Florida Civil Court Records

Lee County Civil Court Records – Florida Case Search

Lee County civil court records cover every type of civil lawsuit filed in the county. The Clerk of Court in Fort Myers keeps these files.

The 20th Judicial Circuit handles all civil cases in Lee County. You can look up these records online or at the courthouse.

Anyone can search civil court records in Lee County. You do not need to be a lawyer or a party to the case. The clerk’s office gives the public free online access to court files. This includes civil lawsuits, small claims, evictions, and contract disputes.

Lee County Clerk of Court homepage for civil court records

Lee County Clerk of Court

Kevin C. Karnes serves as the Clerk of Court for Lee County. His office is one of the largest in southwest Florida. Staff at the clerk’s office handle thousands of civil filings each year. They keep court records, issue copies, and run the official records system for the county.

The main office sits in Fort Myers. You can visit in person, call, or use the website. The clerk’s office also has branch locations around Lee County. Many services are available online through the clerk’s website.

Office Detail Information
Clerk Name Kevin C. Karnes
Address 2075 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone (239) 533-5000
Hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website leeclerk.com

What the Clerk’s Office Does

The clerk’s office runs many tasks for the court system. They file new civil lawsuits. They keep all court papers. They issue summons and subpoenas. They collect court fees and fines. They also issue marriage licenses and record deeds.

For civil court records, the clerk’s office stores every document filed in a case. This includes complaints, motions, orders, and judgments. Each civil case has its own file number. Staff can pull up a file by name or case number.

Main Office and Branch Locations

The main courthouse is in Fort Myers at 2075 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. This is the central hub for civil court records in Lee County. You can visit this office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Lee County also has branch offices. The Lehigh Acres office is one example. Branch offices handle some services but not all. For full civil court record searches, the Fort Myers office is the best choice.

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 free court records search tool. You can also visit the courthouse in person. For statewide access, the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal works for all 67 counties, including Lee County.

Lee County court records search page for civil court records

The clerk’s website has a court records search page. You can look up cases by party name or case number. Results show case details, parties, and docket entries for civil court records in Lee County. This search is free and open to the public.

To start a search, go to the clerk’s website and click on the court records link. Type in the last name of a party. You can also type the case number if you know it. The search will list matching cases. Click on a case to see the full docket.

Florida Courts E-Filing Portal

The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal links to all 67 county clerks. This statewide system lets you search cases in Lee County and file new documents. You need a free account to use the portal. It works 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The portal covers circuit civil, county civil, family law, probate, small claims, and traffic cases. You can search by name, case number, or attorney bar number. The system shows the same docket info you would see at the courthouse.

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

Lee County official records search for civil court records

Official records are different from court case files. But they often show the outcome of civil cases. For example, a judgment lien on real property will show up in official records. The official records search is free to use on the clerk’s website.

In-Person Searches at the Courthouse

You can also search civil court records in person at the courthouse. Visit the main office at 2075 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd in Fort Myers. Staff at the clerk’s counter can look up cases for you. Bring a photo ID.

In-person searches cost the same as online searches. But you can get certified copies at the counter. Certified copies are legal proof of a court record. They cost more than plain copies. Most civil court records in Lee County are available in person the same day.

Civil Court Structure in Lee County

Lee County is part of the 20th Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, and Hendry counties. Civil cases in Lee County go to one of two court levels. The amount in dispute decides which court hears the case.

Circuit Civil Court

Circuit Court handles civil cases with claims over $30,000. These cases involve larger amounts of money. Common circuit civil cases include contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, and real property actions. Family law cases, probate, and guardianship also go through Circuit Court.

Circuit civil cases follow the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. The process includes pleadings, discovery, motions, and trial. These cases often take longer to resolve. The Lee County clerk files every document in the case.

County Civil Court

County Court handles civil cases up to $30,000. Small claims cases up to $8,000 fall under County Court. Eviction cases and landlord-tenant disputes are also heard in County Court. These cases are simpler and faster than circuit civil cases.

Small claims court is part of County Court. It handles disputes like unpaid debts, security deposit issues, and minor contract problems. You do not need a lawyer for small claims. Many people file and handle these cases on their own.

Eviction and Landlord-Tenant Cases

Eviction cases in Lee County go to County Court. Landlords file eviction cases to remove tenants. Common reasons include unpaid rent, lease violations, or the end of a lease term. Tenants can file answers and counterclaims.

The clerk’s office files all eviction papers. You can search eviction records online through the court records search tool. The docket shows each filing, hearing date, and final judgment. This is useful for landlords, tenants, and background checks.

Types of Civil Cases in Lee County

Lee County courts handle many types of civil cases. Each type follows its own rules and procedures. The clerk’s office files and stores all of them.

