Cape Coral City criminal records are public court documents that show felony and misdemeanor cases filed within Lee County, Florida. Cape Coral sits inside the 20th Judicial Circuit, so all criminal cases from this city move through the Lee County court system.
The Lee County Clerk of Court keeps these records and provides public access both online and in person. Anyone can look up case details, court dates, charges, and final outcomes for criminal cases filed in Cape Coral.
Lee County Clerk of Court Criminal Records
The Lee County Clerk of Court is the main office that stores all criminal case files from Cape Coral and every other city in Lee County. This office handles thousands of new criminal filings each year from county courts, circuit courts, and traffic divisions. The Clerk’s office works under Florida’s public records law, which means most criminal court records stay open for public viewing. You can request copies of case files, docket entries, and official court documents through this office.
Clerk’s Office Location and Contact
The Lee County Clerk of Court main office sits at 2115 Second Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901. The main office phone number is (239) 533-5000. Regular business hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The office closes on state and federal holidays. A second courthouse location operates at 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901, which handles most criminal court hearings in Lee County.
The Clerk’s official website is leeclerk.org. This site gives you access to the online court records search system, fee schedules, and office forms. You can also email general questions through the contact form on the website. The Clerk’s office has satellite locations in Bonita Springs and Cape Coral that handle limited record requests.
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Office Address | 2115 Second Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 |
| Criminal Courthouse | 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 |
| Main Phone | (239) 533-5000 |
| Website | leeclerk.org |
| Business Hours | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday |
Online Records Portal
The Lee County Clerk runs a free online search portal that works 24 hours a day from any computer or mobile device. The system covers all criminal case types filed in Lee County, including Cape Coral felony cases, misdemeanor charges, and traffic criminal offenses. You can search the database by name, case number, or court date. The portal shows results within seconds and refreshes every few hours with new court filings.
The online portal shows basic case data at no charge. This data includes the defendant’s full name, date of birth, charge description, case number, filing date, court division, and current case status. You can view hearing schedules, judge assignments, and final disposition details for closed cases. Each case detail page links to the full docket and any scanned court documents filed in the case.
To use the online search, visit leeclerk.org and click on the “Court Records Search” link. You will need to accept the terms of use before your first search. The portal does not require you to create an account. You can perform as many searches as needed without registration. The system works on desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones with no special software needed.
In-Person Records Requests
You can visit the Clerk’s office in Fort Myers to request criminal records in person. The public terminal area on the first floor lets you search the same database available online. Staff members at the information desk can help you locate specific case files. For older cases filed before 1990, you may need to request files from the records archive section.
Certified copies of court documents cost more than regular printed copies. Florida law sets the standard copy fee at $1.00 per page. Certified copies carry an additional $2.00 certification fee per document. You can pay with cash, check, money order, or credit card at the office. Some satellite offices accept only cash or check for record request payments.
How to Search Cape Coral Criminal Case Records
The Lee County court system gives you three main ways to pull up criminal case files from Cape Coral. Each search method works better for different situations. Pick the method that matches the details you already have about the case. All three methods use the same online portal at leeclerk.org.
Name-Based Search
A name search works best when you know the full legal name of the person involved in the case. The online portal lets you enter a last name and first name to pull up matching cases. The system returns all cases where the defendant’s name matches your search terms. You may see multiple results for common names, so adding a date of birth helps narrow your results.
The name search shows both active and closed criminal cases. Each result entry lists the case number, filing date, charge type, and current status. Click on any case number to view the full case detail page. The detail page shows the complete charge list, court hearings, motions filed, and final judgment. You can save or print the search results for your personal records.
Case Number Search
A case number search gives you the fastest and most exact results. Every criminal case filed in Lee County receives a unique case number. The number follows a format that includes the year, court type, and sequence number. For example, a 2024 felony case might show as 24-CF-001234. A 2024 misdemeanor case might show as 24-MM-005678.
