Lee County criminal history records show arrests, charges, and court results from cases in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Sanibel. The Lee County Clerk of Court keeps these records for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit, which also covers Charlotte, Collier, Glades, and Hendry counties.
Anyone can ask for these records because Florida law treats criminal history as public data. This page explains how to get Lee County criminal history records, what they show, how much they cost, and which laws control who can see them.
What Lee County Criminal History Records Contain
Criminal history records in Lee County are full files that follow a person from arrest through the end of a court case. They pull data from local police, the sheriff’s office, the court system, and the Florida Department of Corrections when prison time happens. Each record gives a clear picture of what the police did, what the courts decided, and what sentence, if any, the person received.
Types of Records Stored in Lee County
Lee County criminal history files include arrest reports, booking photos, charging documents, court filings, plea deals, trial results, sentences, probation orders, and final disposition notes. Misdemeanor and felony cases both appear. Traffic offenses that lead to criminal charges also show up. Juvenile records stay separate from adult records and follow different release rules under Florida law.
Time Period of Records Available
The Lee County Clerk of Court has computer records going back to the late 1980s. Older paper files exist in the courthouse archive for many cases. Records do not get removed from the system after a set time. They stay on file unless a court orders them sealed or expunged. A person who needs a record from 30 or 40 years ago can still request it through the clerk’s office.
Who Files These Records
Several agencies add to a criminal history file. Local police departments in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Bonita Springs write the arrest reports. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office handles arrests in unincorporated areas. The State Attorney’s Office files the charges. The Clerk of Court stores the court paperwork. FDLE keeps the statewide version that ties all of these pieces together.
Florida Laws Governing Criminal History Access
Florida has strong public records laws. State law says most government records, including criminal history files, must be open for public review. The main rules come from Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes and Chapter 943, which deals specifically with criminal history data. These laws set who can see records, what fees can be charged, and which records stay private.
Florida Statute 943.053
Section 943.053 controls how the Florida Department of Law Enforcement shares criminal history data. It says FDLE must keep a central database of all arrests and dispositions in the state. It also says FDLE can charge a fee for each search. The law limits who can get full fingerprint-based results, but it allows name-based checks for most everyday needs like jobs and volunteer work.
Public Records Law Chapter 119
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes makes most government records open to the public. This includes criminal history records held by the clerk of court. The law says anyone can ask for these records without showing a reason. The clerk must provide them, but the clerk can charge a copy fee to cover the cost of making the copies and pulling the file.
Sealed and Expunged Records Rules
A person can ask a court to seal or expunge a criminal record under Florida Statute 943.059. Once a court grants this request, the record no longer shows up in public searches. The person can also say they were never arrested. Law enforcement and some government agencies can still see sealed records for specific jobs. FDLE removes expunged records from public view completely.
How to Request Lee County Criminal History Locally
Three main ways exist to get Lee County criminal history records. You can visit the clerk’s office in person, search online through the clerk’s website, or send a request by mail. Each way has its own cost, speed, and level of detail. The right method depends on how fast you need the record and what you plan to use it for.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk of Court
The fastest way to get a Lee County criminal history is to visit the clerk’s main office in downtown Fort Myers. Staff can pull records while you wait in many cases. Bring a photo ID, the full name of the person you are searching, and a date of birth if you have it. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and most major credit cards for payment.
Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The address is 2115 Second Street, Fort Myers, Florida 33901. The main phone line is (239) 533-5000. You can reach the criminal records department by asking the front desk to transfer your call.
Online Search Through Clerk Portal
The Lee County Clerk of Court runs an online search tool at leeclerk.org. You can search by name, case number, or citation number. The portal shows basic case data for free, including charges, court dates, and final outcomes. Printed copies and certified copies cost extra. The site works 24 hours a day from any computer or phone with internet access.
Mail-In Request Process
Mail requests work for people who cannot visit the clerk’s office in person. Send a written letter with the full name and date of birth of the person you are searching. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the search fee. Mail the request to the Lee County Clerk of Court at the same address listed above. Turnaround time runs 5 to 10 business days.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a statewide criminal history check that covers all 67 Florida counties. This search works through the CCHInet system. The statewide check is the right tool when you need to know about arrests and convictions across Florida, not just in Lee County. Many employers and government agencies require an FDLE check instead of a local search.
CCHInet Online Portal
CCHInet is FDLE’s online search portal at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. You create a free account, enter the person’s name and date of birth, and pay the search fee. Results come back in minutes for most name-based checks. The portal accepts credit cards and electronic checks. You can print the results or save them as a PDF for your records.
Certified vs Non-Certified Results
Non-certified results are good for personal use, informal background checks, and quick reviews. Certified results come with an official FDLE stamp and signature. Certified copies are required for immigration applications, court cases, and some government jobs. The certified version costs more and takes longer to get. FDLE mails certified results by U.S. mail or through a secure electronic delivery system.
