Lee County felony records are the official court files for serious criminal cases filed in Fort Myers and across the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida. Anyone can search these records for free or for a small fee.
The records include charges, court dates, plea deals, and final sentences. This page explains where to get them, how to read them, and what your rights are under Florida law.
What Lee County Felony Records Are
Lee County felony records are court documents that track serious criminal cases from the moment charges are filed until the case ends. The State of Florida defines a felony as any crime that can lead to more than one year in state prison. These records cover every phase of the legal process. They show who was charged, what they were charged with, and what the court decided.
Definition and Scope
A felony in Florida is a crime punishable by death, prison time, or a fine of more than $1,000. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes. Lee County felony records focus on the most serious cases. They include violent crimes, drug trafficking, theft of large amounts, fraud, and sex offenses. Each file shows the formal charges, court motions, and final judgment.
Florida Felony Classifications
Florida law divides felonies into five main categories. Capital felonies carry the death penalty or life without parole. Life felonies can lead to life in prison. First-degree felonies can mean up to 30 years. Second-degree felonies can mean up to 15 years. Third-degree felonies can mean up to 5 years. Each felony charge in Lee County lists the degree next to the crime name.
| Felony Class | Maximum Prison Time | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Felony | Death or Life | $15,000 |
| Life Felony | Life | $15,000 |
| First-Degree Felony | 30 years | $10,000 |
| Second-Degree Felony | 15 years | $10,000 |
| Third-Degree Felony | 5 years | $5,000 |
Who Maintains Lee County Felony Records
The Lee County Clerk of Court keeps the official copies of all felony case files. The current clerk is Kevin C. Karnes. The clerk’s office adds new papers to each case every day. They store old case files on paper and digital systems. The clerk works with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to send records to the state database.
How to Search Lee County Felony Records Online
You can search Lee County felony records from your phone or computer. The clerk’s office runs a free online portal. The state of Florida runs two free searches and one paid search. Below are the four main tools you can use right now.
Lee County Clerk of Court Online Portal
The clerk’s website at www.leeclerk.org has a free case search tool. Go to the homepage and click on “Court Records Search.” You can look up cases by name, case number, or citation number. The system shows charges, court dates, and case status. Most cases filed after 1990 are available online. Older cases may need a visit to the office.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a paid statewide search at web.fdle.state.fl.us. The cost is $25 per name. The search shows arrests, charges, and outcomes across all 67 Florida counties. You need the full name, race, and date of birth. Results come back right away after payment. The system works 24 hours a day.
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search
The Florida Department of Corrections runs a free inmate search at www.dc.state.fl.us. The tool shows people currently in state prison, on parole, or on probation. You can see photos, prison locations, and release dates. Search by name or DC number. The system updates daily.
Details to Gather Before Searching
To get the best results, gather some basic details before you search. The more you know, the faster you will see the right case. Here are the most useful pieces of data:
- Full legal name of the person
- Date of birth
- Race and sex (for FDLE searches)
- Known aliases or nicknames
- Case number (if you have one)
- Year of arrest or charge
Search Tips for Better Results
Start with the full legal name. If you have a common name, add the date of birth. Try different spellings and nicknames. Use the case number if you have one. The case number is the fastest way to pull up a specific file. Check the FDLE search for statewide results. Check the DOC search if the person is in prison.
How to Request Records in Person
Some records are not online. You may need to visit the clerk’s office in Fort Myers. The office staff can help you search the older paper files. They can pull records from the digital archive on request. You can ask for certified copies of court documents for legal use.
Lee County Clerk’s Office Location and Hours
The main clerk’s office sits at 1700 Monroe Street in downtown Fort Myers. The building is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. Free parking is available behind the building. Security checks at the door require a photo ID.
What to Bring With You
Bring a valid photo ID like a driver’s license or passport. Bring any details you have about the case. The case number helps the most. If you only have a name, bring the full legal name and date of birth. Bring cash or a check for any fees. Cards may be accepted at the counter.
