Fort Myers city criminal history covers all arrest records, court outcomes, and booking data collected by local law enforcement agencies in this Southwest Florida city. Residents, employers, landlords, and legal professionals regularly request these records to verify backgrounds.
The Fort Myers Police Department serves as the primary local source for arrest data within city limits. The Lee County Clerk of Court maintains court case files tied to these arrests. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) holds the statewide database that includes every arrest reported from Lee County. Knowing which office handles which type of record saves time and reduces errors during a search.
This resource explains how Fort Myers city criminal history records work, what agencies store them, what fees apply, and how to request certified copies in 2026. It also covers Florida statewide search options through the FDLE portal, fingerprint-based checks, and name-based lookups. Each section gives clear steps a person can follow without legal training.
What Fort Myers City Criminal History Contains
Fort Myers city criminal history refers to a written record of arrests, charges, and outcomes tied to a person who came into contact with city police. These records start at the moment of arrest and follow the case through the court system. The data may include booking photos, fingerprints, incident details, and final court dispositions.
Arrest Records and Booking Data
An arrest record shows the date, time, location, and reason a person was taken into custody by the Fort Myers Police Department. Booking data adds the person’s physical description, charges filed, and detention status. Officers create these records at the time of arrest. The Fort Myers Police Department stores them in its records division.
- Name and date of birth of the arrested person
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Arresting officer name and badge number
- Booking date, time, and facility
- Fingerprint and photo data when collected
- Bond amount and release status
Court Disposition Information
A court disposition shows the final outcome of a criminal charge. This could be a guilty plea, a not guilty verdict, a dismissed case, or a deferred adjudication. The Lee County Clerk of Court records these outcomes in the official court file. Disposition data connects the original arrest to its legal conclusion.
Warrants and Active Investigations
Active warrants for a person’s arrest also appear in criminal history data. The Fort Myers Police Department and Lee County Sheriff’s Office maintain current warrant lists. Active investigations remain sealed by Florida law until charges are filed or the case closes.
Agencies That Maintain Fort Myers Criminal Records
Three agencies share responsibility for criminal records that touch Fort Myers. Each one holds a different part of the full picture. A complete search often requires checking all three.
Fort Myers Police Department Records Division
The Fort Myers Police Department Records Division handles local arrest reports, incident reports, and booking records for events that occurred within city limits. The office is located at 2210 Widman Way, Fort Myers, FL 33901. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The phone number for record requests is (239) 321-7700.
Lee County Clerk of Court
The Lee County Clerk of Court manages criminal court records for every case filed in the county. This includes arraignments, pleas, trials, sentences, and appeals. The Clerk’s office is located at 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The main phone line is (239) 533-5000. The Clerk offers online case search tools on its website at leeclerk.org.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
FDLE operates the statewide Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system. Local police agencies send arrest data to FDLE after processing. FDLE then creates a unified record tied to a person’s fingerprints. This statewide database covers arrests from every Florida county, including Lee County. FDLE’s main office can be reached at (850) 410-8161 for criminal history questions.
How to Request Fort Myers Police Reports
Requesting a police report from the Fort Myers Police Department follows a set process. Florida’s public records law (Chapter 119) gives citizens the right to view and copy these documents. Some limits apply for active investigations, juvenile records, and sealed cases.
Step-by-Step Request Process
The records division accepts written requests in person, by mail, or online through the city’s public records portal. A request must include the case number if known, the date and location of the incident, and the names of the people involved. Photo ID is required when picking up records in person.
- Locate the case number or incident date through the city’s public records portal
- Fill out the public records request form with full details
- Submit the form by mail, email, or in person at the records division
- Pay the required copying fee at the time of pickup or by mail
- Receive the records or a written reason for any denial
Standard Fees and Copy Charges
The Fort Myers Police Department charges set fees for copies of police reports. Standard copies cost $0.15 per one-sided page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee. Fingerprint cards cost $5.00 each. A written fee estimate can be provided before copies are made. Payments are accepted by cash, check, money order, and credit card for in-person requests.
Lee County Court Records for Fort Myers Cases
Every criminal case filed in Fort Myers goes through the Lee County court system. The Clerk of Court keeps the official case file. These records show the full legal history of each charge from filing to final judgment.
Searching Online Case Files
The Lee County Clerk offers free online case search through its website. Users can search by name, case number, citation number, or court date. Search results show case status, hearing dates, charges, and dispositions. The system updates daily with new filings and court actions.
Requesting Certified Court Documents
Certified copies of court records carry the Clerk’s official seal and are accepted in legal proceedings. The Clerk charges $1.00 per page for regular certified copies. Authentication for use in another state costs an extra $7.00 per document. Requests can be made in person at the Clerk’s office or by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search Options
The FDLE provides name-based and fingerprint-based searches that include arrests from Fort Myers. These searches return records from every Florida county, not just Lee County. This statewide reach makes FDLE the best source for a complete criminal history check.
Name-Based Search Through CCHInet
FDLE’s CCHInet portal lets users run a name-based criminal history search online. Searchers enter a person’s full name, date of birth, and race. Results show all arrests reported to FDLE that match the search criteria. Each result includes the charge, date, and reporting agency. A $25.00 fee applies for each search.
