Fort Myers City Court Records are public files kept by the Lee County Clerk of Court. Anyone can look at most of these records for free.
This page shows you how to search, what you can find, and what stays sealed by law.
Where Fort Myers Court Records Are Kept
Fort Myers sits in Lee County, Florida. The city serves as the county seat. All court records for Fort Myers cases are stored at the Lee County Clerk of Court office. The main office is at the Lee County Justice Center in downtown Fort Myers.
The clerk handles every case type that passes through local courts. This includes criminal charges, civil lawsuits, family matters, traffic tickets, and probate cases. The clerk also keeps small claims and county court files.
Florida law treats these records as public. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives you the right to see them. The only exceptions are files a judge has sealed or records the law marks as private.
Lee County Clerk of Court Contact Details
| Office | Lee County Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 |
| Phone | (239) 533-5000 |
| Website | leeclerk.org |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Main Courthouse | Lee County Justice Center, 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 |
How to Search Fort Myers Court Records Online
The main tool for online searches is called MATRIX. The Lee County Clerk runs this portal. You can reach it at matrix.leeclerk.org. No account is needed for basic lookups.
What You Can Search on MATRIX
- Case number lookups
- Party name searches (plaintiff or defendant)
- Date range filters
- Attorney name searches
- Case type filters
MATRIX covers civil, criminal, family, and traffic cases across Lee County. Fort Myers cases show up here because the city uses the same court system as the rest of the county.
Search results show the case status. You can see party names, filing dates, charges or claims, and the full docket. A docket is a list of every paper filed and every action taken in a case.
Records MATRIX Does Not Cover
Official records like deeds, mortgages, liens, and recorded judgments sit in a separate search tool. You can find them on the clerk’s official records page. This system holds documents recorded with the county, not court case files.
Criminal Court Records in Fort Myers
Criminal cases in Fort Myers move through the 20th Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties. Felony charges go to circuit court. Misdemeanors stay in county court. Both show up in MATRIX.
Who Files Criminal Charges
The Fort Myers Police Department makes most arrests inside city limits. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office handles unincorporated areas nearby. After an arrest, the State Attorney’s Office decides whether to file formal charges. Once charges are filed, the case enters the court system.
What Criminal Records Show
- Arrest dates and charges
- Court appearances and dates
- Plea deals and outcomes
- Sentences and fines
- Probation terms
- Appeals
Sensitive Information That Gets Redacted
Florida Statute 119.0714 requires the clerk to hide certain personal details. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and similar data are blocked from public view. The clerk removes this information before posting records online.
Juvenile Records Are Separate
Juvenile cases have different access rules. You cannot search juvenile records through MATRIX. Only certain people can see these files, and only under specific conditions set by Florida law.
Civil Court Records in Fort Myers
Civil cases cover disputes between people or businesses. Common case types in Fort Myers include contract disagreements, foreclosures, evictions, personal injury claims, and debt collection. Small claims cases also fall under civil court.
County Court vs Circuit Court
County court handles civil cases where the amount in dispute is $50,000 or less. Circuit court handles larger civil claims. Both courts are in the Lee County Justice Center. Both record files in the same clerk system.
Small Claims Cases
Small claims court handles disputes under $8,000. These cases move faster than regular civil suits. They include landlord-tenant issues, unpaid debts, and minor property damage claims. Records stay public unless a judge seals them.
Family Court Records in Fort Myers
Family court covers divorce, child custody, paternity, child support, and domestic violence matters. These cases are filed in circuit court.
Some family court records have restricted access. Florida law protects certain details in family cases. Financial affidavits, parenting plans, and details about minor children may be sealed or partially redacted.
You can still search for the case by name on MATRIX. You will see the case number, filing date, and party names. You may not see every document in the file.
Probate Court Records in Fort Myers
Probate court handles wills, estates, and guardianship matters. When someone dies with or without a will, their estate goes through probate. The court oversees the process.
Probate records show the will, asset lists, creditor claims, and final distribution. These files are public unless a judge orders them sealed. Guardianship records have stricter privacy rules.
