The Court Administration Technology Services (CATS) department provides A/V equipment, video conferencing, and other technology support to attorneys, the media and the public.
Audio / Video Presentation Cart
Court Administration provides the use of evidence presentation carts without charge as a courtesy to the legal profession. Use of these carts will be on a first come first serve basis and requires a minimum of 48 hours notice to Court staff. The Court will make every effort to ensure the presentation equipment is working properly, however the Court does not guarantee the compatibility nor reliability of the equipment.
Presentation Equipment Available
- Laptop Connection cables (VGA) (Limited HDMI Connections in Sarasota)
- LCD Projector
- DVD player (for screen projection only)
- VCR Player (for screen projection only)
- CD Player
- Standard Cassette Player
- Document Camera
- X-Ray viewer
Training on using the equipment is also available.
Submit a Presentation Cart Request
Video Conferencing Policy
The use of videoconferencing at a hearing or trial requires that a motion be presented to the presiding Judge for approval of a request for videoconferencing. Once the presiding Judge approves the motion, the requesting agency and/or attorney must submit a copy by fax of the signed order and a completed videoconferencing request form to Court Administration a minimum of 3 business days prior to the videoconference. The fax number for Manatee Court Administration is (941) 749-3692 and for Sarasota Court Administration it is (941) 861-7904.
The requesting party must make all reservations and/or arrangements with the remote videoconference location.
Videoconference equipment is limited and requests will be serviced on a first come, first serve basis.
Conference date(s) and time(s) will depend on the room and equipment availability at the courthouse and the remote site.
The requesting party must pay all costs (remote room use fees, scheduling fees, line and long distance charges, etc.) unless those costs are waived by order of the Court. All videoconference calls to the court must originate from the remote location.
Canceling or Re-scheduling a Videoconference
Once use of the videoconferencing equipment has been confirmed and scheduled, the reservation can only be changed or cancelled with the agreement of all parties. Court Administration must be notified of any change or cancellation immediately.
Videoconference Use
Videoconferencing hours at the Sarasota County Judicial Center and the Manatee County Courthouse are from 8:30 am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Videoconferencing that runs past 5:00 pm may incur additional costs.
Requestor Responsibility
Persons scheduling use of the videoconferencing room for depositions will be notified of where to report and are requested to arrive for the videoconference at least 20 minutes prior to the actual conference time.
Persons requesting videoconferencing are also responsible for returning the room to the original seating configuration and for cleaning up miscellaneous items left in the room.
Submit a Video Conference Request Download the Sample Court Order
Public Wi-Fi
Public wireless internet access is available at all courthouse locations. Information for accessing this service is available on the Courtroom Internet Access page.