Manatee County Building Department - Bradenton, Florida

Holly M.

Absolutely the worst county to deal with! We hired a LICENSED pool contractor. He built an inground firepit, retaining wall and SPA without pulling the correct permit. I had NO idea. Manatee County conducted 18 inspections and did NOT notice these huge things?! I had to call code enforcement on myself to get them to deal with it! Then, they make us take over the permit after the contractor abandoned the job. The county told us we would NOT have to pay the $495 the contractor owed. After we completed the pool and REMOVED the spa, firepit, and wall they of course, made US pay the outstanding fees from the pool contractor. Their inspectors are terrible and so are the "managers". Then, when asked how they managed to not notice the unpermitted work, they said they would have at the "final, final" inspection. There is NO final final. I did the final electrical, final plumbing, and child safety. Never did this magical final, final. It's such a joke! They are just here to collect $$$$. They do not care if the work is done correctly. Never mind, one of the "inspectors" came to inspect at my home was HIGH out of his mind! Almost falling over! I can not believe Manatee County is run like this! I've heard it all from them, including "I'd hate to make you fill your new pool with dirt" Sean O'Donnell.... That would NEVER happen. Such wonderful folks over there in that office. My suggestion to you if you are dealing with them, go into the office. Their attitudes greatly change when you stand in front of them. Over the phone and email, they will bully you. In person, they are peachy as pie. Now I'll go enjoy my beautiful pool, no thanks to you, Manatee county.

Julie V.

Absolutly terrible service anytime i call in for permitting.
They always answer the phone with an attitude, don't give full detailed information and cut you off while you're speaking. They are always MONTHS behind on work and take forever to get anything done.

D

Manatee county hired woodruff and sons to fix ditch easement by my house and i filed a claim after they damaged my sprinklers with their dumb truck and the acknowledged the damage and now risk assessor at manatee county says they didnt do the work that they hired them and its my responsibility to chase them down and get it fixed... i totally disagree you hired them you should have to have them fix the damage. When i mentioned about getting the mayor involved he said the mayor has no power here... we'll see about that

Lavender L.

Total waste of time! When getting grants they don't follow up appropriately on the inspection report! Very incompetent and cowards to admit they're wrong! Don't waste your time getting grants! I miss Vicki White whom was very professional and follow thoroughly throughout the process!

Leon G.

OK. I know that I'm just starting the process to obtain a building permit but I almost quit before even starting. The 2+ stars on Google reviews promised severe difficulty ahead. I made a call to the building department and yes, I was quickly transferred to where I got a recorded message. I huge up and called back and quickly and thoroughly described what I was trying to get accomplished with this phone call. I was trying to find out if they had building plans on file for the villa I live in. I was transferred to the Manatee Public Records department where JENN STRICKLAND answered. I stated that I was trying to find out if they had building plans on file and explained that I going to pull a permit in the next 1 - 2 months to enclose my lanai in my villa. She asked for my contact information and stated she would check the microfiche file and that I would probably need my survey also. JENN STRICKLAND was professional, polite and patient with me on the phone. I thanked her and hung up. I was planning for a 2 - 3 day wait on any follow up. Shockingly, I had all the information I discussed with JENN STRICKLAND via email in less than 1 hour! WOW! Thank you JENN.

(I will make updates to my experiences with the Manatee Building Department as I progress on this journey)

*Update 21/23/23*
I could write a book about my experience with Manatee County Building Department but I'll share the "Cliff Notes". Just so you know my knowledge level of obtaining building permits -> ZERO!

7/20/23 False start because I used the wrong record type and the application was cancelled (20+ hours in navigating application online with uploads and other requested info)

7/24/23 Second attempt to apply online but with the correct record type description (shared with me by the cancelling party of my first attempt). After a lot of guessing on requested/needed information for the permit, learning how to navigate the online application program AND a very helpful gentleman named Patrick Stanley who provided MUCH direction and help -> permit application approved on 8/31/23.

9/21/23 First building inspection (concrete block) approved by inspector Debbie Haney. This inspector was professional, knowledgeable, polite and overall helpful.

11/16/23 Second inspection (impact resistant windows and door) approved by inspector Debbie Haney.

12/19/23 Final inspection approved by Debbie Haney.

12/21/23 Certificate on Completion sent by email.

I called the Manatee County Building Department many times and the vast majority of the times I reached helpful and professional staff. The above mention by name staff were the stars in this journey of my project. I couldn't have done it without everyone's help. THANK YOU!

JJ D.

Worst municipality I have to deal with. It has been taking weeks for a simple water heater permit. If they would get up to date like the other municipalities and use a program like Accela rather than trying to do permits by email it would be better for all involved. Municipality, contractor, and homeowners. Then they wonder why people don't bother to pull permits.

Chris K.

Had general questions regarding inspections on my home that was built a few years ago. I spoke with Lady (she said her name was Lady lol) and Stephanie in Inspections and they were very helpful. Stephanie pointed me in the right direction on how to contact the builder to help resolve possible defects. Very satisfied with my interaction.

Jesus S.

Not everyone is Difficult i just wanted to state that... Some of the reviews go beyond to help you as well....