Lee County criminal records are public court files that list arrests, charges, court actions, and case results for people charged with crimes in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, and other Lee County cities. These records help residents, employers, landlords, and lawyers check the legal history of a person.
The Lee County Clerk of Court keeps the official court files, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office runs the arrest and inmate lists. State agencies in Florida also keep broader criminal history files that cover Lee County and every other county in the state.
What Are Lee County Criminal Records
Lee County criminal records are written files made by courts, police, and state agencies. They show what crime a person was charged with, what the court did, and what the final result was. These files are open to the public under Florida law. Anyone can ask to see them. The records cover both small crimes called misdemeanors and bigger crimes called felonies.
Types of Criminal Records in Lee County
There are three main types of Lee County criminal records. The first type is court records kept by the Clerk of Court. These show case numbers, charges, court dates, pleas, and sentences. The second type is arrest records kept by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and local police. These show when a person was taken into custody and what they were charged with at the time. The third type is state criminal history records kept by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which collects reports from all counties in Florida.
Who Maintains These Records
Three main offices keep Lee County criminal records. The Lee County Clerk of Court runs the court system and keeps all court case files. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office handles arrests and runs the county jail. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the statewide criminal history database called CCHInet. Each office has its own search system and fee structure.
Lee County Clerk of Court Criminal Records
The Lee County Clerk of Court is the main office for court case files. This office keeps all felony and misdemeanor case records filed in Lee County courts. You can search their online system any time, day or night, from any computer or phone. You can also visit the office in person during business hours if you need help or certified copies.
Clerk’s Office Location and Contact Details
The main office of the Lee County Clerk of Court sits at 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, Florida 33901. The office phone number is (239) 533-5000. You can reach the records department by calling this main line during regular business hours. The office website is leeclerk.org. This site has the online search portal, fee schedules, and contact forms. Office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays. Parking is available near the building for visitors who want to search files in person.
Online Court Records Search System
The Lee County Clerk of Court runs a free online search tool on their website. This tool lets you search criminal court records by name, case number, or date range. You do not need an account to use the basic search. The system covers both Circuit Court felony cases and County Court misdemeanor cases. Results show the defendant name, case number, charges, court dates, and current status. You can view case details and the court calendar for free. You only pay if you want to print or download documents.
Searching by Case Number
If you have a Lee County criminal case number, you can pull up the full docket fast. The case number format in Lee County follows the Florida Supreme Court standard. Circuit Court felony cases start with a year, court code, and case type. County Court misdemeanor cases follow a similar pattern. Enter the full number into the search box to get the full file. This method works best when you need one specific record.
Searching by Name
To search Lee County criminal court records by name, type the last name first, then the first name. You can add a middle name or initial to narrow results. The system may show many people with the same name. Use the date of birth field if you know it. The system matches names across all criminal case types. Always check the case details to make sure you have the right person before using the data.
In-Person Records Requests
You can visit the Lee County Clerk of Court office in Fort Myers to search records in person. Staff members at the public terminal can help you use the search system. They can also pull paper files from the records archive. Bring a photo ID and any case details you already have. You can ask for certified copies of court orders, judgments, and other legal documents. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards.
Records Fees and Copy Costs
Basic online viewing of Lee County criminal case data is free. You pay only when you need printed or certified copies. The standard copy fee is $1.00 per page for regular copies. Certified copies cost more because they carry the court seal and clerk signature. The clerk charges $2.00 for certification plus the per-page copy fee. You can pay online with a credit card for a small convenience fee. Phone orders are accepted for credit card payments.
| Service | Cost | How to Order |
|---|---|---|
| Online basic search | Free | Visit leeclerk.org search portal |
| Regular copy per page | $1.00 | Online, in person, or by mail |
| Certified copy | $2.00 plus $1.00 per page | Online request or in person |
| Authentication | $2.00 per document | Clerk’s office only |
| Exemplified copy | $7.50 per document | Clerk’s office only |
Lee County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest records and runs the county jail. Their office serves all of Lee County outside the city of Cape Coral, which has its own police department. The Sheriff’s Office also provides booking photos, charge details, and bond amounts for current inmates. These records are useful when you need to find someone who was recently arrested.
