- Phone call to the clerk. If you need to confirm the time of a specific hearing, call the clerk's office.
Manatee County Judicial Center
The schedule may change without notice — a judge has the right to reschedule a hearing. Always check current information before the planned date.
How to Get a Copy of a Manatee Court Document
The Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains all court documents and issues copies. There are two types of copies:
- Uncertified — a regular printout for review.
- Certified — with the official seal of the clerk; usually required for submission to other courts, government agencies, or for legal procedures.
How to order a copy
- In person. Visit the clerk's office at the Manatee County Judicial Center. You will need the case number or the full name of the party. Copies are usually issued the same day.
- By mail. Send a written request with the case number, document type, and contact information. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
- Online. Some documents can be ordered through the clerk's electronic system. Check availability on the 12th Judicial Circuit website.
Mailing address for requests:
Certain categories of records have restricted access according to Florida statutes — including juvenile cases, some family cases, and sealed criminal cases. The clerk will inform you if the requested document cannot be disclosed.
For arrest and inmate information, you can use the arrest inquiries page of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. Information about inmates in state correctional facilities is provided by the Florida Department of Corrections search.
Manatee Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court documents are set according to Florida Statutes, including sections 28.24 and 28.2401. Below are approximate rates — always confirm the exact amount with the clerk's office.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Document copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Document certification | $2.00 per document |
| Registry search (by name or case number) | $2.00 per name / per year |
| Court file copy | $1.00 per page |
| Apostille or authentication | $2.00 |
Payment is accepted in cash, money order, or check payable to "Clerk of the Circuit Court." Some services are available with credit or debit card payment — confirm when contacting.
Sheriff's records — police reports, arrest information — have separate fees. More details on costs and request procedures can be found on the sheriff's public records page, where all reports are provided in accordance with Florida Statutes Chapter 119.
If you need records not related to the court — such as property data — use the Manatee County Property Appraiser search. For ordering divorce certificates, contact the Florida Department of Health.