Manatee County family court records are public files held by the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller in Bradenton, Florida. These records cover divorce cases, child custody disputes, child support orders, paternity actions, adoption files, and domestic violence injunctions filed in the 12th Judicial Circuit.
The Clerk’s office keeps every family law filing for the county and makes most of them open to the public under Florida’s open records laws. Residents, attorneys, employers, and researchers can search the records online through official portals or visit the courthouse in person. This page covers what the records are, how to look them up, and how to request certified copies from the Clerk of Court.
The records include written motions, court orders, final judgments, hearing schedules, and party details. Anyone with a name or case number can run a search without paying a fee. Certified copies and full case file reviews may carry a small charge. The Clerk’s office serves people in Bradenton, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, Anna Maria Island, and every other community within Manatee County. The information below explains the full process in clear, step-by-step terms.
Manatee County Clerk of Court Office
The Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller holds the official family court records for the entire county. The Florida Constitution sets up the Clerk as a public trustee who protects public records, court funds, and official documents. Angelina “Angel” Colonneso, Esq. currently serves as the Clerk. The office is the central point for all family law filings, hearings, and document requests in Manatee County.
Office Location and Contact Details
The main Clerk’s office sits at 1115 Manatee Avenue W, Bradenton, FL 34205. The phone number for general questions and record requests is (941) 749-1800. The official website is manateeclerk.com. The office sits inside the Manatee County Courthouse complex, which also hosts the circuit court judges who hear family law cases. Visitors should plan to pass through a security screening at the entrance, similar to an airport checkpoint.
| Contact Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Angelina “Angel” Colonneso, Esq. |
| Street Address | 1115 Manatee Avenue W, Bradenton, FL 34205 |
| Main Phone | (941) 749-1800 |
| Official Website | manateeclerk.com |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Office Hours and Walk-in Services
The Clerk’s office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. Walk-in visitors can use public access terminals to look up cases, ask staff for help, and pay for copies on the spot. The busiest hours run from late morning to early afternoon, so people who want shorter wait times often arrive right at 8:00 AM. The Clerk accepts cash, checks, and most major credit cards for fees.
Types of Family Court Records in Manatee County
Manatee County keeps several kinds of family court records. Each type covers a different area of family law. The Clerk files every new case under a specific case type code, which makes online searches faster. A single family can have several open records at one time if they have multiple legal issues pending.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Divorce records cover the legal end of a marriage. In Florida, these cases are called dissolution of marriage. The records include the original petition, financial affidavits, parenting plans (when minor children are involved), settlement agreements, and the final judgment of dissolution. People search these records to confirm a divorce date, check property division terms, or verify alimony orders. Most divorce case files stay open to the public unless a judge seals them for a specific reason.
Child Custody and Timesharing Records
Child custody cases set up the legal rights of each parent. In Florida, the courts use the term timesharing instead of custody. The records contain the parenting plan, which spells out how much time each parent spends with the child. They also include any motions to modify custody, court-ordered evaluations, and the final order. These files are often part of a divorce case but can also be standalone filings between unmarried parents. Information about minors stays protected, but the case docket and orders stay open.
Child Support Court Records
Child support records track the money one parent pays to the other for the care of a child. The Clerk files the court’s support orders, payment histories, and any enforcement actions. Many child support hearings in Manatee County happen before a magistrate rather than a circuit judge. The 12th Judicial Circuit uses a separate division email for child support filings. People searching these records can confirm the order amount, payment schedule, and whether arrears are owed.
Paternity and Adoption Records
Paternity cases set the legal father of a child. The records cover DNA test results, the petition to establish paternity, and the resulting support or custody orders. Adoption records stay sealed by law in Florida. The Clerk holds these files but will not release the contents without a court order. Sealed records protect the privacy of the birth parents, adoptive parents, and the child. Adopted adults can request their original birth records through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics under specific rules.
Domestic Violence Injunction Records
Domestic violence injunctions are court orders that protect people from harm. The records include the petition, the temporary injunction, the final injunction after hearing, and any motions to extend or dismiss. Many files stay partially sealed to protect the petitioner’s address and contact details. The docket itself stays open, so the public can see if an injunction exists, the case number, and the hearing dates. Personal safety details stay private under Florida law.