Contract Disputes

Contract disputes cover broken promises in business deals. This includes unpaid invoices, bad service, or breach of agreement. Both individuals and businesses file contract lawsuits. Circuit Court hears contract cases over $30,000. County Court hears smaller contract disputes.

You can search contract cases by name on the clerk’s website. The docket shows every motion, response, and order. If a judgment was entered, the docket shows the amount awarded. Contract judgments can be enforced through wage garnishment or property liens.

Personal Injury Lawsuits

Personal injury cases involve harm caused by another party. This includes car accidents, slip and fall injuries, and medical malpractice. Most personal injury cases go to Circuit Court because the damages often exceed $30,000.

Personal injury dockets show medical records, settlement talks, and trial dates. Many cases settle before trial. The court records will show the final outcome, whether through settlement or court order.

Real Property Disputes

Real property cases cover land and building disputes. This includes boundary issues, title claims, and foreclosure actions. These cases go to Circuit Court. The clerk’s office files all pleadings and records any judgments.

Foreclosure cases are common real property lawsuits in Lee County. The docket shows the lender’s complaint, the homeowner’s response, and the final sale date. You can search foreclosure records by homeowner name or case number.

Confidential Information in Lee County Civil Court Records

Florida law protects certain information in civil court records. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers must stay private. If you find these in a document, you can ask the clerk to remove them.

Redaction Requests

To request redaction, file a form with the clerk’s office. Include the case name, case number, document heading, and page where the private info appears. The clerk will remove it from the public version of the document. There is no charge for this service in Lee County.

Parties and attorneys filing civil court papers in Lee County must use the Notice of Confidential Information Form. This form flags private data under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420. Filing this form keeps sensitive details out of the public file.

Sealed Records

Sealed records are not available for public viewing. A judge must order a file sealed. Adoption records and some other case types are kept confidential by state law. You cannot view sealed records without a court order.

Sensitive personal information may also be protected. This includes the names of sexual assault victims and children in certain cases. The clerk’s office follows strict rules on what can be released to the public.

Self-Help Resources for Civil Cases in Lee County

Lee County offers 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. These resources help people represent themselves.

DIY Florida Forms

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.

DIY Florida covers common civil matters. This includes small claims, evictions, name changes, and simple divorces. The tool helps you avoid mistakes on the forms. It also tells you which forms to file based on your answers.

The 20th Judicial Circuit has self-help resources for people representing themselves. Legal Aid Society of the 20th Judicial Circuit takes 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.

Lawyer referral services can also help you find an attorney. The Florida Bar offers a referral service that matches you with lawyers in Lee County. Some lawyers offer free consultations or sliding scale fees.

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. Anyone can ask, and the clerk must respond in a reasonable time.

You do not need to be a party in the case to view the file. This rule helps journalists, researchers, businesses, and the general public. The clerk’s office follows the same rules for every request.

Exempt Records

Some records are exempt from public access. Social security numbers and bank account numbers listed in Section 119.0714 must stay private. Sealed files are off limits to the public. Juvenile records and some family law files also have limits on access.

Most civil court records in Lee County are open. The clerk’s office will tell you if a record is sealed or restricted. They will also explain how to request access to a restricted file if you have a legal reason.

Cost of Copies

Plain copies of court records cost a small fee per page. Certified copies run higher. The clerk’s office sets the fees under Florida law. You can pay by cash, check, or credit card at the counter. Online payments are also accepted.

E-certified records are available through the clerk’s website. These are electronic certified copies with a digital signature. They cost the same as paper certified copies. E-certified records are accepted by most courts and government agencies.

Filing a Civil Case in Lee County

If you need to start a civil case, you must file the right forms with the clerk’s office. The forms depend on the type of case and the amount in dispute. Filing fees also vary based on the case type.

Required Forms

For circuit civil cases, you file a complaint with the clerk. The complaint states your claims and the relief you want. You must also file a summons form. The clerk issues the summons and sends it to the sheriff for service on the defendant.

For small claims cases in County Court, you file a Statement of Claim. This form lists the amount owed and the reason for the claim. The clerk schedules a hearing date after the defendant is served. Both sides appear at the hearing.

Filing Fees

Filing fees in Lee County vary by case type. Circuit civil cases cost more than county civil cases. Small claims fees are the lowest. You can pay filing fees at the clerk’s counter or online through the E-Filing Portal.

If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can ask the court to waive it. File an Application to Determine Indigency with the clerk. The judge reviews your income and assets. If approved, the filing fee is waived.

Case Status and Docket Information

You can check the status of any civil case in Lee County. The court records search shows the current stage of the case. This includes hearings, motions, and final judgments.

