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Collier County Court Records

What Is Collier County Court Records

Collier County court records are official documents created and maintained by the Collier County court system during legal proceedings. These records document various aspects of court cases, including filings, hearings, judgments, and other legal actions that take place within the county's jurisdiction. The Collier Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller is responsible for maintaining these records and making them accessible to the public as required by law.

Court records serve as the official history of legal proceedings and are essential for transparency in the judicial system. They provide documentation of court decisions, legal arguments, and case outcomes that may be needed for legal research, background checks, or personal reference.

Are Court Records Public In Collier County

Yes, most court records in Collier County are public under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) and the state's commitment to government transparency. The public has the right to access and inspect these records during normal business hours at the Clerk's office, located at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102, Naples, FL 34112.

However, certain records may be confidential or exempt from public disclosure based on Florida law. These exceptions typically include:

  • Records involving juvenile cases (with some exceptions)
  • Records sealed by court order
  • Adoption records
  • Mental health proceedings
  • Certain domestic violence cases
  • Records containing sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers

The Clerk's office follows state guidelines to determine which records can be accessed by the public and which must remain confidential.

How To Find Court Records in Collier County in 2025

To find court records in Collier County in 2025, you have several options:

  1. Visit the Clerk's Office in person: You can request court records by visiting the Collier County Courthouse at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112. The Records Department can assist with locating and providing copies of court documents.

  2. Online Access: The Collier Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller provides online access to many court records through their website. The online case search system allows you to search for cases by name, case number, or other criteria.

  3. Mail or Phone Requests: You can request records by contacting the Records Department at P.O. Box 413044, Naples, FL 34101-3044 or by calling 239-252-2646.

  4. Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at the courthouse for public use to search court records electronically.

When requesting records, be prepared to provide specific information such as case numbers, names of parties involved, or date ranges to help locate the correct records.

How To Look Up Court Records in Collier County Online?

Looking up court records online in Collier County is a straightforward process:

  1. Visit the Collier Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller website at https://collierclerk.com/court-divisions/online-case-search/

  2. Select the appropriate search option based on the type of record you're seeking:

    • For court cases: Use the "Online Court Case Search" option
    • For official records like deeds and mortgages: Use the "Search Official Records" option

  3. Enter your search criteria, which may include:

    • Party name (last name, first name)
    • Case number
    • Date range
    • Case type

  4. Review the search results and select the specific case or document you wish to view.

  5. Some documents may be available for immediate viewing online, while others may require a visit to the courthouse or payment of fees for copies.

The online system provides access to many types of cases including civil, criminal, traffic, and probate matters. However, confidential or sealed cases will not appear in public search results.

Can You Search Collier County Court Records for Free?

Yes, you can search Collier County court records for free, but there may be fees for obtaining copies of documents:

  • Basic Search: Searching the online database to identify cases and view basic case information is free.

  • Public Access Terminals: Using the public access terminals at the courthouse to search records is free.

  • In-Person Inspection: Viewing court records in person at the Clerk's office is free.

However, fees apply for:

  • Printed copies of documents (typically $1.00 per page)
  • Certified copies (additional certification fee)
  • Research assistance from clerk staff (hourly fee may apply for extensive requests)

The Clerk's office accepts various payment methods including cash, credit cards, and money orders. For current fee schedules, you can contact the Clerk's office at 239-252-2646 or visit their website.

What's Included in a Collier County Court Record?

A typical Collier County court record may include:

  1. Case Information: Case number, filing date, case type, and status

  2. Party Information: Names and contact information for plaintiffs, defendants, attorneys, and other involved parties

  3. Docket: A chronological list of all filings, hearings, and actions in the case

  4. Pleadings and Motions: Legal documents filed by parties, such as complaints, answers, and motions

  5. Orders and Judgments: Official decisions and rulings issued by the judge

  6. Hearing and Trial Information: Dates, times, and outcomes of court proceedings

  7. Evidence: In some cases, exhibits and evidence presented during proceedings

  8. Financial Information: Records of fees, fines, restitution, and other financial transactions related to the case

The specific contents of a court record vary depending on the type of case and its complexity. Some sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of court records to protect privacy.

How Long Does Collier County Keep Court Records?