Fees for Copies and Certified Records
The clerk’s office charges small fees for copies. A regular copy costs $1 per page. A certified copy costs $2 per page. The clerk can add a $2 certification fee for each document. You can ask for the fee total before paying. Mailed records add a postage fee plus a $2 handling fee.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Regular copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (per page) | $2.00 |
| Certification fee (per document) | $2.00 |
| Mail handling fee | $2.00 |
| FDLE statewide search | $25.00 |
How to Read a Lee County Felony Case File
Court files can look hard to read at first. The paperwork uses legal words and short codes. Once you know the basic parts, you can follow the case from start to finish. Below are the main sections you will see in a Lee County felony file.
Parts of a Felony Case File
Each felony case file starts with a case number. The number follows a format like 24-CF-001234. The first two digits show the year. The letters “CF” mean “Criminal Felony.” The last numbers are the case order for that year. The file then lists the defendant name, the charges, and the assigned judge.
The file has paperwork from the State Attorney and the defense lawyer. You will see motions, which are formal requests to the judge. You will see orders, which are written decisions by the judge. You will see the judgment and sentence at the end of the case. The final paper shows the prison time, fine, or probation.
Case Number Format
Lee County uses a standard case number format. The format is YY-CF-NNNNN. The “YY” is the two-digit year. The “CF” stands for “Criminal Felony.” The “NNNNN” is a five-digit number that grows by one for each new case. Older cases may have a different format. The clerk’s portal can explain the format for any case.
Common Case Status Codes
The clerk’s online portal shows a short status code for each case. These codes tell you where the case stands right now. Here are the most common codes you will see:
- OPEN: The case is still moving through the court.
- PENDING: A hearing or trial is scheduled.
- CLOSED: The case has ended with a final judgment.
- DISPOSED: A plea, dismissal, or verdict has been entered.
- WARRANT: A judge has issued an arrest warrant.
- BOND: The defendant has paid money to be released before trial.
- NOFILE: The state filed no formal charges.
Key Abbreviations in Court Records
Court records use many short forms. The list below covers the most common ones in Lee County felony files:
- CF: Criminal Felony
- DV: Domestic Violence
- PO: Probation Officer
- SAO: State Attorney’s Office
- PD: Public Defender
- ARR: Arraignment
- PT: Pretrial Conference
- JT: Jury Trial
- ST: Sentencing Hearing
Sealed and Expunged Felony Records in Lee County
Some felony records do not show up in public searches. Florida law lets people ask the court to seal or expunge a record. Sealed records are hidden from the public. Expunged records are destroyed. Only a few people can see them.
Florida Sealing and Expungement Laws
Florida Statute 943.059 controls expungement. Florida Statute 943.0585 controls sealing. A person can ask for sealing or expungement if they were never convicted of the crime. They must not have sealed or expunged another record in the past. The clerk’s office can give you the paperwork to start the process.
Who Can Seal a Felony Record
You can ask to seal a felony record if the charge was dropped, dismissed, or you were found not guilty. You can ask if you got a withhold of adjudication. You cannot seal a record if you were found guilty of a felony. You cannot seal a sex offense record. The clerk’s office can tell you if you qualify.
How to Tell If a Record Is Sealed
Sealed records do not show up in the online clerk portal. The FDLE search will hide them too. If you search a name and see no results, the record may be sealed. You can call the clerk’s office and ask staff to check. The clerk can confirm a record is sealed without showing the file.
Common Types of Felony Cases in Lee County
Lee County sees many kinds of felony cases each year. The clerk’s office sorts them by crime type. Below are the most common felony categories you will see in court records.
Drug Offenses
Drug felony cases cover trafficking, sale, and possession of large amounts of controlled substances. Common charges include trafficking in cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine. The penalties depend on the drug type and the amount. Drug cases often end in plea deals or trial verdicts.
Violent Crimes
Violent felony cases include murder, manslaughter, assault, battery, and robbery. These crimes carry the longest prison sentences. Capital and life felonies fall under this category. The clerk’s office keeps detailed witness lists and evidence logs for these cases.
Property and Financial Crimes
Property felonies cover burglary, grand theft, fraud, and forgery. Financial crimes include identity theft, wire fraud, and money laundering. Cases often involve large dollar amounts. The court may order restitution as part of the sentence.