Sheriff’s Office Contact Information
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office main address is 14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers, Florida 33912. The main phone number is (239) 477-1000. The non-emergency line is (239) 332-1186. The official website is sheriffleefl.org. You can also follow their social media pages for arrest updates and public safety alerts. The office is open 24 hours a day for emergencies and during business hours for records requests.
Online Inmate Search Tool
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office runs an online inmate search on their website. This tool shows people who are in the Lee County jail right now. It also shows people who were recently released. You can search by name or booking number. Results show the mugshot, booking date, current charges, bond amount, and next court date. This service is free and open to the public. The database updates several times each day.
Arrest Records and Police Reports
Arrest records show when a person was taken into custody. Police reports give the full story of an incident, including witness names, officer notes, and evidence lists. You can ask for a copy of a police report from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Florida law makes these reports public. You must fill out a public records request form. The office charges a copy fee per page. Some reports stay sealed during active investigations.
How to Request Sheriff’s Office Records
You can file a public records request with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in three ways. You can visit the office in person and fill out a form. You can send a written request by mail to the records department. You can also email the records office using the address listed on their website. Always include the case number, report number, or date of the incident. Allow time for the office to process your request, which can take several business days.
Statewide Criminal History Search for Lee County
Sometimes you need a criminal history check that covers more than Lee County. State and federal databases let you search across all of Florida or the whole country. These tools are useful for employers who need full background checks or people who want to see records from other counties. Each system has its own rules and fees.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement CCHInet
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the CCHInet system, which is the official statewide criminal history database. This system holds arrest and conviction records from all 67 Florida counties, including Lee County. You can search CCHInet online at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. The search costs $24.00 per name plus a $1.00 processing fee. You need the person’s full name and date of birth to run a search. Results show all Florida arrests and dispositions that were reported to the state.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Florida Department of Corrections keeps records of people who are in state prison or under community supervision. You can search their database at dc.myflorida.com. This free search shows current inmates and people on probation or parole. The results include the person’s photo, current facility, crime, and sentence details. This tool is useful when you want to know if a person was sentenced to state prison time for a Lee County felony.
Federal Court Records and PACER
Federal crimes are handled by the U.S. District Court, not Lee County courts. To search federal criminal records, use the PACER system at pacer.uscourts.gov. PACER charges a small fee per page viewed, but you get free access if you use less than $30 in a quarter. Federal records cover federal charges like drug trafficking, immigration crimes, and federal fraud. Lee County federal cases are heard at the U.S. District Court in Fort Myers or Tampa.
What Statewide Searches Include
Statewide criminal history searches pull data from police and court reports across Florida. The records show arrests, charges, court outcomes, and sentences. They also list any time a person was found not guilty or had charges dropped. Statewide searches do not include federal crimes, out-of-state crimes, or juvenile records that were not transferred to adult court. They also do not show sealed or expunged records.
How to Search Lee County Criminal Court Records by Name
Many people want to look up Lee County criminal court records by name. This is a common task for employers, landlords, and people who want to check someone’s background. The Clerk of Court online system makes this process simple. You can do it from home with a phone or computer. Here are the basic steps and tips for a good search.
Information You Need to Start a Search
Before you start your Lee County criminal case lookup, gather the basic facts about the person. You will need their full legal name, including any middle name. A date of birth helps narrow the results, especially when many people share the same name. If you have a case number, that will give you the exact file right away. Without a case number, the name and date of birth are your best tools. The more details you have, the faster you will find the right record.
Tips for Accurate Search Results
To get the best results from the Lee County court records search, use the exact legal name of the person. Try different spellings if your first search returns no results. Add a city or zip code to narrow the results when possible. Use quotation marks around the full name to search for that exact phrase. Always double-check the date of birth to make sure you have the right person. Look at the case type and charge details to confirm the match.
Common Search Errors to Avoid
Some people make simple mistakes when they search criminal records. They use nicknames instead of legal names. They forget to add the date of birth. They mix up similar names. They also may not check the full record and pull the wrong person. Take your time and read every match carefully. If you are not sure, ask the Clerk’s office for help. They can point you to the right file.
