New Resident Guide · Bradenton, Florida
Manatee CountyUtilities & Services
Just bought or moving within Manatee County? Here is every office and utility you'll need to get settled across Bradenton, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, the island cities, and the rest of the county — turn on the power and water, set up trash, file your homestead exemption, register to vote, and find your zoned schools. Print it and keep it on the fridge.
Step 1
County Offices
The government offices every new homeowner needs — for your homestead exemption, taxes, license plates, schools, and voter registration.
Property Appraiser
Manatee County Property Appraiser
File your homestead exemption (deadline March 1), check your assessed value, and look up property records. Filing homestead is the most valuable thing a new Florida homeowner can do.
Tax Collector
Manatee County Tax Collector
Pay property taxes, register your vehicles and get Florida license plates, and handle driver license services. New residents must get a Florida license within 30 days.
Supervisor of Elections
Manatee County Supervisor of Elections
Register to vote or update your voter registration with your new address.
Public Schools
School District of Manatee County
Find the schools your new address is zoned for and enroll your children.
School locator →Official Records / Deeds
Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
Records and provides copies of your deed and other official property documents; also marriage licenses and court records.
Building & Permitting
Manatee County Building & Development Services
Permits and inspections for remodels, additions, pools, and fences in unincorporated Manatee County (ext. 3800). If your home is inside a city, permit through that city instead.
Sheriff (Non-Emergency)
Manatee County Sheriff's Office
Non-emergency police matters and reports for unincorporated areas; cities may have their own police department. For emergencies, always call 911.
Step 2
Set Up Your Utilities
Call ahead of your move-in date so the power and water are on when you arrive. Electric and water depend on your exact address — see the note under each.
Electric
FPL is the sole electric utility countywide — no municipal electric here.
Florida Power & Light (FPL)
Serves: All of Manatee County — Bradenton, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, the island cities, and unincorporated areas.
Water & Sewer
Three providers by address. The county serves unincorporated areas, most of Lakewood Ranch, and the island cities.
Manatee County Utilities
Serves: Unincorporated county, most of Lakewood Ranch, and Anna Maria, Holmes Beach & Bradenton Beach.
City of Bradenton Utilities
Serves: Inside City of Bradenton limits.
City of Palmetto Utilities
Serves: City of Palmetto (new accounts set up in person at City Hall).
Natural Gas
TECO Peoples Gas is the gas provider where mains exist; many newer subdivisions are all-electric.
TECO Peoples Gas
Serves: Bradenton and Manatee County where gas mains exist.
Trash & Recycling
Inside a city, trash is handled by the city; in unincorporated areas, by the county (dial 311 / (941) 748-4501).
City of Bradenton Public Works
Serves: City of Bradenton (Palmetto bills trash with utilities at (941) 723-4570).
Internet & TV
Availability varies block to block — check your address on each provider's site.
Spectrum (Charter)
Serves: Cable internet and TV across most of the county.
Not sure who serves your exact address?
Electric, water, and trash can change street by street. The fastest ways to confirm: check the seller's most recent utility bill, ask your closing agent or title company, or call the city utility office for the city your home is in. If your home is in an unincorporated area, it's handled by the county. Your MaxLife agent is happy to help you pin this down before closing.
Manatee County Setup — Common Questions
Who provides electricity in Manatee County, FL?
Florida Power & Light (FPL) is the sole electric utility across the county — Bradenton, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, the island cities, and unincorporated areas. There is no municipal electric. Set up service at (888) 988-8249.
How do I set up water service in Manatee County?
Three providers depending on address: Manatee County Utilities ((941) 792-8811) serves unincorporated areas, most of Lakewood Ranch, and the island cities; the City of Bradenton and City of Palmetto each run their own water inside city limits.
How do I file for the Florida homestead exemption in Manatee County?
File with the Manatee County Property Appraiser at manateepao.gov or (941) 748-8208. The deadline is March 1, and you must own and occupy the home as your permanent residence as of January 1 of that year.
Where do I register my car and get a Florida driver license after moving to Manatee County?
The Manatee County Tax Collector (taxcollector.com, (941) 741-4800) handles vehicle registration, license plates, and driver license services. New residents generally must get a Florida license within 30 days and register their vehicles within 10 days of starting work or enrolling children in school.
How do I register to vote in Manatee County?
Register or update your address through the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections at votemanatee.gov or (941) 741-3823. You can also update your registration when you get your Florida driver license.
Helpful next reads
Take it with you
Print this Manatee County contact sheet as a clean one-pager — perfect to keep on the fridge or hand to a client at closing.
Buying or selling in Manatee County? Talk to Ryan Solberg at MaxLife Realty.
Contact details verified June 2026against each agency's and provider's official website. Government offices and utilities occasionally change phone numbers, websites, and service areas — please confirm before relying on a number for a deadline or time-sensitive matter. MaxLife Realty is not affiliated with any office or utility listed here. For emergencies, call 911.