Traffic Court Records in Fort Myers
Traffic cases include speeding tickets, careless driving, DUI charges, and license violations. Most minor traffic infractions result in a fine. Serious traffic offenses can lead to criminal charges.
You can look up traffic tickets and their status on MATRIX. The system shows fines owed, court dates, and whether the person paid or disputed the ticket.
How to Get Copies of Court Records
Certified Copies
The Lee County Clerk charges $1 per page for certified copies. A certified copy has an official stamp that proves it is a true copy of the original. Courts and government agencies often require certified copies.
E-Certified Records
You can order e-certified records online through the clerk’s website. These are digital copies with the same legal weight as paper certified copies. The fee is $1 per page, plus a small convenience charge.
Regular Copies
Uncertified copies cost less. You can view and print many documents for free through MATRIX. For paper copies at the clerk’s office, the fee is 50 cents per page.
How to Read a Court Record
Court records use legal terms. Here are common abbreviations and what they mean:
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DEF | Defendant (the person charged or sued) |
| PLA | Plaintiff (the person filing the case) |
| ARR | Arraignment (first court appearance where charges are read) |
| HRG | Hearing |
| JDG | Judgment (the court’s final decision) |
| DISP | Disposition (how the case ended) |
| MTR | Motion (a formal request to the judge) |
| ORDR | Order (a written command from the judge) |
Sealed and Expunged Records
A judge can seal a court record. Sealed records do not show up in public searches. Only people named in the case or their lawyers can see sealed files.
Expungement is different. An expunged record is physically destroyed. After expungement, the case is treated as if it never happened. Florida law allows expungement for certain offenses. You must file a petition with the court and meet specific requirements.
Sealed and expunged records will not appear in MATRIX search results. This protects people who qualified for these legal remedies.
How to Request Records by Mail
You can request court records by mail if you cannot visit the clerk’s office. Send a written request to the Lee County Clerk of Court. Include the case number, party names, and what documents you need. Include a check or money order for the copying fees.
The mailing address is:
Lee County Clerk of Court
1700 Monroe Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Allow 5 to 10 business days for mail requests. Complex searches may take longer.
E-Filing in Fort Myers Courts
Most court documents must be filed electronically in Florida. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal handles filings for circuit and county courts. You can reach it at myflcourtaccess.com.
To e-file, you create an account and select Lee County. You upload your documents in PDF format. The system accepts filings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Filing fees are paid by credit card or electronic check.
Attorneys must use e-filing for most cases. People representing themselves (pro se filers) can also use the system, though some case types allow paper filing.
Court Record Retention in Florida
Florida has specific rules for how long court records are kept. Criminal case files are kept permanently for felonies. Misdemeanor files are kept for at least 10 years after the final judgment. Civil cases are kept for 10 years after the case ends. Traffic infractions are kept for at least 5 years.
Older records may exist only in paper form. Not every document is scanned into MATRIX. To see older files, you may need to visit the clerk’s office in person.
Appeals and Appellate Records
If a case is appealed, it moves to a higher court. In Florida, appeals from the 20th Judicial Circuit go to the District Court of Appeal, Second District. This court is in Lakeland.
Appellate records show the briefs filed by each side, the oral arguments, and the appellate court’s ruling. You can search these records through the Florida appellate court’s website.
Self-Help Resources for Fort Myers Residents
The Florida Courts Help website offers free legal forms and self-help guides. You can find divorce forms, small claims instructions, and family court paperwork there. The site is at help.flcourts.gov.
The Lee County Law Library, located in the Justice Center, provides free access to legal books and computers. Library staff can help you find forms but cannot give legal advice.
Paying Court Fines and Fees Online
MyFloridaCounty.com lets you pay court costs, traffic fines, and other fees online. You will need your case number or citation number. Payments go on file right away, and you get a receipt by email.
Common payments include traffic tickets, criminal fines, and civil court costs. You can also set up payment plans for amounts you cannot pay all at once.