You can locate the case number on court summons, arrest paperwork, or prior court documents. If you only have part of the case number, the online system still tries to match it. The system also supports wildcard searches for partial numbers. Once you enter a full case number, the portal jumps directly to that specific case file with no extra search steps needed.
Date Range Search
A date range search helps you locate all criminal cases filed in Cape Coral during a specific time period. This method works well for background checks or research projects. The online portal lets you set a start date and end date for your search window. You can also filter by case type, such as felony only, misdemeanor only, or both.
The date search returns a list of cases filed within your chosen window. The results show in chronological order by default. You can change the sort order to view cases alphabetically by defendant name. The system saves your search filters for the duration of your session. You can export the results list to a CSV file for use in spreadsheets or reports.
Felony and Misdemeanor Court Records in Cape Coral
Cape Coral criminal cases split into two main categories: felonies and misdemeanors. The Lee County court system handles each category through different court divisions. Felony cases move through the Circuit Court, while misdemeanor cases go through the County Court. Both types of cases stay open to public view under Florida law.
Cape Coral Felony Case Search
Felony charges in Cape Coral include serious crimes like drug trafficking, burglary, aggravated assault, and white-collar offenses. All felony cases file in the Lee County Circuit Court, which sits at 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901. A Circuit Court judge handles every felony case from arraignment through final sentencing. Felony sentences can range from one year in state prison to life in prison or the death penalty.
The Lee County online portal lists all Cape Coral felony cases under the circuit criminal division. Each felony case shows a case number that starts with the year and “CF” for circuit felony. You can search these cases by defendant name, case number, or filing date. The system shows the full charge list, bond amounts, and upcoming court dates for active cases.
Cape Coral Misdemeanor Court Records
Misdemeanor charges in Cape Coral cover less serious offenses like petty theft, simple assault, DUI first offense, and disorderly conduct. These cases file in the Lee County Court, which handles all misdemeanor matters from Lee County cities. The County Court uses case numbers that start with the year and “MM” for misdemeanor.
The online portal shows Cape Coral misdemeanor cases alongside other Lee County cities. You can filter your search to show only misdemeanor cases by selecting the county criminal division. The portal lists the charge level as either first-degree misdemeanor or second-degree misdemeanor. Each case shows the maximum penalty under Florida law based on the charge level. First-degree misdemeanors carry up to one year in county jail, while second-degree misdemeanors carry up to 60 days in county jail.
Lee County Criminal Docket Search
A criminal docket shows every filing and court action in a criminal case. The Lee County Clerk maintains the docket for each case from the first filing through final disposition. The docket includes the arrest report, charging documents, motions, court orders, and final judgment. The docket gives you a complete timeline of what happened in the case.
You can view a case docket through the online portal at no charge. The docket appears in reverse chronological order, with the most recent action at the top. Each docket entry shows the filing date, document type, and the party who filed the document. Some docket entries link to the actual document image, which you can view for free or pay to print.
For older criminal cases from Cape Coral, the docket may show scanned images of paper records. The Clerk’s office has been digitizing older files since the early 2000s. Cases filed before 1990 may only have a basic docket entry without scanned document images. You would need to visit the records archive in person to view these older paper files.
Statewide Florida Criminal History Search
Cape Coral criminal cases also appear in the statewide database maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The FDLE Criminal History Search, called CCHInet, covers all Florida arrests and convictions. This search gives you a full picture of a person’s criminal record across all Florida counties, not just Lee County.
FDLE CCHInet System
The FDLE CCHInet system runs through the website cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. The cost is $24.00 per name search, plus a $1.00 processing fee for credit card payments, for a total of $25.00 per search. You need the person’s full legal name and date of birth to run a search. The system accepts optional details like race, sex, and Social Security Number to narrow the results.
The search returns results in seconds after you complete the payment. The results show all arrests and dispositions reported to FDLE by Florida law enforcement agencies. The report lists the arrest date, arresting agency, charges, and final case outcome. You can print the results for your records or save them as a PDF.
