Lee County Court Records

What Is Lee County Court Records

Lee County court records are official documents created and maintained by the Lee County Clerk of Court that document legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records include case filings, judgments, orders, and other legal documents that serve as the official history of court cases. The Lee County Clerk of Court is responsible for maintaining these records and making them accessible to the public according to Florida law.

Lee County Clerk of Court, 2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901

Are Court Records Public In Lee County

Yes, most court records in Lee County are public under Florida's Sunshine Laws and the state constitution, which guarantee public access to government records. However, certain records may be confidential or sealed by court order, including:

• Juvenile records
• Adoption proceedings
• Mental health cases
• Cases involving minors
• Certain domestic violence records
• Records sealed by judicial order

The Florida Supreme Court's Access Security Matrix provides detailed guidelines on which records are public and which are confidential.

How To Find Court Records in Lee County in 2025

To find court records in Lee County in 2025, you have several options:

1. Visit the Lee County Clerk of Court's office in person Lee County Clerk of Court, 2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901

2. Use the online records search system (Matrix)

3. Submit a public records request

4. Contact the specific court division where the case was heard

5. Use the self-service terminals available at the courthouse

For the most current records, the online system offers immediate access, while older records may require an in-person visit or formal request.

How To Look Up Court Records in Lee County Online?

To look up Lee County court records online:

1. Visit the Lee County Clerk's Matrix Records Inquiry system
2. Create a free account if you plan to access documents
3. Search by case number, party name, citation number, or date range
4. Review the search results and select the case you're interested in
5. View basic case information for free
6. Pay applicable fees to download or view complete documents

The system is available 24/7 and provides access to most public records filed after the early 2000s.

Can You Search Lee County Court Records for Free?

Yes, you can search Lee County court records for free, but there are limitations:

• Basic case information searches are free through the Matrix system
• Viewing case dockets and basic information has no charge
• Downloading or printing documents typically incurs fees ($1 per page)
• Certified copies have additional charges
• In-person searches at public terminals in the courthouse are free
• Staff assistance for extensive searches may incur research fees

The Lee County Clerk's office provides self-service options to minimize costs for those seeking records.

What's Included in a Lee County Court Record?

A typical Lee County court record includes:

• Case number and filing date
• Names of all parties involved
• Attorney information
• Chronological case docket
• Filed pleadings and motions
• Court orders and judgments
• Hearing transcripts (if requested)
• Evidence admitted during proceedings
• Financial information (fees, payments, restitution)
• Final disposition of the case

The completeness of records varies by case type and when the case was filed, with newer cases typically having more comprehensive digital records.

How Long Does Lee County Keep Court Records?

Lee County retains court records according to Florida's records retention schedules:

• Felony cases: Permanently maintained
• Misdemeanor cases: Minimum of 5 years after final disposition
• Civil cases: Typically 10 years after final judgment
• Probate cases: Permanently maintained
• Traffic cases: 7 years for most violations
• Juvenile records: Until the person reaches 24-26 years of age (with exceptions)

Historical records may be transferred to the State Archives of Florida (500 S. Bronough St., Tallahassee, FL 32399) for permanent preservation.

Types of Courts In Lee County

Lee County's court system includes:

1. Circuit Court (20th Judicial Circuit) Lee County Justice Center, 2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901

2. County Court Lee County Justice Center, 2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901

3. Family Court Division (part of Circuit Court)

4. Probate Division (part of Circuit Court)

5. Juvenile Division (part of Circuit Court)

6. Drug Court and other specialty courts

These courts operate under Florida's unified court system, with the Circuit Court handling more serious matters and the County Court addressing lesser offenses and smaller civil claims.

What Types of Cases Do Lee County Courts Hear?

Lee County courts hear a wide range of cases:

Circuit Court:

• Felony criminal cases
• Civil disputes over $30,000
• Probate and guardianship matters
• Family law (divorce, custody, support)
• Juvenile dependency and delinquency
• Appeals from County Court decisions

County Court:

• Misdemeanor criminal cases
• Civil disputes under $30,000
• Small claims (under $8,000)
• Traffic violations
• Landlord/tenant disputes
• Ordinance violations

Specialty courts handle specific case types like drug offenses, veterans' issues, and mental health cases.

How To Find a Court Docket In Lee County

To find a court docket in Lee County:

1. Online: Use the Matrix Records Inquiry system to search by case number or party name
2. In person: Visit the Clerk's office at the Lee County Justice Center Lee County Justice Center, 2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901
3. By phone: Call the Clerk's office at the appropriate division
4. Email: Submit a request to the records department
5. Mail: Send a written request with case information

Court dockets are typically updated daily and show scheduled hearings, filing dates, and case activities.

Which Courts in Lee County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Lee County, all courts are technically courts of record, meaning proceedings are recorded and transcripts can be produced. However, certain proceedings may have different recording requirements:

• Small claims proceedings (simplified procedures)
• Traffic court hearings for minor infractions
• Initial appearances and arraignments (though these are recorded)
• Mediation sessions (confidential by nature)
• Some administrative hearings

While these proceedings may have simplified record-keeping, the cases themselves still generate court records maintained by the Clerk of Court.

Lookup Court Records in Lee County

Lee County Clerk of Courts Records Inquiry - The official site for searching Lee County court records, offering public access to certain court documents.

Public Records Request | Lee County Clerk of Court, FL - Information on how to request public records from the Lee County Clerk of Court, including the process and contact details.

Access Security Matrix - A PDF document from the Florida Supreme Court detailing the Access Security Matrix, which outlines access levels for court records.