Fees and Processing Times for FDLE
Name-based FDLE checks cost $24 per search, plus a small processing fee for the payment service. Results come back the same day for most online searches. Fingerprint-based checks cost $42.25 and require a visit to an approved Livescan location. Fingerprint results take 5 to 7 business days. Mailing a fingerprint card by mail adds more time.
| Search Type | Fee | Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDLE Name Search (Non-Certified) | $24.00 | Same day | Personal checks, volunteer work |
| FDLE Name Search (Certified) | $24.00 + cert fee | 5-7 business days | Court, immigration |
| FDLE Fingerprint Search | $42.25 | 5-7 business days | Healthcare, education, government |
| Lee County Clerk In-Person | $5-$10 per record | Same day | Local case details |
| Lee County Clerk Online | Free basic / $1 per page | Immediate | Quick case lookups |
Fees, Forms, and Fingerprinting Requirements
Different requests need different fees, forms, and steps. Some records only need a name and a small payment. Other records need fingerprints, signed forms, and a longer wait. Knowing what you need ahead of time saves money and avoids delays. The clerk’s office can answer questions about specific forms by phone during business hours.
Standard Search Fees in Lee County
The Lee County Clerk charges $1 per page for regular copies and $2 per page for certified copies. A standard name search of court records costs $5 for the search plus copy fees. A full criminal history printout with all available data costs between $10 and $25, depending on the length of the record. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards for in-person requests.
Fingerprinting for Certified Records
Some jobs and immigration applications need fingerprint-based criminal history checks. You must visit a Livescan location to have your prints taken electronically. The prints get sent to FDLE and the FBI for review. Livescan locations exist across Lee County in police stations, sheriff’s offices, and private fingerprinting companies. You must bring a photo ID and know your ORI number, which the requesting agency gives you.
Payment Methods Accepted
The Lee County Clerk accepts cash, personal checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Online payments through the clerk’s website use a secure payment processor with an extra convenience fee. Mail requests must include a check or money order, never cash. Refunds for overpayments take 4 to 6 weeks to process by mail.
Common Uses for Lee County Criminal History Records
People request criminal history records for many reasons. Employers need them to screen job applicants. Landlords check them before renting homes. Government agencies require them for licenses, adoptions, and visas. Schools and daycares need them for staff who work with children. Each use has its own rules about which type of check is required and how recent the record must be.
Employment Background Checks
Florida law lets most private employers run criminal background checks on job applicants. The check must relate to the job duties. Some industries like healthcare, education, and finance need a fingerprint-based Level 2 check by law. The employer must get written permission from the applicant before running the check. Applicants who are denied a job because of a record must get a copy of the report and a chance to explain.
Immigration Applications
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requires FBI background checks for most green card and citizenship applications. These checks cover all U.S. states and territories, including Florida. Applicants must submit fingerprints through a USCIS-approved site. Results go directly to USCIS. A criminal record does not automatically block an immigration application, but it does require extra paperwork and a review by an immigration officer.
Adoption and Foster Care
Florida requires a fingerprint-based criminal history check for everyone seeking to adopt a child or become a foster parent. The check covers Florida records and FBI records. Adults in the home also need a check. The screening happens through the Department of Children and Families. A felony conviction for child abuse, domestic violence, or a sex offense can block approval. Other crimes may also stop the application.
Professional Licensing
Many Florida professional licenses need a criminal history check. Teachers, nurses, real estate agents, security officers, and contractors all need one. The licensing agency sends the applicant a Livescan form with a special ORI code. The applicant visits a Livescan site, gets printed, and the results go straight to the agency. A criminal record can delay or block the license, depending on the crime and how long ago it happened.
Criminal History Records in Other Florida Counties
Each Florida county runs its own clerk of court office with its own records and search system. Records from one county do not automatically show up in another county’s search. Statewide checks through FDLE pull data from all 67 counties in one search. Knowing the differences between county systems helps when you need records from more than one place.
Miami-Dade County Records
Miami-Dade County keeps criminal history records through the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts at miamidadeclerk.gov. The system has millions of case files going back decades. Online search is free, but certified copies cost more. Miami-Dade is part of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit and also handles cases from the Miami-Dade Police Department and local municipal police.
Hillsborough County Records
Hillsborough County’s clerk office is in Tampa and runs the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court website. The county is part of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. Hillsborough’s online search tool lets you look up criminal cases by name, case number, or court date. The clerk charges small fees for printed copies and certified copies of case documents.
Orange County Records
Orange County in Central Florida keeps records through the Orange County Clerk of Courts in Orlando. The county includes Orlando and is part of the Ninth Judicial Circuit. Orange County’s online search portal is one of the most active in the state because of the large population. Records cover cases from Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Orlando Police Department, and other local agencies.
Duval County Records
Duval County covers Jacksonville and runs the Duval County Clerk of Court system. It is part of the Fourth Judicial Circuit. The clerk offers online case search, in-person record requests, and mail-in services. Duval County records show arrests by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement. The courthouse sits in downtown Jacksonville near the river.
| County | Main City | Clerk Website Domain | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lee County | Fort Myers | leeclerk.org | (239) 533-5000 |
| Miami-Dade | Miami | miamidadeclerk.gov | (305) 275-1155 |
| Hillsborough | Tampa | hillsclerk.com | (813) 276-8100 |
| Orange County | Orlando | myorangeclerk.com | (407) 836-2000 |
| Duval County | Jacksonville | duvalclerk.com | (904) 255-2000 |
Privacy Rules and Record Limitations
Criminal history records are public, but they are not open to everyone in every form. Some data stays private. Some records get sealed. Some checks need extra permission. Knowing the limits helps you avoid breaking the law when you ask for a record. The rules protect people from having their private data shared without a good reason.
