Bradenton probate attorney, Manatee County.

Clerk and filing

E-filing and records search

• The clerk's main line, (941) 749-1800, answers questions about e-filing and access to court and official records. manateeclerk.com
• AO 2014-5.2 requires all documents for new probate and guardianship cases to be filed electronically. The order is captioned for Sarasota County and was copied to the Manatee and DeSoto clerks. jud12.flcourts.org
• AO 2022-1.2 lets the Manatee clerk reject and destroy a paper proposed order meant for a judge, because the clerk and the judges have different addresses. jud12.flcourts.org
• Public document images in the clerk's court records no longer require a subscription or login. manateeclerk.com

Probate filing fees posted by the clerk

Source: Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller fee schedule, checked October 16, 2026. Each posted fee that has a § 28.2401 amount is $1 above that amount (plus the $4 petition charge where § 28.2401(3) applies).

Judges and divisions

12th Judicial Circuit. Serves DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Courthouses that hear probate

• Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205; (941) 749-3600; Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. jud12.flcourts.org probate assignment

• Judge Williams' web page states that effective August 1, 2026 all Manatee, Sarasota North County and Sarasota South County cases are assigned to him. Administrative Order 2026-05b.4, the controlling assignment order, is effective September 3, 2026. The Probate Division page posts the Manatee requirements as effective August 3, 2026. jud12.flcourts.org
• The Twelfth Circuit hears probate for DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties; its Probate Division has jurisdiction over the settlement of the estates of decedents and minors. jud12.flcourts.org

Administrative orders

Orders of the 12th Judicial Circuit that apply to probate and guardianship cases in Manatee County. Circuit order index.

• AO 2026-05b.4, Fourth Amended Judicial Assignments 2026. Date: August 31, 2026 (effective September 3, 2026). Assigns Manatee County probate and guardianship cases to Judge Charles E. Williams.
• AO 2022-1.2, Proposed Orders E-Filed Through the Portal. Date: January 14, 2022 (effective January 24, 2022). Requires the probate Order Admitting Will and Order of Discharge to be e-filed to the clerk for audit; other proposed orders follow the judge's requirements. The Manatee clerk may reject and destroy paper proposed orders meant for a judge, because the clerk and the judges have different addresses.
• AO 2019-4.5, Assignment of Adversary Probate Proceedings. Date: February 2019. In Manatee County, moves an adversary probate proceeding expected to take more than three hours to the Civil Division when it is ready for a trial calendar; the Probate Division keeps the pre-trial motions.
• AO 2019-11.1, Circuit Civil, Family, Probate and County Civil Cases Change in Status Reporting Requirements. Date: August 2019. Treats pending probate cases as active unless the court or clerk marks them inactive; the clerk changes status on a suggestion of bankruptcy, a post-judgment notice of appeal, an abatement or a Department of Justice hold.
• AO 2017-6.2, Administrative Closing of Inactive Reopened Cases. Date: May 2017. Has the DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota clerks administratively close probate and guardianship cases reopened before January 1, 2015 with no activity since January 1, 2016, and lets the clerk reclose a reopened case idle for one year.
• AO 2014-5.2, Creation of a Uniform Ex Parte Process for All Probate and Guardianship Cases and Division H Case Assignment. Date: January 2014 (effective March 3, 2014). Titled for all probate and guardianship cases; requires electronic filing of the documents that open a case and of the will before the paper original goes to the clerk, and notice to the judicial assistant by 3 p.m. the business day before an ex parte hearing. The order is captioned for Sarasota County and copied to the DeSoto and Manatee clerks.
• AO 2005-5.2, Case Maintenance Duties of Clerks in Probate Cases: Checklist for Closing Estates. Date: March 3, 2005. Directs the clerks to complete formal administration checklists before presenting a proposed order of discharge.
• AO 1997-14.5, Clerk Authorized to Enter Dates on Letters of Administration (Manatee and Sarasota Counties). Date: June 1997. Directs the clerk to date letters of administration with the date the bond is approved. The PDF header states the order was renumbered by AO 2001-14-2.
• AO 2000-20.5, Authorizing Use of Federal Express as Formal Notice in Probate Proceedings, Manatee County. Date: September 2000. Approves FedEx Express as a commercial delivery service for formal notice in Manatee County probate proceedings.
• AO 2024-14.5, Rescinding Administrative Order Regarding Do-Not Resuscitate Orders for the Ward in Guardianship Cases. Date: July 2, 2024. Rescinds AO 2020-02.5, because § 744.4431 now requires professional guardians to petition the court before consenting to a do-not-resuscitate order or to withholding life-prolonging procedures.
• AO 2018-8.5, Court Appointment of Non Professional Guardians in Guardianship Cases. Date: May 2018. Directs the clerk to keep Level 2 screening results and file credit history reports for each nonprofessional guardian who seeks appointment.
• AO 2017-11.5, Order Approving Guardianship Education Course. Date: July 2017. Approves the State College of Florida "Guardianship Training" course as compliance with § 744.3145.
• AO 2016-9.2, Due Process Service Rates. Date: July 2016 (rate schedule updated May 27, 2021). Sets the compensation rate schedule for due process services in cases where the court pays the cost.
• AO 2015-5a.5, Examining Committee Members' Fees in Guardianship Proceedings Where Ward Is Not Indigent. Date: 2015, effective April 1, 2015. Sets examining committee fees at $400 for a psychiatrist, other physician or psychologist and $250 for other members, paid from the ward's assets.
• AO 2024-02.2, Rescinding Local Rules. Date: January 8, 2024. Rescinds the circuit's 2007 Local Rules; the circuit manages its affairs by administrative order.

