Lee County Felony Records
Lee County felony records track serious crimes filed in Southwest Florida along the Gulf Coast. The Clerk of Court maintains these files in Fort Myers, the county seat. Records cover charges, court hearings, plea agreements, and final case outcomes. Under Florida law, most felony files are open to public view. You can search online or visit the clerk's office in person.
Lee County Clerk of Court
Clerk Kevin C. Karnes leads the Lee County Clerk of Court office. His team maintains all felony court records for the county. The main office is in downtown Fort Myers, serving a large coastal population. You can reach the office at (239) 533-5007 during business hours.
Records in the Lee County Clerk's office tell the full story of each felony case. Files start with the formal charges filed by the state. They include all court dates, motions filed by lawyers, and orders signed by judges. You can see bond amounts, lawyer names, and final case outcomes. Staff add new papers daily as cases move through the system.
The clerk's website at www.leeclerk.org offers online case search tools. You can look up cases by name or number from any device. The site lists fees for copies and certified records. Most recent cases are available through the online portal.
| Clerk | Kevin C. Karnes |
|---|---|
| Office | Lee County Clerk of Court |
| Phone | (239) 533-5007 |
| Website | www.leeclerk.org |
| County Seat | Fort Myers |
Bring photo ID when you visit in person. Staff can help find files if you have a name or case number. Birth dates help narrow results for common names. The office does not give legal advice but will guide you to public records.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps the state's main criminal history database. This includes Lee County felony records and cases from all 67 counties. You can search by name for $25 and get instant results. The online system works 24 hours a day.
FDLE records show arrests, charges, and outcomes from across Florida. You can see if charges were filed, dropped, or led to convictions. The database gets updates from courts and police agencies statewide. Results include felonies and misdemeanors.
When records are sealed or expunged, they drop out of FDLE searches. Juvenile records also stay hidden from public view. To search, visit web.fdle.state.fl.us. Enter the full name, date of birth, and race. Results appear after you pay the fee.
The FDLE homepage at www.fdle.state.fl.us has more services. You can learn about sealing your record or fixing errors. The site explains fingerprint-based checks for jobs and licenses.
FDLE results are not certified. For certified copies, contact the clerk's office or request mail service from FDLE.
Court Records in Lee County
Court records in Lee County document every felony case filed in local courts. These files begin when the state files charges and end when cases close. The public can view most records under Florida's open records law. You can follow a case from start to finish.
Each case file holds papers that explain the charges and court actions. The first paper is the formal charge listing the crimes. The accused files responses to the charges. Judges sign orders for bond, trial dates, and sentences. All become part of the public record.
The Lee County Clerk offers online access to most court records. You can search by name or case number on their website. Older cases may need a visit to the Fort Myers office. Some records from before 1990 exist only on paper.
When you visit the clerk's office, be prepared to provide specific information about the case you seek. Having the case number speeds up the search process. If you don't have the case number, bring the full name and birth date of the person involved.
Lee County is one of the larger counties in Southwest Florida. The clerk's office serves a diverse population including seasonal residents and tourists. Staff are trained to handle a high volume of record requests efficiently.
For official purposes such as court proceedings or immigration matters, you may need certified copies of records. These documents carry an official seal that verifies their authenticity. Plan extra time for certified copy requests.
State Resources for Criminal Records
Florida offers several tools to help you find felony records statewide. These resources work together to give a complete picture of criminal history. You can search one county or all 67 counties.
The Department of Corrections runs a free inmate search at www.dc.state.fl.us. This shows state prisoners, parolees, and probationers. You can see photos, locations, and release dates. The site helps families and victims track offenders.
Chapter 119 of Florida law gives you the right to view public records. Read it at www.leg.state.fl.us. This law applies to all counties and state agencies. It keeps court records open to the public.
For example, agencies must respond quickly and charge only actual costs. Most simple requests are free or low cost. You can ask for cost estimates before large requests.
The Lee County Clerk processes thousands of record requests each year. Their trained staff can help you find what you need quickly. Call ahead if you have questions about what records are available or what fees apply.
Nearby Counties
Lee County sits on the Gulf Coast in Southwest Florida. If your search spans nearby areas, check these neighboring counties: