This page is intended to provide one location for information to assist the litigants in learning about Small Claims Cases in Manatee County.
Additional Instructions for Manatee Small Claims Trials
The purpose of these additional instructions is to provide general information only and to aid the parties in the orderly and efficient flow of the trial. You can look up your case at the Manatee County Clerk of Court’s website. The Judges/Magistrates page provides contact information for the Judges’ offices.
- Address Changes
- All changes in mailing addresses must be furnished in writing to the Clerk of Court and the opposing party.
- Representation
- An attorney may assist you with questions of law or procedure. However, the clerk of court, judge, judicial assistant, and court staff are prohibited from giving you legal advice. If you wish to retain an attorney and aren’t sure where to look, you may contact The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service at (800) 342-8011.
- Requests of the Court
- Any request of the Court must be in writing and filed with the Clerk with a copy to the other party. Upon receipt, the Court will review your request and may set it for hearing if appropriate.
- Trial Preparation
- Bring all witnesses, all documents, and all other evidence you plan to use at the trial. There is only one trial! Have everything ready and be on time. If it was suggested to you at the pre-trial conference that you may need something for the trial, such as an expert witness (automobile mechanic, carpenter, painter, etc.) or a particular document (note, lease, receipts, statements, etc.), make sure you have that necessary person or evidence at the trial. Written estimates of repairs are usually not acceptable as evidence in court unless both parties agree that the written estimates are proper for the judge to consider, or unless the person who wrote the estimate is present to testify as to how (s)he arrived at the amount(s) on the estimate and that the amount(s) is reasonable in that particular line of business. Witnesses may be subpoenaed by either side in the case. To have subpoenas issued, contact the clerk.
- Procedure at Trial
- The Plaintiff presents evidence first, then the Defendant. The Plaintiff may then present rebuttal evidence. If you want to ask questions of witnesses, the Judge may permit questioning of the witnesses. However, only questions (not statements or argument) may be posed to any witness. You may also present physical evidence such as documents, contracts, leases, and photos. Understand, however, not all evidence is admissible. The Judge cannot give legal advice and is unable to tell a party what evidence to present. It is your responsibility to decide what is needed for a coherent and legally supportable presentation of your case and what evidence, testimony, or documents to present. Ensure that your witnesses comply with the applicable dress code.
- Electronically Stored Evidence
- If you intend to offer any photo, video, or other material that is stored in a cell phone or other electronic device, you must confer with the IT department prior to the trial. Information about the IT department can be found on the Technology Services page. Any such evidence must be presented in a format that, once received into evidence, will remain with the Court.
- Court Reporter
- Your trial will not be recorded.If you wish to have a record of the proceedings, you must hire a court reporter at your own expense. You are responsible for the cost of transcripts, if they are necessary.
- Counterclaims
- If you are the Plaintiff and you have been given a written notice that a counterclaim has been filed against you in this case, this means that you are being sued by the Defendant. If, at the time of the trial, the counterclaim has been properly filed, there are two lawsuits being considered by the judge at the same time: the Plaintiff’s suit against the Defendant and the Defendant’s suit against the Plaintiff. If the Defendant wishes to file a counterclaim after the pre-trial conference, the Defendant must make that request in accordance with instructions under “Requests of the Court” above.
- Settlement
- If you settle the case before trial, immediately notify the Judge’s office by phone (at (941) 749‐3600), and send the original of any settlement agreement to the Clerk of Court with a copy to the Judge’s office.
- ADA Notice
- If you are a person with a disability who needs accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the Manatee County Jury Office, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205, (941) 741‐4028, within two (2) working days of your receipt of this Notice of Trial; if you are hearing impaired, call (800) 955‐8771; if you are voice impaired, call (800) 955‐8770.
- Interpreters
- The Twelfth Judicial Circuit provides spoken language court interpreters to limited-English-proficient persons in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, section 90.606, Florida Statutes, and Rule 2.560, Florida Rules of Judicial Administration. If you require the assistance of an interpreter, you can visit the Court Interpreters page or call (941) 749‐3659. Please submit your request as early as possible. Requests made with less than 5 business days’ notice may not be accommodated.
- El Duodécimo Circuito Judicial provee intérpretes judiciales de la lengua hablada a personas con dominio limitado del inglés de acuerdo con el Titulo VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, sección 90.606, los Estatutos de la Florida y la Regla 2.560 de las Reglas de Administración Judicial de la Florida. Si necesita la ayuda de un intérprete, por favor envíe su solicitud a la página web de intérpretes judiciales o llame al (941) 749‐3659. Por favor, envíe su solicitud lo antes posible; no se garantiza el servicio para las solicitudes hechas con menos de 5 días hábiles.