Lee County Background Check Records

Lee County background check records are managed by the Clerk of Court in Fort Myers and by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement at the state level. With close to 800,000 residents spread across Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and surrounding areas, Lee County is one of the more active jurisdictions in southwest Florida. Court records, criminal history data, and other public files can be searched through local and state channels. This guide walks through how to get a background check in Lee County using the sources that matter most.

Lee County Clerk of Court

The Lee County Clerk of Court handles local court records and public filings from the courthouse in Fort Myers. The clerk's office processes criminal case data, civil filings, and recorded documents for all of Lee County. If you need records tied to a court case in Lee County, this is where to start. The Lee County Clerk website provides online tools for case searches and document lookups.

You can search case records from home using the clerk's online portal. The site lets you look up cases by name, case number, or date range. Results show case type, charges, and status. This works well for a quick Lee County background check when you know the person's full name. If you need certified copies of court documents, those can be requested in person or by mail through the clerk's office in Fort Myers.

The MyFloridaCounty portal also gives access to Lee County official records. You can search recorded documents like liens, judgments, and other filings at MyFloridaCounty. This is a free tool. It covers all 67 Florida counties, but you can filter to just Lee County for your search.

The MyFloridaCounty portal provides access to official records across all Florida counties, including Lee County.

Note: Contact the Lee County Clerk directly through their website for the most current office hours and visit details.

How to Run a Background Check in Lee County

There are a few paths to get a background check in Lee County. The approach you pick depends on what kind of records you need. Local court records come from the clerk. Statewide criminal history comes from FDLE. Both are valid. Both give different results. For a full picture, most people use both.

The clerk's office in Fort Myers holds all Lee County court case files. This includes criminal cases, civil suits, small claims, family court, and traffic citations. You can search online or visit in person. Walk-in searches are done during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID. Tell the staff the name you want to look up. They will run the search and print results. There may be a small copy fee per page. The online search through the Lee County Clerk website is free and gives basic case information right away.

For a statewide check, FDLE runs the criminal history database. You submit a name-based request through CCHInet and pay $24. This is a Level 1 background check. It pulls arrest and conviction data from across Florida, not just Lee County. Results come back in about 24 hours. This is the standard way to run a state background check, and it works for Lee County records that have been reported to FDLE.

Under Florida Chapter 119, public records are open to anyone. You do not need to live in Lee County. You do not need a reason to ask for them. The law says government offices must let you see these records. That includes the Lee County Clerk of Court.

Background Check Fees in Lee County

The cost of a Lee County background check depends on what type you get. FDLE charges a flat $24 for a state name-based criminal history check. You pay through the FDLE criminal history records page. This fee is the same for all Florida counties. A fingerprint-based Level 2 check costs more and includes an FBI search on top of the state results.

At the Lee County Clerk, plain copies of court documents run about $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost more, usually around $1.00 per page. There is no fee to search the online case index. That is free to use. If you need a formal copy for legal use, plan on paying the certified copy rate at the clerk's office in Fort Myers.

• FDLE name-based check (Level 1): $24.00
• Plain copy from clerk: $0.15 per page
• Certified copy from clerk: $1.00 per page
• Online case search: Free

Note: Level 2 fingerprint-based checks cost more than $24 and require an appointment at an approved LiveScan site.

Public Records and Open Government

Florida is known for strong public records laws. Lee County follows the same rules as every other county in the state. Under Chapter 119, most records held by government agencies are public. This means court records, arrest reports, and other government files in Lee County are open for anyone to view. Some records are sealed or exempt, but that is the exception, not the rule.

The Attorney General's Open Government page has details on your rights under the Sunshine Law. If a Lee County office refuses to let you see a record, you can contact the AG's office for help. They mediate disputes and make sure agencies follow the law. This is a good resource if you run into trouble getting background check records from any Lee County office.

Types of Background Checks Available

Two main types of background checks apply in Lee County. Level 1 is a name-based search. It is quick and simple. You give a name, pay $24, and FDLE returns the results. This covers state records only. It works for most people who need a basic Lee County background check.

Level 2 is more thorough. It uses fingerprints. The data goes through FDLE and the FBI. This check is required under Chapter 435 of Florida Statutes for certain positions that involve vulnerable groups. You must visit an approved LiveScan provider to get printed. The LiveScan providers directory lists locations near Fort Myers and across Lee County. Results take a few days and cover national records.

There is also the VECHS program through FDLE. This is set up under Chapter 943 for approved groups that work with children or other vulnerable people. It is not open to the general public. Only registered organizations can use VECHS for Lee County background checks.

Getting Copies of Lee County Records

You can request copies from the Lee County Clerk by visiting the office in Fort Myers. Bring a valid ID and the name or case number you need. Staff will pull the file and make copies. Payment is due at the time of the request. Cash and checks are usually accepted. You can also check the Find a Clerk directory to confirm office details before your visit.

Written requests by mail are also an option. Send a letter with the full name, date of birth if known, and the specific record type you want. Include payment for the expected copy fees. The Lee County Clerk will process the request and mail back the copies. This takes longer than an in-person visit but works if you live outside the area. For FDLE records, submit online at CCHInet and pay with a credit card. Results arrive by email.

Cities in Lee County

Lee County includes several cities and communities. All court records for these areas go through the Lee County Clerk of Court in Fort Myers. A background check for someone living in any Lee County city uses the same clerk office and the same FDLE process.

Other communities in Lee County include Bonita Springs, Estero, Lehigh Acres, and Sanibel. Court records for all of these go through the Lee County Clerk in Fort Myers.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Lee County. If the person you are searching for lives near a county line, their records may be in a neighboring jurisdiction. Each county has its own clerk office.