The CCHInet system only covers Florida records. Out-of-state arrests and federal charges do not show up in this search. You would need to run a separate FBI background check through the FBI’s Identity History Summary service for national records. The FBI check costs $18.00 per person and covers federal charges and out-of-state offenses. Processing time for FBI checks takes about 3 to 5 business days.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Florida Department of Corrections tracks all state prison inmates through a separate online database. You can search for current inmates and released offenders at fdc.myflorida.com. The search shows offenders who received a state prison sentence from any Florida county, including Lee County. The database covers all inmates sentenced after 1978.
The inmate search is free to use. You can search by name, Department of Corrections number, or Florida Department of Law Enforcement number. The results show the inmate’s current custody status, facility location, and release date. The system also lists the original county of conviction and the charges that led to the state prison sentence. You can view the inmate’s full commitment record, including prior prison stays and any current supervision status.
Sealing and Expungement of Cape Coral Criminal Records
Florida law allows some criminal records to be sealed or expunged under specific conditions. A sealed record stays hidden from public view but remains available to law enforcement agencies. An expunged record gets destroyed by the court and law enforcement, leaving only a notation that the case once existed. Both options help people move forward with their lives after a criminal case.
To start the process, you must first apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from the FDLE. The application fee is $75.00, and this fee does not get refunded if the application gets denied. FDLE takes about 12 weeks to process the application from the date they receive all required documents. You must submit fingerprints along with your application through an approved LiveScan provider in Lee County.
You cannot have any prior sealed or expunged records on your history. You also cannot have been adjudicated guilty of certain disqualifying offenses. Murder, sexual battery, and other serious violent crimes do not qualify for sealing or expungement under Florida law. After you receive the Certificate of Eligibility, you must file a petition with the Lee County court within 12 months or the certificate expires.
A Lee County judge reviews the petition and decides whether to grant the sealing or expungement. If approved, the court order goes to every agency that has a copy of the record. Those agencies must then seal or destroy their copies of the record as the court ordered. The FDLE database updates within 30 days of receiving the court order. The Lee County Clerk updates the online portal within 60 days of the court order.
Public Access Rights Under Florida Law
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Florida Statute Section 119.07 gives every person the right to inspect and copy public records held by government agencies. Cape Coral criminal records fall under this law and stay open to the public unless a specific exemption applies. The state legislature has declared that public access to government records is a basic right of citizenship.
Records Open to Public View
Most criminal court records from Cape Coral are open to public view. This includes the case docket, charging documents, court orders, motions, and final judgment. The arrest affidavit, which explains the probable cause for the arrest, also stays public after the case moves past the initial filing stage. Court hearing transcripts become public once the judge signs the transcript certification.
You do not need to show identification to view public records in Florida. You do not need to explain why you want the records. The government must give you access during regular business hours. The Clerk’s office must provide copies of public records within a reasonable time, which Florida law defines as a prompt response. The office cannot delay your request by requiring you to fill out special forms or pay extra fees beyond the standard copy charges.
Restricted and Confidential Records
Some criminal records stay restricted from public view. Active criminal investigation files remain confidential while the case is still under investigation. Juvenile criminal records have special protections that limit public access. Sealed and expunged records are not available to the public without a court order. The Clerk’s office will deny any request for these restricted records.
Victim information gets redacted from public records to protect the victim’s privacy and safety. Personal details like Social Security Numbers, dates of birth, and home addresses get removed from online versions of court documents. The full document with this information stays available only through an in-person request at the Clerk’s office. Mental health records and HIV test results connected to a criminal case also stay confidential under Florida law.
Court Fees and Document Costs
The Lee County Clerk charges standard fees for criminal court records under Florida law. The base copy fee is $1.00 per page for regular printed copies. Certified copies cost $2.00 per document in addition to the per-page fee. The Clerk’s office also charges a $2.00 fee for each document authentication.
