Collier County Court Records
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Collier County sits along the southwestern coast of Florida, with Naples serving as its county seat. The county's courts operate within the 20th Judicial Circuit and handle a steady flow of civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate filings, and traffic infractions each year. Crystal K. Kinzel, the Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, oversees all court records countywide — managing filing, indexing, and public access across multiple departments at the Collier County Courthouse Annex at 3315 Tamiami Trail East in Naples. This guide covers the offices, procedures, fees, and digital tools you can use to search for and obtain Collier County court records.
If you want to start your research online, the Collier County Clerk offers a free online court case search portal covering civil, criminal, probate, and traffic cases. For broader statewide context, FloridaStateCourts.us can help you locate publicly available court case data across Florida counties. The Clerk also runs an E-Certify service for purchasing certified and non-certified copies of court documents electronically, while the Official Records system gives you access to recorded instruments such as marriage licenses, deeds, and mortgages.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Collier County?
There are three main ways to look up a court case in Collier County: online search, email request, and an in-person visit to the courthouse.
Online Case Search
The Clerk's unified case search portal lets you look up civil, criminal, probate, and traffic cases free of charge. You can search by case number, citation number, party name, case filing date, or court type. What you can actually view online is governed by a Security Matrix that defines which documents and data fields are publicly accessible without registration. Registered users can view additional document types, though guardianship, mental health, juvenile, and adoption/dependency cases remain restricted regardless of registration status.
Non-certified copies can be viewed online at no cost. To purchase certified copies electronically, use the E-Certify service — you'll need to register for an account first. The Clerk also offers online certified paper copies that can be ordered and mailed to you, with postage calculated automatically at checkout.
Email Requests
The Clerk's office accepts email inquiries directed to specific departments:
- Civil, probate, or family law records: civilhelp@collierclerk.com
- Criminal or traffic records: criminalhelp@collierclerk.com
When you write in, include the case number or full party names along with enough identifying details for staff to locate the file. The Clerk will respond with fee information and available payment options.
In-Person Access
Walk-in visitors can use self-service public computers at the Collier County Courthouse to view court records, including document images that may not be available online. Staff are on hand to help if you run into trouble at the terminals.
Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
Address: 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102, Naples, FL 34112
Phone: (239) 252-2646
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
| Department | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Department | Courthouse Annex, 1st Floor | (239) 252-2646 |
| Criminal Department | Courthouse Annex, 1st Floor | (239) 252-2646 |
| Traffic/Criminal | Courthouse Annex, 1st Floor | (239) 207-3731 |
| Family Law | Courthouse Annex, 1st Floor | (239) 252-2646 |
| Juvenile | Courthouse Annex, 4th Floor | (239) 252-2646 |
| Marriage License | Courthouse Annex, 2nd Floor | (239) 252-2646 |
| Official Records & Recording | Courthouse Annex, 2nd Floor | (239) 252-2646 |
| Probate | Courthouse Annex (via contact form) | (239) 252-2646 |
Copy Fees:
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copies of court documents | $1.00 per page |
| Certification of any document | $2.00 |
| Copies of instruments (8 x 14 or smaller) | $1.00 per page |
| Copies of instruments (larger than 8 x 14) | $5.00 per page |
| Search fee | $2.00 per name/instrument/year |
Are Court Records Public in Collier County?
Court records in Collier County are generally public under Florida's public records framework. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes — commonly called the Public Records Law — establishes that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. The Florida Sunshine Law reinforces that principle as it applies to court documents held by the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
That said, both state statute and court rules carve out exemptions for certain categories of records:
- Juvenile records — Court files involving minors are confidential.
- Adoption and dependency records — Sealed by law and accessible only to authorized parties.
- Mental health proceedings — Involuntary commitment and related filings are restricted.
- Guardianship records — Access requires registration and may be limited.
- Crime victim information — Identifying details of victims may be redacted.
- Financial data — Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and similar sensitive identifiers are redacted from public documents before release.
