Collier County Court Records
What Is Collier County Court Records
Court records in Collier County are official documents created, maintained, and stored by the Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller's Office pursuant to Florida Statutes §28.13. These records document all judicial proceedings within the county's court system and serve as the permanent legal record of court activities. The Clerk's Office, as the custodian of these records, is responsible for:
- Recording all court proceedings
- Maintaining case files for all matters heard before Collier County courts
- Preserving evidence submitted during trials
- Documenting court orders, judgments, and decrees
- Processing and storing all filed pleadings and motions
Court records may exist in both physical and electronic formats, with Collier County having implemented comprehensive digital record-keeping systems in recent years. The official repository for these records is maintained at:
Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
3315 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102
Naples, FL 34112
(239) 252-2646
Collier County Clerk
These records constitute the official documentation of the county's judicial system and provide a transparent account of court proceedings as required under Florida's public records laws.
Are Court Records Public In Collier County
Court records in Collier County are generally public documents in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) and Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution. The presumption of openness applies to most court records, allowing members of the public to access and inspect these documents during regular business hours.
However, certain exceptions to public access exist as mandated by state law. Records that may be exempt or confidential include:
- Records involving juvenile proceedings (except as provided in §985.04, Florida Statutes)
- Records sealed by court order pursuant to §943.059, Florida Statutes
- Documents containing social security numbers, bank account information, or other sensitive personal data as outlined in §119.071, Florida Statutes
- Records pertaining to adoption proceedings
- Mental health evaluations and records
- Certain domestic violence and family court records where confidentiality has been ordered
The determination of whether specific records are accessible is governed by Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420, which establishes procedures for both access to and protection of court records. Individuals seeking access to court records may be required to present identification and complete a records request form when requesting documents in person at the Clerk's Office.
How To Find Court Records in Collier County in 2025
Members of the public seeking court records in Collier County in 2025 have multiple methods available to locate and access these documents. The primary avenues for obtaining court records include:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Records Department at the Collier County Courthouse
- Complete a public records request form specifying the desired documents
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for certified copies, $0.15 per page for standard copies)
Collier County Courthouse - Main Office
3315 Tamiami Trail East
Naples, FL 34112
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(239) 252-2646
Online Access:
- Utilize the Collier County Clerk's online records search portal for most public records
- Access the Clerk's Case Management System for detailed case information
- Search official records for recorded documents
Written Requests:
- Submit detailed requests via mail to the Records Department
- Include case number, party names, and specific documents needed
- Enclose appropriate payment for copies and any certified document fees
For records related to criminal matters, the Collier County Sheriff's Office arrest search provides supplementary information on arrests and bookings. Pursuant to §28.24, Florida Statutes, fees for copies and certification services are established by law and subject to change.
How To Look Up Court Records in Collier County Online?
Collier County provides comprehensive online access to court records through several digital platforms maintained by the Clerk of Courts. These systems allow for remote searching of most public court documents without visiting the courthouse. The primary online resources include:
The Collier County Clerk's Records Search serves as the central portal for accessing digital court records. Through this system, users may:
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- View case dockets and event histories
- Access most non-confidential court documents
- Download viewable documents as PDF files
For more detailed case information, the Clerk's Case Management System (CMS) provides:
- Comprehensive case histories and docket information
- Document indexes for each case file
- Hearing schedules and judicial assignments
- Financial information regarding court costs and fees
Additional specialized searches are available through the Court Records Search for specific document types and case categories.
To utilize these online systems effectively:
- Registration may be required for certain search functions
- Some documents may require payment to view or download
- Searches can be conducted by name, case number, or document type
- Records are typically updated within 24-48 hours of court proceedings
Pursuant to Administrative Order 2.420, certain confidential records will not appear in online searches even if they exist in the court's files.
Can You Search Collier County Court Records for Free?
