COVID-19 Testing Information

CONTACT US +

  • Manatee Health Line
  • (941) 242-6649

Testing is available at the following locations:

Do you have symptoms?

View a complete list of symptoms from the CDC.

If you think you've been exposed to COVID-19 and have a mild fever and symptoms such as a cough, call MCR Health: (941) 776-4000.

If you're experiencing any of the following emergency signs of COVID-19, call 911:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • Confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face 

Free testing site at Bradenton Area Convention Center

The Florida Division of Emergency Management is operating a COVID-19 test center at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. The site offers regular nasal swab (PCR) tests and rapid tests each day, as supply allows (typically up to 500 per day).

The site operates daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.. 

  • Adults and children can be tested
  • No appointment and no prescription are necessary
  • Tests are free to the public

Where

Bradenton Area Convention Center
1 Haben Boulevard
Palmetto, FL 34221

Results

To check on results:

State COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Site 

A drive-thru, community-based COVID-19 testing site is now open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. -  5 p.m. at 5400 Bradenton Road, Sarasota. Please note: The site tests a maximum of 1,000 people per day and may close earlier than 5 p.m. if that number is reached.

The test used will be a nasal swab, once samples are collected they will be sent to a commercial lab for testing and results will be provided as soon as they are available.

Important Information

  • No appointments are necessary.
  • Testing will be available for individuals over the age of 5 regardless of symptoms.
  • The test site is drive-thru only. Individuals being tested will not be permitted to exit their vehicle.
  • Please limit passengers in the vehicle to those who are being tested, and no more than 5 people.
  • A prescription is not required and individuals do not need to be Sarasota or Manatee county residents to be tested.

This site was created through a partnership with the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Florida Department of Health, the Florida National Guard and Sarasota and Manatee counties. 

Where

5400 Bradenton Road
Sarasota, FL 34234

Results

Questions related to testing should be directed to the Florida Department of Emergency Management:

MCR Health collection kit availability

Testing is available at all MCR Health locations. Drive through testing is no longer available.

Patient fees for the testing and any associated costs will be determined at the time of the visit.

Using Insurance at State-Supported Testing Sites

To ensure that Florida is following federal guidance on COVID-19 testing, the State of Florida is utilizing insurance companies in the COVID-19 testing process.

Testing remains free at state-supported testing sites and individuals will never be asked to pay a copay or deductible.

Individuals who do not have insurance will still be tested for free.

Individuals have always been asked to present their insurance at state-supported testing sites. Moving forward, the state is continuing to ask that all individuals who have insurance present it when receiving a COVID-19 test at a state-supported testing site. Per the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), all insurance companies must pay for COVID-19 testing with no copay or deductible for tests that are medically necessary.

By charging insurance companies for tests, the state is able to make additional resources available in the COVID-19 response. It relieves the state from having to pay for every single test upfront and allows the state to continue providing free COVID-19 testing.

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) is working to assist consumers navigate their health insurance coverage issues during COVID-19. To speak directly with an individual to review policies, understand cover and help file claims, call 877-693-5236. For more information, visit OIR’s website.