Collier County court records are public files kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Naples, Florida. Anyone can look at most of these records for free.
You can search them online, visit the courthouse, or call the clerk’s office. This page explains how to find these records, what types of cases exist, and what steps you need to take.
Who Keeps Collier County Court Records
The Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court handles all court records for the county. This office is the main record keeper for the 20th Judicial Circuit Court in Collier County. The clerk stores files for civil cases, criminal cases, family cases, and probate cases.
The clerk’s office also keeps official records. These include deeds, mortgages, liens, and judgments. Official records are different from court case files. Each type of record has its own search tool on the clerk’s website.
The clerk’s office serves every city and town in Collier County. Naples is the county seat. Other areas like Marco Island, Immokalee, Everglades City, and Ave Maria all use the same clerk. There are no separate court systems for any city in the county.
Collier County Clerk of Court Records
The Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court files new cases and stores old ones. When a court case starts in Collier County, the clerk receives the first papers. The clerk then keeps every document filed during the case. Court orders, motions, judgments, and hearing dates all go into the same file.
You can reach the clerk’s office several ways. The phone number is (239) 252-2646. You can email a public records request to PublicRecordsRequest@collierclerk.com. You can also walk into the office during business hours. Staff at the front desk can help you find a case or order copies.
Florida law says court records must be open to the public. Florida Statute Chapter 119 gives you the right to see public court files. You do not have to pay to look at records. You only pay when you want a paper copy or a certified copy.
| Office | Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112 |
| Phone | (239) 252-2646 |
| PublicRecordsRequest@collierclerk.com | |
| Website | collierclerk.com |
| Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
How to Search Collier County Court Records Online
The main way to search Collier County court records online is through ShowCase. ShowCase is a free web portal run by the clerk. You do not need to pay or create an account. The system lets you search by party name, case number, or citation number.
ShowCase shows the case type, filing date, names of the people involved, and a list of docket entries. Docket entries are the list of papers filed in the case and the actions taken by the court. You can view, download, or print many documents directly from the system.
The clerk’s website says ShowCase is provided free of charge. You can use the results for personal use. The system covers civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. Some case types have limits on what the public can see online. Family and juvenile cases often show less detail than other case types.
To start your search, go to the Collier County records search page. There you can pick between court records, official records, court reports, and lobbyist records. Each search type has its own form.
The ShowCase portal shows case details, hearing dates, and filed documents for Collier County cases.
Searching by Name
If you know the full name of a person involved in a case, you can search ShowCase by name. Type the last name first, then the first name. You can also use partial names. The system will show all cases that match. Make sure to check both plaintiff and defendant results. A person can be on either side of a case.
Searching by Case Number
Every court case in Collier County has a unique case number. The number includes the year, case type code, and a sequence number. For example, a case number might look like 2024-CA-001234. If you know the case number, this is the fastest way to find the file.
Searching by Citation Number
If you received a traffic ticket or citation in Collier County, you can search by citation number. This works for traffic cases, county ordinance cases, and some criminal misdemeanor cases. The citation number is printed on the ticket you received.
Collier County Official Records Search
Official records are different from court records. Official records include documents that get recorded with the county, like deeds, mortgages, liens, and judgments. When you buy property in Naples or file a lien, that document goes into the official records system.
The official records search tool is separate from the court case search. You can find it on the clerk’s records search page. The official records system lets you search by name, document type, or recording date. You can view the index data for each record. In many cases, you can also view the full document image.
The clerk’s office warns that the online data is provisional. If you plan to use the document in a legal matter or real estate closing, you should get a certified copy from the clerk’s office. A certified copy has an official stamp and signature.
The records search page lets you pick between court records, official records, and other search tools.
Types of Court Records in Collier County
Collier County court records cover many types of cases. Each type has its own division within the clerk’s office. Below is a list of the main case types you can search.
Civil Case Records
Civil cases involve disputes between people or businesses. Common civil cases include contract disputes, personal injury claims, and property disputes. The case number for civil cases starts with CA or CC. You can search civil case records in ShowCase by name or case number.
Criminal Case Records
Criminal cases involve charges brought by the state. The state is always the plaintiff in a criminal case. Felony cases have case numbers starting with CF. Misdemeanor cases have case numbers starting with MM. You can search criminal case records in ShowCase. Some records may be sealed or expunged.
Family Court Records
Family court handles divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence cases. Many family court records have limits on public access. Adoption records are sealed by law. Some domestic violence records may be confidential. You can still search family cases in ShowCase, but you may not see all documents.
Probate Court Records
Probate cases handle wills, estates, and guardianships. When someone dies, their will goes through probate court. Guardianship cases involve people who cannot manage their own affairs. You can search probate records in ShowCase by name or case number.
