Protecting your privacy is a top priority, and this Privacy Policy explains how information is collected, used, and safeguarded when you access or interact with the Manatee County Property Appraiser information resources available on this website. While our platform is privately operated and not an official government site, we are committed to maintaining strict standards of transparency and security. This policy outlines the types of data that may be gathered, such as search queries or contact submissions, and clarifies how that information is handled responsibly. Our goal is to ensure that visitors feel confident while researching property records, tax exemptions, or appraisal details. By reading this Privacy Policy, you will better understand how we protect your data, the limited circumstances under which it may be shared, and your rights as a user of this site.
Information We Collect
When you use the Manatee County Property Appraiser informational website, certain data may be collected to improve your browsing experience, provide accurate resources, and ensure site functionality. We categorize this information into two main types: data you provide voluntarily and information that is automatically collected through technology.
Data You Provide Voluntarily
Some information is shared directly by users when they interact with the website. Examples include:
- Contact Forms & Email Inquiries – If you send a message or request information, you may be asked to provide your name, email address, and details of your inquiry.
- Newsletter Sign-ups or Resource Requests – When opting into updates or downloadable resources, you may provide contact details to receive the requested material.
- Filing or Search Assistance Requests – If you use tools or guides on the site and choose to submit a query for clarification, additional details may be provided voluntarily.
This information is used strictly for responding to inquiries, improving educational resources, and delivering requested materials. It is never sold or shared with third parties without explicit consent, except where required by law.
Automatically Collected Information
In addition to user-submitted data, the website may gather certain details automatically when you browse, such as:
- IP Address & Device Information – Helps us understand where visitors are accessing the site from and optimize the experience for different devices.
- Browser Type & Operating System – Used to ensure compatibility and improve technical performance.
- Cookies & Analytics Data – Small data files that track site usage, including pages visited, time spent on the site, and referring websites. This helps us identify which sections are most useful to visitors.
All automatically collected data is aggregated and analyzed only for website functionality, traffic monitoring, and content improvement. It does not include personally identifiable information unless combined with voluntary data provided by the user.
How We Use Your Information
The information collected through the Manatee County Property Appraiser informational website is used responsibly and only for purposes that enhance user experience, ensure legal compliance, and improve the quality of the services provided. We do not sell or misuse personal data. Below is an outline of how your information may be used:
For Service Improvements
We use collected data to:
- Enhance website functionality – ensuring pages load properly across devices and browsers.
- Identify popular resources – analyzing which guides, FAQs, or tools users engage with most to improve content offerings.
- Optimize search experience – helping refine tools such as property lookup, exemption guides, or tax estimator resources.
- Maintain site security – monitoring technical activity to prevent misuse, spam, or unauthorized access.
By studying both voluntary and automatically collected data, we continuously refine the site to provide clear, accurate, and user-friendly property tax information.
Communication & Notifications
If you provide contact details voluntarily, we may use that information to:
- Respond to your inquiries about property searches, exemptions, or tax-related questions.
- Send requested materials or updates (such as guides, filing reminders, or newsletters, if you opt-in).
- Provide important notices about changes to this Privacy Policy or updates in property-related processes.
We only send communications relevant to your request, and you can opt out of non-essential updates at any time.
Legal and Compliance Purposes
In certain cases, your data may be used to:
- Comply with applicable laws and regulations governing privacy, data protection, and online resources.
- Respond to lawful requests or legal processes if information must be disclosed by court order or regulatory requirement.
- Protect the website’s integrity – including investigating fraudulent or unauthorized activities that may compromise the platform.
This ensures that the site operates transparently, lawfully, and in the best interest of all users.
Data Protection and Security Measures
Safeguarding your personal information is a critical priority. While the Manatee County Property Appraiser informational website is a privately operated resource and not an official government system, we follow industry-standard practices to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and security of the information collected. Our goal is to minimize risks of unauthorized access, misuse, or disclosure.
Encryption and Secure Access
- Encrypted Connections (SSL/HTTPS) – All pages are secured using SSL encryption, ensuring that data transmitted between your browser and our servers cannot be easily intercepted.
- Secure Storage – Any information you provide voluntarily, such as through contact forms, is stored in secure databases protected against unauthorized access.
- Regular Monitoring – Our systems are monitored to identify unusual activity, potential breaches, or technical vulnerabilities.
Encryption and access safeguards help maintain trust and ensure that sensitive information like email addresses or personal identifiers remain private.
Internal Access Restrictions
- Limited Staff Access – Only authorized personnel involved in maintaining or improving the site may access user data.
- Role-Based Permissions – Access to information is restricted based on role, so sensitive data is only visible to staff members who require it for specific tasks.
- Confidential Handling – All data is handled in compliance with privacy best practices, ensuring that information is never shared or exposed unnecessarily.
By implementing access controls, we reduce the likelihood of accidental exposure or misuse of user-provided information.
Opt-Out Preferences
We respect your right to control how your personal information is used. The Manatee County Property Appraiser informational website gives users the ability to manage data preferences and opt out of certain types of communication or data collection. While some minimal technical data may still be gathered automatically for site functionality and security, you always have the option to limit how your voluntarily provided information is used.