The Clerk applies redactions required by law before releasing copies. Documents purchased through the E-Certify system do not carry watermarks, but they may include statutory redactions. The Collier County Clerk's Public Records Coordinator, Renata Robbins, handles formal public records requests. Keep in mind that under Florida law, email addresses submitted to the Clerk are themselves public records — if you want to keep your contact information private, reach out by phone or in writing instead.
Collier County Criminal Court Records
Felony cases go to the Circuit Court, while misdemeanors and ordinance violations are heard in the County Court. The Criminal Department of the Clerk's office handles all resulting filings on the first floor of the Courthouse Annex.
Online Criminal Case Searches
The Clerk's court case search portal lets you look up criminal cases for free by defendant name, case number, or citation number. Criminal case documents for misdemeanor and felony categories are viewable without registration, though registered users can access a wider range of document types. Sealed and expunged records remain inaccessible regardless of account status. If you'd rather send an email, direct criminal and traffic records inquiries to criminalhelp@collierclerk.com.
Collier County Sheriff's Office Records
The Collier County Sheriff's Office keeps arrest records, incident reports, and criminal background information separately from the Clerk's court files. Current arrest booking information is published online, searchable by booking date or name.
To obtain reports or request a criminal background check, the Sheriff's Office offers several options:
- Online: Submit a request through the Sheriff's Public Records Center. Create an account, select Criminal Background/Arrest Check Request, and fill in the search details. Use My Request Center to track progress, make payments, and download records.
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By mail: Write a request letter with the subject's name and date of birth, attach a $5 check or money order for the background search fee, and send it in a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Collier County Sheriff's Office
Attn: Central Records Bureau
3319 Tamiami Trail East
Naples, FL 34112 - By phone: Call (239) 252-0637 with questions about report availability or records requests.
Sheriff's Office Report Fees:
- Criminal reports under 9 pages: $2.00
- Reports over 9 pages: additional $0.15 per single-sided page and $0.20 per double-sided page
- Local criminal background (arrest) check: $10.00 per name
The Central Records Bureau is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays.
Collier County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Collier County is split between the Circuit Court, which hears cases exceeding the County Court's jurisdictional threshold, and the County Court, which handles small claims and lower-value disputes. The Clerk's Civil Department on the first floor of the Courthouse Annex maintains all civil case files.
Searching Civil Records
The unified search database gives you free online access to civil case information including case status, docket entries, party names, and hearing dates. For document images, the courthouse public terminals generally provide broader access than what's available online. The Clerk's court reports portal also offers access to a range of public and internal reports.
Requesting Copies
You can obtain copies of civil court documents through several channels:
- Online: Use the E-Certify service to purchase certified or non-certified copies electronically.
- By mail: Send a written request specifying the case number or party names, along with $1.00 per page plus $2.00 for certification if needed, and a self-addressed postage-paid envelope to the Clerk's office at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102, Naples, FL 34112.
- By email: Contact civilhelp@collierclerk.com with enough case-identifying information to locate the file.
- In person: Visit the Civil Department during business hours. Payment may be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card (a 3.5% processing fee applies to credit card transactions).
Civil Filing Fees
Filing fees for new civil cases follow Florida Statute 28.241 for circuit court matters and Florida Statute 34.041 for county court matters. The complete fee schedule is published on the Clerk's website and covers civil court, criminal court, family law, probate, and appeals costs.
Official Records and Property-Related Filings
The Clerk also maintains all Official Records, including mortgages, tax deeds, plat maps, condominium declarations, liens, and recorded judgments. This searchable online portal is separate from the court case search system. Active foreclosure sales listings and tax deed auction information are also maintained by the Clerk.
Collier County Family Court Records
Collier County does not have a standalone family court. The Circuit Court's Family Law Division handles all domestic relations matters — including dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, paternity, domestic violence injunctions, adoption, and name changes. The Family Law department sits on the first floor of the Courthouse Annex.
