Lee County Court: Florida

Lee County Court operates under the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida, with the Lee County Circuit Court serving residents across Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and surrounding communities through the Lee County Justice Center at 1700 Monroe Street and the Lee Government Center at 1039 SE 9th Place. Anyone needing Lee County court records, filing details, or wanting to perform a Lee County court case search can start at the Lee County Clerk of Court website, where public viewing of certain case files is permitted under Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC 18-16. The Clerk of Court also serves as the Lee County circuit court clerk, managing Lee County jury duty summons, collecting Lee County online court payments, and answering questions about Lee County court forms. Whether you need a Lee County court case lookup for a traffic citation, civil dispute, or probate matter, the Clerk’s office indexes more than 2.7 million filed documents each year to keep dockets current for public viewing.

Lee County Court docket entries cover criminal, civil, family, and probate matters, divided across specialized divisions at the Justice Center on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The Lee County criminal court on the first floor handles Lee County felony court and Lee County misdemeanor court cases, and the Lee County civil court on the second floor oversees disputes ranging from small claims under $8,000 to large circuit civil suits above $50,000, alongside Lee County eviction court filings and Lee County small claims court actions. Lee County traffic court hears non-criminal infractions and parking tickets, and Lee County family court addresses Lee County divorce court filings, Lee County child custody court hearings, and Lee County name change court petitions. The Lee County probate court manages wills, estates, and Lee County guardianship court matters. The Lee County court schedule lists hearings before Lee County judges, with many proceedings now available through Lee County court live stream or Lee County court Zoom hearing links. Visitors can request a Lee County court interpreter, confirm Lee County court hours, or verify the Lee County courthouse address before arriving.

Lee County Court Case Search and Records Lookup

A Lee County court case search is the fastest way to find court records. The official search tool sits on the Lee County Court Case Records page. This page is the main entry point for public viewing of Lee County court docket entries. The Clerk uses a 14-level access matrix for online records. Each level shows a different set of case details. The matrix follows Florida’s public records laws. Not all Lee County court records are open to the public. Searches work best when you have the right details. The system can look up cases by name, case number, or citation number. Users can search for Lee County court docket entries by attorney bar number.

Steps Lee County Court Case Search

• Open the Lee County Court Case Records page in your web browser.
  • https://www.leeclerk.org/departments/courts/court-case-records
• Pick the search type from the menu. Options include party name, case number, or citation number.
• Type the last name and first name of the person in the case.
• Choose a date range if you have one. A wider range gives more results.
• Click the search button to view matching cases.
• Click any case number to see the full Lee County court docket and filing history.
• Print or save the page if you need a copy for your files.

Phone requests for Lee County court case lookup go through the Clerk’s call center. You can visit the Clerk’s office in person during business hours. A self-service terminal sits in the lobby for quick searches.

Lee County Clerk of Court and Circuit Court Clerk

The Lee County Clerk of Court is the official record keeper for all court cases in the county. This office serves as the Lee County circuit court clerk. The Clerk is a constitutional officer elected by Lee County voters. The Clerk’s office works under the Florida Constitution and state statutes. It keeps Lee County court records, collects fees, and issues certified copies. The office manages Lee County jury duty summons and Lee County online court payments.

You can reach the Lee County Clerk of Court through the official website. The site has contact forms, office hours, and department phone numbers. The main office is open on regular business days for in-person visits.

• https://www.leeclerk.org/
• Maintains Lee County court docket entries
• Files new civil, criminal, family, and probate cases
• Issues marriage licenses and passport applications
• Processes Lee County online court payments
• Manages Lee County jury duty selection and payments
• Provides Lee County court forms and filing instructions

Lee County Circuit Court and 20th Judicial Circuit

Lee County Court sits inside Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit. The circuit covers Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Highlands counties. The main Lee County Circuit Court sits in the Justice Center in Fort Myers. The 20th Judicial Circuit has its own official website. This site lists Lee County judges, court calendars, and administrative orders. The Chief Judge signs orders that control court operations across the circuit.