Local requirements and forms

Filing and venue

• A probate proceeding starts with a petition filed by the person asking to be appointed personal representative. The clerk's probate and guardianship office is at 1115 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton. manateeclerk.com
• Judge Williams' court page states that effective August 1, 2026 all Manatee, Sarasota North County and Sarasota South County cases are assigned to him. Administrative Order 2026-05b.4 makes the assignment effective September 3, 2026. His Manatee proceedings are in Courtroom 6D at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W. jud12.flcourts.org
• In Manatee County an adversary probate proceeding expected to run more than half a day (three hours) moves to the Civil Division when it is ready for a trial calendar; the Probate Division hears the pre-trial motions. jud12.flcourts.org
• Probate and guardianship cases reopened before January 1, 2015 with no activity since January 1, 2016 were administratively closed. To return one to open status, file a motion that explains the long inactivity; with no hearing set within 30 days, the case closes again without an order. The clerk may reclose a reopened case idle for one year. jud12.flcourts.org
• The court may direct the clerk to close a probate or guardianship file administratively. Closure does not affect pending claims and does not revoke letters or discharge the personal representative. After a reopen order, no new letters or new appointment order are needed. jud12.flcourts.org

Wills

• The custodian of a will must deposit it with the Probate Department of the clerk's office within ten days of the death, supplying the date of death or the Social Security number. An attorney is not needed to deposit a will. manateeclerk.com
• The clerk keeps the original will for at least 20 years (§ 732.901). flsenate.gov

Small estates

• A disposition of personal property without administration releases the deceased's assets to the person who paid the final expenses, such as funeral expenses and recent medical bills. manateeclerk.com
• The court's Manatee packet under § 735.301 asks for a notarized 3-page petition, a certified death certificate, the original will if there is one, copies of the funeral bill and of the last 60 days of medical and hospital expenses with receipts. The decedent must have been domiciled in Manatee County at death, or the property must be there. jud12.flcourts.org
• The Manatee packet under § 735.304 (no will) applies when the decedent has been dead more than one year with no administration pending. It asks for a notarized petition, a certified death certificate, funeral and medical receipts, asset paperwork, heirs' consents, and proof of notice to the Agency for Health Care Administration. Nonexempt personal property may not exceed $20,000 plus preferred funeral expenses and the last 60 days of medical expenses. jud12.flcourts.org
• Both packets send the filing fee question to the clerk's fee schedule. If the petition is granted, two certified copies of the Order to Disburse or Transfer Assets go to the filer for the financial institution. jud12.flcourts.org
• The clerk's page states summary administration fits an estate that does not exceed $150,000, the figure in § 735.201(2). manateeclerk.com
• If two years have passed since the death, or 90 days since first publication of the Notice to Creditors with no claim filed, homestead can be determined by petition and proposed order without a hearing. jud12.flcourts.org

