Lee County Criminal Records
What Is Lee County Criminal Records
Lee County criminal records are official documents maintained by various law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities that detail an individual's criminal history within Lee County, Florida. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes Chapter 119, which governs public records in the state.
Criminal records typically originate when an individual is arrested by the Lee County Sheriff's Office or other local law enforcement agencies. The documentation process begins with booking information and continues through the judicial process, potentially including:
- Arrest reports and booking photographs
- Charging documents filed by the State Attorney's Office
- Court proceedings and case dispositions
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration details
- Probation or parole records
The primary custodians of these records include:
Lee County Sheriff's Office
14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway
Fort Myers, FL 33912
(239) 477-1000
Lee County Sheriff's Office
Lee County Clerk of Court
2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 533-5000
Lee County Government
These records serve multiple purposes within the criminal justice system and for the general public, including background checks, employment screening, housing applications, and research purposes. Access to these records is governed by Florida's Public Records Law, which establishes the right of citizens to inspect and copy public records, with certain exemptions as provided by statute.
Are Criminal Records Public In Lee County
Criminal records in Lee County are generally considered public records in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). This law establishes a presumption of openness regarding government records, including those related to criminal proceedings.
Members of the public may access most criminal records through various means, subject to the following provisions:
- Florida Statute §119.07 provides that all public records shall be open for personal inspection by any person, unless specifically exempted by law.
- Records may be requested without providing identification or stating a reason for the request.
- Agencies may charge reasonable fees for duplication of records as permitted under §119.07(4).
However, certain exemptions do apply to criminal records in Lee County:
- Records related to active criminal investigations may be temporarily exempt from disclosure.
- Information identifying victims of certain crimes, including sexual offenses, is protected under §119.071(2)(h).
- Records pertaining to juvenile offenders may have restricted access under Florida Statute §985.04.
- Sealed or expunged records are not available to the general public pursuant to §943.0585 and §943.059.
The following agencies maintain publicly accessible criminal records:
Lee County Clerk of Circuit Court
Justice Center
1700 Monroe Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 533-5000
Lee County Court Records
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
2331 Phillips Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
(850) 410-7000
Florida Criminal History Records
Individuals seeking access to criminal records should be aware that while these records are generally public, specific information within them may be redacted in accordance with statutory exemptions designed to protect privacy interests and ongoing law enforcement activities.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Lee County in 2025
The process for looking up criminal records in Lee County has been streamlined for 2025, offering multiple pathways for accessing this information. Members of the public may utilize the following methods to conduct criminal record searches:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Lee County Clerk of Court's Records Department during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM).
- Complete a public records request form, providing as much identifying information as possible about the subject of the search.
- Present valid photo identification if requesting certified copies.
- Pay applicable fees: $1.00 per page for standard copies or $2.00 per page for certified copies.
Lee County Clerk of Court
Records Department
2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 533-5000
Lee County Court Records
Online Access:
- The Lee County Sheriff's Office maintains a booking search portal that provides access to recent arrest records and booking information.
- The Sheriff's Office booking search allows searches by name, booking date, or case number.
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement offers statewide criminal history searches through their online portal for a fee of $24.00 per search.
Mail Requests:
- Submit a written request to the Lee County Clerk of Court, including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of case or incident
- Case number (if known)
- Return address and contact information
- Payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
Florida Department of Corrections
501 South Calhoun Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(850) 488-5021
Inmate Information Search
Pursuant to Florida Statute §943.053, criminal history information obtained through official channels may be used for employment screening, licensing, or other lawful purposes. Requestors should note that as of 2025, enhanced identity verification measures may be required for certain types of requests to protect privacy and prevent misuse of information.
How To Find Criminal Records in Lee County Online?
Lee County residents and interested parties can access criminal records through several official online platforms. These digital resources have been developed to enhance public access while maintaining compliance with Florida's public records statutes.
The primary online resources for accessing Lee County criminal records include:
-
Lee County Clerk of Court Online Records Search
- Available 24/7 through the official county website
- Allows searches by name, case number, or citation number
- Provides case summaries, court dates, and disposition information
- Certain documents may be viewed and printed directly from the system
- Access to some documents requires registration and may incur fees
-
Lee County Sheriff's Office Booking Search
- Provides real-time information on recent arrests and bookings
- Searchable by name, booking date, or charge type
- Includes booking photos, charges, and bond information
- Updated continuously as new arrests occur
- Available at Sheriff's Office booking portal
-
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal History Search
- Offers comprehensive statewide criminal history information
- Requires payment of statutory fee ($24.00 as of 2025)
- Provides certified criminal history reports suitable for official purposes
- Accessible through the FDLE website
-
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search
- Contains information on current inmates and those on community supervision
- Includes offense information, sentence details, and custody status
- No fee required for basic searches
- Available through the Department of Corrections website
When conducting online searches, users should note that pursuant to Florida Statute §119.071, certain information may be redacted from publicly available records, including social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information identifying victims of certain crimes. For complete and certified records, individuals may need to request records in person or through official channels.
Can You Search Lee County Criminal Records for Free?
Lee County provides several no-cost options for accessing criminal records, though certain limitations apply to free searches. Pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, basic access to records must be provided without charge, though fees may be assessed for copies or extensive searches.
