Overview
Welcome to the Sunshine State! We're excited that you've chosen Manatee County as your home, and we look forward to serving you. This page provides an overview of our services and guides you to specific information to help ensure you successfully complete your transactions.
If you're not a Manatee County resident, read our non-Manatee County resident FAQ to see the guidelines for processing your transactions in Manatee County. To process your transactions in your Florida county of residence, see our list of Florida tax collector websites.
Role of the tax collector
Florida tax collectors are independent constitutional officers elected by their county's citizens and taxpayers. They do not work directly for the county or the state, but rather as an agent for various local and state agencies. Tax collectors serve four-year terms and provide a wide range of services, including the following:
- Processing driver license and identification (ID) card transactions on behalf of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
- Processing motor vehicle, boat, and mobile home registration and title transactions on behalf of the FLHSMV
- Collecting and distributing property taxes
- Enforcing, auditing, collecting, and distributing tourist development taxes
- Processing concealed weapon license applications on behalf of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
To learn more about the Manatee County Tax Collector, read Ken Burton, Jr.'s bio
.
Driver licenses
Florida law requires you to transfer your driver license or ID card within 30 days of moving and becoming employed or enrolling your children in public school. For requirements, read our out-of-state driver license and ID card transfer publication
.
While processing your Florida driver license or ID card transaction, you may also apply for your Florida voter registration. If you have questions about voting, visit the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections website or contact the supervisor of elections' office by phone at (941) 741-3823.
For more information, see our driver license general information page.
License plates
Florida law requires you to register and title your vehicle within 30 days of moving and becoming employed or enrolling your children in public school. If you physically hold your out-of-state title, read our out-of-state title transfer publication for requirements.
If you lease or make payments on your motor vehicle or boat, you may be eligible to get a Florida license plate and registration without first getting a Florida title. For requirements, read our registration only publication.
For more information, see our motor vehicle general information page.
Property taxes
In Florida, property taxes are assessed on real estate and tangible personal property (also called "personal property") and are paid in arrears. Tax bills are mailed on or around November 1 each year and are due March 31 the following year.
Florida law divides property tax responsibilities between two separate agencies: the property appraiser's office and the tax collector's office (our office). The property appraiser's office assesses the taxes, and the tax collector's office collects the taxes.
For information about or assistance with the following items, visit the Manatee County Property Appraiser website or contact the appraiser's office by phone at (941) 748-8208:
- Exemptions, including homestead
- Assessments or values
- Property cut-outs or combinations
- Changes of ownership or address
For more information, see our property tax general information page.
Concealed weapon licenses
You can apply for a Florida concealed weapon license at our Driver License office. We offer this service by appointment only. We can take your picture, scan your fingerprints, and file your application electronically with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
For more information, see our concealed weapon license general information page.
Additional information
For more information about our services for new Florida residents, read our FAQ.