Small Claims Court Records
Small claims court handles civil disputes for smaller amounts of money. In Florida, small claims court handles cases up to $8,000. The case number starts with SC. These cases move faster than regular civil cases.
Traffic Court Records
Traffic cases include moving violations, speeding tickets, and driving under the influence charges. Many traffic cases start with a citation number. You can search by citation number in ShowCase. If you received a ticket in Collier County, you can look up your court date and case status online.
Appellate Court Records
Appellate cases are cases reviewed by a higher court. Most appeals from Collier County go to the 2nd District Court of Appeal. The clerk’s office can help you find records related to appellate cases. Some appellate records are kept by the appeals court, not the county clerk.
Confidential and Sealed Court Records
Not all court records in Collier County are public. Florida law protects certain types of information. The clerk must remove social security numbers, bank account numbers, and other sensitive data before posting records online.
Florida Statute 119.0714 lists the data that must be protected. Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 lists the types of court records that stay confidential. Sealed cases do not appear in ShowCase. You cannot find them through a public search.
Juvenile cases are closed by default. Adoption records are sealed. Mental health proceedings have limits on public access. Expunged records are removed from public view. If a judge orders a case sealed, it drops out of all public search results.
If you want your own Collier County court record sealed, you must file a motion with the court. You must show that you meet the legal requirements. The court then decides whether to grant the request.
How to Get Copies of Court Records
You can get copies of Collier County court records in three ways. You can download and print them from ShowCase. You can visit the clerk’s office in person. Or you can order copies by mail or email.
Printing from ShowCase is free. You only pay the cost of paper and ink at home. The clerk charges a fee for paper copies. The standard fee is $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost more. A certified copy of a court order or judgment costs $2.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee.
To order copies by mail, send a written request to the clerk’s office. Include the case name, case number, and what documents you need. Include a check or money order for the copy fees. The clerk will mail the copies to you.
To order copies in person, visit the clerk’s office at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Bring a photo ID. Staff can help you find the records you need.
Fees for Court Records in Collier County
Searching Collier County court records online is free. Looking at records in person is also free. You only pay when you want copies.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online search | Free |
| Viewing records in person | Free |
| Standard copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (per page) | $2.00 |
| Certification fee (per document) | $2.00 |
| Federal tax lien search | $5.00 |
| Document search fee (over 5 years) | $2.00 per year |
Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit card. There is a convenience fee for credit card payments. The clerk’s office can tell you the exact fee when you place your order.
E-Filing in Collier County
All new court filings in Collier County must go through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The portal is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Attorneys must use the portal for all filings. Self-represented parties can also use the portal or file paper documents at the clerk’s office.
The e-filing portal is at myflcourtaccess.com. You create an account, pick the court, and upload your documents. The system stamps your filing with the date and time. The clerk reviews the filing and accepts or rejects it. You get an email when the clerk accepts your filing.
Fees for e-filing depend on the case type. Most civil filings have a fee that you must pay before the clerk accepts the document. You can pay by credit card or e-check through the portal.
Court Reports and Bulk Data
The clerk’s website has a separate tool for court reports. This tool lets you pull reports on specific case types, filing trends, and court activity. It is a separate feature from the basic case search.
Court reports are useful for attorneys, researchers, journalists, and businesses. The tool lets you filter by date range, case type, and party type. You can export the results to a spreadsheet.
For day-to-day lookups, most people use ShowCase. The court reports tool works better for bulk data and trend analysis. Some reports may have a fee.
Legal Help and Court Resources
Several resources can help you with court records or legal matters in Collier County. The Florida Courts Help website has free forms and self-help guides. All Florida Supreme Court approved forms are available there at no cost. The forms work for filings in Collier County.
The 20th Judicial Circuit has a self-help center. Staff at the center can point you to the right forms and explain the steps for your case type. They cannot give legal advice, but they can help you get started.
Legal Aid Service of Collier County serves low-income residents. They handle family law, housing, and other civil matters. If you have a court case in Collier County and cannot pay for a lawyer, Legal Aid is a good place to start.
The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service that covers Collier County. You can call the service and get the name of a lawyer who handles your type of case. Many lawyers offer a free first meeting.
Cities and Communities in Collier County
All court cases in Collier County go through the same clerk’s office. Naples is the county seat and the main hub for court activity. Marco Island, Immokalee, Everglades City, and Ave Maria all fall under Collier County jurisdiction.
None of these cities have separate court systems. Every court record in the county goes through the same clerk. If you need court records for any part of Collier County, the ShowCase system and the clerk in Naples are your starting points.