Appeals from the Lee County Court go to the Florida Second District Court of Appeal. The Florida Supreme Court hears a small number of cases from the circuit courts each year. Most appeals go through the District Court of Appeal first.

• https://www.ca.cjis20.org/
• Circuit covers six counties in Southwest Florida
• The main courthouse sits in Fort Myers
• Satellite locations serve Cape Coral and other areas
• Chief Judge oversees all court operations

Lee County Court Divisions and Jurisdiction

Lee County Court has several divisions. Each division handles a different type of case. The divisions sit in the Justice Center. Some cases go to county court judges. Other cases go to circuit court judges. The Florida Constitution sets the rules for which court hears each case type.

Lee County Criminal Court

Lee County criminal court handles felony and misdemeanor cases. The Clerk’s office numbers these cases in a separate series. The State Attorney’s Office prosecutes the cases. Lee County felony court sits in the Justice Center. Lee County misdemeanor court sits nearby. Bond hearings and arraignments happen within 24 hours of arrest in most cases.

• Felony cases have potential sentences of over one year
• Misdemeanor cases have maximum sentences of one year
• Bond hearings set release conditions
• Arraignments happen soon after arrest

Lee County Civil Court

Lee County civil court handles disputes between people or businesses. The civil division sits in the Justice Center. Cases range from small claims to complex business disputes. Lee County small claims court hears cases up to a set dollar amount. Larger cases go to the circuit civil division. Lee County eviction court handles landlord-tenant disputes.

• Small claims cases have a lower dollar limit
• County civil cases have a middle dollar range
• Circuit civil cases have a higher dollar range
• Eviction cases follow a fast-track process

Lee County Family Court

Lee County family court handles family-related cases. The family division sits in the Justice Center. Family court judges handle sensitive matters with care. Lee County divorce court hears marriage dissolution cases. Lee County child custody court decides parenting and time-sharing matters. The court hears Lee County name change petitions and adoptions.

• Divorce cases end a marriage
• Custody cases decide parenting plans
• Name change petitions are filed by adults or parents
• Adoptions follow state law procedures

Lee County Probate Court

Lee County probate court handles wills, estates, and guardianships. The probate division is part of the circuit court. Probate cases often take several months to resolve. Lee County guardianship court appoints guardians for minors and incapacitated adults. The court handles will contests and trust disputes. Personal representatives use the probate court to settle estates.

• Wills are filed and proven in probate court
• Estates are settled through the court
• Guardianships protect minors and vulnerable adults
• Trusts are administered under court supervision in some cases

Lee County Traffic Court

Lee County traffic court hears non-criminal traffic infractions. This includes speeding tickets, red light camera citations, and parking tickets. Most drivers represent themselves in traffic court. Drivers can pay their ticket online or by mail. They can contest the ticket in court. School zone violations and reckless driving carry higher penalties.

• Speeding tickets are common traffic court cases
• Red light camera citations are civil infractions
• Parking tickets are handled separately
• Reckless driving is a criminal offense

Lee County Small Claims Court

Lee County small claims court is a branch of the civil division. It handles cases with smaller dollar amounts. The process is simpler and faster than a regular civil court. Small claims cases are heard by a county court judge. Parties usually represent themselves. The rules of evidence are relaxed compared to other court cases.

• The maximum dollar amount is set by Florida law
• The filing fee is lower than that of regular civil cases
• Hearings happen within a few months of filing
• Judgments can be appealed to the circuit court

Lee County Eviction Court

Lee County eviction court handles landlord-tenant disputes. Most cases involve residential evictions. The process follows Florida Statute Chapter 83. Landlords file a complaint to start an eviction case. Tenants receive a notice to appear in court. The court holds a hearing within a short timeframe.

• The landlord must give proper notice before filing
• The tenant has a right to respond to the complaint
• The court holds a hearing quickly after filing
• A writ of possession follows a judgment for the landlord

Lee County Divorce, Child Custody, and Name Change Court

Lee County divorce court handles marriage dissolution cases. The court divides property and debts. It can award alimony and attorneys’ fees. Lee County child custody court decides parenting plans and time-sharing. The court looks at the best interests of the child. Mediation is often required before a trial. Lee County’s name change court processes petitions to change a name. Adults file for themselves. Parents file on behalf of minor children. The court holds a hearing before granting the change.

