Lee County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Lee County?

Public records in Lee County encompass a wide range of official documents, data, and information created or maintained by county government agencies in the course of conducting public business. Pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, these records are available for inspection and copying by members of the public. Lee County maintains the following categories of public records:

Property Records - Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other documents related to real property ownership and transfers
Court Records - Civil, criminal, probate, family, and traffic case files maintained by the 20th Judicial Circuit Court
Vital Records - Birth certificates (limited access), death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
Tax Records - Property tax assessments, payments, and delinquencies
Law Enforcement Records - Arrest reports, incident reports, and booking information from the Lee County Sheriff's Office
Geographic Information System (GIS) Data - Maps, aerial photographs, and spatial datasets available through the Lee County GIS portal
Meeting Records - Minutes, agendas, and recordings of Board of County Commissioners and other public bodies
Financial Records - County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
Permit and Licensing Records - Building permits, business licenses, and professional registrations
Election Records - Voter registration information, election results, and campaign finance reports
Environmental Records - Environmental impact studies, conservation plans, and water quality reports

These records are maintained by various county departments and agencies, each responsible for specific record types within their jurisdiction.

Is Lee County an Open Records County?

Lee County is indeed an open records county, operating in full compliance with Florida's Public Records Law as codified in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This comprehensive statute establishes that all records made or received by any public agency in the course of its official business are available for public inspection, unless specifically exempted by law.

Section 119.01(1), Florida Statutes, explicitly states: "It is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. Providing access to public records is a duty of each agency." Lee County government has implemented this mandate through Administrative Code AC-2-6, which establishes procedures for public access to county records.

The county's commitment to transparency is further demonstrated through its Open Data Portal, which provides direct online access to numerous datasets and records. This platform allows citizens to access, download, and utilize public information without the need for formal records requests in many instances.

Lee County's adherence to open records principles is not discretionary but is a legal obligation under state law, with violations potentially resulting in civil and criminal penalties for non-compliant officials.

How Do I Find Public Records in Lee County in 2025

Members of the public seeking records in Lee County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need. The appropriate method depends on the type of record sought and its custodian agency:

Online Access - Many records are available through Lee County's digital platforms:
- The Lee County Clerk of Court provides online access to court records, official records, and tax deeds
- Property information can be searched through the Lee County Property Appraiser
- Geographic data is accessible via the Lee County GIS Portal
- Tax records can be viewed through the Lee County Tax Collector
In-Person Requests - Citizens may visit the appropriate agency during regular business hours:
- For court and official records: Lee County Clerk of Court, 2115 Second Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- For property records: Lee County Property Appraiser, 2480 Thompson Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- For law enforcement records: Lee County Sheriff's Office, 14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Written Requests - Public records requests may be submitted in writing to the relevant agency. Requests should:
- Identify the specific records sought with reasonable particularity
- Include contact information for response
- Be addressed to the records custodian of the appropriate department
Electronic Requests - Many Lee County agencies accept records requests via email or through online submission forms available on their respective websites.

For assistance in determining which agency maintains specific records, citizens may contact the Lee County Public Records Coordinator at (239) 533-2111.

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

Lee County assesses fees for public records in accordance with Florida Statute §119.07(4), which authorizes agencies to charge reasonable fees to recover the actual cost of duplication and labor when applicable. The current fee structure for Lee County public records is as follows:

Standard Copying Fees:
- Letter or legal size (black and white): $0.15 per one-sided page
- Letter or legal size (black and white): $0.20 per two-sided page
- Letter or legal size (color): $0.25 per one-sided page
- 11x17 size: $0.25 per page (black and white)
- Certified copies: $1.00 per document plus copying charges
Electronic Records:
- Records provided via email: No charge for transmission (duplication fees may apply)
- CD/DVD: $1.00 per disc plus labor if applicable
- USB drive: Actual cost of the drive plus labor if applicable
Special Service Charges:
- Extensive use of agency resources (requests requiring more than 30 minutes of staff time): $20-$35 per hour depending on staff level required
- Computer programming or system maintenance: Actual cost based on IT staff hourly rate
Specialized Records:
- Maps and large format documents: $5.00-$25.00 depending on size and complexity
- Audio recordings: $1.00 per CD plus labor costs if applicable
- Video recordings: $2.00 per DVD plus labor costs if applicable

Agencies may require payment in advance if the estimated cost exceeds $10.00. Fee waivers or reductions may be available in certain circumstances when the request serves a public purpose. All fees are subject to periodic review and adjustment by the Board of County Commissioners.

Does Lee County Have Free Public Records?

