How to File a Civil Lawsuit in Manatee County, Florida

In Manatee County, civil lawsuits are separated into two categories.

A civil lawsuit is initiated by a plaintiff and brought against an opposing party, called the defendant, for monetary damages including physical or emotional injuries. In Manatee County, the amount of money the plaintiff is seeking in damages will determine how the plaintiff will file the case. The plaintiff incurs all litigation costs associated with a civil lawsuit.

Things You'll Need

• Statement of Claim Form

Instructions

1. Determine if the damages involved in your case exceed $500. In Manatee County, any amount not exceeding $500 will be litigated as a small claims case and anything above $500 that does not exceed $15,000 is litigated in a county civil lawsuit.

2. Contact the Manatee County Clerk of Court by phone at 941-749-1800 or by mail at P.O. Box 25400 Bradenton, FL 34206 with any questions about the filing process. Ask to receive all forms necessary if you are filing a small claims case. Contact the Law Library of Manatee County to receive forms for a county civil lawsuit by phone at 941-741-4090.

3. Pay all fees associated with your claim at the time of filing. Have all paperwork completed before arriving at the clerk of courts office.

4. Provide the physical address of the defendant to the Clerk of Court for servicing purposes. If the defendant is not served through the court, your court date will be dropped.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider hiring a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer you can contact Gulfcoast Legal Services at 9442-746-6151 or the Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-342-8011.

References

• CrimeVictimLaw.com: What is a Civil Suit?
• Manateeclerk.com: Small Claims / County Civil
• Small Claims Court Information