• Divorce cases end a marriage
• Custody cases decide parenting and time-sharing
• Name change petitions need a valid reason
• Mediation is required in most family cases

Lee County Guardianship Court

Lee County guardianship court appoints guardians for minors and incapacitated adults. A guardian manages the personal and financial affairs of the person. The court oversees all guardianships. Guardianship cases are heard in the probate division. The court requires a medical report for adult guardianships. Annual reports are required to keep the court updated.

• Guardians are appointed by court order
• Annual accounting reports are required
• Medical reports show the need for guardianship
• The court can remove a guardian for cause

Lee County Court Forms

Lee County court forms are available on the Clerk’s website. The forms cover civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. Most forms are free to download. Family law forms are available on the Florida Courts website. These forms follow state-wide standards. Local Lee County forms may add to the state forms. Some cases need local Lee County court forms. These forms have the Lee County case number style. The Clerk’s office can tell you which forms you need.

• https://www.flcourts.gov/Services/Family-Courts/domestic-relations-court-resources/family-law-forms/Attorney-Non-Lawyer-Representation-12.900-Forms-A-H/Notice-of-Related-Cases
• Civil cover sheet
• Family law petition forms
• Probate inventory forms
• Small claims statement of claim
• Eviction complaint forms

Lee County Court Docket and Schedule

The Lee County court docket lists all scheduled hearings. The docket is updated daily. You can view the docket online through the Clerk’s website. The Lee County court schedule shows hearing times and courtroom numbers. Each judge has a different schedule. Holiday schedules are posted on the Clerk’s website. You can search the docket by case number, party name, or attorney. The system shows past and future events. The docket is the official record of court activity.

• The daily docket lists all hearings
• Search by case number or party name
• The holiday schedule is posted each year
• Courtroom numbers are on the docket

Lee County Court Live Stream and Zoom Hearings

Many Lee County court hearings are available on the Lee County court live stream. The public can watch hearings from a computer or phone. The live stream link is on the Clerk’s website. Some hearings are held by the Lee County court via Zoom. Parties and lawyers join by video. The court sends a Zoom link to the parties before the hearing. Not all hearings are public. Some family and juvenile cases are closed. The judge decides which hearings are streamed.

• The live stream link is on the Clerk’s site
• Zoom links are sent to parties
• Closed hearings are not streamed
• Recordings may be kept by the court

Lee County Jury Duty

Lee County jury duty summonses come from the Clerk of Court. The summons tells you when and where to report. You must respond or appear as directed. Jurors are picked from a random list of Lee County residents. The list comes from state records. You can check your jury status on the Clerk’s website. Employers must allow employees to serve on a jury. Retaliation for jury service is against the law. Jurors are paid a small daily fee for their service.

• Summons arrives by mail
• Check the status on the Clerk’s website
• Report to the Justice Center
• Exemptions and excuses are handled by the Clerk

Lee County Court Interpreters

Lee County court interpreters help people who do not speak English. The court provides interpreters for criminal and some civil cases. The Clerk’s office can schedule an interpreter. Request a Lee County court interpreter as early as possible. The court needs time to find a qualified interpreter. Some languages have a short list of available interpreters.

• Spanish interpreters are easy to find
• Other languages need advance notice
• Certified interpreters follow state rules
• Interpreter costs are paid by the court in most cases

Lee County Online Court Payments

Lee County online court payments are processed through the Clerk’s website. You can pay traffic tickets, criminal fines, and civil fees online. A small convenience fee may apply. You need a case number or citation number to pay online. The system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. A receipt is emailed after payment. Some payments cannot be made online. These include bond payments and some restitution orders. Call the Clerk’s office for help with these payments.

Lee County Courthouse Locations and Hours

Lee County court hearings take place at several locations. The main courthouse is the Lee County Justice Center. Satellite offices serve other parts of the county. The Clerk’s office has branches in different parts of Lee County. Each branch offers some services. The main branch has the most services available. Lee County court hours are set by the Chief Judge. The main courthouse is open on regular business days. Holiday closures are posted on the Clerk’s website.

