Manatee County Civil Court Records

Manatee County civil court records are kept by the Clerk of Court in Bradenton. The 12th Judicial Circuit handles all civil filings in Manatee County, and the clerk's office gives public access to court documents both online and at the courthouse.

Manatee County Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court in Manatee County is Angelina Colonneso. This office maintains all civil court records for the county. Staff process new case filings, store court documents, and provide copies to the public. The main office is at 1115 Manatee Ave W in Bradenton. You can visit in person or call for help with civil court records in Manatee County.

The Manatee County Clerk website has tools for looking up court cases and official records online. With a population of about 400,000, Manatee County sees a steady flow of civil court filings each year. The clerk's office serves the Bradenton area and all of Manatee County.

The clerk's office is open weekdays. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours for civil court record requests in Manatee County.

How to Search Manatee County Civil Court Records

You can search civil court records in Manatee County online or in person. The Manatee County clerk's website provides a court records search tool. You can look up cases by party name or case number. The basic search is free and available to anyone with an internet connection.

Search results show the case number, party names, case type, and filing date. Some document images may be available for viewing online. For full documents or certified copies of civil court records in Manatee County, you may need to visit the clerk's office or submit a request.

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also connects to Manatee County. You can file new civil cases or check existing ones through this statewide system. Registration is free. E-filing is required for attorneys in Manatee County. Self-represented parties can also use the portal if they choose.

For in-person searches, visit the Manatee County Courthouse at 1115 Manatee Ave W in Bradenton. Staff can look up civil court records and make copies. Bring your ID. The clerk charges a small fee for plain copies. Certified copies cost more but carry the official seal of the Manatee County clerk.

Manatee County also maintains official records separate from court files. These include deeds, mortgages, liens, and judgments that have been recorded. The official records search is on the clerk's website and can be useful for finding civil judgments tied to property in Manatee County.

Civil Court Structure in Manatee County

Manatee County is part of the 12th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also covers DeSoto and Sarasota counties. Civil cases in Manatee County go to one of two court levels based on how much is in dispute.

Circuit Court handles civil cases with claims above $30,000. This includes contract disputes, personal injury suits, and real property matters. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases go through Circuit Court in Manatee County. County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 fall under County Court. Evictions are also County Court matters in Manatee County.

The Florida court locations page lists courthouse addresses for Manatee County and the rest of the state. If you are not sure which court level applies to your case, the clerk's office can guide you to the right filing window in Manatee County.

The 12th Circuit covers the southwest Florida coast. Cases filed in Manatee County stay in Manatee County. You cannot file a civil case here if the dispute took place in Sarasota or DeSoto County, even though they share the same circuit.

Confidential Information in Manatee County Civil Court Records

Some data in civil court records must be kept private. Florida law says social security numbers and bank account numbers cannot appear in public court files. If these numbers show up in a document, anyone can ask the clerk to remove them. There is no charge for redaction in Manatee County.

To request redaction from Manatee County civil court records, submit the proper form to the clerk. List the case name, case number, document heading, and page where the private data appears. The clerk will take it out of the public version.

Parties filing civil court papers in Manatee County must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. This form flags confidential data so the clerk can keep it out of public view. The rule covers social security numbers, bank account numbers, dates of birth for minors, and other personal details in civil court records.

Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases in Manatee County

The Florida Courts self-help page has forms and guides for people handling civil matters on their own. Self-represented parties can find packets for common case types. The Manatee County clerk cannot give legal advice, but staff can point you to the right forms for civil cases.

DIY Florida is a free tool inside the E-Filing Portal. It walks you through questions and fills out court forms based on your answers. Over 20 form types cover small claims, evictions, and other civil matters. You can file completed forms through the portal to the Manatee County clerk. Standard filing fees still apply when you submit civil court documents.

The Bradenton area has legal aid groups that can help with civil cases for those who qualify. These organizations offer free or low-cost help with housing, consumer disputes, and other civil matters in Manatee County. The Florida Bar also runs a lawyer referral service if you need an attorney.

Public Records Access in Manatee County

Florida has broad public records laws. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all state, county, and municipal records are open for inspection and copying. This covers civil court records in Manatee County. You do not need to be a party in a case to view the files. Anyone can ask to see a public civil court record.

A few limits exist. Records sealed by court order are not available. Section 119.0714 lists items that stay confidential, like social security numbers and bank account data. But the vast majority of civil court records in Manatee County are open to the public.

For in-person access, visit the clerk's office at 1115 Manatee Ave W in Bradenton. Copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more. The clerk must respond to public records requests within a reasonable time under Florida law. Manatee County civil court records are part of the public domain.

Cities in Manatee County

Manatee County has several cities and communities. All civil court cases for these areas go through the Manatee County Clerk of Court in Bradenton. No cities in Manatee County meet the population threshold for a separate page on this site.

Communities in Manatee County include Bradenton, Palmetto, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, Lakewood Ranch, and Parrish. All of them use the Manatee County clerk's office for civil court records.

Nearby Counties

These counties are also in the 12th Judicial Circuit with Manatee County. File your civil case in the county where the dispute took place to make sure the court has jurisdiction.