Guardianship

• Florida law does not allow a guardianship to be filed without an attorney, and a guardian must be represented by an attorney of record. manateeclerk.com
• In Manatee County the clerk requires a guardian's annual accounting on or before the first day of the fourth month after the end of the fiscal year, and the annual plan is due 60 to 90 days before the anniversary of the letters. jud12.flcourts.org
• Attorneys who want to be added to or removed from the court-appointed attorney rotation list contact Court Administration in Sarasota at 941-861-7800. jud12.flcourts.org
• For guardianship appointments in Manatee County cases, call 941-747-4037. jud12.flcourts.org

Hearings

• Manatee ex parte hearings are held on Tuesdays and Fridays; Friday hearings are remote only unless specially set. They are scheduled on JACS up to 48 hours ahead and are limited to uncontested, non-evidentiary matters of 15 minutes or less. jud12.flcourts.org
• A notice of hearing is required for every hearing. Hearings of one hour or less go on JACS in 15, 30 and 60 minute slots; longer hearings are scheduled by email to the judicial assistant. jud12.flcourts.org
• Courtesy copies are due 3 days before a hearing. Email them to [email protected] as two PDFs: the notice of hearing, petition and attachments in the first, only the proposed orders in the second. Encrypted email is not accepted. jud12.flcourts.org
• The preferred way to reach court staff is email. The judicial assistant's line is (941) 861-7942, office hours 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed for lunch noon to 1 p.m. jud12.flcourts.org

Proposed orders

• The probate Order Admitting Will and Order of Discharge are e-filed to the clerk as proposed orders, because the clerk audits them before the judge reviews them. jud12.flcourts.org
• Other proposed orders for Manatee cases go in Word or PDF to [email protected]. Encrypted email is not accepted. jud12.flcourts.org
• In a testate case the Order Admitting Will must be entered and filed before letters or other proposed orders go to the court. The court does not accept proposed orders with a 5-day letter. jud12.flcourts.org
• Since January 2, 2026 the court takes commissions in hard copy at its physical mailing address, with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. jud12.flcourts.org
• The Manatee clerk may reject and destroy a paper proposed order meant for a judge, because the clerk and the judges have different addresses. jud12.flcourts.org

Bonds

• The original bond in a Manatee case is mailed to the court at the Silvertooth Judicial Center, P.O. Box 48927, Sarasota, FL 34230, or 2002 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34237. jud12.flcourts.org
• Bond guidelines: a Florida resident personal representative needs no bond unless the court sets one. An out-of-state personal representative with an estate of $50,000 or less posts a bond equal to the estate; above $50,000, a $50,000 bond, at the court's discretion. With a co-personal representative that is an in-state bank or trust company holding the assets, no bond, at the court's discretion. jud12.flcourts.org
• The clerk dates letters of administration with the date the bond is approved (AO 1997-14.5, renumbered by AO 2001-14-2). jud12.flcourts.org

Notice

• FedEx Express counts as an approved commercial delivery service for formal notice in Manatee County probate proceedings (AO 2000-20.5). jud12.flcourts.org

Forms and checklists

• Disposition of Personal Property without Administration, § 735.301 packet, Twelfth Judicial Circuit (Manatee packet)
• Disposition of Personal Property without Administration, § 735.304 packet, Twelfth Judicial Circuit (Manatee packet)
• Clerk's forms for download, Probate and Guardianship section, Manatee County Clerk
• Judge Williams requirements and information, Twelfth Judicial Circuit
• Probate & Guardianship Division page with guardianship plan, accounting and inventory forms, Twelfth Judicial Circuit
• Probate and guardianship forms library, Twelfth Judicial Circuit

