Florida · County profile
Manatee County
Manatee County includes Bradenton, Palmetto, barrier-island cities, Lakewood Ranch communities, and unincorporated areas. The responsible permitting or business office depends on the address.
Last updated
Permits and licenses in Manatee County
How county services are organized
The right office often depends on the property address and whether the service is administered countywide.
Manatee County includes Bradenton, Palmetto, barrier-island cities, Lakewood Ranch communities, and unincorporated areas. The responsible permitting or business office depends on the address.
County building division
Manatee County Development Services handles permits for unincorporated addresses through its Accela portal.
No unincorporated business tax
Businesses outside city limits do not pay a Manatee County local business tax receipt.
Cities set local rules
Bradenton, Palmetto, the island cities, and Longboat Key may require their own approvals or business receipts.
Manatee County facts
At a glance- County seat
- Bradenton
- Largest city
- Bradenton
- Municipalities
- 6
- 2020 population
- 399,710
Population
Population at the 2010 and 2020 censuses and the July 2025 estimate.
- Population
- 468,200July 2025 estimate
Income
- Median household income
- $78,4572020–2024
Housing
- Owner-occupied housing
- 74.3%2020–2024
- Median home value
- $391,400Owner-occupied, 2020–2024
Demographics
Selected measures from the latest available Census Bureau profile.
- Age 65 and older
- 29.4%2025 QuickFacts profile
- Veterans
- 31,9722020–2024
Geography and communities
- County seat
- Bradenton
- Municipalities
- 6
- Growth since 2010
- 45.0%2010 Census to 2025 estimate
County contact information
Manatee County Government
(941) 748-4501
Official county website ↗
Use the county’s official directory to confirm the responsible department. Incorporated municipalities may operate separate offices for address-dependent services.