Manatee County Weighs Curfew Ordinance Aimed at Reducing Late-Night Juvenile Activity

Manatee County commissioners are set to review a proposed juvenile curfew ordinance on Tuesday afternoon that would restrict minors 16 and under from being out in public during late-night hours. The proposal, drafted by the county attorney’s office, responds to community concerns about nighttime incidents involving youth, including theft, vandalism, and disorderly conduct.

The ordinance, scheduled for discussion at 1:30 p.m., would make it unlawful for juveniles 16 and under “to be or stay unnecessarily in a place to which the public has access” between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. from Sunday through Thursday, excluding holidays. On weekends and legal holidays, the curfew would run from 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m. The restrictions would apply to areas such as streets, highways, public parks, and the common areas of public buildings, as well as to privately owned businesses open to the public.

A daytime restriction is also included for teens who have been suspended or expelled from school. Those students would be prohibited from being in public or within 1,000 feet of a school between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on school days.

The proposal outlines several exceptions. Minors would be allowed in public during curfew hours if accompanied by a parent or authorized adult, traveling to or from work, participating in an emergency errand with parental permission, or attending activities involving First Amendment-protected rights. Exemptions would also apply to minors returning directly from school, to religious or civic events, and to those engaged in interstate or approved intrastate travel.

Parents and guardians would share responsibility under the ordinance. The measure defines parents broadly to include natural and adoptive parents, legal guardians, and adults acting in place of a parent. They would be required to ensure minors in their care do not violate curfew regulations and to provide appropriate supervision.

Enforcement procedures direct law enforcement officers to transport minors found violating curfew to a police station or a participating facility operated by a religious, charitable or civic organization. Officers would attempt to contact a parent or guardian and release the minor into their custody. If a parent cannot be reached within two hours or refuses to take custody, officers may transport the minor home or follow procedures outlined in state law.

Penalties outlined in the proposal include a written warning for the first violation and a $50 civil fine for subsequent offenses. Parents who knowingly allow curfew violations would face the same penalties.

Commissioners are expected to discuss the ordinance and consider feedback from both residents and law enforcement as they determine whether to implement the new rules.