Lee County does provide certain public records at no cost to requesters, particularly through digital platforms and self-service options. The following records are generally available without charge:

Online Court Records - Basic case information through the 20th Judicial Circuit's public access system
Property Information - Basic property details through the Lee County Property Appraiser's website
GIS Data - Standard geographic information system layers through the Lee County GIS Portal
Meeting Agendas and Minutes - Board of County Commissioners and advisory board documents available on the county website
Budget Documents - Annual county budgets and financial reports
Election Results - Current and historical election outcomes through the Supervisor of Elections
Public Notices - Legal advertisements and public hearing notices

Additionally, pursuant to Florida Statute §119.07(4)(d), agencies will provide public records without charge under the following circumstances:

The first 25 pages of standard letter/legal size copies for indigent individuals in certain legal proceedings
Records inspected in person where no copies are requested
Electronic records that can be emailed without extensive staff time for retrieval or redaction
Records provided to other governmental agencies for official purposes

The Lee County Law Library, located at 2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33901, also provides free public access to legal resources and certain public records for on-site research.

Who Can Request Public Records In Lee County?

Under Florida's Public Records Law, the right to access public records extends broadly with minimal restrictions on who may make requests. The following provisions apply to requesters in Lee County:

Any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request public records
No statement of purpose or justification is required from the requester
Anonymous requests are permitted by law, though providing contact information facilitates response
Requesters need not be of legal age; minors may request public records
Corporate entities, organizations, and associations have the same right of access as individuals
News media representatives have no greater or lesser right of access than other members of the public
Incarcerated persons retain the right to request public records, though certain security restrictions may apply
Non-English speakers may request records, with reasonable accommodation for language barriers

Florida Statute §119.07(1)(a) specifically states that "every person who has custody of a public record shall permit the record to be inspected and copied by any person desiring to do so," establishing a presumption of access regardless of requester identity.

The law prohibits agencies from requiring requesters to:

Disclose their identity
Provide a written request (though agencies may ask for written clarification)
State their purpose or intended use of the records
Show identification (except when accessing records with restricted access)

These provisions reflect Florida's strong public policy favoring government transparency and broad public access to official records.

What Records Are Confidential In Lee County?

While Florida maintains a strong presumption of access to public records, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure under state law. In Lee County, the following records are confidential or have restricted access pursuant to various statutory exemptions:

Personal Information:
- Social Security numbers (§119.071(5)(a))
- Driver license numbers (§119.0712(2))
- Medical and health information (§456.057)
- Bank account, debit, and credit card numbers (§119.071(5)(b))
Law Enforcement Records:
- Active criminal investigative information (§119.071(2)(c))
- Confidential informant identities (§119.071(2)(f))
- Surveillance techniques and procedures (§119.071(2)(d))
- Juvenile offender records in most circumstances (§985.04)
Personnel and Employment Records:
- Home addresses and phone numbers of certain public employees (§119.071(4))
- Performance evaluations until completed (§119.071(4)(d))
- Drug test results (§440.102(8))
Vital Records:
- Birth certificates less than 100 years old (access limited to the registrant, parents, guardian, or legal representative) (§382.025)
- Certain adoption records (§63.162)
Court Records:
- Records pertaining to juveniles (§985.04)
- Records sealed or expunged by court order (§943.0585)
- Certain family court records (§61.13)
Security Information:
- Security system plans (§119.071(3))
- Information technology infrastructure details (§282.318)
- Emergency response plans (§119.071(3)(a))
Business Information:
- Trade secrets (§815.045)
- Sealed bids until decision or award (§119.071(1)(b))

These exemptions are specifically established by Florida Statutes and are strictly construed. County agencies are required to cite the specific statutory exemption when denying access to records. When records contain both exempt and non-exempt information, agencies must redact only the confidential portions and provide the remainder.

Lee County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

The recording of official documents in Lee County is handled by the Recording Department of the Lee County Clerk of Circuit Court. This office maintains and provides access to the official records of Lee County, including deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, and other documents affecting real property.

Lee County Clerk of Circuit Court - Recording Department
2115 Second Street, 2nd Floor
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 533-5007
Lee County Clerk of Court

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Services Provided:

Recording of deeds, mortgages, and other official documents
Issuance of marriage licenses
Processing of passport applications
Certification of official records
Search assistance for recorded documents
Copies of official records

Recording Requirements:

Documents must be originals or certified copies
Text must be legible and suitable for digital imaging
Documents must have margins as specified by Florida Statutes
Documents affecting real property must include the property's parcel identification number
Florida Documentary Stamp Tax must be paid on applicable documents
Recording fees must be paid at time of submission

For questions regarding specific recording requirements or document preparation, members of the public may contact the Recording Department directly during regular business hours. The office accepts payment by cash, check, money order, or credit card for all services.