This page helps users complete a Permit Search in Manatee County, Florida by explaining where to search, what information to use, and how to check a permit’s status through official county tools.

Manatee County uses Accela Citizen Access and the Development Services Department for building permit records, applications, inspections, and related permitting support.

The main online tool for a Manatee County permit search is Accela Citizen Access. Use the Building search area to look up permit records by details connected to the property, contractor, parcel, record, or contact.

  • Site address
  • Contractor license information
  • Parcel number
  • Record information
  • Contact information

After you find a record, use the record details to review the permit status and related processing information.

  • Open the search building permit records in Accela page.
  • Select the search type that matches the information you have.
  • Enter the record number, address, parcel number, contractor information, or other supported search detail.
  • Open the matching record and choose “Record Info.”
  • Select “Processing Status” to review workflow steps, completed reviews, pending items, and due dates.

Searching without an Accela account

You can search for property permit records without creating an account by using the Search tab and selecting Building Permits. This is useful when you only need to check a permit record, review public status information, or look up a permit tied to an address or parcel.

An account is required for some Online Services features, including submitting applications and managing records connected to your account. Users who created or are associated with a record can sign in and use “My Records” to view Building, Planning, and License records.

Advanced search options

Manatee County Online Services uses Advanced Search for public record lookup. If you do not know the record number, use “Lookup Property Information” to search by address. If you do not know the address, use “Search Records/Applications” and choose the correct category.

  • Building records
  • Planning records
  • License records
  • Complaint and service requests

Tip: Search results are easier to narrow when you have a record number, full address, parcel number, or date range.

Older permit records

Building permits that closed before February 28, 2018 are handled through Manatee County’s historical data option. The county identifies Civic Data as the place to review CSV files for permits issued since 1991.

Those older files include data only. For documents connected to older permit records, contact the county’s Records department.

Permit applications and project tracking

The Online Services portal also supports permit applications, payments, licensing, planning and zoning submissions, and project tracking from submittal through final approval. Homeowners and registered contractors with an Online Services Portal account can use the county’s permit management tools.

For application and project-management tasks, use Manatee County’s apply, search, and manage building permits service page.

Checking application processing status

After locating a permit record, open “Record Info” and choose “Processing Status.” This view shows workflow steps, including completed items, items in process, and items that have not started.

If you are signed in and are a contact on the record, use “My Records” to see record status and available actions for Building, Planning, and License records.

Permit expiration and completion checks

Manatee County states that permits expire after 180 days if no required inspections have been approved. A project is complete only after final inspections are passed, fees are paid, and all conditions are met.

For a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion, confirm that final inspections have passed, CO holds have been released, and all related fees have been paid. The Online Services portal can be used to verify these items.

Public access limits and protected records

Some online services require login for security reasons. New users can register for a free Citizen Access account to see application history, invoices, receipts, and pending activity status tied to their account.

Citizens protected under Florida Statute 119 exemptions must contact Building and Development Services directly to start an application.

Manatee County permitting contacts

Use these contacts for permit search help, application questions, inspections, plans review, and related building permit support.

  • Manatee County Permitting, Manatee County Administration Building - East Campus, 9000 Town Center Parkway, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
    Phone: 941-748-4501 x3800
    Email: permitting@mymanatee.org
  • Building Division
    Phone: (941) 749-3012
  • Building Plans Review
    Phone: (941) 748-4501 x3814
    Email: plansreview@mymanatee.org
  • Building Inspections Section
    Phone: (941) 742-4190
    Email: inspections@mymanatee.org
  • Contractor Licensing Division
    Phone: (941) 748-4501 x3574
    Email: licensing@mymanatee.org
  • Floodplain Management
    Phone: 941-748-4501 ext. 5871
    Email: Flood@mymanatee.org
  • Zoning/Reviewer on Call
    Phone: 941-748-4501 x6894
    Email: revieweroncall@mymanatee.org

Common questions

Where do I search for Manatee County building permits?

Use Accela Citizen Access and select the Building permit search area. You can search with details such as an address, parcel number, record number, contractor license information, or contact information.

Do I need an account to search permit records?

No. Manatee County says users can search property records by using the Search tab and selecting Building Permits without needing an account.

How do I check the status of a permit after I find it?

Open the record, choose “Record Info,” and then select “Processing Status.” That section shows completed reviews, active workflow steps, and due dates.

What if the permit closed before February 28, 2018?

Use the county’s historical data option for building permits that closed before February 28, 2018. Civic Data includes CSV permit data for permits issued since 1991, but document requests should go through the Records department.

For permit search help, contact Manatee County Permitting at 941-748-4501 x3800 or permitting@mymanatee.org.

Can I use the portal to apply for permits too?

Yes. The Online Services portal supports applications, payments, licensing, planning and zoning, and project tracking. Some application features require a registered account.