Fort Myers Felony Records Search
Fort Myers is the county seat of Lee County in Southwest Florida. Over 86,000 people live in this historic Gulf Coast city. It is known as the City of Palms for its beautiful tree-lined streets. The Fort Myers Police Department provides law enforcement for the city. Felony cases go through the Lee County courts for prosecution. This guide covers how to find felony records in Fort Myers.
Fort Myers Police Department Records
The Fort Myers Police Department serves the historic city with dedication. Their officers work to keep residents and visitors safe. You can reach them at (239) 321-7700 during regular business hours. The main station is at 2210 Widman Way in the downtown area. They patrol the city's neighborhoods and historic districts daily. They respond to emergency calls and conduct proactive law enforcement. They maintain comprehensive records of all incidents.
Police reports show what happens at each incident officers respond to. They record the date, time, and location of events. They identify all individuals involved as subjects or witnesses. Suspected crimes are noted based on officer observations. Officers file these reports after responding to service calls. Some reports are public records available immediately. Others remain sealed during active investigations.
To obtain a police report, visit the Fort Myers Police website first. Go to www.fmpolice.com to find information. Find the records section on the department website. Forms are available for download. Some reports require payment of a copying fee. These fees offset staff time and materials costs. Most requests process within several business days.
The records staff can assist with your information requests. Call them during normal business hours for help. They can verify whether a report is ready. They can explain public access restrictions. Some records have legal limitations on disclosure. Staff will clarify these restrictions. They can also provide cost estimates.
Lee County Clerk of Court for Fort Myers Cases
All felony cases from Fort Myers go to the Lee County Clerk of Court. The Clerk maintains all official court records for the county. You can contact them at (239) 533-5000 for assistance. The main office is in downtown Fort Myers, the county seat. This location makes it convenient for city residents to visit. The Clerk serves all municipalities in Lee County.
The Lee County Clerk offers online case search tools. Visit www.leeclerk.org to start. Search by defendant name or assigned case number. See charges filed and scheduled court dates. View case status and final outcomes. Some files are available online. Others need an office visit.
When you visit the Clerk's office, staff help with your search. Public computers link to the case database. You can view most case files. Copies cost fifteen cents per page. Certified copies are one dollar each. Staff can retrieve files from storage.
FDLE Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state crime database. Fort Myers arrest records are included in this system. FDLE offers an online search for public access. It costs twenty-five dollars per search. Payment is accepted by credit or debit card. Results appear immediately on screen.
To search, visit web.fdle.state.fl.us/search. Enter the full legal name and date of birth. Social Security numbers help but are optional. The search covers all sixty-seven Florida counties. This saves time compared to checking individually.
Results show arrests and convictions on file. Charges and case numbers are displayed. Courts that handled cases are identified. Felonies and misdemeanors both appear. Guilty pleas and verdicts are shown. Cases dismissed may still appear. Sealed records do not show.
The FDLE site at www.fdle.state.fl.us has more resources. Learn about background check requirements. Find forms for sealing records. Check current fees before searching. Fees may change over time.
How to Search Fort Myers Felony Records
You can search for records in several different ways. Each fits different needs and situations. Some are faster for basic information. Others provide more comprehensive results.
Online searches work for quick status verification and updates. The Lee Clerk site has current case data available. The FDLE site has comprehensive state records. Both work from home with internet access. You need accurate name information to search effectively. Results generate quickly for your review.
In-person visits show full case documentation and files. Go to the Clerk in Fort Myers for access. See all documents, pleadings, and court orders. Make copies for your personal records. Bring proper identification with you. Payment can be cash or credit card.
Phone calls help with simple status questions. Police can confirm report availability. The Clerk can provide case status. Detailed searches require an office visit.
Public Records Law in Florida
Florida law guarantees access to most government records. Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution establishes this right. Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes implements the constitutional provision. This law is known as the Sunshine Law. It applies to all state and local agencies.
Felony court records are generally open to public inspection. You do not need to give a reason for your request. You do not need to show identification to view records. Agencies must respond to requests promptly. They can charge fees for copies of documents.
Some records are exempt from public disclosure. Active criminal investigation information may be protected. Records that are sealed or expunged by court order are confidential. Juvenile records receive additional protections under Florida law. Law enforcement may withhold information that could harm investigations.
Nearby Cities in Lee County
These cities are near Fort Myers and share the same court system. Cross-jurisdictional cases may involve these areas.