Lee County Court Records
What Is Lee County Court Records
Lee County court records are official documents created and maintained by the courts operating within Lee County, Florida. These records document judicial proceedings, filings, and outcomes of cases heard in the county's court system. Pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, most court records are considered public documents.
Court records typically include:
- Case filings and pleadings
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing transcripts
- Evidence presented during proceedings
- Docket information
- Case dispositions
The Clerk of Circuit Court serves as the official custodian of these records for Lee County, maintaining both current and historical court documents. The records are systematically organized by case number, filing date, and case type to facilitate retrieval by authorized personnel and members of the public seeking access to judicial information.
Lee County Clerk of Circuit Court
2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 533-5000
Lee County Southwest Florida
Are Court Records Public In Lee County
Court records in Lee County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Florida's strong commitment to government transparency. Under Article I, § 24 of the Florida Constitution and Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), most court records are presumed open for public inspection.
However, certain exceptions and limitations apply:
- Records may be sealed or redacted by court order when privacy interests outweigh the public's right to access
- Records involving juvenile proceedings are typically confidential pursuant to § 985.04, Florida Statutes
- Documents containing sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, and medical information may be redacted in accordance with § 119.071, Florida Statutes
- Records pertaining to adoption, mental health proceedings, and certain family law matters may have restricted access
The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, specifically Rule 2.420, establishes procedures for determining confidentiality of court records. Members of the public seeking access to court records must adhere to established protocols and may be required to submit formal requests for certain documents.
How To Find Court Records in Lee County in 2025
Individuals seeking court records in Lee County in 2025 have multiple methods available to locate and access these documents. The Lee County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains comprehensive record-keeping systems that accommodate various search approaches.
In-person requests may be submitted at:
Lee County Justice Center
2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(239) 533-5000
Alternative methods include:
- Online searches through the Twentieth Judicial Circuit's electronic case access portal
- Written requests submitted via mail to the Clerk's Office
- Requests for certified copies, which require payment of statutory fees pursuant to § 28.24, Florida Statutes
- Utilizing public access terminals available at courthouse locations throughout Lee County
When requesting records, individuals should provide specific case information including:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate date of filing
- Case type or nature of the proceeding
Requests for voluminous records may require additional processing time and may incur fees for research and reproduction in accordance with § 119.07(4), Florida Statutes.
How To Look Up Court Records in Lee County Online?
The digital accessibility of Lee County court records has been significantly enhanced through comprehensive online systems. Members of the public may access court records electronically through several official portals.
The primary online resources include:
- The Twentieth Judicial Circuit's case search system, which provides access to case dockets, party information, and selected documents
- The Florida Courts statewide e-filing portal, which allows registered users to view documents filed in their cases
- Lee County's Official Records Search, accessible through the Clerk's website, which contains recorded documents including judgments and liens
To conduct an online search, users should:
- Navigate to the appropriate portal based on the type of record sought
- Register for an account if required (some basic docket information is available without registration)
- Enter search criteria such as case number, party name, or date range
- Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information
- Pay any applicable fees for document downloads or certified copies
Pursuant to Administrative Order 2.236, certain documents may not be available online due to confidentiality restrictions, though they may be accessible through in-person requests at the courthouse.
Can You Search Lee County Court Records for Free?
Lee County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic court record information, though comprehensive access may involve certain fees. The availability of free search options reflects the county's commitment to public access while balancing operational costs.
Free search options include:
- Public access terminals located at courthouse facilities throughout Lee County, which provide basic case information without charge
- Limited online searches through the Twentieth Judicial Circuit public access portal, which offers case docket information at no cost
- In-person inspection of non-confidential court records during regular business hours at the Clerk's office
Fees may apply for:
- Printed copies of documents (typically $1.00 per page pursuant to § 28.24(5)(a), Florida Statutes)
- Certified copies of court records ($2.00 per document plus copying fees)
- Extensive research requests requiring more than 30 minutes of staff time
- Specialized searches requiring additional resources
Lee County Clerk of Court Records Department
2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(239) 533-5000
What's Included in a Lee County Court Record?
Lee County court records comprise comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings from initiation through disposition. These records serve as the official account of court activities and typically contain multiple document types organized chronologically.
Standard components of a court record include:
- Case initiation documents (complaints, petitions, indictments)
- Responsive pleadings (answers, motions, briefs)
- Court orders and judicial rulings
- Hearing and trial transcripts when prepared
- Evidence logs and exhibits admitted into the record
- Judgments and final dispositions
- Post-judgment filings and enforcement documents
- Financial information including filing fees, fines, and restitution orders
For criminal proceedings, additional elements may include:
- Arrest reports and booking information
- Charging documents
- Bail and bond records
- Pre-sentence investigation reports (with appropriate redactions)
- Probation and community supervision orders
Family law cases may contain sensitive information subject to heightened confidentiality protections pursuant to Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.400.