Property and homestead

• To receive the homestead exemption for a year, the owner must establish permanent Florida residency on or before January 1 and apply by the March 1 deadline. Renting the primary residence on January 1 is abandonment of the exemption. manateepao.gov
• A qualified Florida resident whose spouse has died may apply for the widow's or widower's exemption by mail or in person. A copy of the death certificate may be required. manateepao.gov
• The Manatee County Property Appraiser's lobby is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. manateepao.gov

Death certificates

• Death certificates are ordered through VitalChek, the only vendor the Department of Health authorizes online, or in person or by mail at the Bradenton office. Florida deaths from 2009 to the present are available this way. A copy of valid identification goes with every request, and cause of death is released to family members and legal representatives. manatee.floridahealth.gov

Records and help

• The clerk's main line, (941) 749-1800, handles questions about e-filing and records access. manateeclerk.com
• Public document images in court records need no subscription or login; Florida law restricts some cases, documents and information. manateeclerk.com
• The clerk's probate page states $150,000 as the summary administration limit, which matches § 735.201(2) as amended by chapter 2026-57. flsenate.gov
• Chapter 2026-57, Laws of Florida, took effect July 1, 2026. laws.flrules.org
• The clerk's department list gives the probate and guardianship line as 941-741-4037. manateeclerk.com
• A court must appoint a guardian when a child receives an inheritance or lawsuit or insurance proceeds exceeding $15,000. manateeclerk.com
• The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service takes calls at 800-342-8011, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. floridabar.org

Sources

Last checked: October 16, 2026. Each source shows the text that supports the facts above.

1. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, home page, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Serving Desoto, Manatee & Sarasota Counties
2. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Administrative Orders index, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Probate/Guardianship (5)
3. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Probate & Guardianship Division, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • The Probate Division of the Circuit Court has jurisdiction of proceedings relating to the settlement of the estates of decedents and minors
   • DeSoto County Manatee County Sarasota County South County (Venice)
   • Manatee Probate and Guardianship Requirements Effective August 3, 2026
   • Disposition of Personal Property without Administration Pursuant to F.S. 735.301
   • Disposition of Personal Property without Administration Pursuant to F.S. 735.304
4. Twelfth Circuit AO 2026-05b.4, Fourth Amended Judicial Assignments 2026, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER 2026-05b.4
   • The following judicial assignments are effective September 3, 2026.
   • DONE AND ORDERED in Bradenton, Manatee County, on August 31, 2026.
   • PROBATE & GUARDIANSHIP DIVISION -MANATEE & SARASOTA COUNTIES Manatee County Honorable Charles E. Williams Sarasota County Honorable Charles E. Williams South County Probate & Guardianship Honorable Charles E. Williams
5. Twelfth Circuit AO 2022-1.2, Proposed Orders E-Filed Through the Portal, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • the following proposed orders are required to be E-Filed through the Portal to the clerk's office into the court file
   • Order Admitting Will
   • The Manatee and Sarasota County Clerks of Court have different mailing addresses and physical addresses than the judges in those counties.
   • the Clerk is authorized to reject and destroy the proposed order without notice
6. Twelfth Circuit AO 2019-4.5, Assignment of Adversary Probate Proceedings, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • IN AND FOR DESOTO, MANATEE, AND SARASOTA COUNTIES, FLORIDA
   • In Manatee County and Sarasota County (excluding South County Division H), any adversary probate proceeding requiring resolution by a trial expected to last more than a half-day (three hours) will be transferred to the Civil Division when ready to be placed on a trial calendar.
   • Pre-trial motions pertaining to the cases transferred pursuant to this paragraph will be heard by the Probate Division.
7. Twelfth Circuit AO 2019-11.1, Change in Status Reporting Requirements, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • All pending Circuit Civil, Family, Probate and County Civil cases are designated "active"
   • Suggestion of Bankruptcy
8. Twelfth Circuit AO 2017-6.2, Administrative Closing of Inactive Reopened Cases, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • IN AND FOR DESOTO, MANATEE, AND SARASOTA COUNTIES, FLORIDA
   • All circuit civil, probate, guardianship, mental health, family, county civil and small claims cases reopened prior to January 1, 2015, with no record activity in the case since January 1, 2016, shall be administratively closed by the Desoto, Manatee, and Sarasota Clerks of the Circuit Courts.
   • shall file a motion to return the matter to open or active status, including an explanation for the prolonged inactivity.
   • If no hearing is scheduled within 30 days of its filing, the case shall be administratively closed without further order of the Court.
   • no record activity for one year
9. Twelfth Circuit AO 2014-5.2, Uniform Ex Parte Process for Probate and Guardianship Cases, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Administrative Order No. 2014-5.2
   • IN AND FOR SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA
   • All documents for new Probate and Guardianship cases shall be electronically filed in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.525.
   • Copies to: Clerk of Court - Manatee and DeSoto Counties
   • The attorney desiring an ex parte hearing shall notify the judicial assistant for the Division judge, no later than by 3 p.m. the preceding business day of the hearing.
10. Twelfth Circuit AO 2005-5.2, Case Maintenance Duties of Clerks in Probate Cases, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • CHECKLIST FOR CLOSING ESTATES
    • the Clerks of the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit shall resume or continue to complete formal administration checklists prior to presenting the court with any proposed order of discharge in an estate
11. Twelfth Circuit AO 2024-14.5, Rescinding Do-Not-Resuscitate Order for Wards, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • IN AND FOR DESOTO, MANATEE AND SARASOTA COUNTIES, FLORIDA
    • Administrative Order 2020- 02.5, rendered January 17, 2020, is hereby RESCINDED, effective immediately.
12. Twelfth Circuit AO 2018-8.5, Court Appointment of Non Professional Guardians, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • IN AND FOR DESOTO, MANATEE AND SARASOTA COUNTIES, FLORIDA
    • the Clerk of the Circuit Court shall maintain the statutorily required Level 2 screening results
13. Twelfth Circuit AO 2017-11.5, Guardianship Education Course, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • DESOTO, MANATEE AND SARASOTA COUNTIES, FLORIDA
    • The course entitled "Guardianship Training" presented by State College of Florida is hereby approved.
14. Twelfth Circuit AO 2016-9.2, Due Process Service Rates, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • IN AND FOR SARASOTA, MANATEE, AND DESOTO COUNTIES, FLORIDA
    • The due process services compensation rates schedule attached hereto as Attachment "A"
15. Twelfth Circuit AO 2015-5A.5, Examining Committee Members' Fees, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • DESOTO, MANATEE AND SARASOTA COUNTIES, FLORIDA
