Fort Myers City criminal records are public court files that show every criminal case filed in Lee County, Florida. These records include felony cases, misdemeanor cases, traffic criminal offenses, and court docket entries from the 20th Judicial Circuit Court.
Anyone can search Fort Myers criminal case information through the Lee County Clerk of Court, the Fort Myers Police Department, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and statewide databases run by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
What Fort Myers City Criminal Records Contain
Fort Myers City criminal records are official court documents that track a criminal case from the first filing to the final outcome. They are created and stored by the Lee County Clerk of Court, which serves as the official record keeper for the entire county. Fort Myers sits inside Lee County, so all criminal cases tied to Fort Myers residents or Fort Myers addresses appear in the same Lee County system.
Types of Cases in the Fort Myers Court System
Lee County criminal court records include several types of criminal cases that pass through the local courts. Each type follows a different legal path and creates a different set of public files.
- Felony court records cover serious crimes like burglary, drug trafficking, aggravated assault, and homicide. These cases are handled by the 20th Judicial Circuit Court.
- Misdemeanor court records cover less serious crimes like petty theft, simple battery, minor drug possession, and first-time DUI. These cases are handled by the Lee County Court.
- Criminal traffic records cover offenses like reckless driving, driving with a suspended license that causes injury, and DUI with property damage.
- Warrant records show active arrest warrants issued by a Lee County judge.
- Bond and hearing records show court dates, bond amounts, plea dates, and sentencing outcomes.
Documents Stored Inside a Fort Myers Criminal Case File
Each Fort Myers criminal case file holds a full set of documents that explain the legal process. These documents are created at each stage of the case and become public once they are filed with the clerk.
- Arrest affidavits written by Fort Myers Police Department or Lee County Sheriff’s deputies
- State Attorney charging documents listing each criminal count
- Court orders from the judge including bond orders, search warrants, and protective orders
- Plea agreements and motions filed by defense attorneys and prosecutors
- Final judgments, sentences, probation orders, and dismissal paperwork
Where to Find Fort Myers City Criminal Records
Fort Myers criminal court records can be found through three main local agencies and two statewide agencies. Each agency handles a different part of the criminal justice process. Picking the right agency depends on what type of record you need and how recent the case is.
Lee County Clerk of Court
The Lee County Clerk of Court is the main source for Fort Myers criminal court records, criminal docket entries, and criminal case filings. The clerk maintains the official case files for the 20th Judicial Circuit Court and the Lee County Court. You can search Fort Myers criminal case lookup by name, case number, or citation number through the clerk’s online portal. The online system is free for basic case lookups and shows current case status, hearing dates, charges, and final dispositions. The Lee County Clerk of Court is located at 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901. You can reach the clerk’s office by phone at (239) 533-5000. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fort Myers Police Department Records Division
The Fort Myers Police Department keeps police reports, incident reports, and arrest records for crimes that happen inside Fort Myers city limits. This includes offenses investigated by Fort Myers officers before the case moves to the court system. The Records Division can provide copies of incident reports, traffic crash reports, and arrest affidavits. Some reports are available online, while older reports require an in-person visit or a written records request. The Fort Myers Police Department is located at 2210 Widman Way, Fort Myers, FL 33901. The non-emergency phone line is (239) 321-7700. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office handles arrests made outside Fort Myers city limits and runs the Lee County Jail where most Fort Myers arrestees are held. The Sheriff’s Office provides an online inmate search tool that shows who is currently in custody, what charges they face, and their bond amount. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office headquarters is located at 14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33912. The main phone number is (239) 477-1000. The inmate search and most public records tools on the Sheriff’s website are free to use around the clock.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
FDLE runs a statewide criminal history search through a system called CCHInet. A search through CCHInet pulls Fort Myers criminal records along with records from every other Florida county in one report. This is a name-based search that requires the person’s full name, date of birth, and a small fee. Each search costs $24.00 and results are returned instantly online. CCHInet only shows Florida records. It does not show federal charges or out-of-state offenses.
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search
The Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) keeps records of people who have been sentenced to state prison or who are on state supervision. If a Fort Myers felony case ends in a state prison sentence, the inmate will appear in the DOC search. The DOC search is free and shows current inmates, release dates, and supervision status. People who only served county jail time will not appear in the DOC database.
How to Search Fort Myers Criminal Court Records Online
Searching Fort Myers criminal case information online is the fastest way to check the status of a case. The Lee County Clerk of Court runs a public search portal that works on any computer, phone, or tablet. The portal is free, available 24 hours a day, and does not require an account.
Searching by Name
A name search is the most common way to start a Fort Myers criminal case lookup. Enter the person’s full legal name in the search field. If the person has a common name, you can narrow the results by adding a date of birth or a known address in Fort Myers. The search will return every criminal case filed in Lee County that matches the name you entered. Each result shows the case number, the filing date, the charges, the assigned judge, and the current case status.
