Fort Myers Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Fort Myers, Florida?
Arrest records in Fort Myers, Florida are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This legislation, commonly known as the Florida Sunshine Law, establishes that government records, including those related to arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be available for inspection by any person. The law reflects Florida's commitment to governmental transparency and public oversight of law enforcement activities.
The Fort Myers Police Department maintains these records in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.07, which mandates that custodians of public records shall permit the record to be inspected and examined by any person desiring to do so, at reasonable times, under reasonable conditions, and under supervision by the custodian of the records. This statutory framework ensures that arrest information remains accessible while maintaining appropriate procedural safeguards.
Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain exemptions exist under Florida law for records pertaining to ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, and victims of specific crimes as outlined in Florida Statutes § 119.071.
How to Look Up Fort Myers Arrest Records in 2025
The Fort Myers Police Department provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. These access methods have been enhanced in recent years to accommodate technological advancements and public convenience:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Fort Myers Police Department Records Division to submit formal requests for arrest records.
Fort Myers Police Department
2210 Widman Way
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 321-7700
Fort Myers Police DepartmentHours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Online Portal Access: The department maintains a digital records portal through which authorized users may search for and retrieve arrest information. This system operates in compliance with Florida Statutes § 119.01(2)(a), which encourages agencies to provide remote electronic access to public records.
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division at the address listed above. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest to facilitate record location.
Lee County Sheriff's Office: For arrests made in Fort Myers by county law enforcement, records may be available through:
Lee County Sheriff's Office
14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway
Fort Myers, FL 33912
(239) 477-1000Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.07(4), agencies may charge a reasonable fee for the duplication of records. Current fee schedules are as follows: $0.15 per one-sided copy for documents not exceeding 8½ by 14 inches, with additional charges for certified copies or extensive research time.
Contents of a Fort Myers Arrest Record
Fort Myers arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Florida Department of Law Enforcement guidelines and local protocols. These official documents typically include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical description, address, and identification numbers (including Florida driver's license number when available)
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting officer's name and badge number; agency case number; and circumstances leading to the arrest
Criminal Charges: All charges filed, including Florida Statute citations, charge classification (misdemeanor or felony), and charge degree
Booking Information: Booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots"), fingerprint records, personal property inventory, and detention facility assignment
Case Disposition: Court case number, assigned court, scheduled appearance dates, and current status of proceedings
Bond Information: Bond amount, type (cash, surety, or release on recognizance), and payment status
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests and convictions within the jurisdiction may be included
The comprehensiveness of these records serves multiple governmental functions, including judicial processing, law enforcement intelligence, and public safety notification as required under Florida Statutes § 119.021, which mandates that public records be maintained according to professional standards.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Fort Myers
Florida law provides mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records maintained by Fort Myers law enforcement agencies. These procedures are governed by Florida Statutes § 943.0585 (expungement) and § 943.059 (sealing).
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Fort Myers include:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction
- Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
- The individual completed a pre-trial diversion program
- The case was dismissed by the court
The expungement process requires:
Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
P.O. Box 1489
Tallahassee, FL 32302
(850) 410-7870Filing a petition with the court of original jurisdiction (typically the Lee County Courthouse)
Lee County Clerk of Court
2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 533-5000Attending a judicial hearing if required by the court
Upon successful expungement, all public records of the arrest are removed from public access, though certain government agencies retain limited access to sealed records pursuant to Florida Statutes § 943.0585(4).
Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that the process requires strict adherence to statutory requirements and may take several months to complete. The Fort Myers court system processes these petitions in accordance with established judicial calendars and administrative procedures.
Search Arrest Records in Fort Myers
