Manatee County criminal history records are public files that show arrest data, court cases, and case outcomes for people in Bradenton and nearby areas. These records help employers, landlords, lawyers, and family members check the background of others.
The Manatee County Clerk of Court keeps these files at the main courthouse in Bradenton, Florida. Anyone can request these records through the Clerk’s office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, or approved third-party sites. This page explains what these records contain, how to get them, what they cost, and what to do if a record is wrong or sealed.
What a Manatee County Criminal History Record Contains
Each Manatee County criminal history file holds a list of arrests, charges, and final court decisions for one person. The file starts with the arrest date and the agency that made the arrest. It then lists the criminal charges filed by the State Attorney. After the case moves through court, the file shows the final outcome. This includes guilty pleas, verdicts, dismissals, and sentences. The file may also show probation terms, fines, or court-ordered programs. Both misdemeanor and felony cases appear in these records.
Arrest Records and Booking Data
The arrest portion of a Manatee County criminal history file holds the date, time, and place of arrest. It shows the law enforcement agency that handled the arrest. Common agencies include the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Bradenton Police Department, Palmetto Police Department, and the Florida Highway Patrol. The file lists the charges at the time of arrest and any bond set by a judge. Booking photos and fingerprints stay in the system but are not always part of the public file. Sealed or expunged arrests are removed from public view by court order.
Court Disposition Information
Court disposition data shows the final result of every charge. A disposition can be a guilty verdict, a not guilty verdict, a dismissal, a diversion program, or a deferred sentence. The file shows the case number from the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court. This circuit covers Manatee, Sarasota, and DeSoto counties. The file also lists the judge, the sentence, and any credit for time served. Dispositions are updated after every court hearing, so the record grows as the case moves forward.
Coverage of Misdemeanor and Felony Cases
Manatee County criminal history files cover both misdemeanor and felony charges. Misdemeanors include minor offenses like petit theft, simple battery, and first-time DUI. Felonies cover more serious crimes like burglary, aggravated assault, drug trafficking, and murder. Juvenile cases follow a different process and are not part of the regular adult criminal history file. Traffic infractions that are not criminal, like speeding tickets, are kept in a separate traffic record system. Criminal traffic offenses, like DUI or driving with a suspended license, do appear in the criminal history file.
How to Request Manatee County Criminal History Records
People can request Manatee County criminal history records in three ways. The fastest method is an in-person visit to the Clerk’s office in Bradenton. The second method is an online search through the Clerk’s website or the FDLE portal. The third method is a mail request with a written letter and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Each method has its own fee, wait time, and level of detail. Pick the one that matches the urgency and the type of record needed.
Online Search Through the Clerk’s Website
The Manatee County Clerk of Court runs a public records search tool on its website. Users can search by name, case number, or citation number. The tool shows basic case data, hearing dates, and document images. Most searches are free, but copies of full documents cost $1 per page. The tool is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Users need a name and a date of birth to get the most accurate results. The site also offers a paid subscription for lawyers and businesses that run many searches each month.
In-Person Visit to the Bradenton Courthouse
Visitors can go to the Manatee County Clerk’s office at 1115 Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except on court holidays. Staff at the public counter help with record searches, certified copies, and document reviews. A regular copy costs $1 per page. A certified copy costs $2 per page, plus a $2 certification fee. Cash, checks, money orders, and most major credit cards are accepted. Bring a valid photo ID and the full name and date of birth of the person being searched.
Mail Request Process and Fees
Mail requests work for people who cannot visit Bradenton. Send a written letter to the Clerk’s office that lists the full name, date of birth, and last known address of the person being searched. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the search fee. The current fee is $5 for a name search and $1 per page for copies. Add $2 for each certified copy. Mail requests take five to seven business days to process. The Clerk’s office mails the results back to the sender in the envelope provided.
Phone Inquiries and General Questions
People can call the Manatee County Clerk’s office at (941) 749-1800 for general questions. Phone staff can confirm if a record exists, give hearing dates, and explain fees. Phone staff cannot read full case files over the phone. For full file access, use the online portal or visit the office in person. The phone line is open during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. Callers should have the name, date of birth, and case number ready before calling to save time.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state criminal history database. This database covers all 67 counties in Florida, including Manatee County. FDLE records are separate from the Clerk’s local court files. They combine arrest data from every Florida law enforcement agency with disposition data from every Florida courthouse. FDLE offers three search levels: instant online search, non-certified record check, and certified record check. Each level has its own fee and wait time.
