Who we are: Manatee County Code Enforcement operates under the Department of Public Safety. Our team consists of 21 Code Enforcement Officers, each assigned to specific zones across the county. Additionally, three Lieutenants supervise operations, provide training, and offer support to officers in their investigations. We also have three officers dedicated to special assignments, including enforcement of regulations related to sexually oriented businesses, pain management clinics, towing, massage parlors, and unlicensed contractors.
What we do: Code Enforcement helps maintain clean, safe, and attractive neighborhoods by enforcing the County Code of Ordinances, Land Development Code, and applicable State Statutes. These regulations are in place to protect property values and promote public safety. Officers conduct proactive patrols and respond to citizen complaints. In most cases, investigations are limited to violations visible from outside the property, such as overgrown vegetation, outdoor storage, and structure maintenance concerns.
When we operate: Code Enforcement staff are available:
Monday through Friday: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
After hours inspections can be scheduled as needed.
Where we serve: Manatee County Code Enforcement oversees more than 740 miles of unincorporated areas within the county. This coverage is divided into 25 zones, with each zone assigned to a dedicated officer to ensure consistent oversight and enforcement.
Why we do it: Our mission is to protect the health and safety of residents, businesses, and visitors of Manatee County by providing a fair and effective compliance assistance and enforcement program to improve compliance with State laws and County ordinances under the responsibility of the Public Safety Department.
What We Don’t Do:
While Code Enforcement plays a critical role in the community, there are areas outside of our responsibility such as:
- Permit distribution -- Contact the permitting department
- Criminal activity – Contact local law enforcement
- Pest or animal control -- Contact Animal Services or Pest Control
- Air or water quality complaints – Contact Environmental Protection
- HOA rule enforcement -- These are enforced privately by the HOA
- Interior issues – We cannot inspect inside a home unless invited
Note: Code Enforcement Officers do not write, interpret, or grant exceptions to the code. We strictly enforce the regulations as written.