Reading a Docket

A docket is a list of every filing and event in a case. Each entry has a date and a short description. Filings include complaints, answers, motions, and orders. Court events include hearings, trials, and judgments.

The docket also shows the names of the parties and their attorneys. You can see which side filed each paper. This helps you track the progress of a case without going to the courthouse.

Case Number Format

Lee County civil case numbers follow a standard format. The first part is the year. The next part is the case type code. The last part is a sequence number. For example, a 2024 circuit civil case might look like 24-CA-001234.

Knowing the case number format helps you search the clerk’s records. You can also use the number when calling the clerk’s office for case info.

Cities and Communities 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 searching civil court records.

Fort Myers

Fort Myers is the county seat of Lee County. The main courthouse is located here at 2075 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. All civil court records for the county are filed and stored at this location. Fort Myers handles the largest share of civil cases in the county.

Cape Coral

Cape Coral is the largest city in Lee County by population. Residents of Cape Coral file civil cases through the Lee County clerk’s office. Cape Coral cases follow the same rules and procedures as cases from other parts of the county.

Other Communities

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. No matter where you live in Lee County, your civil case is filed in Fort Myers.

Nearby Counties in the 20th Judicial Circuit

Lee County is part of the 20th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also includes four other counties. Each county has its own clerk’s office and court records. You must file in the correct county for jurisdiction.

Charlotte County

Charlotte County is north of Lee County. The county seat is Punta Gorda. Charlotte County civil cases are filed with the Charlotte County Clerk of Court. The clerk’s office in Punta Gorda handles all civil court records for that county.

Collier County

Collier County is south of Lee County. The county seat is Naples. Collier County civil cases go through the Collier County Clerk of Court. The clerk’s office handles circuit civil, county civil, small claims, and family law cases.

Glades and Hendry Counties

Glades County and Hendry County are also in the 20th Judicial Circuit. Glades County has its seat in Moore Haven. Hendry County has its seat in LaBelle. Both counties have their own clerk’s offices for civil court records.

Contact Information

For help with civil court records in Lee County, contact the clerk’s office. You can call, visit, or use the website. Staff can answer questions about searching records, filing cases, and getting certified copies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about Lee County civil court records. These cover searches, filings, fees, and access rules. The answers below reflect current practice under Florida law and Lee County clerk policies.

How do I search civil court records in Lee County?

You can search civil court records in Lee County online through the clerk’s website. Go to leeclerk.com and click on court records. Type the party name or case number in the search box. Results show the case docket, parties, and filing dates. The search is free and open to the public. You can also search in person at the courthouse in Fort Myers. Staff at the clerk’s counter can help you look up cases and make copies of records.

What types of civil cases does Lee County handle?

Lee County handles many types of civil cases. Circuit Court hears cases over $30,000, including personal injury, contract disputes, and real property actions. County Court hears cases up to $30,000, including small claims and landlord-tenant disputes. Family law, probate, and guardianship also go through Circuit Court. Eviction cases are handled in County Court. Each case type follows its own rules under Florida law.

Are Lee County civil court records free to view?

Yes, basic case info is free to view online. You can search by name or case number at no cost. The docket shows filings, hearings, and judgments. Plain copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more. E-certified records are available online for the same fee as paper certified copies. There is no charge to redact confidential information from public records.

Can I view sealed civil records in Lee County?

No, sealed records are not available for public viewing. A judge must order a file sealed. Adoption records and some other case types are kept confidential by state law. You cannot view sealed records without a court order. If you are a party to a sealed case, your attorney can request access. The clerk’s office will tell you if a record is sealed when you make a request.

How do I file a civil case in Lee County?

To file a civil case in Lee County, submit the right forms to the clerk’s office. For circuit civil cases, file a complaint and summons. For small claims, file a Statement of Claim. You can file in person at the courthouse or online through the E-Filing Portal. Pay the filing fee when you submit the forms. If you cannot afford the fee, file an Application to Determine Indigency to request a waiver.

What is the difference between court records and official records?

Court records cover documents filed in a lawsuit. This includes complaints, motions, orders, and judgments. Official records cover documents recorded with the county, such as deeds, mortgages, liens, and marriage licenses. The clerk’s office keeps both types, but they are stored in separate systems. A civil judgment can appear in both systems if it was recorded against property.

How long does the clerk keep civil court records?

The clerk keeps civil court records based on Florida record retention schedules. Most civil case files are kept permanently. Older files may be stored in archives. The clerk’s office can pull archived files if you need them. Some records, like small claims judgments, may be kept for a set number of years before transfer to state archives. Contact the clerk’s office for specific retention rules.