How Long Does Lee County Keep Court Records?
The retention of court records in Lee County adheres to schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services, pursuant to Chapter 257, Florida Statutes. These schedules ensure systematic preservation of judicial documents while allowing for appropriate disposition of obsolete materials.
Retention periods vary by case type:
- Felony case records: Maintained permanently for capital cases; 75 years for other felonies
- Misdemeanor records: Generally retained for 5-10 years after case disposition
- Civil litigation records: Typically preserved for 10 years after final judgment
- Probate matters: Retained for 10 years after closing
- Family law cases: Maintained for varying periods depending on case type, with adoption records preserved permanently
- Traffic infractions: Generally kept for 3 years after final disposition
The Florida Supreme Court and the Office of the State Courts Administrator provide additional guidance on record retention through administrative orders and policies. Technological advancements have enabled the conversion of many older paper records to digital formats, enhancing preservation capabilities while improving accessibility.
Types of Courts In Lee County
Lee County's judicial system encompasses multiple court levels, each with distinct jurisdictional authority and case responsibilities. These courts operate within Florida's unified court system as part of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit.
The court structure includes:
- Circuit Court - The primary trial court with jurisdiction over felonies, civil cases exceeding $30,000, probate matters, family law cases, and juvenile proceedings
- County Court - Handles misdemeanors, civil cases under $30,000, traffic offenses, and small claims
- Specialized Divisions - Including Drug Court, Veterans Treatment Court, Mental Health Court, and Domestic Violence Court
- Appellate jurisdiction - The Circuit Court serves in an appellate capacity for certain County Court decisions
Lee County Justice Center
2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 533-5000
Twentieth Judicial Circuit Of Florida
Additional courthouse locations include:
Cape Coral Branch Office
1039 SE 9th Avenue
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 533-5000
Bonita Springs Branch Office
25987 S. Tamiami Trail
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
(239) 533-5000
What Types of Cases Do Lee County Courts Hear?
Lee County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters in accordance with jurisdictional parameters established by the Florida Constitution and statutes. The caseload encompasses both civil and criminal proceedings across various subject areas.
Circuit Court jurisdiction includes:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil disputes involving amounts exceeding $30,000
- Real property and land use cases
- Probate, guardianship, and estate matters
- Domestic relations cases including divorce, child custody, and support
- Juvenile dependency and delinquency proceedings
- Appeals from County Court decisions
County Court handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil disputes with amounts in controversy up to $30,000
- Small claims actions (up to $8,000)
- Traffic infractions and ordinance violations
- Landlord/tenant disputes
- Domestic violence injunctions
Specialized court divisions address particular case types requiring focused judicial attention, including drug court, veterans court, and mental health court. These problem-solving courts implement therapeutic jurisprudence principles to address underlying issues while maintaining accountability.
How To Find a Court Docket In Lee County
Court dockets in Lee County provide chronological listings of scheduled court proceedings and filed documents for specific cases. These dockets serve as essential navigational tools for tracking case progress and upcoming hearings.
To access court dockets, individuals may:
- Utilize the online case search function through the Twentieth Judicial Circuit website, which provides docket information for cases filed in Lee County
- Visit the Clerk's office during business hours to review printed docket sheets
- Contact the Judicial Assistant for the assigned judge regarding specific hearing schedules
- Subscribe to electronic notification services for updates on selected cases
When searching for docket information, users should have:
- Case number (preferred search method)
- Party names
- Attorney information
- Date range for hearings or filings
Daily court calendars listing scheduled proceedings are typically posted:
- Online through the circuit court website
- On bulletin boards near courtrooms
- At information desks in courthouse facilities
Lee County Clerk's Office - Court Records Division
2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(239) 533-5000
Which Courts in Lee County Are Not Courts of Record?
Within Lee County's judicial system, certain proceedings occur in forums that do not maintain official verbatim records of proceedings. These non-record courts typically handle matters of limited complexity where formal transcription is not statutorily required.
Examples of non-record proceedings include:
- Small claims hearings for disputes under $8,000, governed by Florida Small Claims Rules
- Traffic infraction hearings conducted by hearing officers rather than judges
- Code enforcement proceedings before administrative boards
- Certain alternative dispute resolution sessions, including mediation and arbitration
- Initial appearances and advisory proceedings where formal evidence is not presented
While these forums may not produce verbatim transcripts, they nonetheless generate documentary records of outcomes and dispositions. Parties seeking to preserve a record of such proceedings may:
- Request permission to bring a court reporter at their own expense
- Submit written memoranda summarizing proceedings
- Utilize available appeal mechanisms, which may involve de novo review rather than record-based review
Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.535, parties in non-record proceedings retain the right to arrange for stenographic recording at their own expense with appropriate notice to the presiding official.
Lookup Court Records in Lee County
Lee County court records search