Local Government Manatee Donation Box Ordinance Now in Effect

MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County’s new donation box ordinance is now in effect. Donation boxes in unincorporated Manatee County are only allowed on the grounds of private, nonprofit organizations.

“We want to allow (donation boxes) by regulating them in a responsible way so as not to create blight on properties, traffic safety issues because their being place in the right-of-ways, and to prevent the unauthorized placement of them on properties,” said Jeff Bowman, Manatee’s Code Enforcement Chief. "Also there are new regulations in place to ensure that the boxes don't become air born in the event of a strong storm.”

The county can confiscate donation boxes that are placed in the right-of-way. If confiscated boxes are not claimed in 30 days, the county can destroy the container and its contents. Bowman said code enforcement officers will work with private property owners to achieve voluntary compliance.

Where the boxes are allowed, donation boxes must adhere to new aesthetic and safety standards. Under the regulations, donation boxes must:

• Be for nonprofit organizations, and feature no advertisement except to identify the charity;

• Be maintained in good condition and appearance with no structural damage, holes or visible rust, and shall be free of graffiti;

• Feature in two-inch type visible from the front the name, address, email and phone number of the responsible owner;

• Have all donations within the box. Junk, garbage, trash, debris or other refuse near the donation box is not allowed;

• Be kept locked or otherwise secured, and properly anchored to the ground;

• Be limited to one box per location, and each box must be no larger than 6 feet wide, 6 feet deep and 8 feet high.