    • Psychiatrist, other physician or psychologist $400.00 Other members of committee $250.00
    • These fees shall be paid by the guardian from the assets of the Ward.
16. Twelfth Circuit AO 2024-02.2, Rescinding Local Rules, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • the Local Rules of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, approved by the Florida Supreme Court on May 16, 2007, are hereby RESCINDED
17. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, JACS hearing scheduling, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Calendars are set up for each judge with hearing times ranging from 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 minutes.
    • You must register for attorney access in order to access JACS.
18. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Court Forms, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Probate & Guardianship Forms
19. Florida Statutes § 28.2401, probate service charges and filing fees (2026), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Fee for the opening of any estate of one document or more
    • Charge for caveat .......... $40
    • Fee for petition and order to admit foreign wills, authenticated copies, exemplified copies, or transcript to record .......... $230
    • Fee for disposition of personal property without administration .......... $230
    • Fee for summary administration - estates valued at $1,000 or more .......... $340
    • Fee for summary administration - estates valued at less than $1,000 .......... $230
    • Fee for formal administration, guardianship, ancillary, curatorship, or conservatorship proceedings .......... $395
    • Fee for guardianship proceedings of person only .......... $230
    • Fee for veterans' guardianship pursuant to chapter 744 .......... $230
    • Charge for exemplified certificates .......... $7
    • Fee for petition for determination of incompetency .......... $230
    • An additional service charge of $4 on petitions seeking summary administration, formal administration, ancillary administration, guardianship, curatorship, and conservatorship shall be paid to the clerk.
20. Florida Statutes § 28.241, filing fees for trial and appellate proceedings (2026), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Reopen fees are due at the time a party files a pleading to reopen a proceeding if at least 90 days have elapsed since the filing of a final order or final judgment with the clerk.
21. Florida Statutes § 732.901, production of wills (2026), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • The custodian of a will must deposit the will with the clerk of the court having venue of the estate of the decedent within 10 days after receiving information that the testator is dead.
    • the clerk shall retain and preserve the original will in its original form for at least 20 years
22. Florida Statutes § 735.201, summary administration (2026), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • does not exceed $150,000 or that the decedent has been dead for more than 2 years
    • s. 7, ch. 2026-57
23. Chapter 2026-57, Laws of Florida, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Section 7. Subsection (2) of section 735.201, Florida Statutes, is amended
    • Section 14. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.
24. Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal serves as a single, statewide access point connecting thousands of users to Florida's court system.
25. The Florida Bar, Lawyer Referral Service, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Call 800-342-8011, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
26. Manatee County Clerk, Probate and Guardianship, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • A Probate proceeding is initiated with the filing of a Petition by the person asking to be appointed personal representative.
    • Pursuant to Florida Statute 732.901 Wills are filed only after a person's death.
    • the custodian of the original Last Will and Testament must deposit the Will with the Probate Department of the Clerk's Office within ten (10) days of the person's death
    • The custodian of the will must supply the person's date of death or the person's Social Security number to the Clerk upon deposit of the will.
    • An attorney is not necessary to file the will with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
    • Disposition of Personal Property without Administration: The disposition is filed to request release of assets of the deceased to the person who paid the final expenses, for example, funeral expenses, recent medical bills, etc.
    • Summary administration may be administered when the value of the entire estate subject to administration does not exceed $150,000.
    • Florida law does not allow you to file a guardianship without an attorney to represent you.
    • Guardians must be represented by an attorney who will serve as
    • if a child receives an inheritance or proceeds of a lawsuit or insurance policy exceeding $15,000, the Court must appoint a guardian
    • Phone: 941-741-4037
    • Mailing Address Attn: Probate and Guardianship P.O. Box 25400 Bradenton, FL 34206
    • Physical Address 1115 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205
27. Manatee County Government, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller listing, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
    • 1115 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205 (941) 749-1800
28. Manatee County Clerk, About page, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • For information or assistance with e-filing, accessing court and official records, or paying traffic tickets or child support payments
