Collier County felony records are official court files that track serious criminal cases filed in Collier County, Florida. These records show charges, court actions, plea deals, trial results, and sentences for felony offenses.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps these records in Naples, the county seat. Most of these files are open to the public under Florida law. Anyone can search them for background checks, legal research, personal knowledge, or journalism. This page explains how to find these records online and in person, what they contain, who maintains them, and what fees apply.
What Are Collier County Felony Records
Felony records in Collier County are the paper and digital files created when someone faces a serious criminal charge. A felony is a crime that can carry a prison sentence of more than one year. Common felonies include burglary, drug trafficking, aggravated assault, fraud, and certain DUIs. Each felony case gets a unique case number. All papers filed in that case connect to that number. The court stores these papers at the courthouse and in a digital database.
Types of Felonies Handled in Collier County
Collier County courts handle many kinds of felony cases. Some of the most common types include violent crimes like aggravated battery and robbery. Drug crimes like trafficking and sale of controlled substances also appear often. Property crimes such as burglary, grand theft, and fraud are frequent. Sex offenses, weapons charges, and DUI felonies make up the rest. Each type follows the same basic court process, but the charges and possible sentences differ.
What Information These Records Contain
A felony case file holds many kinds of documents. The charging paper lists the exact crimes and the law broken. Police reports show the facts the police gathered. Witness statements tell what people saw or know. Motions are requests from lawyers asking the judge to rule on something. Court orders show the judge’s decisions on those motions. The docket sheet lists every event in the case in date order. The final judgment shows how the case ended, including any sentence.
Who Maintains These Records
The Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller maintains these records. This office sits in the courthouse at 3315 Tamiami Trail East in Naples. The same office keeps all court files for the 20th Judicial Circuit, which covers Collier, Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte counties. Statewide, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps a criminal history database that includes Collier County cases. The Florida Department of Corrections tracks people sent to state prison from the county.
How to Search Collier County Felony Records Online
You can search for Collier County felony records using several official online tools. Each tool works in a different way. Some tools search by name. Others search by case number. Some cover all of Florida. Others only cover Collier County. Choose the tool that fits what you need.
Collier County Clerk of Court Online Portal
The Collier County Clerk of Court runs an online search portal at www.collierclerk.com. This portal lets you look up cases by name, case number, or court date. You can see basic case details like charges, court dates, and case status. The portal also shows the judge assigned to each case. You can view the docket sheet for most cases. The portal is free to use. You do not need an account to search.
For older cases, the portal may show limited information. Files from before the late 1990s may only exist on paper. To see those older files, you may need to visit the courthouse in person or ask the Clerk’s office to pull them from storage. The Clerk charges a small fee to copy paper records.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a statewide criminal history search at web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default. This tool checks all 67 Florida counties at once. It costs $25 per search. You need the person’s full legal name. The date of birth helps narrow the results. A Social Security number is optional but makes the search more exact. Results show arrests, charges, plea outcomes, and convictions from across Florida, including Collier County.
After you pay with a credit or debit card, the results appear on your screen right away. You can print or save the report as a PDF. The report shows felony and misdemeanor charges. It shows whether each charge ended in a guilty plea, no contest plea, trial verdict, dismissal, or dropped charges. Cases that were sealed or expunged do not show up in these results.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Florida Department of Corrections offers a free inmate search at dc.state.fl.us/OffenderSearch/Search.aspx. This tool only shows people serving state prison time. It does not show people in county jail. For each inmate, the search shows their current location, sentence details, and release date. Most records include a photo of the inmate. You can search by name or Department of Corrections number.
How to Request Records In Person at the Courthouse
Some records are easier to find by visiting the courthouse. Older files, sealed documents that later opened, and certified copies often require an in-person visit. The Collier County Courthouse sits in Naples. You can use public computers to search cases and view digital files. Staff can help you find what you need.
Location and Hours of the Collier County Courthouse
The main Collier County Courthouse sits at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, Florida 34112. The Clerk’s office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to give yourself enough time. You can also call the Clerk’s office at (239) 252-2646 to ask questions before your visit.
What to Bring for In-Person Requests
Bring a valid photo ID like a driver’s license or passport. You do not need to give a reason for your request under Florida law. Write down the full legal name of the person you are searching for. Their date of birth helps the staff find the right files. If you know the case number, bring that too. Bring cash or a check for copying fees. Most offices accept credit cards but smaller ones may not.
Steps to View Records at the Clerk’s Office
Walk up to the public service window inside the Clerk’s office. Tell the clerk what you need. They will help you use the public search computers. You can search by name, case number, or date range. Once you find the case, you can view the docket sheet and many of the filed documents on screen. For certified copies or older paper files, ask the clerk to pull them from storage. Some storage pulls take one business day or more.
