Collier County criminal records are official court files that show every felony and misdemeanor case filed in the 20th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. These records include charges, court dates, plea deals, verdicts, sentences, and final outcomes.
Anyone can search these records through the Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court, the Sheriff’s Office, or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. This page explains how each system works, what you can find, who can see sealed files, and what fees apply. Every detail below comes from official sources as of 2026.
How the Collier County Court System Works
Collier County sits on Florida’s southwest coast, with Naples as its county seat. All criminal cases in the county go through the 20th Judicial Circuit Court, which also covers Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties. The Circuit Court handles felonies and serious offenses. The County Court handles misdemeanors, county ordinance violations, and traffic crimes. Both courts keep public records through the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Felony Cases in Collier County
A felony is a crime that can lead to more than one year in state prison. Common felony charges in Collier County include drug trafficking, burglary, aggravated assault, fraud, and DUI with injury. Felony cases start in Circuit Court and stay there until the case closes. The Clerk’s office files every motion, plea, and order from these cases.
Misdemeanor Cases in Collier County
A misdemeanor is a less serious crime punishable by up to one year in county jail. Examples include simple battery, petty theft, first-time DUI, and disorderly conduct. These cases go through the County Court division. Records from these cases are kept in the same Clerk database as felonies, but they appear under a separate case-type filter.
Criminal Traffic and DUI Records
Collier County also processes criminal traffic offenses. These include DUI, driving with a suspended license causing death or injury, and reckless driving with property damage. DUI cases that cause injury or death become felonies and move to Circuit Court. Pure traffic tickets without criminal intent stay in county traffic court and are not part of the criminal record system.
Collier County Clerk of Court Criminal Records
The Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller serves as the official record keeper for every criminal case filed in the county. Their main office sits at 3315 Tamiami Trail E, Suite 102, Naples, FL 34112. You can call them at (239) 252-2646. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for court holidays.
Online Court Records Search
The Clerk runs a free public search portal at collierclerk.com. You can search by name, case number, citation number, or date range. The portal shows case type, filing date, current status, hearing schedule, judge assigned, and final disposition. You do not need an account to run a basic search. The system updates every 24 hours with new filings and court actions.
To run a name search, type the person’s last name first, then first name. If you have a middle name or date of birth, add those for a more exact match. Common names may return many results. You can narrow the list by adding a birth year or case filing year. The portal works on phones, tablets, and computers with no software install needed.
Searching by Case Number
If you already have a case number, the search is faster. Collier County case numbers follow this pattern: 20xx-CF-xxxxxx for felonies and 20xx-MM-xxxxxx for misdemeanors. The first four digits show the year. The two letters show the case type. The last six digits are the sequence number. Type the full number into the case number field for an exact match.
Records Available at the Clerk’s Office
The following records are public and open to view:
- Arrest affidavits and sworn complaints
- Formal charges filed by the State Attorney
- Plea agreements and plea hearing transcripts
- Sentencing orders and judgment documents
- Probation modification motions
- Appeal records filed with the District Court of Appeal
- Warrant issuance orders (active warrants only show after they are served)
Certified Copies and Document Fees
You can buy certified copies of court records at the Clerk’s office. A standard certified copy costs $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee. A exemplified copy (used in another state or country) costs $7 per document. The office accepts cash, check, money order, and most major credit cards. You can also order copies by mail with a written request and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Collier County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office handles arrests, jail operations, and incident reports. Their headquarters is at 3319 Tamiami Trail E, Naples, FL 34112. The main phone number is (239) 252-9300. The Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest records, booking photos, incident reports, and jail inmate records. These records are separate from court records.
Jail Inmate Search
You can search for current inmates at the Collier County jail through the Sheriff’s website. The tool shows booking date, current charges, bond amount, and projected release date. Most bookings appear in the system within two hours of arrest. The search is free and available 24 hours a day. Records stay online for current inmates and for 90 days after release.
Arrest Records and Incident Reports
Arrest records show who was arrested, where, when, and why. Incident reports (also called police reports) show what deputies found at the scene. You can request a copy of an incident report through the Sheriff’s Records Bureau. The fee is $1 per page. Some reports are exempt under Florida law, such as active investigations, juvenile cases, and reports that reveal confidential informants.
Warrant Search
Active arrest warrants do not show on the public jail search until deputies serve them. If you want to know if a warrant exists for someone, you must call the Sheriff’s Warrants Division at (239) 252-0894. Staff can confirm a warrant exists but cannot share full details by phone. You can also ask the Clerk’s office to check the court docket for warrant status.
Statewide Criminal History Search
Florida’s criminal history records go beyond the county level. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) keeps a statewide database that pulls data from every county, including Collier. This is useful for background checks, employment screening, and immigration matters. The search costs $24 per name, plus a $1 processing fee for a total of $25.
FDLE Public Records Search
You can run a statewide search at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. You need the person’s full legal name, date of birth, and either a Social Security Number or race. Results show all arrests, charges, and final dispositions reported to FDLE. Records show arrests from every Florida county where the person was booked. Out-of-state and federal arrests do not appear.
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search
If someone was convicted in Collier County and sent to state prison, you can search the Florida Department of Corrections database at fdc.myflorida.com. The search shows current inmates, release dates, and supervision status. This tool is free and covers every state prison in Florida. It does not cover county jail inmates or federal prisoners.