How to Limit the Use of Your Data
- Email Communications – If you receive updates, guides, or reminders via email, you may opt out at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link included in each email or by contacting us directly.
- Contact Form Submissions – You may choose not to provide personal details when using contact forms. If you do not wish for your inquiry to be stored, you can request that it be deleted after your question is answered.
- Cookie & Analytics Tracking – Most browsers allow you to control or disable cookies in the settings menu. Disabling cookies may limit some features, but you can still access the majority of property appraisal resources.
- Request for Data Removal – You have the right to request that any personal information provided voluntarily be removed from our records, subject to legal or compliance requirements.
By exercising these opt-out options, you maintain control over your personal data while still being able to benefit from the educational property appraisal resources offered on this site. By using this site, you agree to our Manatee County Property Appraiser terms and conditions.
Sharing & Third-Party Services
The Manatee County Property Appraiser informational website is committed to maintaining user privacy and minimizing the sharing of personal information. We do not sell or rent user data. However, in limited cases, information may be shared to ensure site functionality, comply with the law, or integrate trusted third-party services that help us operate efficiently.
When and Why We Share Information
- Legal Obligations – We may share information if required by law, regulation, or a valid legal process such as a subpoena or court order.
- Protecting the Site and Users – Information may be disclosed to prevent fraud, unauthorized access, or misuse of the site.
- User Consent – In certain cases, if you request a specific service (for example, newsletter delivery or inquiry follow-ups), we may share your details with trusted partners strictly to fulfill that request.
Such sharing is limited, carefully monitored, and only done for necessary purposes.
Third-Party Tools and Services
To maintain the quality, functionality, and performance of this website, we may rely on third-party technologies and tools, such as:
- Analytics Providers (e.g., Google Analytics) – Used to track site performance, page visits, and user engagement. This helps us identify which resources are most useful.
- Hosting & Security Services – Third-party hosting platforms may process technical data (like IP addresses) to keep the site secure and functional.
- External Links to Government Resources – Our site often links to the official Manatee County Property Appraiser website and other Florida government resources. Once you leave this site, their privacy policies govern your use of those resources.
We recommend that users review the privacy policies of any third-party sites they access through external links, as their practices may differ from ours.
Your Rights & Data Control Options
We believe that users should have full control over their personal information. Even though the Manatee County Property Appraiser informational website collects only limited data, you still have the right to know how it is used, request updates or corrections, and in certain cases, ask for it to be deleted. These rights ensure transparency, accountability, and peace of mind when using our property research resources.
Requesting Data Access or Deletion
- Data Access – You may request a copy of the personal information (such as name, email, or inquiry details) you have voluntarily provided through contact forms or other interactions.
- Data Deletion – You have the right to ask that this information be removed from our systems, provided no legal or compliance obligations require us to retain it.
- How to Submit a Request – To request access or deletion, you can contact us through our online form or via email. All verified requests will be addressed promptly in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
This ensures you always have transparency and control over the information you share.
Updating Your Personal Information
- Correcting Inaccuracies – If you believe any personal details you provided (such as your name, email address, or other identifiers) are incorrect, you may request an update.
- Keeping Information Current – Updating your details helps us respond to inquiries more effectively and ensures accurate communication.
- How to Update – Simply contact us using the information provided on the “Contact Us” page, and we will make the requested changes after verifying your identity.
By exercising these rights, you ensure that your information remains accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with your preferences.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or the way we operate this website. As the Manatee County Property Appraiser informational resource grows and evolves, updates may be necessary to ensure that our practices remain transparent, accurate, and compliant with privacy standards.
Notification of Updates
- Website Updates – Any changes to this Privacy Policy will be posted directly on this page, making it easy for visitors to review the most current version.
- Optional Email Notifications – If you have voluntarily provided your contact information, we may also send an email alert notifying you of significant updates to this policy.
- Encouraged User Review – We recommend checking this page regularly to stay informed of how your data is being collected, used, and protected.
This ensures users are always aware of their rights and how their information is handled.
Date of Last Revision
To provide clarity and accountability, each version of this Privacy Policy will include a “last updated” date at the bottom of the page. This allows visitors to quickly identify whether changes have been made since their last review.
For example:
Last Updated: September 2025
Contact Us for Privacy Concerns
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or how your personal information is handled, you are encouraged to contact us directly. We believe in transparency and want to ensure you feel confident about the way your data is collected and used. Whether you need clarification on specific policies, want to request a copy of your data, or would like to limit certain uses of your information, our team is here to assist.
How to Reach the Manatee County Property Appraiser
- Email – The quickest way to reach us with privacy-related questions is by sending an email to paoit@manateepao.gov. This ensures your request is directed to the correct department.
- Phone – For urgent inquiries, you may call our office during business hours at (941) 748-8208 to speak with a representative.
- Mailing Address – Written requests can also be sent to our main office address. Please include “Privacy Policy Inquiry” in your correspondence to ensure proper handling:
Manatee County Property Appraiser
915 4th Ave W
Bradenton, FL 34205 - In-Person Assistance – You may visit our office during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM) at the address above for privacy-related discussions and help.