Manatee County Enforces New Curfew for Children Under 16
A new countywide curfew for children under the age of 16 took effect Monday night in Manatee County, aimed at reducing juvenile crime and increasing parental accountability, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
Under the ordinance, minors under 16 are prohibited from being in public places without a valid exception from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from midnight to 6 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The sheriff’s office said the curfew is being enforced in response to an increase in car break-ins and other incidents involving juveniles.
Deputies are authorized to intervene when minors are found in public spaces during curfew hours. First-time violators will receive a written warning and be transported home. Repeat violations may result in civil fines starting at $50, which could be issued to the minor, parent, or guardian.
Local parks have been identified by law enforcement as frequent gathering spots for teens after dark, including for socializing or fishing. Officials say the curfew allows deputies to determine whether minors have legitimate reasons for being out late and to ensure parents or guardians are aware of their whereabouts.
The curfew follows a reported increase in juvenile arrests. Data from Florida’s Department of Juvenile Justice shows that approximately 1,000 teens were arrested in Manatee County from 2023 to 2024, representing a 15% increase from the previous fiscal year.
Manatee County commissioners approved the ordinance in a 5-2 vote on Nov. 18. Law enforcement officials said early enforcement will focus on education and warnings to help families understand the new rules.
The ordinance includes several exceptions, such as minors traveling to or from work, attending organized events, or responding to emergencies. Officials emphasized that these exemptions are intended to ensure the curfew does not interfere with legitimate activities.
The City of Bradenton has enforced a similar juvenile curfew for several years. Bradenton police reported 146 juvenile arrests last year, most of which involved misdemeanor offenses.
The new countywide curfew has generated some criticism from community members, including concerns about potential racial profiling. Sheriff’s office officials said the policy is intended to promote safety and reduce late-night juvenile activity, not to target specific groups.
County officials also noted that juvenile curfews have been permitted under Florida law since 2010 and are used in multiple jurisdictions across the state.