CCHInet Portal and Online Access
The FDLE Computerized Criminal History Internet system, called CCHInet, lets users run their own searches. The portal is open 24 hours a day at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. Users create an account, add payment, and search by name and date of birth. The instant search costs $24 plus a small processing fee. Results appear on the screen right away. The instant search is for personal review only. It cannot be used for legal purposes, immigration cases, or official background checks that need a certified copy.
Certified Versus Non-Certified Results
Certified FDLE results come on official state letterhead with a raised seal and a signature. Courts, government agencies, and employers accept certified results. Non-certified results print on plain paper from the user’s computer. These work for personal review but are not accepted for legal filings. The certified search takes five to seven business days and costs $24 per name. FDLE mails the certified result to the address on file. Users can also pay extra for rush service that delivers results in two business days.
Florida Criminal History Fees and Payment Methods
FDLE charges $24 for each name search, whether instant, non-certified, or certified. The agency accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks through the CCHInet portal. Mail requests require a check or money order. There is no fee for a Florida criminal history self-check, which is the free record review a person can request about their own file. The fee schedule is set by Florida Statute 943.053 and does not change often. Some third-party sites charge more for the same record but add extra search tools.
Manatee County Clerk of Court Details
The Manatee County Clerk of Court is the main record keeper for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. The Clerk’s office handles criminal cases, civil cases, marriage licenses, property records, and traffic tickets. The main office sits in downtown Bradenton, with branch offices in other parts of the county. The Clerk is elected by county voters and serves a four-year term. The office has been at the same courthouse location on Manatee Avenue West for more than 30 years.
Office Address, Hours, and Phone
The main Manatee County Clerk’s office is at 1115 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida 34205. The office opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. The office is closed on New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The main phone number is (941) 749-1800. The official website is manateeclerk.com. Visitors can park in the public lot next to the courthouse for a small hourly fee.
Types of Records the Clerk Maintains
The Clerk’s office keeps more than just criminal files. The office holds civil case files, small claims records, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, probate files, and property deeds. Traffic tickets and traffic criminal cases are also part of the Clerk’s system. Official records of the Board of County Commissioners and other county boards are kept at the same office. These records are open to the public under Florida’s public records law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes.
Florida Criminal History Retention and Sealing Rules
Florida has clear rules about how long criminal history records stay in the system and how they can be removed. These rules come from Florida Statute 943.0515 and related laws. Some records are removed after a set number of years. Other records can be sealed or expunged by court order. Sealed records stay in the system but are hidden from the public. Expunged records are physically destroyed. Both types of records are not part of a regular public search.
Criminal History Retention Policy
Florida keeps adult criminal history records for 50 years after the final disposition. Juvenile records are kept until the person turns 26, then they are removed from the public database. Records of people who were arrested but never charged are kept for five years if the charge was a misdemeanor and ten years if the charge was a felony. Records of people who were found not guilty are kept but marked as such. The retention clock starts on the date of the final court action, not the arrest date.
Sealed and Expunged Records in Florida
A person can ask the court to seal or expunge a criminal record under Florida Statute 943.059. Sealing hides the record from public view but keeps it in the FDLE system. Expungement physically destroys the record. A person can only expunge one record in a lifetime. The person must first get a certificate of eligibility from FDLE. The process takes about six to twelve months and costs around $75 in state fees plus attorney costs. Sealed records still show up on fingerprint-based FBI background checks for certain jobs.
Who Can See Sealed or Expunged Records
Even after sealing, certain agencies can still see the record. These include the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the State Attorney’s Office, the Department of Corrections, and law enforcement agencies for criminal justice purposes. A person who has had a record sealed can also lawfully say they have never been arrested when asked on most job applications and housing forms. Breaking this rule by lying on an application is a separate criminal offense under Florida law.