Collier County follows Florida's records retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services. The retention periods vary based on the type of case:

  • Felony Cases: Generally kept permanently, especially for serious offenses
  • Misdemeanor Cases: Typically retained for 5-10 years after case closure
  • Civil Cases: Usually kept for 5-10 years after final judgment
  • Probate Cases: Often retained for 10 years after closing
  • Traffic Cases: Generally kept for 3-5 years after disposition
  • Juvenile Cases: May be retained until the juvenile reaches a certain age, then destroyed or sealed

Historic court records may be transferred to the State Archives of Florida at R.A. Gray Building, 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250 for permanent preservation.

Digital preservation efforts are ongoing, with many older records being digitized to ensure long-term access and preservation.

Types of Courts In Collier County

Collier County has several types of courts, each with specific jurisdictions:

  1. Circuit Court: The 20th Judicial Circuit Court serves Collier County and handles major civil cases, felony criminal cases, juvenile matters, probate, and family law cases. Located at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112.

  2. County Court: Handles misdemeanors, small claims (up to $8,000), civil cases under $30,000, and traffic violations. Located at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112.

  3. Small Claims Court: Part of County Court that handles civil disputes with values up to $8,000 using simplified procedures. Located at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112.

  4. Traffic Court: Specialized division handling traffic infractions and violations. Located at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112.

  5. Probate Court: Division of Circuit Court handling wills, estates, guardianships, and related matters. Located at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112.

  6. Family Court: Division of Circuit Court handling divorces, child custody, support, and domestic matters. Located at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112.

Each court has specific rules and procedures for filing cases and accessing records.

What Types of Cases Do Collier County Courts Hear?

Collier County courts hear a wide variety of cases:

Circuit Court Cases:

  • Felony criminal cases
  • Civil disputes over $30,000
  • Domestic relations (divorce, child custody)
  • Juvenile dependency and delinquency
  • Probate, guardianship, and mental health cases
  • Appeals from County Court decisions

County Court Cases:

  • Misdemeanor criminal cases
  • Civil disputes up to $30,000
  • Small claims up to $8,000
  • Traffic infractions
  • Ordinance violations
  • Landlord/tenant disputes

The courts also handle specialized proceedings such as:

  • Domestic violence injunctions
  • Baker Act proceedings (involuntary mental health examinations)
  • Marchman Act cases (substance abuse assessment and treatment)
  • Name changes
  • Evictions

Case assignment depends on the nature and value of the dispute, with more serious matters handled by the Circuit Court and less complex cases by the County Court.

How To Find a Court Docket In Collier County

A court docket is a schedule of proceedings and a list of cases to be heard by the court. To find a court docket in Collier County:

  1. Online: Visit the Clerk's website at https://collierclerk.com/court-divisions/online-case-search/ and search for the specific case. The docket information will show all scheduled hearings and proceedings.

  2. In Person: Visit the Clerk's office at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102, Naples, FL 34112 and request to view the docket for a specific courtroom or case.

  3. By Phone: Contact the Clerk's office at 239-252-2646 to inquire about hearing dates and times for a specific case.

  4. Court Administration: For general court schedules, you can contact Court Administration at 239-252-8800.

Docket information typically includes:

  • Case number and parties involved
  • Scheduled hearing date, time, and location
  • Presiding judge
  • Purpose of the hearing
  • Status of the case

Court dockets are generally updated daily, but it's advisable to verify hearing information shortly before the scheduled date as changes can occur.

Which Courts in Collier County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Collier County, as in the rest of Florida, all courts are technically "courts of record," meaning they maintain official records of their proceedings. However, there are distinctions in how records are kept and the formality of proceedings:

Small Claims Court, while part of the County Court system, uses simplified procedures and less formal rules of evidence. However, it still maintains official records of all proceedings and decisions.

Traffic Court for civil infractions follows streamlined procedures, but records of citations, hearings, and dispositions are still maintained.

It's important to note that even in these courts with simplified procedures, the Clerk of Court still maintains official records of all case filings, hearings, and dispositions. These records are subject to the same retention schedules as other court records and are generally accessible to the public unless specifically sealed or made confidential by law.

For questions about specific court procedures or record-keeping practices, contact the Clerk's office at 239-252-2646 or visit their office at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102, Naples, FL 34112.

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