Free access options include:
-
Public Access Terminals
- Located at the Lee County Justice Center
- 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Available Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- No fee for on-site viewing of electronic records
- Printing fees apply: $0.15 per page for standard copies
-
Lee County Sheriff's Office Booking Search
- Provides complimentary access to recent arrest information
- Includes booking photos and current charges
- Limited to arrests processed by the Lee County Sheriff's Office
- Available online at no cost through the Sheriff's Office website
-
Lee County Clerk's Public Records Search
- Basic case information available without charge
- Includes case numbers, parties, charges, and disposition
- Document viewing may require registration or fees
- Accessible through public computers at county libraries
-
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Database
- Free search for current inmates and supervised offenders
- Provides custody status and basic offense information
- No registration required for basic searches
While these free options provide valuable information, they may not include comprehensive criminal history reports. For complete criminal history information, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains the official state repository, which requires payment of statutory fees pursuant to Florida Statute §943.053(3)(e). The current fee structure includes:
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
User Services Bureau
P.O. Box 1489
Tallahassee, FL 32302
(850) 410-8109
Criminal History Services
- $24.00 for a state criminal history record check
- $33.00 for a state and national criminal history record check (when authorized)
What's Included in a Lee County Criminal Record?
Lee County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county jurisdiction. These records are maintained in accordance with Florida Statute §119.021, which establishes standards for public records maintenance.
A complete Lee County criminal record typically includes:
-
Identifying Information
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Fingerprint classification when available
- Last known address (may be partially redacted)
-
Arrest Information
- Date and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Charges at time of arrest
- Probable cause affidavit summarizing the incident
-
Court Proceedings
- Case number and court division
- Charging documents filed by the State Attorney
- Plea information
- Court appearances and continuances
- Judicial orders and rulings
- Verdict or disposition of each charge
-
Sentencing Details
- Imposed penalties including incarceration terms
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fine amounts and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Completion status of sentence requirements
-
Post-Conviction Information
- Probation violation hearings
- Appeals filed and their outcomes
- Modification of sentence orders
- Early termination of supervision when applicable
The level of detail available may vary based on the age of the record, the severity of the offense, and whether any information has been sealed or expunged pursuant to Florida Statutes §943.0585 and §943.059. Records are maintained by multiple agencies, with the Lee County Clerk of Court serving as the official custodian of court records:
Lee County Clerk of Court
Criminal Division
1700 Monroe Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 533-5000
Lee County Court Records
What Are the Penalties for a Lee County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass charges in Lee County are prosecuted according to Florida Statute §810.08 and §810.09, which define trespass in structure or conveyance and trespass on property other than structure or conveyance, respectively. Penalties vary based on the specific circumstances of the offense and any aggravating factors.
The standard penalties for criminal trespass in Lee County include:
-
Simple Trespass (First Degree Misdemeanor)
- Maximum of 1 year in county jail
- Fine not exceeding $1,000
- Up to 12 months of probation
- Possible community service hours
-
Trespass with Aggravating Factors (Third Degree Felony)
- When armed with a firearm or dangerous weapon
- When there is human occupancy in the structure
- Maximum of 5 years in state prison
- Fine not exceeding $5,000
- Up to 5 years of probation
-
Trespass on Construction Sites (Enhanced Penalties)
- Pursuant to Florida Statute §810.09(2)(d)
- First Degree Misdemeanor with minimum fine of $500
- Mandatory community service
-
Trespass on Agricultural Property (Enhanced Penalties)
- Specific provisions for agricultural lands under Florida Statute §810.09(2)(e)
- Increased fines based on property size and usage
The Lee County court system typically processes these cases through:
Lee County Courthouse
Criminal Division
1700 Monroe Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 533-1700
Lee County Courts
First-time offenders may be eligible for diversion programs, including:
- Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI)
- Misdemeanor Diversion Program
- Community Service in lieu of prosecution
These programs typically require completion of community service hours, payment of program fees, and may include educational components. Successful completion often results in charges being dismissed. Eligibility is determined by the State Attorney's Office on a case-by-case basis.
How Long Does Lee County Keep Criminal Records?
Lee County maintains criminal records in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules established under Florida Statute §119.021 and the guidelines set forth by the Division of Library and Information Services. These retention periods vary based on the type of record and the disposition of the case.
The standard retention periods for criminal records in Lee County include:
-
Arrest Records
- Felony arrests: Permanently maintained
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum of 5 years after final disposition
- Arrests not resulting in charges: 3 years from date of arrest
-
Court Records
- Felony case files: Permanently maintained
- Misdemeanor case files: 5 years after final disposition
- Traffic infractions: 3 years after final disposition
- Domestic violence cases: Permanently maintained regardless of classification
-
Corrections Records
- Inmate files: 7 years after release from custody
- Probation records: 5 years after termination of supervision
- Jail booking information: 7 years from date of booking
Even after the minimum retention period has expired, many records remain accessible through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's central repository:
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Criminal History Services
P.O. Box 1489
Tallahassee, FL 32302
(850) 410-8109
FDLE Records
It should be noted that pursuant to Florida Statute §943.0585 and §943.059, individuals may petition to have certain records sealed or expunged if they meet statutory eligibility requirements. When records are sealed, they become confidential and accessible only to specific agencies. When expunged, most records are physically destroyed, though certain agencies maintain confidential records.
The Lee County Clerk of Court can provide information regarding the sealing or expungement process:
Lee County Clerk of Court
Records Management Division
2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 533-5000
Lee County Court Services
Lookup Criminal Records in Lee County
Lee County Sheriff's Office booking records
Florida Department of Corrections inmate database