Manatee County Circuit Court Case Search

Manatee County Circuit Court cases are generally publically available. Requesters can use walk-in or mail-in requests to access records of such cases. When submitting these requests, ensure you include details about the case, such as case number, citation number, filing date, or parties' names. You can also access these case records online through the Online Searches platform. Records searches may not attract any fees, while requests for copies of records will be charged according to the fee schedule.

What Kinds of cases have been heard in Manatee Circuit Court?

The Manatee County Circuit Court is a court of general jurisdiction. This court has the authority to handle a number of legal matters, which include the following:

• Criminal Cases: Felonies and misdemeanors
• Civil Cases
• Family Law Cases
• Probate Proceedings
• Juvenile Cases

It also has specialized courts, such as the Drug Court and Mental Health Court, which handle cases of substance abuse or mental disorders with a focus on rehabilitation and treatment. The Juvenile Court handles cases where the parties are minors, while the Family Court Division handles family law cases.

Manatee County Circuit Court

Manatee County Circuit Court is a trial-level court that handles a wide range of court matters. This is because this court has general civil and criminal jurisdiction. It is a court of first instance, making it the first avenue for county residents to settle disputes and enforce the rule of law. This court’s decisions are binding and enforceable in the county while it adheres to precedents set by higher courts. The Circuit Court can be located at:

Manatee County Circuit Court
Manatee County Historical Courthouse
1115 Manatee Avenue West, P.O. Box 25400
Bradenton, Florida 34205
(941) 749-1800 - Phone

Manatee County Case Lookup

A county-wide case lookup is used to access and search all county records from all courts and divisions operating in Manatee County. This involves accessing all court records from all cases handled in the county, which covers family law, probate proceedings, criminal cases, civil cases, and juvenile cases. Requesters can use these tips to look up Manatee County court case records:

For mail-in search

You can use mailing services to submit records requests to the court clerk’s office. Mail-in searches are done by sending your request and a case description to:

1115 Manatee Avenue West,
P.O. Box 25400,
Bradenton, Florida 34205.

These requests generally take 3 to working days to process. There are no fees for mail-in searches, but the fee schedule provides copies of records that can be returned via mail. These copies or replies from the clerk’s office will be sent using a self-addressed stamped envelope included in the request.

For walk-in search

The public can approach the clerk’s office to submit physical requests. Walk-in searches are possible between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm from Monday to Friday. You can also use the Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller’s public access terminals to access online databases of court records.
While the clerk’s office will request ID to view restricted or sealed case records, access to public records may not require identification. There may be no requirement to pay for simple searches. The clerk’s office will provide a fee schedule for obtaining copies of Manatee County court records.

For online search

The Manatee County court’s Online Searches provide remote access to county court records. The public can access this website for free using their devices and a good internet connection. This website does not require users to create an account before they can conduct records searches.
Simply click on the Search Court Records link to access a records search portal that allows you to search by business name, individual name, case number, citation number, and case or filing type.

Manatee Circuit Court Case Search by Name

Name searches are common and useful for accessing case records. Requesters can use the court’s Online Services website, in person, or mail in requests to conduct name searches. Simply input the relevant names on the website or provide these names in the records request to be submitted or mailed.

When using name searches, it is advisable to have the full names to be submitted for the search for more accuracy. You can also include more details like the date of birth, case number, or filing date to reduce the search results. Pay attention to the spelling of names to ensure they are correct and in the right variation before submission.

Manatee Circuit Court Docket Search

Manatee County court dockets refer to case documents that contain a list of events or updates from the start to the end of the case. Court dockets document each action taken while the case was ongoing. The public can use this document to stay updated with a trial or to prepare for scheduled court hearings. Court dockets can be searched in person at the courthouse or remotely via mail or online. You can submit requests to the clerk’s office with some case details, which will be used to retrieve the court dockets.

Lookup Manatee County Circuit Court Online

The general public can look up Manatee County Circuit Court case records online by visiting the Online Searches website. This platform has links for searching official records and court records. Third-party platforms, such as Floridacourtrecords.us, may also provide access to case records. However, these platforms are secondary sources, operating independently of government agencies. This means third-party case records may not be as accurate as documents from the Manatee County Circuit Court clerk’s office or website. Always verify third-party records with information from official channels.

Supreme Court vs. Circuit Court

The Supreme Court of Florida is the highest court in the state’s judicial hierarchy. This court has the final appellate jurisdiction over decisions from lower courts such as the Circuit Court. The Supreme Court reviews lower courts' decisions on the points of interpretation of state laws and the Constitution. While the Supreme Court sets precedents for the whole state, the Circuit Court’s decisions are only applicable within the county.

The Circuit Court is a trial-level court that is presided over by a judge. Trials are done to expose all facts of the case and allow parties to argue their position. There could also be jury trials, which involve jurors who are appointed by the court to help reach a verdict on the matter. Circuit Courts have wide original jurisdiction over most cases and are the initial court of reference in most instances. When the Florida Supreme Court’s decisions are unsatisfactory, the US Supreme Court can review the decision as the country’s highest appellate court.