Palmetto
cityPalmetto, Florida, is a city in Manatee County, situated on the north side of the Manatee River, across from Bradenton. With a population of approximately 13,856 in 2026, Palmetto is part of the Sarasota metropolitan area. The city blends a historic "Old Florida" charm with modern growth, offering a variety of residential options, from waterfront homes to golf and country club communities. Palmetto's economy is diverse, with major employment sectors including retail trade, healthcare, and professional services. The city benefits from its location as a transportation hub, with access to major highways, railroads, and the SeaPort Manatee. This infrastructure supports its role in Manatee County's agricultural industry. Founded in 1868 by Samuel Sparks Lamb, Palmetto was named after the palmetto trees native to the area. Lamb, considered the "Father of Palmetto," envisioned a thriving community and donated land for key public spaces. The city was first incorporated as a village in 1893 and reincorporated as a city in 1897, marking its significant contribution to Manatee County's history and growth.
Palmetto, Florida
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 12-54250
- Country
- United States
- County
- Manatee
- Region
- Gulf Coast of Florida
- Elevation
- 13 ft
- Total Area
- 5.83 sq mi
- Land Area
- 5.35 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.48 sq mi
- Latitude
- 27.525
- Longitude
- -82.575
- Climate
- Subtropical climate
- Notable Features
- Manatee River · Terra Ceia Bay
- Neighboring Areas
- Bradenton · Ellenton · Terra Ceia
- Population (2020)
- 13,323
- Est. Population (2026)
- 13,856
- Median Age
- 49.8
- Median Income
- $62,621
- Poverty Rate
- 13.54%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Palmetto includes 66.06% White, 11.14% Black or African American, 15% Other race, and smaller percentages for Native American, Asian, and multiracial populations.
- Government Type
- Strong Mayor-Commission
- Governing Body
- City Commission
- School District
- School District of Manatee County
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Development Services · Code Enforcement
- Economic Profile
- Diverse · Agricultural · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Retail Trade · Health Care & Social Assistance · Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Schools
- 15
- Students
- 10,512
- School Districts
- School District of Manatee County
- Transportation
- US Route 41 · US Route 301 · I-275 access · Railroad
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Sanitary sewer system · Stormwater drainage system · Reclaimed Water
- Major Facilities
- SeaPort Manatee
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Blackstone Park · Sutton Park · Buffalo Creek Park · Palmetto Historical Park · Palmetto Estuary Preserve
- Parks & Trails
- City Parks · Green Spaces
- Founded
- 1868
- Incorporated
- 1897
- Named After
- Palmetto trees
- Historical Significance
- Palmetto played a significant role in Manatee County's history and growth, particularly in agriculture and transportation.
- Key Events
- Samuel Sparks Lamb arrives and establishes Palmetto (1868) · First incorporated as a village (1893) · Reincorporated as a city (1897) · Railroad arrives (1902)