Searching by Case Number
If you already have a Fort Myers case number, you can pull up the full file directly. Case numbers in Lee County follow a standard format that includes the year, the court type, and a sequence number. Entering the full case number takes you straight to the docket page. This page lists every hearing, motion, and order filed in the case. It is the fastest way to check a Fort Myers criminal court docket for a specific case.
Searching by Citation Number
If you received a criminal traffic citation in Fort Myers, you can search the Lee County system by citation number. The citation number appears at the top of the ticket you were given. A citation search pulls up the case and shows the court date, the fine amount, and whether the case has been resolved.
Fees and Copy Costs for Fort Myers Criminal Records
Most Fort Myers criminal court records are free to view, but copies and certified copies carry a fee. Knowing the cost before you visit saves time and helps you bring the right payment method.
Free Fort Myers Court Records Services
The Lee County Clerk of Court offers several free services through its online portal and at public terminals in the courthouse. You can check case status, view the docket, and read basic case details without paying a fee.
- Online case search by name, case number, or citation number
- Viewing the docket sheet online at no cost
- Reading case details including charges, hearing dates, and final judgments
- Using the public access terminals inside the Lee County Courthouse
Paid Fort Myers Court Records Services
Paid services cover physical copies, certified copies, and official records that carry a court seal. The fee schedule below shows the most common charges at the Lee County Clerk of Court for 2026.
| Service | Fee | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Regular printed copy | $1.00 per page | Personal reference or informal use |
| Certified copy | $2.00 per page plus $1.00 certification fee | Court filings, immigration, employment background checks |
| Authenticated or apostille copy | Additional state fee applies | Use in another country or federal court |
| FDLE statewide criminal history search | $24.00 per name | Background checks covering all Florida counties |
Fort Myers Felony and Misdemeanor Court Records
Fort Myers felony court records and Fort Myers misdemeanor court records are kept in the same Lee County system but follow different court paths. Each path produces its own docket, set of documents, and set of public files.
Fort Myers Felony Case Search
Felony cases in Fort Myers are heard in the 20th Judicial Circuit Court. A Fort Myers felony case search pulls up cases that include serious criminal charges punishable by more than one year in state prison. Examples include aggravated assault, robbery, drug trafficking, sexual battery, and homicide. Each felony case file contains a charging document from the State Attorney’s Office, a formal arraignment, pretrial motions, plea negotiations, and either a trial or a plea. The final record shows the sentence imposed by the judge, which may include prison time, probation, fines, or a combination of all three.
Fort Myers Misdemeanor Case Search
Misdemeanor cases in Fort Myers are heard in the Lee County Court, which is a lower court within the same clerk system. A Fort Myers misdemeanor case search pulls up less serious criminal offenses punishable by up to one year in county jail. Common misdemeanor charges in Fort Myers include simple battery, petit theft, possession of small amounts of marijuana, disorderly conduct, and first-time DUI. Misdemeanor case files are shorter than felony files but follow the same public access rules. Anyone can view them through the Lee County Clerk portal.
Fort Myers Criminal Court Docket and Trial Records
Fort Myers criminal court docket records and Fort Myers criminal trial records are the most detailed parts of any case file. They show what happened at each step of the legal process and serve as the official timeline of the case.
Criminal Court Docket Records
The criminal docket is a chronological list of every event in a Fort Myers criminal case. It includes the first appearance before a judge, the arraignment, every motion hearing, every pretrial conference, the trial date, and the final sentencing hearing. Each entry on the docket shows the date, the type of hearing, the name of the judge, and the outcome. The docket also shows when documents are filed and which attorney or party filed them. Anyone searching Fort Myers criminal case information can read the full docket through the Lee County Clerk portal.
Criminal Trial Records
Trial records exist only for cases that go to trial instead of ending in a plea deal. These records include the witness list, the evidence log, the jury instructions, the verdict form, and the final judgment. Trial records in Fort Myers are stored at the Lee County Courthouse and can be requested through the clerk’s office. Some trial records are available online, while older records may require a visit to the courthouse records room.
Sealing and Expunging Fort Myers Criminal Records
Florida law allows some Fort Myers criminal records to be sealed or expunged. A sealed record is hidden from public view but still exists in the court system. An expunged record is physically destroyed by the agencies that hold it. Both options can help with job applications, housing applications, and professional licensing.
Who Qualifies for Record Sealing in Fort Myers
A person may qualify to seal a Fort Myers criminal record if they meet every condition listed below. The clerk’s office and FDLE both review the application before a judge signs off.
- The case ended in a dismissal, a not guilty verdict, or a withhold of adjudication
- The applicant has no prior felony or misdemeanor convictions
- The applicant has no other sealed or expunged records on file
- The required waiting period has passed since the case closed
Steps to Seal or Expunge a Fort Myers Criminal Record
The sealing and expungement process follows a fixed set of steps in Lee County. The full process usually takes four to six months from start to finish.
- Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE through the FDLE website. The application fee is $75.00.
- Once the certificate arrives, file a petition to seal or expunge with the Lee County Clerk of Court.
- Pay the filing fee set by Florida law and submit the required fingerprint card.
- Attend the court hearing where the judge reviews the petition.
- If the judge grants the order, the clerk sends the order to every agency that holds the record. Each agency must then seal or destroy the file as ordered.
Fort Myers Criminal Records Laws and Public Access Rules
Florida public records law gives broad access to Fort Myers criminal court records. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes and Rule 2.420 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration both require that court records be open to the public. A small number of records are restricted by law.
Records Open to the Public
Most Fort Myers criminal records are public. Open records include the docket, the charging document, the plea agreement, the sentence, and most motions filed by either side.
Records Restricted From Public View
Some Fort Myers criminal records are not open to the public. Restricted records include sealed records, expunged records, juvenile records, mental health court records, and records tied to active investigations. These records do not appear in public searches and cannot be released without a court order.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Myers City Criminal Records
The questions below cover the most common things people ask about Fort Myers criminal court records. Each answer gives a direct explanation based on current Lee County and Florida law.
How do I find out if someone has a criminal case in Fort Myers?
You can search the Lee County Clerk of Court online portal by name to see every criminal case filed in Fort Myers. The search is free, runs 24 hours a day, and shows charges, court dates, and case status. You can also run a statewide search through FDLE’s CCHInet for a small fee if you want records from other Florida counties at the same time.
Are Fort Myers criminal records free to view?
Yes. Basic Fort Myers criminal case information is free to view through the Lee County Clerk portal. You only pay a fee if you need a printed copy, a certified copy, or an authenticated copy for legal use. FDLE charges $24.00 per name for a statewide criminal history check.
Can I check Fort Myers warrant records online?
Lee County does not publish a full public warrant list. You can call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office warrant line at (239) 477-1234 to check if a warrant is active for a specific person. The clerk’s case search will also show warrants that have already been filed in an open case.
What is the difference between a Fort Myers felony and a Fort Myers misdemeanor record?
A Fort Myers felony record covers serious crimes punishable by more than one year in prison and is heard in the 20th Judicial Circuit Court. A Fort Myers misdemeanor record covers less serious crimes punishable by up to one year in jail and is heard in the Lee County Court. Both are stored in the same Lee County Clerk system.
How long does it take to expunge a Fort Myers criminal record?
The full process usually takes four to six months from the day you apply for a Certificate of Eligibility with FDLE. The court hearing and the final order add another 30 to 90 days depending on the Lee County court calendar. After the order is signed, the agencies that hold the record have 60 days to seal or destroy it.
Can I get Fort Myers criminal records from another state?
No. The Lee County Clerk of Court only holds records for cases filed inside Lee County. For out-of-state records, you must contact that state’s law enforcement agency or court system directly. The FBI also runs a federal criminal history check through its Identity History Summary service for a small fee.
Where is the Lee County Courthouse in Fort Myers?
The Lee County Courthouse is located at 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901. The clerk’s office is on the first floor. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can call the clerk at (239) 533-5000 for help with a Fort Myers criminal case search before you visit.
Contact Information for Fort Myers Criminal Records
Use the contact details below to reach the agencies that handle Fort Myers criminal court records. Calling ahead before you visit helps you confirm hours, fees, and what documents you need to bring.
Lee County Clerk of Court
The Lee County Clerk of Court keeps Fort Myers criminal court records, criminal docket records, and case filings for the 20th Judicial Circuit Court and the Lee County Court. The clerk’s office is the main place to request certified copies.
- Address: 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Phone: (239) 533-5000
- Website: www.leeclerk.org
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Fort Myers Police Department
The Fort Myers Police Department keeps police reports, incident reports, and arrest records for crimes that happen inside Fort Myers city limits. The Records Division provides copies of police reports for a small fee.
- Address: 2210 Widman Way, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Phone: (239) 321-7700
- Website: www.fmpd.org
- Records Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office runs the Lee County Jail, serves arrest warrants, and provides an online inmate search tool. The Sheriff’s Office handles arrest records for areas outside Fort Myers city limits.
- Address: 14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33912
- Phone: (239) 477-1000
- Website: www.sheriffleefl.org
- Inmate Search: Available 24 hours a day at www.sheriffleefl.org/inmate-search
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
FDLE runs the CCHInet statewide criminal history search and processes Certificate of Eligibility applications for sealing or expunging a Fort Myers criminal record.
- Address: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
- Phone: (850) 410-7000
- Website: www.fdle.state.fl.us
- CCHInet Portal: cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us