The 20th Judicial Circuit covers five counties. These are Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades. Each county has its own clerk. If you are not sure which county handled your case, check the case number or call the clerk’s office.
Nearby Counties
Several counties border Collier County. Court jurisdiction depends on where the case was filed. Each county has its own clerk and search tools.
- Lee County – to the north
- Hendry County – to the northeast
- Monroe County – to the south
- Miami-Dade County – to the east
- Broward County – to the east
If you have a case in a nearby county, you will need to contact that county’s clerk. The search tools and fees are different for each county.
How Long Does the Clerk Keep Records
The clerk keeps most court records permanently. Felony case files, civil case files, and probate files are kept forever. Misdemeanor and traffic case files are kept for a set number of years before they may be destroyed.
Under Florida law, some records are kept for shorter periods. County ordinance cases are kept for 5 years. Misdemeanor cases are kept for 5 years after the case ends. Some criminal traffic cases are kept for 5 years.
If you need an old case file, call the clerk’s office first. Some older files have been moved to offsite storage. The clerk may need a few days to pull the file.
Jury Duty and Other Clerk Services
The clerk’s office handles many other services. These include jury duty, marriage licenses, and passport applications. If you receive a jury summons in Collier County, the clerk’s office can answer questions about your service.
Marriage licenses are issued by the clerk. Both parties must appear in person with valid ID. There is a fee for the license. You do not need to be a Florida resident to get a marriage license in Collier County.
Passport applications are accepted at the clerk’s office by appointment. You must bring proof of citizenship, a photo ID, a passport photo, and the application fee. The clerk submits your application to the U.S. State Department.
Contact the Collier County Clerk
You can reach the Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court at the address and phone number below. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is closed on weekends and federal holidays.
Website: collierclerk.com
Phone: (239) 252-2646
Email: PublicRecordsRequest@collierclerk.com
Address: 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112
Frequently Asked Questions About Collier County Court Records
The questions below cover the most common things people ask about Collier County court records. Each answer gives you clear steps and points you to the right tool or office. If your question is not here, call the clerk’s office during business hours.
How do I look up a case in Collier County?
You can look up a case in Collier County through the ShowCase portal on the clerk’s website. Go to collierclerk.com and click on the records search link. You can search by party name, case number, or citation number. The system shows case type, filing date, parties, and docket entries. You can view, download, or print documents from the system. The search is free. You only pay if you want certified copies.
Can I see court records for free in Collier County?
Yes, you can see most Collier County court records for free. The ShowCase portal is free to use. You can search and view case data at no cost. You can also visit the clerk’s office in Naples and view records at no cost. You only pay when you want a paper copy or a certified copy. The standard copy fee is $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $2.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee.
What court records are not public in Collier County?
Some court records in Collier County are not public. Juvenile cases are closed by default. Adoption records are sealed. Mental health proceedings have limits on public access. Records sealed by a judge are not public. Expunged records are removed from public view. The clerk also removes social security numbers, bank account numbers, and other sensitive data from public records under Florida law.
How do I get a certified copy of a court order in Collier County?
To get a certified copy of a court order in Collier County, visit the clerk’s office in person or send a written request by mail. The office is at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112. The fee is $2.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card. A certified copy has an official stamp and signature from the clerk. You need a certified copy for legal matters and real estate closings.
How do I find the outcome of a court case in Collier County?
You can find the outcome of a court case in Collier County by searching ShowCase. Look up the case by name or case number. The docket entries show every action in the case, including the final judgment or sentence. The system also shows hearing dates and the names of the judge and attorneys. If the case is sealed or expunged, the outcome will not appear in the public search.
Can I search Collier County court records by address?
You cannot search court records by address in ShowCase. The system searches by name, case number, or citation number. If you need to find a case for a specific property, try searching by the owner name. You can also search official records by address. The official records system has property records, deeds, and liens that are tied to addresses.
What is the difference between court records and official records in Collier County?
Court records are files for court cases. These include civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. Official records are documents recorded with the county, like deeds, mortgages, liens, and judgments. The clerk keeps both types of records. Each type has its own search tool on the clerk’s website. Court case searches use ShowCase. Official record searches use a different tool on the same site.
Final Notes on Collier County Court Records
Collier County court records give you access to public court files for free. The ShowCase portal lets you search from home. The clerk’s office in Naples helps you in person. The clerk also issues marriage licenses, processes passport applications, and manages jury duty. For legal help, contact Florida Courts Help, Legal Aid Service of Collier County, or the Florida Bar lawyer referral service. Always get a certified copy if you plan to use the record in a legal matter.