    • (941) 749-1800
29. Manatee County Clerk, Online Searches, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • There is no longer a requirement for a subscription of website login to access public document images.
    • Florida law restricts access to some cases, documents and information based on the record and the user.
    • Court Records Search Court Records
30. Manatee County Clerk, Department Contact List, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Probate and Guardianship 941-741-4037
31. Manatee County Clerk, Probate and Guardianship Fees, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • determination of heirs if not formal administration. $231.00
    • Petition/order to admit foreign wills, authenticated copies, exemplified copies or transcripts of record $231.00
    • Summary administration (Includes all Florida Statutes 735.201) Less than $1,000 $235.00
    • Summary administration (Includes all Florida Statutes 735.201) $1,000 or more $345.00
    • Formal administration $400.00
    • Caveat / Notice of Trust $41.00
    • Fee for specific reopenings of any circuit court case, including civil and family, FS 28.241 $50.00
    • Petition for determination of incapacity $231.00
    • Guardianship proceedings, person only $235.00
    • Guardianship proceedings, property only $400.00
    • Guardianship proceedings, person and property $400.00
    • Guardianship Ancillary, Curatorship and Conservatorship $400.00
    • Foreign Guardian to manage property of non-resident $231.00
    • Veterans' administration guardianship $235.00
    • Maintain professional guardian file $7.50
    • Audit fee, verified inventory over $25,000 $85.00
    • Audit fees, Annual $25,000 or less $20.00
    • Audit fees more than $25,000 up to & including $100,000 $85.00
    • Audit fees more than $100,000 up to & including $500,000 $170.00
    • Audit fees in excess of $500,000 $250.00
    • Personal property, disposition without administration $231.00
32. Manatee County Clerk, Department Fee Listing, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Copies, per page $1.00
    • Certification of copies, per instrument $2.00
    • Records search, per year $2.00
    • First page or fraction thereof $10.00
    • Each additional page or fraction thereof $8.50
33. Manatee County Clerk, Forms for Download (Probate and Guardianship), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Disposition of Personal Property without Administration Pursuant to F.S. 735.304 05-10-2021
    • Disposition of Personal Property without Administration Pursuant to F.S. 735.301 12-21-2020
    • Consent to Disposition of Personal Property 12-21-2020
    • Statement of Claim (PDF) 10-07-2015
34. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Manatee packet: Disposition of Personal Property under § 735.301, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Decedent must have been domiciled in Manatee County at time of death, or the property is located in Manatee County.
    • 3 pages, notarized (required)
    • Certified Death Certificate (required)
    • Copy of funeral bill and receipts.
    • Copy of medical and hospital expenses for last 60 days of decedent's last illness with receipts.
    • If the decedent had a will, the original has to be filed with the verified statement, unless previously filed.
    • For current filing fee, please see Fee Schedule at www.manateeclerk.com.
    • The forms may be sworn to before the deputy clerk or a notary public.
    • If granted, two certified copies of the Order to Disburse or Transfer Assets will be provided to you.
35. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Manatee packet: Disposition of Personal Property under § 735.304, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • been deceased for more than 1 year, no administration of the decedent's estate is pending in this state and decedent had no will
    • Decedent was domiciled in Manatee County at time of death or property is located in Manatee County.
    • shall not exceed the sum of $20,000 and the amount of preferred funeral expenses
    • Proof of notice to the Agency for Health Care Administration
    • Copy of paperwork showing assets including dollar amount at the time of decedent's death.
    • last 60 days of decedent's last illness with receipts
    • 3 pages, notarized (required)
    • Certified Death Certificate (required)
    • Copy of funeral bill and receipts.
    • Consent of any additional heirs with address and notarized signature
    • For current filing fee, please see Fee Schedule at www.manateeclerk.com.
    • If granted, two certified copies of the Order to Disburse or Transfer Assets will be provided to you.
36. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Manatee County Judicial Center, checked October 16, 2026
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    • Address: 1051 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, FL 34205
    • Phone: (941) 749-3600
    • Business Hours 8:30am to 5pm, Monday - Friday
37. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Judge Charles E. Williams (Manatee County), checked October 16, 2026
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    • Effective August 1, 2026, all Manatee, Sarasota North County and Sarasota South County (Venice) cases, are assigned to Judge Williams.
    • Physical Address Manatee County Judicial Center 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205 Courtroom Proceedings are held in Courtroom 6D
    • The preferred method of communication with court staff is email.
    • (941) 861-7942
    • Office Hours 8:30 am-5 pm; closed for lunch Noon-1 pm
    • In Manatee County, Ex Parte hearings are held on Tuesdays, and Fridays. All hearings scheduled on Fridays shall be conducted exclusively by remote means, unless specially set with the court.
    • Ex Parte hearings are scheduled on the JACS calendar up to 48 hours in advance by attorneys and shall be conducted virtually/remotely. Ex Parte hearings shall be uncontested, non-evidentiary and 15 min. or less in length.
    • A Notice of Hearing is required for all hearings scheduled before the court regardless of duration or nature.
    • All hearings 1 hour or less in length must be scheduled through JACS. Available timeslots are 15, 30 & 60 minutes.
    • All hearings estimated to last more than one hour must be scheduled by emailing the judicial assistant.
    • These documents must be furnished no later than 3 days prior to the date of the hearing.
    • Send documents for hearings to [email protected].
    • The court requires that two separate .PDF files be attached to your email.
    • The first .PDF attachment should include your Notice of Hearing, Petition, and any relevant attachments.
    • The second .PDF attachment should contain only your proposed orders.
    • Send proposed orders to [email protected].
    • (encrypted email submissions are not accepted)
    • The Order Admitting Will must be entered by the court and filed for record prior to submitting any subsequent orders to the court for consideration
    • The court will not accept proposed Orders with a "5-day letter"
    • Effective January 2, 2026, the court requires that commissions be sent in hard copy format to the court's physical mailing address for review and entrance by the court. Counsel shall provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
    • Manatee County cases The original Bond is to be mailed to the court at the Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center, P.O. Box 48927, Sarasota, FL 34230 or 2002 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34237
    • Florida Resident P.R. No bond, but court discretion to set
    • Out-of-State P.R. with value $50,000 or less Bond equal to value of estate
    • Out-of-State P.R. with value in excess of $50,000 $50,000 bond, but court discretion to set
    • Out-of-State P.R. with co-P.R. in-state bank/trust company holding assets No bond, but court discretion to set
    • If either two years have lapsed since the date of decedent's death or 90 days since the date of first publication of Notice to Creditors, and a claim has not been filed, then homestead can be determined by petition/proposed order without a hearing.
    • An administrative closure does not have any effect on any pending claims against the estate or guardianship, does not constitute a revocation of letters or a discharge of the personal representative or guardian.
    • There is no need for a new order appointing personal representative or new letters.
    • In both Manatee and Sarasota Counties, pursuant to 744.367(2), the Clerk requires an annual accounting to be filed on or before the first day of the fourth month after the end of the fiscal year.
    • In both Sarasota County and Manatee County, the Annual Plan is due 60-90 days prior to the last day of the anniversary of the Letters of Administration.
    • Counsel wishing to be added or removed from the attorney rotation list should contact Court Administration in Sarasota (941-861-7800).
    • For appointments in Manatee County cases call 941-747-4037
38. Twelfth Circuit AO 1997-14.5, Clerk Authorized to Enter Dates on Letters of Administration, checked October 16, 2026
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    • MANATEE AND SARASOTA COUNTIES
    • the Clerk is directed to date the leters with the date the bond is approved
    • THIS ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER WAS RENUMBERED BY ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NUMBER 2001-14-2.
39. Twelfth Circuit AO 2000-20.5, Federal Express as Formal Notice in Probate Proceedings, Manatee County, checked October 16, 2026
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    • IN AND FOR MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA
    • shall constitute an approved commercial delivery service
40. Manatee County Property Appraiser, home page, checked October 16, 2026
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    • Ad-Valorem property valuation for Manatee County, Florida
41. Manatee County Property Appraiser, Contact, checked October 16, 2026
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    • 941-748-8208
    • 915 4th Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205
    • Lobby Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
42. Manatee County Property Appraiser, homestead exemption FAQ, checked October 16, 2026
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    • The homeowner must establish permanent Florida residency on or before January 1, and apply on-line or in person at the Property Appraiser's office no later than the March 1 deadline of the year the exemption is to begin.
    • they may apply for the widow's or widower's exemption
    • A copy of the death certificate may be required.
    • Rental of a primary residence on January 1 constitutes abandonment of homestead exemption.
43. Florida Department of Health in Manatee County, Death Certificates, checked October 16, 2026
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    • Death Certificates are available for deaths occurring in the state of Florida from 2009 to present.
    • A legible copy of a valid driver's license, passport, state-issued ID, or military identification card must accompany all requests.
    • You must be a family member or legal representative when requesting cause of death.
    • the only vendor authorized by the Florida Department of Health
    • open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • $8 Death Certificate
    • 941-748-0747
    • 410 6th Ave. East Bradenton, FL 34208