Lee County Civil Court Records

Lee County civil court records are kept by the Clerk of Court in Fort Myers. The 20th Judicial Circuit handles all civil cases filed in Lee County, and the clerk's office gives the public access to court files online and at the courthouse.

Lee County Clerk of Court

Kevin C. Karnes serves as the Clerk of Court in Lee County. This is one of the largest clerk offices in southwest Florida. Staff process thousands of civil court filings each year. They maintain court records, issue copies, and manage the official records system for the county. The main office is in Fort Myers. You can visit in person or call for help with civil court records in Lee County.

The Lee County Clerk website has tools for searching court records and official records online. The site also covers traffic payments, jury duty, and more. With about 760,000 residents, Lee County has one of the busiest court systems on the Gulf Coast. The clerk's office processes everything from small claims disputes to large civil lawsuits.

The clerk has multiple service locations around Lee County. The main courthouse in Fort Myers is the primary hub for civil court records.

How to Search Lee County Civil Court Records

You can search civil court records in Lee County in several ways. The clerk's website offers a dedicated court records search tool. You can look up circuit civil, county civil, family law, probate, and other case types. Search by party name or case number. Results show case details, parties, and docket entries for civil court records in Lee County.

The court records search on the clerk's website is free and open to all. You do not need an account to look up basic case info in Lee County.

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal also connects to Lee County civil court records. This statewide system links to all 67 county clerks. Register for a free account to search cases or file new civil documents. The portal is available 24 hours a day.

Lee County also has a separate official records search on the clerk's website. This covers deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents. If a civil judgment has been recorded against a property in Lee County, you can find it through the official records tool.

Official records are different from court case files. But they often relate to the outcome of civil cases in Lee County, such as judgment liens recorded against real property.

For in-person searches, go to 2075 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd in Fort Myers. Staff can look up civil cases and make copies. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. Bring your ID. The Lee County clerk has branch offices as well for some services.

Civil Court Structure in Lee County

Lee County is part of the 20th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also includes Charlotte, Collier, Glades, and Hendry counties. Civil cases in Lee County go to one of two court levels depending on the amount in dispute.

Circuit Court handles civil cases with claims over $30,000. This covers contract disputes, personal injury suits, and real property actions. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases also go through Circuit Court in Lee County. County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 fall under County Court. Eviction cases and landlord-tenant disputes are heard in County Court as well.

The Florida court locations page lists courthouse addresses for Lee County and all other counties in the state. The clerk's office in Fort Myers can help you figure out which court level handles your civil case.

Confidential Information in Lee County Civil Court Records

Certain details in civil court records must stay private. Florida law says social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers cannot be in public court files. If you find these in a document, you can ask the clerk to redact them. There is no charge for this service in Lee County.

To request redaction, file a form with the clerk's office. Include the case name, case number, document heading, and page where the info appears. The clerk will remove it from the public version. Parties and attorneys filing civil court papers in Lee County must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 to flag private data.

Sealed records are not available for public viewing. A judge has to order a file sealed. Adoption records and some other case types are also kept confidential by state law in Lee County.

Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases in Lee County

Lee County has many resources for people handling a civil case without a lawyer. The Florida Courts website has forms and guides for small claims, evictions, name changes, and other common civil matters. The clerk's office cannot give legal advice, but staff can point you to the right forms and tell you where to file.

DIY Florida is a free tool inside the E-Filing Portal. It asks you questions and fills out the right court forms. More than 20 form types are available. File the completed forms through the portal to the Lee County clerk. Standard filing fees apply.

The 20th Judicial Circuit also has self-help resources available for people representing themselves in civil cases. Legal Aid Society of the 20th Judicial Circuit may take cases for people who cannot afford a lawyer in Lee County. Florida Rural Legal Services also serves this area. Call the clerk's office for a list of local legal help options.

Public Records Access in Lee County

Florida has strong public records laws. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all state, county, and municipal records are open for inspection and copying. This covers civil court records in Lee County. You do not need to be a party in the case to view the file. Anyone can ask, and the clerk must respond in a reasonable time.

Some records are exempt from public access. Social security numbers and bank account numbers listed in Section 119.0714 must be kept private. Sealed files are off limits. But the vast majority of civil court records in Lee County are open to the public.

For in-person access, visit the main courthouse at 2075 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd in Fort Myers. Copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies run higher. The Find a Clerk directory has contact info for all 67 county clerks, including Lee County.

Cities in Lee County

Lee County has several cities and communities. All civil court cases go through the Lee County Clerk of Court in Fort Myers. Fort Myers is the county seat and the center for filing and looking up civil court records in Lee County.

Other communities in Lee County include Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers Beach, and Sanibel. All of them use the Lee County clerk's office for civil court records.

Nearby Counties

These counties are also in the 20th Judicial Circuit with Lee County. If you are not sure which county handles your civil case, check the address where the dispute took place. You must file in the correct county for jurisdiction.