Collier County provides several options for free access to court records, though certain limitations and fees may apply for specific services. The following free search options are available to the public:
Free Online Access:
- Basic case information searches through the Collier Clerk's Records Search portal
- Limited docket information through the Case Management System
- Official Records Search for recorded documents
Free In-Person Access:
- Public access terminals at the Clerk's Office provide free viewing of electronic court records
- Self-service research stations are available during regular business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112
While basic searches are free, fees apply in the following circumstances:
- Printed copies ($0.15 per page for standard copies)
- Certified copies ($1.00 per page plus $2.00 certification fee)
- Extensive research assistance from clerk staff ($20 per hour after first 30 minutes)
- Certain specialized document retrievals
These fee structures are established pursuant to Florida Statutes §28.24 and are subject to periodic adjustment. The Clerk's Office accepts payment by cash, credit card, or money order for any applicable fees.
What's Included in a Collier County Court Record?
Court records maintained by the Collier County Clerk of Courts contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings as required by Florida Statutes §28.213. A complete court record typically includes:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Complaints or petitions that commenced the action
- Summonses and returns of service
- Initial appearances and arraignment documentation
Procedural Documents:
- Motions filed by parties and corresponding orders
- Hearing notices and scheduling documentation
- Discovery materials (when filed with the court)
- Subpoenas and witness lists
Substantive Case Materials:
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Evidentiary exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Transcripts of hearings and trials (when prepared)
- Expert witness reports and testimony
Judicial Determinations:
- Court orders and rulings on motions
- Final judgments and decrees
- Sentencing documents in criminal cases
- Post-judgment filings and enforcement documents
Administrative Records:
- Case docket showing chronological listing of all filings
- Financial records of court costs, fees, and payments
- Jury selection materials (in applicable cases)
- Appellate documents if the case was appealed
The specific contents of each court record vary based on case type, complexity, and duration. Certain sensitive information may be redacted pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420 to protect confidential data while maintaining public access to the substantive record.
How Long Does Collier County Keep Court Records?
Collier County retains court records according to schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services, pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. These retention periods vary based on case type and document classification:
Permanent Retention:
- Circuit Civil case files
- Felony criminal case records
- Probate and guardianship files
- Real property and mortgage foreclosure records
- Adoption proceedings
- Juvenile dependency cases
Long-Term Retention (10+ years):
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (10 years after final disposition)
- County civil cases (10 years after case closure)
- Domestic relations cases (10 years after final judgment)
- Traffic infractions (10 years after final disposition)
Medium-Term Retention (5-10 years):
- Small claims court records (5 years after final judgment)
- Eviction proceedings (5 years after case closure)
- Non-criminal traffic cases (7 years after final disposition)
Short-Term Retention (Less than 5 years):
- Administrative orders (3 years)
- Unclaimed evidence (as specified by court order)
- Certain administrative records (1-3 years)
The Clerk's Office has implemented digital preservation systems to maintain electronic versions of many court records indefinitely, even after physical documents may have been destroyed according to retention schedules. Historical court records dating back to Collier County's formation in 1923 are maintained in the county archives and may require special request procedures to access.
Types of Courts In Collier County
Collier County's judicial system consists of several court levels, each with distinct jurisdictional authority as established under Article V of the Florida Constitution and Chapter 34 of the Florida Statutes. The county's court structure includes:
Circuit Court - 20th Judicial Circuit
3315 Tamiami Trail East
Naples, FL 34112
(239) 252-8800
Florida Courts
Circuit Courts have general jurisdiction over matters not assigned by law to county courts and handle:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil disputes involving amounts exceeding $30,000
- Domestic relations cases (divorce, child custody)
- Probate and guardianship matters
- Juvenile proceedings
- Appeals from county court decisions
Collier County Court
3315 Tamiami Trail East
Naples, FL 34112
(239) 252-8800
County Courts have limited jurisdiction and preside over:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil disputes involving $30,000 or less
- Small claims (up to $8,000)
- Traffic infractions
- Ordinance violations
Specialized Divisions:
- Drug Court
- Mental Health Court
- Veterans Treatment Court
- Domestic Violence Court
These specialized divisions operate within the existing court structure but employ alternative approaches to case management for specific types of matters. Each court maintains its own records, which are centrally managed by the Clerk of Courts office pursuant to §28.13, Florida Statutes.