Florida Background Check Options Compared
People in Manatee County have four main background check options. Each option shows different data and serves different needs. The table below shows the main differences between local Clerk searches, FDLE statewide searches, FBI federal searches, and private third-party sites. Pick the option that matches the job, the legal need, and the time available.
| Search Type | Coverage | Average Cost | Wait Time | Certified Copy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manatee County Clerk | Local court cases only | $5 name search plus $1 per page | Same day online, 5-7 days by mail | Yes, $2 extra |
| FDLE Statewide | All 67 Florida counties | $24 per search | Instant online, 5-7 days by mail | Yes, on request |
| FBI Federal Check | All US states and federal arrests | $18 to $50 per person | 7 to 14 business days | Yes |
| Third-Party Sites | Public web records, varied coverage | $5 to $95 per search | Instant to 24 hours | No, not court-accepted |
Criminal History Self-Check in Florida
Any Florida resident can ask for a free copy of their own criminal history record. This is called a self-check. The self-check shows every arrest, charge, and disposition tied to the requester’s name. The self-check is paid for by the requester if done through a private channel but is free if done through the official FDLE review process for personal review only. A person can use the self-check to find errors before they apply for a job or a professional license.
How to Request a Personal Record Review
To get a self-check, visit the FDLE website and download the Personal Review Request form. Fill out the form with a full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and a set of fingerprints taken at a local law enforcement agency. Mail the form, the fingerprints, and a photo ID copy to FDLE in Tallahassee. The review takes four to six weeks. FDLE mails the results back to the requester. The self-check is for the requester’s eyes only and cannot be used as a certified copy for any legal purpose.
Fixing Errors on a Florida Criminal History Record
Errors on a criminal history record are common. Wrong names, wrong dates of birth, duplicate entries, and missing dispositions all appear in the database. A person who finds an error can ask FDLE to fix it. The fix request must include proof of the correct data, like a court order, a certified disposition, or a birth certificate. FDLE has 30 days to review the fix request. Most fixes happen within 60 days. If FDLE denies the fix, the person can file a challenge in the circuit court where they live.
Florida Public Records Law and Criminal History
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives every person the right to see most government records, including criminal history files. The law covers records held by the Clerk of Court, FDLE, the Sheriff’s Office, and every other state and local agency. The law does have limits. Some data is removed to protect victims, witnesses, and juveniles. Active investigation records are also off-limits until the case is closed.
What Criminal History Data Is Public in Florida
Arrest dates, charge names, court case numbers, hearing dates, dispositions, sentences, and probation terms are all public under Florida law. Court orders, motions, and other filed documents are also public. Some data is removed, including Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and the home addresses of active law enforcement officers. Juvenile records are not part of the public system unless the juvenile was charged as an adult. Sealed and expunged records are not shown in public searches by law.
FDLE Public Records Request Process
To file a public records request with FDLE, send a written letter or email to the FDLE Public Records Office. The request must clearly describe the records being asked for and the name of the requester. FDLE responds within a few business days. Most basic criminal history records are free for the requester to view, but copies cost $1 per page. FDLE may charge staff time for large or complex requests. The agency must follow the public records law and cannot deny a request without a legal reason.
Fees and Certified Copies for Manatee County Records
The Clerk’s office sets the fees for local Manatee County records under Florida law. The fee schedule is the same at every Florida courthouse. The table below shows the current fees for common record services. Fees can change by state law, so always check the Clerk’s website before sending payment. Checks should be made out to the Manatee County Clerk of Court. Cash is accepted in person but not by mail.
| Service Type | Fee Amount | Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|
| Name search in public files | $5 per name | Same day |
| Regular copy of a document | $1 per page | Same day |
| Certified copy of a document | $2 per page plus $2 certification fee | Same day |
| Online subscription for high-volume users | $50 per month | Immediate access |
| Mail search request | $5 per name plus copy fees | 5-7 business days |
Common Reasons People Request Manatee County Criminal History
People ask for criminal history records for many reasons. The list below shows the most common uses. Each use case has a different level of detail required. Local court records work for most personal needs. Statewide FDLE records work for jobs and licenses. FBI federal records work for jobs that need national security clearance or work with children and the elderly.
