Manatee County Background Check

Background check records in Manatee County are held by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Bradenton and by FDLE at the state level. Manatee County is on Florida's Gulf Coast and has a population of around 420,000 people. The 12th Judicial Circuit handles all criminal and civil case filings here. This is one of the faster-growing counties in the state, which means the court system processes a large volume of cases each year. For a thorough background check in Manatee County, you should check both the local clerk's records and the FDLE statewide criminal history database.

Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court

The Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps all court records and public filings for the county. The main office is in Bradenton. You can call (850) 921-0808 for general questions about records. Staff handle criminal cases, civil filings, family law matters, and traffic cases. All of these records feed into a Manatee County background check. Walk-ins are welcome on weekdays during regular business hours.

The clerk's website at manateeclerk.org has a full online case search system. You can look up cases by name, case number, or date range. The portal shows case type, filing date, charges, parties, and status. Manatee County is a mid-size county with a busy court system, so there are a lot of records in the system. The online search is free and works from any device. For full copies of court documents, you can request them online, by mail, or in person at the Bradenton office. This portal is a strong first step for a background check in Manatee County.

The Florida Clerks and Comptrollers directory is a good starting point for Manatee County clerk details.

Use the FCCC directory to confirm the latest contact info for the Manatee County clerk.

Note: The 12th Judicial Circuit also covers DeSoto and Sarasota counties.

How to Search Manatee County Background Check Records

There are several ways to run a background check in Manatee County. The clerk's online case search is the fastest local option. Start at manateeclerk.org and use the case search by name or case number. Results show dates, case types, charges, and status updates. Criminal cases show charges and dispositions when available. This is free and you can do it from home.

The MyFloridaCounty portal is another resource. It covers official recorded documents from Manatee County and all other Florida counties. This includes liens, judgments, deeds, and other recorded papers. These records add depth to a background check by showing financial obligations or legal actions. Under Florida Chapter 119, all public records are open to anyone. You do not need to give a reason to search records in Manatee County.

For statewide criminal history, go to CCHInet and submit a name-based request. The cost is $24. Results usually come back within 24 hours. This Level 1 check pulls data from all 67 Florida counties, so if a person has records outside Manatee County, those show up too. Using the clerk search and FDLE together gives you the most complete background check for Manatee County.

Manatee County Background Check Fees

FDLE charges $24 for a name-based state criminal history check. This is the same fee in every Florida county. You pay online through the FDLE criminal history records page. A Level 2 fingerprint check costs more and varies by the requesting agency. Both types of checks apply to Manatee County searches.

At the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court, you pay copy fees when you pull court documents. Plain copies run $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page. Searching the online case system is free. If you visit in person and view a file at the counter, there is no charge for that. You only pay when you need copies from Manatee County court files.

• FDLE state check (Level 1): $24.00
• Plain copy from clerk: $0.15 per page
• Certified copy from clerk: $1.00 per page
• Online case search: Free
• Level 2 fingerprint check: Varies by agency

Types of Background Checks in Manatee County

Florida has two standard background check levels. Both apply in Manatee County. A Level 1 check is name-based. FDLE runs the name through their statewide database. It covers arrests, charges, and case results. This is the fast option. Most results arrive within a day. Submit at CCHInet and pay $24. Anyone can run this type of check.

A Level 2 check requires fingerprints. The data goes through FDLE and the FBI national database. Chapter 435 of Florida Statutes lists the roles that need this deeper check. It pulls national records and takes a few business days. You need to get fingerprinted at an approved LiveScan site. Manatee County has several LiveScan providers in the Bradenton area. Check the FDLE LiveScan vendor list to find one near you.

The VECHS program through FDLE is also available in Manatee County. Under Chapter 943 of Florida Statutes, approved organizations can run criminal history checks for people who work with children, the elderly, or those with disabilities. Manatee County agencies and nonprofits use this program regularly.

Public Records Access in Manatee County

Under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, public records in Manatee County are open for any person to inspect. You do not need to be a resident. You do not have to state your reason. The clerk must provide access. This applies to court records, police reports, and most other government documents held in Manatee County. Sealed and expunged records are exempt, but open access is the default under Florida law.

The Attorney General's Open Government page explains your rights under the Sunshine Law. If you have trouble getting records in Manatee County, the AG's office handles disputes and can intervene when agencies deny access to public files.

Note: The Manatee County Sheriff's Office also has booking and arrest data on its website, which can add to a background check.

Getting Copies of Manatee County Records

Visit the Manatee County Clerk's office in Bradenton to get copies of court records. Ask for the file by name or case number. Staff will pull the case and print copies. Pay $0.15 per page for plain or $1.00 per page for certified. You can also check the Find a Clerk directory to confirm the office address and hours.

Mail requests work too. Send a letter to the Manatee County clerk with the person's full name, date of birth if known, and the type of record you need. Include payment for the expected copy fees. The clerk will mail the documents back to you. For FDLE records, order online at CCHInet for $24. Results come by email. If you want to check your own record, FDLE has a personal review option that lets you see what is on file.

Cities in Manatee County

Manatee County has several cities and communities along the Gulf Coast. All court records for these areas go through the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court in Bradenton. No cities in Manatee County meet the population threshold for a separate background check page. Communities include Bradenton, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton, Parrish, and Anna Maria. Background check records for all of them are kept at the Manatee County clerk's office.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Manatee County. Each one has its own clerk office and court records. If the person you are checking lived in a nearby area, search that county too.