Lee County Felony and Misdemeanor Case Records
Lee County has two main levels of criminal court. The Circuit Court handles felonies, which are serious crimes that can lead to prison time. The County Court handles misdemeanors, which are smaller crimes with shorter sentences. Each court keeps its own case files. The Clerk of Court runs both court records. You can search both types through the same online portal.
Circuit Court Felony Case Files
Felony cases in Lee County go through the 20th Judicial Circuit Court. These include crimes like burglary, drug trafficking, aggravated assault, and murder. Felony case files show the formal charges, the arraignment, motions, plea deals, trial dates, and sentences. The files can run for many pages. The Clerk of Court keeps the full paper file and the digital docket. You can view the docket online for free. To get paper copies, you need to pay the copy fee.
County Court Misdemeanor Case Files
Misdemeanor cases in Lee County go through County Court. These include crimes like petty theft, simple assault, DUI first offense, and disorderly conduct. Misdemeanor case files are smaller than felony files. They still show the charges, plea, sentence, and any fines. The Clerk of Court keeps these files for the full retention period set by Florida law. You can search them through the same online portal as felony cases.
Case Number Format and Search Methods
Lee County case numbers follow the Florida court standard. A typical felony case number looks like 23-CF-012345. A typical misdemeanor case number looks like 23-MM-012345. The first two digits are the year. The letters show the case type. The last numbers are the sequence. You can search by the full case number for a direct hit. You can also search by name and filter by case type. Both methods work on the Clerk’s online portal.
Sealing and Expungement of Lee County Records
Florida law lets some people seal or expunge their criminal records. A sealed record is hidden from the public but still exists. An expunged record is destroyed by the agencies that hold it. Both options can help people move on with their lives after an arrest or conviction. The process starts with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and ends in Lee County court.
Who Can Seal or Expunge Records in Lee County
Not everyone can seal or expunge a Lee County criminal record. You must meet certain rules. First, you cannot have any prior sealed or expunged records. Second, the case must have ended in your favor, such as a not guilty verdict, a dropped case, or a completed diversion program. Third, the crime cannot be on the list of offenses that cannot be sealed. Murder, sexual crimes, and certain violent felonies cannot be sealed under Florida law.
How to Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility
The first step to seal or expunge a Lee County record is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. You can apply online at fdle.state.fl.us or by mail. The application fee is $75.00 and is non-refundable. You must include fingerprints and a certified copy of the case disposition. Processing takes about 12 to 16 weeks. The certificate is good for 12 months from the issue date.
Filing the Court Petition in Lee County
After you get your Certificate of Eligibility, you must file a petition with the Lee County court. The petition asks the judge to order the sealing or expungement. You must serve a copy of the petition on the State Attorney’s Office. A hearing may be scheduled. If the judge signs the order, the Clerk of Court will seal the file. The order is then sent to every agency that has a record of the case. Those agencies must comply with the court order.
Public Access Rules Under Florida Law
Florida has strong public records laws. Section 119.07 of the Florida Statutes gives citizens the right to see most government records. This includes most Lee County criminal records. You do not need to be a lawyer or a U.S. citizen. You do not need to say why you want the records. You only need to ask for them in the right way.
The Florida Public Records Act
The Florida Public Records Act covers state, county, and city agencies. It also covers the Lee County Clerk of Court and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Under this law, you can ask for records in person, by mail, by email, or by phone. The agency must respond in a reasonable amount of time. The agency can charge only the actual cost of copying. They cannot charge for the time it takes to find the records. They cannot ask why you want them.
Records That Are Restricted From Public View
Some Lee County criminal records are not open to the public. Sealed records cannot be released without a court order. Expunged records are destroyed and not available. Juvenile records are kept private in most cases. Active criminal investigation files are also sealed until the case ends. Victim information is often redacted to protect privacy and safety. Personal details like Social Security numbers are also kept private.
Victim Privacy and Identity Protections
Florida law protects victims of certain crimes. Their personal details are often removed from public criminal records. This includes victims of sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence. The Clerk of Court and the Sheriff’s Office follow these rules when they release files. If you need a record that has redacted information, you can ask the court to review the redaction. A judge may order the full file released for a good reason.