Divorce Records
Dissolution of marriage filings and final judgments are held by the Clerk and searchable through the online case search. You can also request copies by email at civilhelp@collierclerk.com or in person at the courthouse. Standard copy fees of $1.00 per page plus $2.00 for certification apply.
The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics holds divorce certificates from June 6, 1927, to the present. To request a divorce certificate from the state:
- Download and complete the dissolution of marriage application form.
- Include a $5 search fee by money order or check payable to Vital Statistics.
- Mail to: Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. In-person requests can be made at 1217 North Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202.
Marriage Records
The Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and performs ceremonies both in person and online. Licenses are valid in any Florida county for 60 days from the date of issue. Under Florida Statute 741.04(5), Florida residents must wait 3 days after applying unless both applicants complete a premarital course and present a certificate of completion.
To get a marriage license, both applicants must appear at the same time and bring valid identification (driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport) along with their Social Security numbers if they are U.S. citizens. In-person payments can be made by cash, card, check, or money order; online services require card payment.
After the ceremony, the completed license must be returned to the issuing county within 10 days. Once recorded, the Clerk issues a certified copy. Additional certified copies of the recorded marriage license cost $3.00 each. All Collier County marriage licenses are also viewable through the Official Records system.
Marriage certificates are available from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics using the same application form and $5 search fee described above.
Birth and Death Records
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County maintains local vital records. Under Florida Statute 382.025, birth and death certificates contain confidential information and are not freely available to the general public. Certified copies are issued only to the registrant, close family members, or persons with a demonstrated legal interest.
- Birth certificates: Complete the application for birth records, include a $12 fee by money order and a valid government ID, and submit by mail or in person to: 3339 Tamiami Trail East, Building H, Naples, FL 34112. Phone: (239) 252-8205
- Death certificates: Complete the application for death records, include a $10 search fee by money order or check and valid ID, and submit to the same address.
Collier County Probate Court Records
The Collier County Circuit Court handles all probate matters, and the Clerk maintains the resulting case files. Florida law recognizes two main types of probate administration: formal administration, used for estates exceeding $75,000 or when a personal representative must be appointed, and summary administration, available for estates valued at $75,000 or less where no personal representative is required. A third option — disposition of personal property without administration under Florida Statute 735.301 — applies to estates made up entirely of personal property, with no real estate involved.
Searching Probate Records
Probate cases can be searched free of charge through the Clerk's online court case search. Keep in mind that imaged probate documents are generally not viewable over the internet unless you have a registered account. Document images are accessible on the public terminals at the Clerk's courthouse locations, where staff can assist you. Copies of any probate document not sealed by Florida Statute, Probate Rule, Administrative Order, or Court Order can be ordered online or by mail at $1.00 per page, plus $2.00 for certification. Include a self-addressed postage-paid envelope with mail requests.
Wills
Under the Florida Statutes, anyone who holds an original will must deposit it with the Clerk of Court in the county where the decedent resided within 10 days of learning of the death.
Guardianship
The Clerk's Court Guardianship division handles filings for guardianship of minors, incapacitated persons, voluntary guardianships, emergency temporary guardianships, and guardian advocate appointments. Under Florida Probate Rule 5.030, all guardians — except guardian advocates — must be represented by an attorney. Anyone applying to serve as a guardian must also submit fingerprints for a criminal history record check through FDLE and the FBI.
If you're seeking guardianship over a minor, you'll generally need to petition when a child receives a court settlement or inherits assets exceeding $15,000. For incapacitated adults, a guardianship petition follows a formal determination of incapacity.
Estate Bond Schedule:
| Estate Gross Value | Bond Amount |
|---|---|
| $75,000 or less | $18,000 |
| $75,001–$100,000 | $25,000 |
| $100,001–$175,000 | $35,000 |
| $175,001–$250,000 | $50,000 |
| $250,001–$500,000 | $75,000 |
| $500,001 and up | $100,000 (minimum) |
The Clerk's website publishes complete fee schedules covering probate and guardianship filings, and the court divisions page links to applicable forms, procedures, and contact information for each specialized department.