Sealing and Expunging Records in Collier County
Florida law allows some criminal records to be sealed or expunged. A sealed record stays in the system but is hidden from public view. An expunged record is physically destroyed. You can apply for either option if you meet the legal standards set in Florida Statute 943.059.
Who Can Apply for Sealing or Expungement
You can apply if you were found not guilty, the case was dropped, you completed a diversion program, or you were convicted of a crime that is now eligible under state law. You cannot apply if you were convicted of murder, sexual battery, kidnapping, arson, or other crimes listed in the statute. You can only seal or expunge one record in your lifetime.
The Certificate of Eligibility Step
You must first get a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. The application costs $75. Processing takes about 12 weeks. The certificate stays valid for 12 months. You file it with the Collier County court along with a sworn petition. A judge reviews the petition and makes the final call. The entire process from FDLE application to final court order can take 6 to 12 months.
What Happens After the Court Approves
If the judge signs the order, the Clerk seals the court file. The Sheriff’s Office and the arresting agency also seal their records. FDLE updates the state database. The person can then legally say they have no criminal record in most cases. Law enforcement and some government agencies can still see the file under limited circumstances.
Public Access Rules and Exemptions
Florida has one of the broadest public records laws in the country. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives anyone the right to view government records. You do not need to be a citizen, a lawyer, or a resident. You do not need to show ID. You do not need to explain why you want the records. The Clerk’s office must provide access during normal business hours.
Records That Are Not Public
Some records are exempt under Florida law. The following are closed to public view:
- Sealed and expunged records
- Active criminal investigation files
- Juvenile criminal records (with limited exceptions)
- Victim identity information in sex crime cases
- Grand jury testimony and presentments
- Pre-trial diversion program files
Who Can See Sealed Records
Even sealed records can be viewed by the person who was charged, their attorney, the State Attorney, law enforcement officers, the Department of Children and Families, and the Florida Bar (if the person applies to practice law). Some employers in sensitive fields (such as law enforcement, education, and healthcare) can ask about sealed records under specific Florida statutes.
Visiting the Collier County Courthouse
You can view most criminal records in person at the Collier County Clerk’s office. The courthouse is at 3315 Tamiami Trail E, Suite 102, Naples, FL 34112. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Free parking is available on-site. You can use the public terminals inside the office to run searches for free. Staff can help you with basic questions about the search system.
What to Bring for In-Person Searches
Bring the full name of the person you are searching. If you have a date of birth or case number, bring that too. Bring a valid photo ID for yourself. Bring a method of payment if you plan to buy certified copies. Leave cell phones, cameras, and recording devices in your car or use the lockers inside. Weapons of any kind are not allowed in the courthouse.
How to Search by Different Methods
Collier County offers four main search methods. Each works best for different needs. The table below shows the key facts about each option.
| Search Method | Where to Go | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk Online Portal | collierclerk.com | Free | Court case status, hearings, dispositions |
| Sheriff Inmate Search | colliersheriff.org | Free | Current jail inmates, recent bookings |
| FDLE Statewide Search | cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us | $25 | Full Florida criminal history check |
| In-Person Clerk Visit | 3315 Tamiami Trail E, Naples | Free to view, $1 per page for copies | Older records, certified documents, complex searches |
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common issues people face when searching for criminal records in Collier County. Each answer reflects current Florida law and Clerk’s office policy as of 2026. If your question involves a specific case, contact the Clerk’s office directly for the most accurate update.
How long does a criminal case stay on a public record in Collier County?
Criminal cases stay on the public record forever unless a judge orders the record sealed or expunged. There is no automatic deletion after a set number of years. Even if the case happened 30 years ago, the Clerk’s office still has the file. The only ways to remove a case from public view are through formal sealing, expungement, or a Governor’s pardon.
Can I search for juvenile criminal records in Collier County?
Most juvenile criminal records are confidential under Florida law. You cannot view them through the public online portal. Only the juvenile, the juvenile’s parents or guardians, the attorney, the State Attorney, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the court can see the records. Juvenile traffic tickets that are criminal in nature (such as DUI) follow the same rule.
Will a dropped charge still show up in a Collier County search?
Yes, a dropped charge still appears in the public docket. The record shows the charge, the date it was filed, and the reason it was dropped (such as nolle prosequi, no information, or lack of probable cause). The drop shows as a status update, not as a deletion. If you want the record sealed, you must file a separate petition after the case closes.
Can I use Collier County criminal records for employment screening?
Yes, Florida employers can use criminal records for hiring decisions under the Florida Statute 943.0585 and the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. You must follow the rules on how to ask about convictions. The records are public, but using them must follow both state and federal law. Some states ban the box and limit when you can ask about arrests.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a conviction record?
An arrest record shows the person was taken into custody by law enforcement. It includes the arrest date, location, and reason. A conviction record shows the person was found guilty or pled guilty in court. An arrest does not always lead to a conviction. Many arrest records show dismissals, acquittals, or dropped charges in the final outcome.
Can I find out if someone is in jail right now in Collier County?
Yes, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office posts current inmates on its website. The list updates every few hours. You can search by name or booking date. The site shows bond amount, current charges, and the inmate’s next court date. The list only shows people held in the Collier County jail. People held in state prison or other counties will not show here.
How do I get a copy of a police report from the Collier County Sheriff?
Call the Records Bureau at (239) 252-9300, or visit the Sheriff’s Office in person. Provide the case number, date, and location of the incident. Reports cost $1 per page. Allow 5 to 10 business days for the report to be ready. Reports that are part of an active investigation are exempt and will not be released until the case closes.