Nearby Counties and Related Resources
Lee County is in Southwest Florida. It borders several other counties. If you need records from a nearby county, you can use that county’s Clerk of Court website. Each county has its own online search system and office hours. The same Florida public records law applies to all 67 counties in the state.
Counties Bordering Lee County
Lee County shares borders with Charlotte County to the north, Hendry County to the east, and Collier County to the south. It also sits next to the Gulf of Mexico on the west. Many people who live in Lee County also work or have cases in these nearby counties. Each county’s Clerk of Court keeps its own records. You must search each county separately if you need records from more than one place.
Contact Details for Surrounding Clerks
The Charlotte County Clerk of Court is at 350 E. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Phone: (941) 637-2241. Website: charlotteclerk.com. The Collier County Clerk of Court is at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112. Phone: (239) 252-2641. Website: collierclerk.com. The Hendry County Clerk of Court is at 25 E. Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, FL 33935. Phone: (863) 675-5217. Website: hendryclerk.com. Each office offers online searches and in-person help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lee County Criminal Records
People often have questions about Lee County criminal records, how to search them, what they cost, and what the law allows. The answers below cover the most common questions. They include details about online search tools, the Clerk of Court, the Sheriff’s Office, and statewide checks. If you have a question that is not answered here, contact the Lee County Clerk of Court or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for more help.
How Do I Find Out If Someone Has a Criminal Record in Lee County?
You can search the Lee County Clerk of Court online portal for free. The portal covers felony and misdemeanor cases filed in Lee County. Go to leeclerk.org and click on the court records link. Type the person’s name and date of birth into the search box. Review the results to find the right person. You can also call the Clerk’s office at (239) 533-5000 during business hours. For a statewide check, use the FDLE CCHInet system at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us.
Are Lee County Criminal Records Free to View?
Basic viewing of Lee County criminal case data is free through the Clerk’s online portal. You can see the case number, charges, court dates, and status without paying. You only pay when you want a printed or certified copy. The Clerk charges $1.00 per page for regular copies. Certified copies cost an extra $2.00 per document. The Sheriff’s Office also offers free inmate searches online. Statewide FDLE searches cost $24.00 plus a $1.00 processing fee per name.
Can I Check Lee County Arrest Records Online?
Yes. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office runs an online inmate search at sheriffleefl.org. This tool shows current inmates and recent releases. It includes the booking photo, charges, and bond amount. You can search by name or booking number. This database updates several times each day. For older arrest records, you may need to file a public records request with the Sheriff’s Office. The request can take several business days to process.
What Is the Difference Between Sealed and Expunged Records in Lee County?
A sealed record is hidden from the public but still exists in the system. Law enforcement and some government agencies can still see it. An expunged record is destroyed by every agency that held it. After expungement, you can legally say you were never arrested for that case. Both options require a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE and a court order from a Lee County judge. You cannot have both a sealed and an expunged record at the same time.
How Long Does It Take to Get Lee County Court Records?
Online searches give instant results through the Clerk’s portal. In-person requests for basic records often take less than 30 minutes. Certified copies can be issued the same day if the file is in the office. Mail requests can take 5 to 10 business days. Requests for archived files that are stored off-site can take 2 to 4 weeks. Statewide FDLE searches return results within a few minutes after you pay the fee online.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Get Lee County Criminal Records?
No. You do not need a lawyer to get Lee County criminal records. The public can search and view most records for free. You can file your own public records request. You can also request certified copies on your own. A lawyer is only required if you want to seal or expunge a record, challenge a conviction, or use the records in a court case. For these legal actions, hiring a lawyer is a good idea to avoid mistakes.
Can I Remove Old or Wrong Information From Lee County Records?
You cannot remove a record just because it is old or you do not like it. Records stay on file for the retention period set by Florida law. If the record has wrong information, you can ask the Clerk of Court to correct it. You may need to show proof of the error, like a court order or a sworn statement. The only way to fully remove a record is through the sealing or expungement process. That process has strict rules about who qualifies.