Collier County Court Records Search
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Collier County spans the southwestern coast of Florida, with Naples as its county seat. The county’s judicial system operates within the 20th Judicial Circuit, and its courts process a high volume of civil litigation, criminal cases, family law disputes, probate matters, and traffic infractions each year. The Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller—currently Crystal K. Kinzel—serves as the custodian of all court records generated in the county, managing filing, indexing, and public access across multiple departments housed in the Collier County Courthouse Annex at 3315 Tamiami Trail East in Naples. This guide walks through the offices, procedures, fees, and digital tools available for searching and obtaining Collier County court records.
Those looking for Florida court case information can begin their research through multiple channels. The Collier County Clerk maintains a free online court case search portal covering civil, criminal, probate, and traffic cases. For broader statewide context, FloridaStateCourts.us may help users locate publicly available court case data across Florida counties. Official court resources, Clerk’s office terminals, email inquiries, and online databases all offer pathways for accessing records. The Clerk also operates an E-Certify service for purchasing certified and non-certified copies of court documents electronically, and the Official Records system provides access to recorded instruments like marriage licenses, deeds, and mortgages.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Collier County?
Collier County provides three primary methods for looking up court cases: online search, email request, and in-person visit.
Online Case Search
The Clerk’s unified case search portal allows the public to look up civil, criminal, probate, and traffic cases at no charge. Searches can be conducted by case number, citation number, party name, case filing date, or court type. What is viewable online is governed by a Security Matrix that defines which documents and data fields are accessible without registration. Registered users gain access to 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 for free. To purchase certified copies electronically, users may access the E-Certify service, which requires account registration. The Clerk also offers online certified paper copies that can be ordered and mailed, with postage fees calculated automatically.
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
Include the case number or full party names and sufficient identifying details. 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 over the internet. Staff are available to assist with terminal use.
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 (8½ x 14 or smaller) | $1.00 per page |
| Copies of instruments (larger than 8½ 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 presumptively public under Florida’s public records framework. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes—commonly referred to as 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 further reinforces this principle as it applies to court documents maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
However, both state statute and court rules create 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’s office employs redactions in accordance with law before releasing copies. Purchased documents from the E-Certify system do not contain watermarks but may include statutory redactions. The Collier County Clerk’s Public Records Coordinator, Renata Robbins, handles formal public records requests. Under Florida law, email addresses submitted to the Clerk are themselves public records, so individuals who wish to keep their contact information private should reach out by phone or in writing instead.
Collier County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Collier County are heard in both the Circuit Court (felonies) and the County Court (misdemeanors and ordinance violations). The Criminal Department of the Clerk’s office processes and stores all resulting filings on the first floor of the Courthouse Annex.
Online Criminal Case Searches
The Clerk’s court case search portal allows free lookups of criminal cases by defendant name, case number, or citation number. Criminal case documents for misdemeanor and felony categories are viewable without registration. Registered users may access expanded document types, though sealed and expunged records remain inaccessible. Email requests for criminal and traffic records can be directed to criminalhelp@collierclerk.com.
Collier County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, and criminal background information separately from the Clerk’s court files. The Sheriff publishes current arrest booking information online, searchable by booking date or name.
To obtain reports or request a criminal background check, the Sheriff’s Office provides several options:
- Online: Submit a request through the Sheriff’s Public Records Center. Create an account, select “Criminal Background/Arrest Check Request”, and fill out the search details. Use “My Request Center” to track progress, make payments, and download records.
- By mail: Write a request letter including 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 for 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 divided between the Circuit Court, which handles cases exceeding the County Court’s jurisdictional threshold, and the County Court, which hears 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 provides free online access to civil case information including case status, docket entries, party names, and hearing dates. For document images, the courthouse public terminals offer broader access than what is available online. The Clerk’s court reports portal also provides access to various public and internal reports.
Requesting Copies
Copies of civil court documents can be obtained 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 sufficient case identifying information.
- In person: Visit the Civil Department during business hours with payment by cash, check, money order, or credit card (3.5% processing fee applies to credit card transactions).
Civil Filing Fees
Filing fees for new civil cases are governed by Florida Statute 28.241 for circuit court 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 covers documents recorded in Collier County’s Official Records and 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 operate a standalone family court. Instead, the Circuit Court’s Family Law Division hears all domestic relations matters, including dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, paternity, domestic violence injunctions, adoption, and name changes. The Family Law department is located on the first floor of the Courthouse Annex.
Divorce Records
Dissolution of marriage filings and final judgments are maintained by the Clerk and can be searched through the online case search. Copies may also be requested 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 maintains 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 may 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. Marriage licenses are valid in any Florida county for 60 days from the date of issue. Florida Statute 741.04(5) imposes a 3-day waiting period for Florida residents unless both applicants complete a premarital course and present a certificate of completion.
Requirements for a marriage license include valid identification (driver’s license, state ID, military ID, or passport), Social Security numbers for U.S. citizens, and simultaneous appearance by both applicants. Payment for in-person services 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 viewable through the Official Records system.
Marriage certificates are also 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 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 of the Circuit Court maintains the resulting case files. Florida law recognizes two main types of probate administration: formal administration (for estates exceeding $75,000 or when a personal representative must be appointed) and summary administration (for estates valued at $75,000 or less, with no personal representative required). A third option—disposition of personal property without administration under Florida Statute 735.301—applies to estates consisting solely of personal property, with no real estate involved.
Searching Probate Records
Probate cases can be searched through the Clerk’s online court case search at no charge. However, imaged probate documents are generally not available for public viewing over the internet unless the user is a registered account holder. Document images are viewable on the public terminals at the Clerk’s courthouse locations, where staff can provide assistance.
Copies of any probate document not sealed by Florida Statute, Probate Rule, Administrative Order, or Court Order may 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
The Florida Statutes require the custodian of an original will to 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 processes 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. Guardianship applicants are required to submit fingerprints for a criminal history record check through FDLE and the FBI.
Guardian applicants for minors must petition when a child receives a court settlement or inherits assets exceeding $15,000. For incapacitated adults, a guardianship petition follows a 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 provides links to applicable forms, procedures, and contact information for each specialized department.