- Employment background checks for local jobs in Manatee County
- Rental housing applications for apartments and houses
- Adoption and foster care home studies
- Professional license applications in Florida
- Personal review before applying for a new job
- Court-ordered background checks for divorce or custody cases
- Volunteer screening for schools and youth programs
- Loan and mortgage approval for large purchases
- Immigration petitions for family members
- Private investigation and legal research
How Long Does It Take to Get Records?
The wait time for a Manatee County criminal history record depends on the method. Online searches through the Clerk’s website give results right away for cases filed in the last 20 years. In-person visits at the Bradenton courthouse take 15 to 30 minutes for most name searches. Mail requests take five to seven business days. FDLE statewide searches are instant online and five to seven business days by mail. Certified copies add two to three days to the processing time. Rush service is available for an extra fee at both the Clerk’s office and FDLE.
Frequently Asked Questions About Manatee County Criminal History
This section answers the most common questions about criminal history records in Manatee County and across Florida. Each answer reflects current Florida law, FDLE rules, and Clerk of Court practice as of 2026. Read all answers before starting a search to avoid common mistakes and unnecessary fees.
Can I look up my own criminal history record for free in Florida?
Yes. Florida residents can request a free personal review of their own criminal history record through FDLE. The review shows every arrest, charge, and disposition tied to the requester’s name. The requester must submit a Personal Review Request form, a set of fingerprints, a photo ID copy, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to FDLE in Tallahassee. The review takes four to six weeks. The free self-check is for the requester’s eyes only. It is not a certified copy and cannot be used for legal filings, job applications, or licensing.
How do I find out if my Manatee County record has been sealed?
Run a name search on the Manatee County Clerk’s website or the FDLE CCHInet portal. If the record is sealed, the public search will not show the case. Only FDLE, the State Attorney’s Office, law enforcement, and certain government agencies can see sealed records. A person who believes a record should be sealed can contact the Clerk’s office or a criminal defense lawyer. The Clerk’s office can confirm the seal order and the date it was entered. A written confirmation costs $2 as a certified record.
Does a Florida criminal history record show out-of-state arrests?
No. Florida criminal history records only show arrests, charges, and dispositions from Florida. A Florida record will not show arrests from Georgia, New York, or any other state. To see out-of-state records, request a federal background check from the FBI or run a private search through a third-party site that covers all 50 states. Many employers who hire for national jobs require both the Florida FDLE check and the FBI federal check. Both checks together give a full national picture of the person’s criminal record.
Can an employer in Manatee County run a criminal background check on me?
Yes, with limits. Florida employers can ask about criminal records, but they must follow the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Florida Ban the Box law. The employer must get the applicant’s written permission before running the check. The employer cannot ask about arrests that did not lead to conviction. The employer must give the applicant a copy of the report and a chance to fix any errors before rejecting the applicant based on the record. Some jobs, like school teachers and law enforcement, have stricter rules.
What is the difference between a Florida criminal record and an arrest record?
A Florida criminal record shows the full case from arrest to final court action. An arrest record only shows the arrest itself, the booking data, and the charges at the time of arrest. Many arrest records never become criminal records because the charges are dropped, the person is found not guilty, or the case is sealed. A criminal record is the full history. An arrest record is just one part of it. Most background checks look at the full criminal record, not just the arrest record.
How do I remove an old arrest from my Manatee County record?
Ask the Clerk’s office for a Certificate of Eligibility for sealing or expungement. The requester must first get the certificate from FDLE. The application costs $75 in state fees. The requester files the certificate and a court petition in the Manatee County circuit court. A judge reviews the petition and signs an order to seal or expunge the record. The whole process takes six to twelve months. A lawyer can speed the process and make sure all paperwork is filed correctly. Only one expungement is allowed in a person’s lifetime.
Are Manatee County criminal history records accurate?
Most records are accurate, but errors do happen. Common errors include wrong names, wrong dates of birth, duplicate entries, missing dispositions, and outdated photos. A person who finds an error can ask FDLE to fix it. The fix request must include proof of the correct data, like a court order or a certified disposition. FDLE has 30 days to review the request. If FDLE denies the fix, the requester can file a legal challenge in the circuit court. A fixed record is important for job and license applications.