- Arrive before 4:30 p.m. to allow time for service.
- Bring photo ID and the full name you are searching.
- Use public computers for digital files.
- Ask the clerk for help with older paper records.
- Pay copy fees at the service window.
Understanding the Felony Case Process in Collier County
Felony cases in Collier County follow a set process from arrest to final sentence. Each step creates a public document that becomes part of the case file. Learning these steps helps you read and understand the records you find.
Stages of a Felony Case
A felony case usually starts with an arrest. The State Attorney’s Office then decides whether to file formal charges. If charges are filed, the defendant has a first appearance before a judge within 24 hours. The judge decides on bail and appoints a lawyer if needed. The defense then reviews the evidence and files motions. Many cases end with a plea agreement before trial. Cases that do not plead go to trial. After a guilty plea or trial verdict, the judge holds a sentencing hearing.
Types of Documents in a Felony File
The case file contains many documents that show what happened. The information or indictment lists the charges. The arrest affidavit gives the police facts. Discovery materials include evidence the State plans to use. Defense motions ask the court to rule on legal issues. The docket sheet logs every hearing and filing in date order. Sentencing documents show the final punishment. If the case is appealed, the appeal documents also go into the file.
20th Judicial Circuit Court Structure
Collier County sits in the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers five counties: Collier, Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte. Felony trials in Collier County take place at the main courthouse in Naples. Some pretrial hearings happen at satellite courthouses. Each felony case is assigned to a specific judge who handles it from start to finish. The Chief Judge oversees all judges in the circuit.
Costs and Fees for Felony Record Requests
Fees for felony records depend on the type of search and the copy you need. Most basic online searches are free. Certified copies and statewide criminal history searches cost more.
Online Search Fees
The Collier County Clerk’s online portal is free for basic case searches. The FDLE statewide criminal history search costs $24 plus a small processing fee per name. The Florida Department of Corrections inmate search is free. Third-party background check sites charge their own fees, but these sites often show old or incomplete data, so official sources work better.
Certified Copy Fees
A regular copy of a court document costs $1 per page in Florida. A certified copy costs $2 per page plus a $2 certification fee per document. You must get certified copies in person or by mail. The Clerk’s office does not email certified copies because they need the official court seal. Certified copies work as legal proof of the record.
Payment Methods Accepted
The Clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and most major credit cards. Online payments go through secure portals. In-person payments happen at the service window. For mail requests, send a check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail. Some satellite offices may not take credit cards, so bring another payment method when you call ahead.
| Service | Fee | Where to Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Online case search at Clerk portal | Free | Online |
| FDLE statewide criminal history | $25 per search | Online |
| FDC inmate search | Free | Online |
| Regular copy of court document | $1 per page | Clerk’s office |
| Certified copy of court document | $2 per page plus $2 certification | Clerk’s office or mail |
Sealed and Expunged Felony Records in Collier County
Some felony records become sealed or expunged by court order. Sealed records stay in the court’s files but cannot be seen by the public. Expunged records are physically destroyed or marked as deleted in the public system. Only a few people can still see them, such as the defendant, law enforcement, and certain employers in sensitive jobs.
Eligibility for Record Sealing
You can ask to seal a felony record if your case ended without a conviction. This includes dismissals, dropped charges, and not guilty verdicts. You cannot seal a record if you were found guilty. You also cannot seal certain serious crimes like murder, sexual battery, and other violent felonies. A certificate of eligibility from FDLE is needed before you file your petition with the court.
How the Sealing Process Works
Step one is to apply to FDLE for a certificate of eligibility. The application form is at fdle.state.fl.us. You must pay the application fee and submit fingerprints if asked. FDLE reviews your criminal history. If you qualify, FDLE sends you a certificate. Step two is to file a petition with the Collier County Clerk of Court. The State Attorney’s Office must also sign off. A judge then decides whether to grant the sealing.
What Expungement Means
Expungement is a stronger form of clearing a record. Expunged records are removed from public databases. Only the FDLE keeps a sealed copy. Most employers and background check companies cannot see expunged records. Florida limits who can ask for expungement. You can only expunge one case in your lifetime, with some exceptions. Many serious felonies cannot be expunged at all.
Collier County Felony Records and Florida Public Records Law
Florida has strong laws that make most government records open to the public. This includes felony court records. Knowing these laws helps you ask for records with confidence.