How to Search Family Court Records Online
Online search tools let people look up family court records from home. Two main portals cover Manatee County cases. Both tools are free to use for basic searches. The first is the Manatee County Clerk’s own search system. The second is the statewide portal run by the Florida Courts.
Using the Manatee County Clerk Portal
The Clerk’s website at manateeclerk.com links to a public records search. Users can search by person name, business name, case number, citation number, case or filing type, new cases filed today, foreclosure sales, the Florida e-filing portal, or judge docket. The portal shows the case style (the names of the parties), the case number, the filing date, the assigned judge, and the current status. Users can view the docket entry list, which lists every document filed in the case.
Using My Florida Court Access
My Florida Court Access, found at myflcourtaccess.com, is the statewide system. It covers every county in Florida, including Manatee. The portal works well for people who need to track a case that has moved between counties or who want to run a statewide search. Users create a free account to save searches and set up alerts. A single account works across all counties that use the system. Search options include party name, case number, and date range.
What You Can View Online
Online records show the case style, case number, party names, filing date, division, judge, hearing schedule, and docket entries. Many docket entries include a hyperlink to the actual filed document. Common public documents available for free viewing include petitions, motions, orders, and judgments. Some documents require a paid subscription to view, such as large certified copies or full case archives.
Records Not Available Online
Some records stay offline for legal reasons. Sealed cases, juvenile dependency records, and adoption files cannot be viewed through the public portal. The Clerk also restricts records related to child abuse, mental health commitments, and certain domestic violence documents. People who need these restricted records must file a motion with the court or ask the Clerk for guidance. A valid court order is usually required before the office will release sealed material.
How to Request Certified Copies
Certified copies carry the Clerk’s raised seal and a signature. Banks, courts, government agencies, and employers often require certified copies for legal use. The Clerk of Court issues these copies for a fee. The process takes minutes for simple requests and a few business days for older or large file requests.
In-Person Requests
Walk-in visitors can ask for certified copies at the clerk’s office on Manatee Avenue. Staff pull the file, run the copier, stamp the raised seal, and hand the document back the same day for most simple cases. The visitor signs a logbook and shows a photo ID. The clerk prints from the official court file, not the online image, so the certified version is the legal original.
Mail and Email Requests
People who cannot visit in person can mail a written request to the Clerk’s office. The request should include the case number, party names, the year of filing, and the specific documents needed. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the fees. The Records & Information Management Division can also answer email questions at public.records@mymanatee.org. The main division phone number is (941) 748-4501 Ext. 6888.
Required Identification
Florida law requires valid photo ID for certified copy requests. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID. People requesting records on behalf of someone else must show their own ID plus a signed authorization letter from the record holder. Attorneys can show a Florida Bar number in place of a written authorization for cases where they are the attorney of record.
Fees and Payment Methods
Certified copies cost a set fee per document. The fee covers the Clerk’s certification and the raised seal. Standard copies without certification cost less. The Clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards at the office. Mail requests must include a check or money order. The current fee schedule sits on the Clerk’s website under the fees section.
The 12th Judicial Circuit Family Court
Manatee County belongs to Florida’s 12th Judicial Circuit. The circuit court hears all family law cases in the county. The circuit shares judges, magistrates, rules, and forms across the three counties it covers. This setup keeps the legal process consistent for people who live or work across county lines in the region.
Circuit Coverage Area
The 12th Judicial Circuit includes Manatee, Sarasota, and DeSoto counties. The main courthouse for Manatee County sits at 1115 Manatee Avenue W in Bradenton. Some hearings can happen at satellite locations, but most family law actions for Manatee County run through the Bradenton courthouse. People should always check the hearing notice for the exact room and address.
Family Court Judges and Magistrates
Circuit judges hear the major family law cases, including contested divorces and custody trials. Magistrates handle many of the routine family matters, such as child support hearings and certain motion calendars. Magistrate Michael L. King is one of the family court magistrates in Manatee County. His assistant, Donna Martin, can be reached at DMartin@jud12.flcourts.org. The magistrate’s office phone is (941) 749-3643. The child support hearing officer division uses a dedicated email at CSManatee2@jud12.flcourts.org for order submissions.