Who Can Access Your Records
Florida law says your criminal history can be shared with employers, landlords, licensing agencies, courts, and law enforcement. Insurance companies, banks, and some volunteer groups can also ask for the records. They must have your written permission in most cases. The records cannot be sold to the public or used for marketing. Misuse of criminal history data can lead to fines and lawsuits.
Federal Records Not Included
FDLE checks only cover Florida records. They do not show federal arrests or out-of-state convictions. For a full national check, you need an FBI background check through the FBI’s Identity History Summary service. The FBI check costs more and takes longer, but it pulls data from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and federal court cases.
Juvenile Records Rules
Juvenile criminal records in Florida are not open to the public. Only the courts, law enforcement, and some agencies can see them. Juvenile records get sealed automatically in most cases when the person turns 21. Once sealed, they do not show up in standard background checks. The person can also ask the court to expunge juvenile records under Florida law.
Contact Information and Office Location
The Lee County Clerk of Court is the main office for getting local criminal history records. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closed on weekends and federal holidays. The main courthouse sits in downtown Fort Myers near the Caloosahatchee River. Free parking is available in the public garage behind the building.
You can reach the clerk by phone at (239) 533-5000, by email through the contact form on the website, or by mail at the address below. The official website is leeclerk.org. For statewide criminal history checks, contact FDLE at (850) 410-7000 or visit fdle.state.fl.us.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Lee County Clerk of Court |
| Street Address | 2115 Second Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 |
| Phone Number | (239) 533-5000 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Website | leeclerk.org |
| Statewide Agency | Florida Department of Law Enforcement |
| FDLE Phone | (850) 410-7000 |
| FDLE Website | fdle.state.fl.us |
Frequently Asked Questions About Lee County Criminal History
People often have specific questions about how criminal history records work in Lee County, what they cost, and how to fix mistakes. The following questions cover the most common concerns from job applicants, employers, landlords, and people who want to check their own record. Each answer gives clear steps based on current Florida law and clerk office practices.
How long does it take to get a Lee County criminal history record?
The time depends on how you ask for the record. In-person requests at the clerk’s office in Fort Myers can be done the same day in most cases. Online searches through the clerk’s website return basic case data right away. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days. FDLE statewide checks through CCHInet come back the same day for most name-based searches. Fingerprint-based FDLE checks take 5 to 7 business days. Mailing a fingerprint card by mail can take 2 to 3 weeks. Plan ahead if you need the record by a specific date.
Can I check my own criminal history in Lee County for free?
You can search the Lee County Clerk’s online portal for free. The portal shows basic case data such as charges, court dates, and final outcomes. You cannot get a printed copy or certified copy for free. For a certified copy of your own criminal history, you must pay the clerk’s copy fee. FDLE also offers a free name-based check once a year for Florida residents who want to review their own record. This free check comes as a non-certified PDF.
What shows up on a Lee County criminal history check?
A criminal history check in Lee County shows arrests, charges, court cases, dispositions, sentences, probation records, and any pending cases. It also shows dismissed charges and not guilty verdicts in some cases. The check does not show arrests that did not lead to charges. Sealed and expunged records do not appear. Federal arrests and out-of-state convictions are also missing from a local Lee County check.
How do I fix a mistake on my Lee County criminal history record?
If you find a mistake on your record, contact the Lee County Clerk of Court first. Small errors like a misspelled name or wrong date of birth can often be fixed by the clerk. For errors in arrest or court data, you may need to file a request with the agency that reported the data. FDLE also has a Record Review process. You submit proof of the error, and FDLE reviews the file. If FDLE agrees, it updates the record and notifies other agencies that pulled the data.
Can an employer in Florida deny me a job because of an old arrest?
Florida law limits how employers can use arrest records. An employer cannot deny you a job based only on an arrest that did not lead to a conviction. The employer can consider convictions, especially if the crime relates to the job duties. For example, a theft conviction may block a job handling money. Some industries like healthcare and education have stricter rules. The employer must follow the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act if they use a third-party screening service.
How do I seal or expunge a Lee County criminal record?
You must file a petition with the Lee County Clerk of Court. The petition must list all prior arrests and dispositions. You also need a certificate of eligibility from FDLE, which costs $75. The State Attorney’s Office reviews the petition and may object. A judge makes the final decision. If the court grants the request, the record is sealed or expunged. Most misdemeanors and many felonies qualify if enough time has passed and you have no other convictions.
Does a Lee County criminal history show out-of-state convictions?
No. A Lee County criminal history check only shows cases from Lee County. Statewide checks through FDLE show all Florida counties. To get out-of-state convictions, you need an FBI background check or a check from each state where the person lived. The FBI Identity History Summary check pulls data from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and federal court records. This check costs more and takes 2 to 4 weeks to process.