Florida Sunshine Law Basics
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes is called the Sunshine Law. It says that any person can ask for public records from government agencies. You do not need to say why you want the records. You do not need to be a citizen or a Florida resident. The agency must give you the records unless a specific law says the records are confidential. Agencies can charge only the actual cost of copying.
Records That Remain Restricted
Some felony records stay restricted by law. These include records sealed or expunged by court order. Juvenile felony records are not public. Records that identify victims of certain crimes, like sexual assault, are sealed. Active grand jury proceedings are secret. Information that would put someone in physical danger can also be sealed. Court files for these restricted records may have redactions before they are released.
Your Rights as a Records Requester
You have the right to ask for any public felony record from the Collier County Clerk. The office must respond in a reasonable amount of time. They can charge only the cost of copying. They cannot ask why you want the records. If the office denies your request, they must cite the specific law that allows the denial. You can appeal a denial to the courts or ask the Florida Attorney General for help.
Official Contact Details for Collier County Felony Records
Use these official contacts for felony record requests in Collier County. Call during business hours for the fastest service. The Clerk’s office is the main point of contact for all felony cases.
- Office: Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
- Address: 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112
- Phone: (239) 252-2646
- Website: www.collierclerk.com
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Closed on weekends and Florida state holidays
- FDLE Criminal History: web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default
- FDLE Main Website: www.fdle.state.fl.us
- Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search: dc.state.fl.us/OffenderSearch/Search.aspx
- Florida Statutes: www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people ask similar questions about Collier County felony records. The answers below cover the most common situations, including online searches, court processes, fees, sealing, and what happens when records are restricted. These answers cite current Florida law and Clerk’s office practices so you can act with confidence.
How Do I Find a Felony Case Number in Collier County?
You can find a felony case number by searching the Collier County Clerk’s online portal at www.collierclerk.com. Enter the full name and date of birth of the person. The portal shows all matching cases along with their case numbers. Each case number starts with a two-letter code for the case type, followed by the year and a sequence number. If you do not see the case online, call the Clerk’s office at (239) 252-2646. Staff can search the database for you over the phone. For very old cases from before 1990, you may need to visit the courthouse and search the paper index.
Can I View Felony Records for Free in Collier County?
Yes, you can view basic felony case records for free. The Clerk’s online portal lets you see the docket sheet, charges, court dates, and case status without paying anything. The Florida Department of Corrections inmate search is also free. The only paid search is the FDLE statewide criminal history search, which costs $25 and covers all 67 Florida counties at once. You can also visit the courthouse and use the public computers for free, though you pay for paper copies.
What Happens if a Felony Record Is Sealed in Collier County?
When a felony record is sealed in Collier County, the court files stay in storage but cannot be seen by the public. The Clerk’s office marks the case as sealed in the database. Online searches will not show the case details. Only the defendant, the defendant’s lawyer, law enforcement officers, and certain government agencies can see the sealed records. If you ask for a sealed record, the Clerk’s office must deny your request. Sealing does not erase the record, only hides it from public view.
How Long Does the FDLE Background Check Take for Collier County Cases?
The FDLE online criminal history search gives results instantly after you pay the $25 fee. You see the report on your screen right away. You can print or save the PDF immediately. Mail requests through FDLE take longer, usually 7 to 14 business days. The instant online search works for most personal background checks. Employers who need certified copies for licensing decisions usually ask FDLE to run a special name check that comes back by mail.
Are Juvenile Felony Records Public in Collier County?
No, juvenile felony records in Collier County are not public. Florida law keeps all juvenile court records confidential. The Clerk’s office cannot show juvenile case files to the public, even if the charge is a serious felony. Only the minor, the minor’s parents or guardians, lawyers, and certain agencies can see these records. Juvenile records can sometimes transfer to adult court if the case is direct-filed. Once a case moves to adult court, those records become public just like any other felony case.
Can I Get Felony Records Removed From Public View in Florida?
You can ask to seal or expunge a felony record in Florida if you meet the legal requirements. You must first get a certificate of eligibility from FDLE. The case must have ended without a conviction, with limited exceptions. You cannot have any prior sealing or expungement orders in most cases. Violent felonies, sexual offenses, and certain other crimes cannot be sealed. If FDLE grants eligibility, you file a petition with the Collier County Clerk. A judge makes the final decision after the State Attorney’s Office reviews your request.
What Is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor in Collier County Records?
The difference is the possible sentence. A felony in Florida can carry a prison sentence of more than one year and fines up to $15,000. A misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of one year in county jail and fines up to $1,000. Felonies also follow a different court process and have different record retention rules. The Collier County Clerk’s portal shows both felonies and misdemeanors. The case type code at the start of each case number tells you which category the case falls into.