Lee County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Lee County?

Public records in Lee County refer to documents, files, and information created or maintained by government agencies that are accessible to the public. These records include court documents, property records, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, arrest records, and various other official documents. The Lee County Clerk of Court is the primary custodian of many public records in the county, maintaining both court and official records.

These records are maintained for transparency in government operations and to provide citizens with access to information that may affect their lives or interests. The Florida Public Records Law, also known as Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, governs access to these records and establishes the public's right to inspect and copy them.

Lee County Clerk of Court, 2115 Second Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901

Is Lee County an Open Records County?

Yes, Lee County is an open records county. Florida has some of the most progressive public records laws in the United States, often referred to as "Sunshine Laws." These laws mandate that most government records be available to the public upon request.

In Lee County, the Clerk of Court's office facilitates access to these records through both in-person visits and online platforms. The county maintains a commitment to transparency by providing multiple avenues for citizens to access public information.

However, it's important to note that while Lee County operates under open records principles, certain records may be exempt from public disclosure due to privacy concerns, ongoing investigations, or statutory exemptions.

How Do I Find Public Records in Lee County in 2025

Finding public records in Lee County in 2025 can be accomplished through several methods:

Online Access: The Lee County Clerk of Court offers an online records inquiry system where many public records can be searched and viewed. This system, called Matrix, allows users to search for court cases, official records, and other public documents.
In-Person Requests: You can visit the Lee County Clerk of Court's office in person to request access to public records. Staff members can assist with locating specific records.
Written Requests: Submit a written public records request to the appropriate agency. For court records, contact the Clerk of Court; for law enforcement records, contact the Lee County Sheriff's Office.
Agency-Specific Websites: Different agencies maintain their own records. For example, property records might be accessed through the Property Appraiser's website, while law enforcement records would be available through the Sheriff's Office.

Lee County Sheriff's Office, 14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33912

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Lee County?

The cost of obtaining public records in Lee County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:

Viewing Records: There is generally no charge to view public records in person.
Standard Copies: $0.15 per one-sided page and $0.20 per two-sided page for standard letter-size copies.
Certified Copies: Additional fees apply for certified copies, typically $1.00 per document plus the copy fee.
Research Fees: If extensive staff time is required to fulfill a request, agencies may charge for the labor cost after the first 30 minutes (approximately $20-35 per hour).
Electronic Records: Fees for electronic records vary but are generally lower than paper copies.

Special record types may have specific statutory fees. For example, certified copies of marriage licenses or death certificates have set fees established by Florida law.

Does Lee County Have Free Public Records?

Lee County does offer some free access to public records:

Online Viewing: Many records can be viewed for free through the Clerk's online records inquiry system (Matrix).
In-Person Inspection: You can visit the Clerk's office to view records without charge.
Limited Free Copies: Some agencies may provide a small number of copies free of charge before applying fees.

However, while viewing records is often free, obtaining copies typically involves fees as outlined above. Additionally, records that require extensive research or redaction will likely incur charges for the staff time involved.

Lee County Property Appraiser, 2480 Thompson Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901

Who Can Request Public Records In Lee County?

Under Florida's Public Records Law, anyone can request public records in Lee County. There are no restrictions based on:

Citizenship
Age (though minors may face practical limitations)
Residency status
Purpose of the request

Requesters do not need to:

Identify themselves
Provide a reason for their request
Make the request in writing (though written requests can help document the specifics)
Use any particular form

This open access policy reflects Florida's commitment to government transparency. Both individuals and organizations, including media outlets, businesses, and advocacy groups, can request and obtain public records subject to applicable exemptions.

What Records Are Confidential In Lee County?

Despite Lee County's commitment to open records, certain types of information are confidential by law and exempt from public disclosure:

Personal Information: Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card information.
Medical Records: Health information protected under HIPAA and state law.
Juvenile Records: Many records related to juvenile offenders.
Ongoing Investigations: Active criminal investigation records.
Victim Information: Identifying information for victims of certain crimes, including domestic violence and sexual assault.
Child Abuse Records: Information related to child abuse investigations.
Security Information: Records that would compromise security systems or emergency plans.
Personnel Records: Certain employee information, such as home addresses for specific categories of employees (judges, law enforcement officers).

When requesting records that might contain exempt information, the agency will typically redact (remove) the confidential portions while providing access to the remainder of the record.

Lookup Public Records in Lee County

For convenient access to Lee County public records, utilize these official resources:

Public Records Request | Lee County Clerk of Court, FL - This page outlines the process for submitting public records requests to the Lee County Clerk of Court, ensuring transparency and access to records.
Lee County Clerk of Courts Records Inquiry - This site offers public viewing of certain court records, allowing users to search for court cases and obtain certified documents.
Records | Lee County Sheriff's Office - This page provides access to records maintained by the Lee County Sheriff's Office, including background checks and crash reports.

These resources offer streamlined access to various public records maintained by Lee County government agencies, helping you find the information you need efficiently.