• The Justice Center is the main courthouse
• Cape Coral satellite office serves the south county
• Fort Myers main office is open on business days
• Holiday closures are posted each year

Lee County Court Judges

Lee County judges are elected by voters. Some judges are appointed to fill vacancies. Each judge serves a set term under the Florida Constitution. The 20th Judicial Circuit has circuit and county court judges. Circuit judges hear felony, family, and probate cases. County judges hear misdemeanor, traffic, and small claims cases. You can see a list of Lee County judges on the 20th Judicial Circuit website. The list shows each judge’s division and courtroom. Election cycles for Lee County judges are listed on the Lee County Supervisor of Elections site.

Contact, Local Details, and Map

The Lee County Clerk of Court and Comptroller manages all circuit and county trial records, administrative filings, and official county property deeds. Operating under the Twentieth Judicial Circuit, the primary courthouse complex coordinates master dockets for civil, criminal, and family law proceedings through centralized administrative departments in Fort Myers.

• Official Clerk Website: leeclerk.org (Lee County Clerk of Court & Comptroller)
• Judicial Circuit Portal: ca.cjis20.org (20th Judicial Circuit of Florida)
• Online Case Search: leeclerk.org/court-records (Florida Supreme Court Access Matrix Search)

Primary Court Windows & Locations:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Lee County Court serves Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, and surrounding communities as part of Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit. The Lee County Clerk of Court maintains official records, manages filings, and runs the Court Records Inquiry system. Residents can search a Lee County court docket, check Lee County court case search results, request certified copies, and register for online access. This FAQ covers how to find Lee County court records, contact the Clerk’s office, and handle common issues with case lookup services.

How do I search Lee County court records online?

Visit the Lee County Clerk of Court Court Records Inquiry system at matrix.leeclerk.org to begin your Lee County court case search. Enter a first name, last name, case number, or citation number in the search fields. Select a case type from the dropdown menu, such as Felony, Misdemeanor, Traffic, Probate, or Small Claims. The system returns up to 500 case results or 200 hearing results. For best results, use specific search criteria and format dates as MM/DD/YYYY. Wildcard searches with an asterisk help when you spell a name uncertainly.

How do I access the Lee County court docket and hearing schedule?

The Court Records Inquiry system lets you view the Lee County court docket and check upcoming hearings. Check the View Court Calendar box, then enter your date range. The default range starts today and extends one year forward. Adjust the dates to narrow your search. The Lee County court schedule shows parties, case numbers, locations, and hearing times. You can sign up for email or text alerts at enotify.flcourts.org to receive updates when hearing dates change.

What is the Lee County Clerk of Court’s contact information?

Kevin C. Karnes serves as the Lee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. Reach him by email at KKarnes@LeeClerk.org. The Records Department mailing address is P.O. Box 2278, Fort Myers, FL 33902. Call the Records Department at (239) 533-5007 for help with Lee County court case lookup questions. For technical support with the Court Records Inquiry system, dial (239) 533-5000 to reach the Department of Innovation and Technology. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until the close of business.

How do I register for the Court Records Inquiry to view Lee County court records?

Anyone can register for free basic access to view Lee County court records. Click Register on the Court Records Inquiry menu at matrix.leeclerk.org and create an account. For Party to Case or Attorney Access, complete a registration form, get it notarized, and submit it to CRIAccounts@leeclerk.org or in person. Attorney access requires good standing with the Florida Bar Association, which the Clerk verifies daily. After approval, you receive a confirmation email and gain expanded access to your cases.

How do I request certified copies of Lee County court documents?

You can request certified copies of Lee County court records in three ways: in person at the courthouse, by mail, or online through www.myfloridacounty.com. Electronically certified copies are available through the Court Records Inquiry portal. Fees apply for certified copies, and the amount depends on your access role and document type. The Lee County court case search system shows which records are ready to order. Contact the Records Department at (239) 533-5007 with questions about specific document fees.