- Go to cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us
- Create a user account with a valid email
- Enter the person’s full legal name and date of birth
- Pay the $25.00 fee by credit or debit card
- Review the results online or download a PDF copy
Fingerprint-Based Certified Search
A fingerprint search produces the most accurate results because it links the record to a unique biometric. The applicant must visit an approved LiveScan fingerprint location. Trained staff scan the prints and send them to FDLE electronically. Results are mailed or emailed within 5 business days. The fee is $25.00 plus any vendor charges.
Mail-In Criminal History Request
People who cannot use the online portal can mail a completed Criminal History Request Form (FDLE form CHRS-1) to FDLE in Tallahassee. The form requires a written signature, the subject’s full name, date of birth, and a $24.00 check or money order. FDLE mails results back within 2 to 3 weeks.
Fees, Processing Times, and Certified Records in 2026
Fees and processing times for Florida criminal history records have remained steady through 2026. FDLE has not raised the $25.00 search fee since 2022. Local agencies keep their own fee schedules, which may change yearly. Knowing current costs prevents delays caused by incorrect payment.
Current Fee Comparison Across Agencies
The table below shows the most common fees charged by each agency in 2026 for Fort Myers criminal history records.
| Agency | Search Type | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDLE CCHInet | Name-based search | $25.00 | Instant to 24 hours |
| FDLE Fingerprint | LiveScan certified search | $25.00 + vendor fee | 3 to 5 business days |
| FDLE Mail-In | Name-based search | $24.00 | 10 to 15 business days |
| Fort Myers Police | Police report copy | $0.15 per page | 3 to 7 business days |
| Lee County Clerk | Certified court record | $1.00 per page | Same day to 5 business days |
Certified vs. Uncertified Records
Certified records carry an official seal or stamp from the issuing agency. Courts, employers, and government offices often require certified copies. Uncertified copies are valid for personal review but may not be accepted for legal use. FDLE certified searches come back with a unique certification number that can be verified online.
Florida Laws Governing Criminal History Records
Florida law sets strict rules about how criminal records are collected, stored, and shared. These laws protect both the public’s right to access and a person’s right to privacy.
Florida Statute Chapter 943
Chapter 943 of the Florida Statutes governs criminal history record systems. Section 943.053 gives FDLE the authority to collect arrest and disposition data from local agencies. Section 943.059 allows eligible people to seal or expunge qualified criminal history records. The statute also defines who can receive criminal history data and under what conditions.
Florida Sunshine Law and Public Access
Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law (Chapter 119) requires most government records to be open for public review. Police reports and court records fall under this law. Some exemptions apply, including active investigations, juvenile cases, and sealed or expunged records. Agencies can charge only the actual cost of copying records.
Expungement and Sealing of Fort Myers Criminal Records
People with old arrests or dismissed charges may qualify to seal or expunge their Florida criminal history. Sealed records are hidden from most public searches but remain available to law enforcement. Expunged records are physically destroyed by FDLE, though some agencies keep a limited record for eligibility checks.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for sealing or expungement, the person must have no convictions on the record, completed all sentence terms, and waited a set number of years after the case closed. A certificate of eligibility from FDLE is required before filing a petition in Lee County court. The full process takes 6 to 12 months in most cases.
How to Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility
Applicants submit FDLE Form CHRS-2 along with a $75.00 fee. FDLE reviews the criminal history and issues a certificate if the person qualifies. The certificate is then filed with the Lee County Clerk, and a judge holds a hearing to approve the sealing or expungement order.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Myers City Criminal History
The questions below cover the most common concerns people have when searching for Fort Myers criminal history records. Each answer reflects current 2026 practices and fees.
How long does the Fort Myers Police Department keep arrest records?
The Fort Myers Police Department keeps arrest records on file indefinitely for adults. Juvenile records follow separate retention rules and are often destroyed after the person turns 26. Records of dismissed charges or not guilty verdicts are kept for several decades. Sealed or expunged records are removed from active files but may remain in secure storage for audit purposes.
Can I search Fort Myers criminal history for free?
Free options exist for limited searches. The Lee County Clerk offers free online case searches for court records. The Fort Myers Police Department lets visitors view reports in person at no cost, though copies carry a fee. FDLE charges $25.00 for a statewide search, with no free option currently available.
What is the difference between a Florida criminal history and a Florida background check?
A Florida criminal history shows only arrest and disposition data reported to FDLE. A Florida background check may include credit reports, driving records, employment history, and other data from private vendors. Employers often use full background checks for hiring decisions, while criminal history alone is enough for many personal or legal needs.
Do expunged records show up on an FDLE search?
Expunged records do not show up on a standard FDLE name-based search. Law enforcement agencies can still see expunged records through secure access. Sealed records also do not appear in public searches but remain visible to criminal justice agencies for law enforcement purposes.
How accurate is an FDLE name-based search?
Name-based searches rely on exact name and date of birth matching. Common names can produce false matches, while spelling errors or missing data can cause missed records. Fingerprint searches remove this problem because the prints are unique to each person. For legal or employment use, fingerprint searches are preferred.
Can I request someone else’s criminal history in Fort Myers?
Florida law allows anyone to request public criminal history data through FDLE or local agencies. Written consent from the subject is not required for a name-based search. However, using someone’s criminal history for illegal purposes such as discrimination or stalking can result in civil and criminal penalties.
What happens if a Fort Myers arrest does not appear in the FDLE database?
New arrests may take 30 to 90 days to appear in the statewide database. If a record is missing after this period, contact the arresting agency to confirm the data was forwarded to FDLE. Errors can be corrected by submitting a Request for Correction form to FDLE with supporting court documents.