Sex Offenses
Sex offense felonies include sexual battery, child sex crimes, and possession of child pornography. These cases follow special rules under Florida law. Convicted offenders must register as sex offenders. Many records stay restricted even after the case ends.
Florida Public Records Law and Your Rights
Florida has strong public records laws. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives you the right to see most government records. This law applies to all county and state agencies. Lee County must follow these rules for felony records.
Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes
Chapter 119 says all government records are open unless a law says they are closed. Felony court records are public. The clerk’s office must let you see them. The law covers paper files, digital files, emails, and databases. Agencies cannot hide records without a valid reason.
Public Records Request Process
You can make a public records request in person, by mail, or by email. The clerk’s office has a request form on its website. Include the case number, names, and dates you need. The clerk must respond in a reasonable time. Most simple requests are filled within a few days.
Response Times and Fees
Florida law does not set a strict deadline for public records requests. The clerk must respond quickly and charge only the actual cost of copying. Most simple requests are free or low cost. Large requests may need a cost estimate. You can ask for an estimate before the clerk starts the work.
Lee County Court System Overview
Lee County sits in the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit covers four counties. Felony cases are heard at the main courthouse in Fort Myers. The State Attorney’s Office handles felony cases at the county level. The Public Defender’s Office provides free lawyers for people who cannot pay.
The 20th Judicial Circuit
The 20th Judicial Circuit covers Lee, Collier, Hendry, and Glades counties. The chief judge runs the circuit from Fort Myers. Each county has a clerk’s office. The Lee County Clerk handles all felony files filed in Lee County. The circuit runs a court help center for people who do not have lawyers.
Felony Court Divisions in Lee County
The Lee County Courthouse has several felony court divisions. Each division is a courtroom run by one judge. The clerk’s office can tell you which judge is handling a case. The divisions focus on different crimes. Some handle drug cases. Some handle violent crimes. Some handle sex offenses and family crimes.
Official Contact Information
Use the details below to reach the Lee County Clerk of Court for felony record requests.
- Office: Lee County Clerk of Court
- Address: 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Phone: (239) 533-5007
- Website: www.leeclerk.org
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people ask similar questions about Lee County felony records. The answers below cover the most common questions. Each answer gives you the facts you need to take the next step.
Are Lee County felony records free to search?
Yes. The clerk’s online portal is free for basic searches. You can see case status, charges, and court dates at no cost. Certified copies and mailed records cost money. The FDLE statewide search costs $25 per name. The Florida DOC inmate search is free.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a felony record?
In-person requests at the clerk’s office take about 15 to 30 minutes. Mailed requests take 5 to 10 business days. Online certified records take about 24 hours. The clerk’s office can rush requests for an extra fee. Plan ahead for legal deadlines.
Can I remove a felony from my record in Lee County?
You can ask to seal or expunge some felony records in Florida. You must meet the rules in Florida Statute 943.059 or 943.0585. You must not have a prior conviction. You must wait the required time after the case ends. The clerk’s office has the forms to start the process.
How far back do Lee County felony records go?
Online records go back to about 1990 on the clerk’s portal. Paper files exist for older cases. The clerk’s office can pull older files with a case number or name. Some very old case files may be stored at the state archives in Tallahassee. The clerk can help you see the right place.
Do I need a lawyer to look up a felony record?
No. You can search felony records on your own. The clerk’s portal and FDLE search are open to the public. You can visit the clerk’s office in person for help. A lawyer is only needed if you want to seal a record, fight a charge, or use the record in a court case.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Lee County?
A felony is a serious crime that can lead to more than one year in state prison. A misdemeanor is a less serious crime that can lead to up to one year in county jail. Lee County felony records only show felony cases. Misdemeanor records are kept in a separate database at the clerk’s office.
Can employers check Lee County felony records?
Yes. Florida law lets employers run background checks through the FDLE. The cost is $25 per name. Many employers ask for a Level 2 check, which includes fingerprints. The check shows arrests, charges, and convictions across Florida. Employers must follow federal and state rules when using the results.