Common Reasons People Search Fort Myers Court Records
- Background checks for jobs or housing
- Checking on a pending case
- Verifying a court judgment
- Researching property disputes
- Finding information for legal filings
- Locating family members in court cases
- Checking criminal history
What Records Cost and What Is Free
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online case search (MATRIX) | Free |
| Viewing records in person | Free |
| Regular paper copy | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy | $1.00 per page |
| E-certified copy | $1.00 per page plus fee |
| Document search (staff lookup) | $2.00 per name per year |
| Filing fee (varies by case) | $50 to $400+ |
Limits on Court Record Access
Some records are not public under Florida law. These include:
- Juvenile delinquency records
- Adoption files
- Mental health commitment records
- Certain domestic violence documents
- Records sealed by court order
- Grand jury proceedings
- Victim identity information in sex crime cases
Even when a record is public, sensitive details get removed. The clerk follows Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 when deciding what to redact.
How Long Cases Take in Fort Myers Courts
Case timelines vary. Traffic tickets may resolve in weeks. Misdemeanor criminal cases often take 3 to 6 months. Felony cases can take 6 months to over a year. Civil cases without trial often settle in 6 to 12 months. Cases that go to trial take longer.
You can check the current status of any case on MATRIX. The system updates docket entries as actions occur.
Visiting the Clerk’s Office in Person
The Lee County Justice Center is in downtown Fort Myers. Free parking is available on site. The clerk’s office takes walk-in visitors during business hours. You can use public computers to search MATRIX. Staff can help you locate records and make copies.
Bring a valid photo ID. Some services require you to show ID before accessing records. The busiest times are Monday mornings and right after lunch. Visiting midweek often means shorter lines.
Contact for Fort Myers Court Records
Lee County Clerk of Court
1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: (239) 533-5000
Website: leeclerk.org
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Myers Court Records
How do I find out if someone has a criminal record in Fort Myers?
Search the person’s name on MATRIX at matrix.leeclerk.org. The portal shows criminal case filings, charges, and outcomes for Lee County. MATRIX covers Fort Myers cases. For statewide results, use the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website. The FDLE site offers official background checks for a fee. Sealed or expunged records will not appear in either search.
Can I view Fort Myers court records for free?
Yes. Basic searches on MATRIX cost nothing. You can see case numbers, party names, charges, and docket entries. You can view and print many documents at no charge. The only cost is when you need certified copies. Certified copies are $1 per page. Regular paper copies are 50 cents per page.
What is the difference between sealed and expunged records?
Sealed records still exist but are hidden from public view. Only the people named in the case, their lawyers, and certain agencies can see them. Expunged records are destroyed. After expungement, the case is treated as if it never happened. Florida law allows expungement for specific offenses. You must file a petition and get a court order. Both sealed and expunged records do not show up in MATRIX searches.
How do I get a certified copy of a Fort Myers court order?
Visit the Lee County Clerk of Court office at 1700 Monroe Street. Bring the case number. The fee is $1 per page. You can also order e-certified copies online at leeclerk.org. Mail requests are accepted. Include a check or money order and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days for mail orders.
Are divorce records public in Fort Myers?
Most divorce records are public. You can search for the case by name on MATRIX. The final judgment of divorce is usually public. Other documents, like financial affidavits and parenting plans, may be sealed by the judge. Adoption records are completely sealed. Paternity cases are public unless a judge orders them sealed.
How do I check the status of my traffic ticket in Fort Myers?
Go to matrix.leeclerk.org and search by your name or citation number. The system shows your court date, fine amount, and whether you need to appear. You can also pay the fine online at myfloridacounty.com. If you want to fight the ticket, you must appear in court on the date listed.
Can I access Fort Myers court records from another state?
Yes. MATRIX works from anywhere with internet access. You can search, view, and print public records online. For certified copies, you can order e-certified versions through the clerk’s website. You will receive a digital copy by email. Physical certified copies require a mail request or a visit to the clerk’s office.