Court Forms and Self-Help Resources
People who file without a lawyer can use approved Florida Supreme Court family law forms. The forms cover petitions, financial affidavits, parenting plans, and child support worksheets. SOFIA (State Of Florida Interactive Access) lets users fill out the forms online by answering plain language questions. The 12th Judicial Circuit also publishes sample parenting plans and timesharing examples on its website. The Clerk’s office runs a self-help center in the courthouse that walks people through the filing process at no charge.
Filing a New Family Court Case
New family cases start with a filing at the Manatee County Clerk’s office. The Clerk assigns a case number, opens the file, and routes the case to the correct division. The first step is to pick the right petition form and complete it. The filing party is called the petitioner. The other side is the respondent.
Where to File
Family cases must be filed in the county where the petitioner or respondent lives. At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before filing for divorce. Most people file in the county where they currently live. Manatee County residents file at the Bradenton courthouse. People who live in Sarasota or DeSoto counties would file in their home county instead.
Required Forms and Documents
The basic forms for a divorce include a petition for dissolution, a financial affidavit, a certificate of mandatory disclosure, and a summons. Cases with minor children also need a parenting plan, a child support worksheet, and a Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) affidavit. People can locate the full list on the Florida Courts website under family law forms. The forms are free to download.
Filing Fees and Service Costs
Filing fees vary based on the case type. The Clerk’s office can give the exact current fee over the phone or at the public counter. Service of process on the other party costs an extra fee. The standard sheriff’s service fee is $40 per defendant. People who cannot afford the fees can apply for a fee waiver using an approved indigent form. The Clerk’s office also accepts filing by mail for most family cases.
Public Records Request and Removal
Florida’s public records laws give every person the right to see most government files. The Clerk follows these laws while also protecting sealed and restricted records. People who need broader access can file a public records request with the County’s Records & Information Management Division.
Records Division Contact
The Records & Information Management Division handles county-wide public records requests. The email is public.records@mymanatee.org and the phone number is (941) 748-4501 Ext. 6888. The division helps people who need records that sit outside the Clerk’s standard search tools. Most requests get a response within a few business days. Complex requests can take longer under Florida law.
Image Removal Requests
Florida law lets people ask the Clerk to remove certain images from public websites. The request applies to military records, death certificates, and court files related to family law matters. The Clerk reviews each request and removes the image if it qualifies under the law. People must file the request in writing and show proof that the record falls under the protected categories. The Clerk’s website lists the form and instructions.
The Clerk of Court also holds $37,000.57 in unclaimed funds as of the latest published list. Some of these funds come from jury duty checks, court fee refunds, and other payments issued in 2024. Anyone with an unclaimed check should check the unclaimed funds list before September 1, 2026. After that date, the funds forfeit to the state under Florida law.
Official Contact Summary
Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
Address: 1115 Manatee Avenue W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Phone: (941) 749-1800
Website: manateeclerk.com
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Records & Information Management Division Email: public.records@mymanatee.org
Records Division Phone: (941) 748-4501 Ext. 6888
Magistrate Michael L. King Office Phone: (941) 749-3643
Magistrate Assistant Email: DMartin@jud12.flcourts.org
Child Support Hearing Officer Email: CSManatee2@jud12.flcourts.org
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common requests the Clerk’s office receives about family court records. Each answer points to the right tool, fee, or office for the request. The answers draw on Florida law, the 12th Judicial Circuit rules, and the Clerk’s current office practices as of 2026.
Can I view Manatee County family court records for free?
Yes. Basic case searches on the Manatee County Clerk portal and on My Florida Court Access are free. Users can see the docket, party names, and case status without paying. The free service covers most public family law filings. The portal shows the case style, case number, judge name, filing date, and hearing schedule. Docket entries often include a link to the actual filed document, and many of those public documents can be opened at no cost. Certified copies and full file printouts carry a small fee. The Clerk’s website lists the current fee schedule. Free searches still need a name, case number, or filing date to pull up the right case. People who want to save searches or set up alerts can create a free My Florida Court Access account. The account works across every Florida county that uses the system. Subscribers pay a small fee for extra features, but the basic public search is open to anyone with a web browser.
How do I get a certified copy of a Manatee County divorce record?
Visit the Clerk’s office at 1115 Manatee Avenue W in Bradenton with a photo ID and the case number. Staff will pull the file, copy the final judgment, and apply the raised seal. The process takes a few minutes for simple requests that involve one or two documents. The Clerk’s office can also print copies from older paper files if you give them a few days of lead time. People outside the area can mail a written request with a check, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a copy of their ID. Include the case number, both party names, the year of filing, and the specific documents needed. The Records & Information Management Division can also answer email questions at public.records@mymanatee.org. The division phone is (941) 748-4501 Ext. 6888. Each certified copy carries a set fee that the Clerk’s website lists. The certified copy includes the Clerk’s raised seal and an authorized signature.
Are adoption records open to the public in Manatee County?
No. Florida law seals adoption records. The Clerk holds the files but will not release them without a court order. The seal protects the birth parents, the adoptive parents, and the child. Adopted adults who want their original birth certificate can apply through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics under specific rules. The state rules changed in recent years, and many adopted adults now have access to their original birth records. The Clerk’s office can point applicants to the right form and the right state office. People who need a copy of a sealed adoption for a legal case must file a motion with the court and serve all required parties. A judge reviews the motion and decides whether to open the file. Some agencies, like law enforcement, can request access under narrow rules. The Clerk’s website has a section on adoption records and the contact details for the state office.
Can I remove my divorce case from the internet?
Florida law lets people ask the Clerk to remove certain family law images from public websites. The request covers military records, death certificates, and family law case files. The Clerk reviews each request and removes the image if it qualifies. People must file a written request and show proof that the record falls under the protected categories. The Clerk’s website lists the form and the rules for what qualifies. Some images stay public even after the request, including the docket listing and the case caption. The removal only covers the online image, not the underlying court file, which still exists in the Clerk’s paper or digital system. People who want the entire file sealed must file a motion with the court and show good cause. A judge decides whether the seal is warranted. The Clerk can only remove images that fall under the law, and each request takes a few weeks to process.
Where do I file for divorce in Manatee County?
File at the Manatee County Clerk’s office at 1115 Manatee Avenue W in Bradenton. At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before the filing date. The petitioner files the original petition, summons, and required forms. The filing fee applies unless the court grants a fee waiver. The Clerk can answer basic questions about forms and fees but cannot give legal advice. People who file without a lawyer can use the Florida Supreme Court approved family law forms, which are free to download from the Florida Courts website. SOFIA, the State Of Florida Interactive Access tool, lets users fill out the forms by answering plain language questions. The Clerk’s self-help center in the courthouse helps people with the forms at no charge. The filing party must serve the other spouse with the petition and summons using a process server or the sheriff. The standard sheriff’s service fee is $40 per defendant. After service, the case moves through the court system toward a final hearing or trial.
How do I locate a Manatee County child support order?
Search the Clerk’s online portal by party name or case number. The docket shows the support order, the payment amount, and the hearing dates. The child support hearing officer division uses a dedicated email at CSManatee2@jud12.flcourts.org. People who need certified copies can request them at the Clerk’s office with a photo ID. The state child support program also keeps payment records that people can check online through the Florida Department of Revenue. Many child support hearings in Manatee County happen before a magistrate rather than a circuit judge. Magistrate Michael L. King is one of the family court magistrates in Manatee County. His assistant, Donna Martin, can be reached at DMartin@jud12.flcourts.org. The magistrate’s office phone is (941) 749-3643. People should read the court’s standing instructions before calling or faxing the magistrate’s office. The Clerk can also pull older support orders from the paper file for a small fee. The full payment history sits with the state disbursement unit.
What if I cannot afford the filing fee for a family case?
File a Motion to Determine Amount of Filing Fee with the Clerk. The form is part of the standard family law forms package. The court reviews the applicant’s income and assets. If the court grants the motion, the filing fee drops to zero or a small amount. The Clerk’s self-help center helps people fill out the form at no charge. The process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on the court’s calendar. People who get public benefits like food stamps or Medicaid usually qualify for a full fee waiver. People with low income but no public benefits can still qualify for a partial waiver. The form asks for monthly income, monthly expenses, and any assets. The court uses the answers to set the fee. People who can pay part of the fee must pay that part before the Clerk files the case. The fee waiver only covers court filing fees, not service of process or other costs. The Clerk can answer questions about the form and the current fee schedule.