You can pay court fees at the Clerk’s office in cash, check, money order, or credit card. Online payments for certified copies run through the Clerk’s e-payment portal. The e-payment system accepts major credit cards and debit cards. There is a small convenience fee for online credit card payments. Personal checks over $500 require a valid photo ID at the time of payment.
| Service Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard Copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified Copy (per document) | $2.00 plus copy fee |
| Document Authentication | $2.00 |
| Name Search (first 5 years) | $2.00 |
| Name Search (each extra year) | $0.50 |
| FDLE Statewide Search | $25.00 |
| FDLE Seal/Expunge Application | $75.00 |
Standard lookup fees apply when you request a record search without a case number. The Clerk’s office charges $2.00 per name search for the first 5 years, plus $0.50 for each additional year. This fee covers the staff time needed to search older archive systems when the online database does not have the record. You pay the lookup fee even if the search returns no results.
Lee County Clerk of Court Contact Details
You can reach the Lee County Clerk of Court through the following contact points for all criminal records requests, certified copy orders, and general questions about Cape Coral cases.
- Main Office: 2115 Second Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Criminal Courthouse: 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Phone Number: (239) 533-5000
- Office Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday
- Official Website: leeclerk.org
- Records Email: Available through the contact form at leeclerk.org
Frequently Asked Questions About Cape Coral Criminal Records
These questions cover the most common concerns from people who need to look up criminal records in Cape Coral. The answers below reflect current Lee County court practices and Florida public records law as of 2026. For specific case details, always contact the Lee County Clerk of Court directly.
Can I view Cape Coral criminal records for free?
Yes, the Lee County online portal lets you view basic criminal case data at no charge. You can see the defendant’s name, charge description, case number, filing date, court division, and current case status. You can also view scanned copies of filed documents for free. You only pay when you need printed copies or certified documents for legal use. The free online service runs 24 hours a day from any device with internet access.
How long does it take to get certified copies?
In-person requests for certified copies at the Fort Myers office usually get processed the same day. You can pick up the certified copies at the customer service window within a few hours of your request. Online requests for certified copies through the e-payment portal take 3 to 5 business days to arrive by mail. The Clerk’s office sends certified copies by regular U.S. mail unless you pay for faster shipping.
Are old Cape Coral criminal records still available?
Yes, the Lee County Clerk keeps criminal records dating back to the founding of Lee County. Records from before 1990 exist in paper format and may not be scanned into the online system. You can request these older records through the records archive section at the Fort Myers office. The archive staff pulls the file from storage and provides copies for the standard copy fee. Archive requests can take 2 to 3 business days to process.
What shows up on a Cape Coral criminal background check?
A Cape Coral criminal background check shows all arrests, charges, court outcomes, and sentences for cases filed in Lee County. The check includes felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions, and any pending charges. The check also shows cases that ended in dismissal, acquittal, or pretrial diversion. Sealed and expunged records do not appear on a standard background check. Out-of-state arrests and federal charges also do not appear in Lee County or FDLE searches.
Can I remove a criminal record from public view?
Yes, Florida law allows some criminal records to be sealed or expunged under specific conditions. You must first get a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE, then file a petition with the Lee County court. A judge decides whether to grant the request based on the case facts and your criminal history. Murder, sexual battery, and other serious violent crimes do not qualify for this relief. The full process takes 6 to 12 months from application to final court order.
Does a Cape Coral arrest show up even without a conviction?
Yes, arrests without convictions still show up on a Cape Coral criminal background check. The FDLE CCHInet system reports all arrests, even if the case ended in dismissal, acquittal, or dropped charges. The record shows the arrest date, arresting agency, original charges, and final case outcome. You can only remove the arrest from public view through the sealing or expungement process. A “not guilty” verdict still leaves the arrest on the record unless the judge orders the record sealed.
How do I check if someone is in jail in Lee County?
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office runs an online inmate search at leesheriff.org. The search shows current inmates at the Lee County Jail and their booking information. You can search by name, booking date, or booking number. The system refreshes every 15 minutes with new bookings and release information. The Sheriff’s office phone number for jail inquiries is (239) 477-1000. The jail also has a public visitation schedule posted on the Sheriff’s website.