Search Fort Myers Civil Court Records

Civil court records for Fort Myers are managed by the Lee County Clerk of Court. The main courthouse is in Fort Myers, giving residents direct access to civil court files.

Lee County Clerk of Court

Fort Myers is the county seat of Lee County. The Lee County Clerk of Court handles all civil court records for Fort Myers and every other city in the county. Kevin C. Karnes serves as clerk. His office manages civil filings, judgments, and court documents. The courthouse is located in Fort Myers, so residents can walk in for civil court record requests.

The Lee County Clerk website has online tools for searching civil court records. You can look up cases by name or case number from anywhere with internet access. The site also covers official records, jury duty, and other court services.

The Fort Myers city government website offers information about local services and programs for residents.

For civil court records, contact the Lee County Clerk directly.

How to Search Fort Myers Civil Court Records

There are two main ways to search for civil court records from Fort Myers. The Lee County Clerk's website has a case search tool. Enter a party name or case number to find records. The search covers all civil cases in Lee County, so every Fort Myers case shows up.

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal is the other main option. This statewide system connects to all 67 county clerks. You can search for Fort Myers civil court records and file new cases through the portal. It is free to set up an account.

Since Fort Myers is the county seat, the courthouse is right in the city. You do not need to travel far for in-person access. Visit the Lee County Justice Center at 2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Staff can help with civil court record searches and copies.

The E-Filing Portal lets you search and file from home at any time.

Plain copies of civil court records cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more. Bring your ID when you visit the clerk's office. Fort Myers is a growing city, and the Lee County court system handles a large volume of civil cases each year.

Civil Court Structure for Fort Myers

Fort Myers is in the 20th Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, and Hendry counties. Civil cases from Fort Myers go to one of two court levels depending on the claim amount.

Circuit Court handles civil cases above $30,000. These include contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, and real property actions. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases also go to Circuit Court. County Court takes civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 and eviction cases fall under County Court.

The Fort Myers courthouse handles both court levels. Call (239) 533-5000 if you are not sure where to file your civil case.

Lee County Civil Court Records

All civil court records in Fort Myers are handled at the county level. For complete details on the Lee County Clerk, court procedures, fees, and search options, visit our Lee County civil court records page. It covers everything you need for civil cases across the county.

Fort Myers and Cape Coral both use the same clerk for civil court records. The Lee County Clerk serves all cities and towns in the county.

Public Records Law and Fort Myers Civil Court Records

Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes makes most government records open to the public. Civil court records in Fort Myers are covered by this law. You do not need to be a party in a case to see the file. Anyone can request access to a public civil court record, and the clerk must provide it within a reasonable time.

Some records are exempt. Social security numbers and bank account numbers must stay out of public files. Records sealed by a judge are off limits. But the great majority of Fort Myers civil court records are open for anyone to view.

Confidential Information in Fort Myers Civil Court Records

Filers must follow Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 when submitting civil court papers. The Notice of Confidential Information form is required for filings with sensitive data. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and other protected details must be flagged so the clerk keeps them from public view in Fort Myers civil court records.

If private data ends up in a public court file, anyone can ask the clerk to redact it at no charge. Submit the request form with the case number and the page where the info appears. The clerk removes it from the public version.

Self-Help Resources for Fort Myers Civil Cases

The Florida Courts self-help page has forms and guides for people who want to handle civil court matters without a lawyer. Small claims forms, eviction packets, and other common civil case types are available. These work for Fort Myers civil cases filed through the Lee County Clerk.

DIY Florida is a free tool inside the E-Filing Portal. It asks you questions and fills out court forms step by step. More than 20 form types are available for civil cases. Once done, you can file the forms through the portal to the Lee County clerk. Standard filing fees still apply for Fort Myers civil court cases.

The E-Filing Portal support desk answers calls weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern at (850) 577-4609. Training videos on the portal show how to create an account, submit documents, and pay fees for civil cases in Fort Myers.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Fort Myers. Each city handles civil court records through its own county clerk. File in the county where the dispute occurred.