What Types of Cases Do Collier County Courts Hear?
Collier County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters in accordance with jurisdictional boundaries established by Florida law. The following case types are regularly heard in Collier County's judicial system:
Criminal Proceedings:
- Felony prosecutions (Circuit Court)
- Misdemeanor offenses (County Court)
- Criminal traffic violations
- Juvenile delinquency matters
- Probation violations
- Bond hearings and pretrial motions
Civil Litigation:
- Personal injury and tort claims
- Contract disputes
- Real property litigation
- Consumer protection cases
- Landlord/tenant conflicts
- Small claims (disputes under $8,000)
- Civil traffic infractions
Family Law Matters:
- Dissolution of marriage proceedings
- Child custody and support determinations
- Paternity actions
- Domestic violence injunctions
- Name changes
- Adoptions
Probate and Estate Proceedings:
- Will validations
- Estate administrations
- Guardianship appointments and oversight
- Trust litigation
- Baker Act proceedings (involuntary mental health examinations)
- Marchman Act cases (substance abuse interventions)
Case assignment is determined by subject matter jurisdiction and monetary thresholds as prescribed in Florida Statutes §26.012 and §34.01. The Collier County Clerk's Court Records Search provides access to information about these various case types, with certain confidentiality restrictions applying to sensitive matters such as juvenile and mental health proceedings.
How To Find a Court Docket In Collier County
Court dockets in Collier County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in a case and are accessible through multiple channels. To locate a specific court docket, members of the public may utilize the following methods:
Online Docket Access:
- The Collier County Clerk's Case Management System provides comprehensive docket information for most cases
- Search parameters include case number, party name, filing date, or attorney
- Docket entries typically include document titles, filing dates, and party information
- Many docket entries link directly to viewable documents
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the Records Department at the Collier County Courthouse
- Request docket information from clerk staff using case number or party names
- Public access terminals are available for self-service docket searches
- Printed docket reports cost $0.15 per page
Collier County Courthouse
3315 Tamiami Trail East
Naples, FL 34112
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(239) 252-2646
Upcoming Court Calendars:
- Weekly hearing schedules are posted on the Clerk's website
- Daily dockets are displayed on electronic boards throughout the courthouse
- Specialized dockets (foreclosure, juvenile, probate) may have separate calendars
Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420(d), certain confidential information may be redacted from publicly accessible dockets. For cases under seal or subject to confidentiality orders, docket information may be limited or require judicial authorization to access.
Which Courts in Collier County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Collier County, certain judicial proceedings occur in forums that are not designated as courts of record under Florida law. These non-record courts do not maintain official transcripts of proceedings unless specifically requested by parties. The following judicial bodies in Collier County operate as non-courts of record:
Small Claims Court Division:
- While administratively part of County Court, small claims proceedings (cases under $8,000) are typically conducted informally
- No court reporter is automatically assigned to record proceedings
- Parties must arrange and pay for transcription services if a record is desired
- Basic case information is still maintained in the clerk's case management system
Traffic Court Sessions:
- Hearings for civil traffic infractions are generally not recorded
- Proceedings are summarized through disposition forms rather than verbatim transcripts
- Appeals from these hearings proceed as trials de novo (new trials) rather than record-based reviews
Code Enforcement Hearings:
- Conducted by appointed hearing officers rather than judges
- No automatic stenographic recording of proceedings
- Summary minutes rather than verbatim transcripts are maintained
- Decisions may be appealed to Circuit Court through certiorari review
Value Adjustment Board:
- Property tax assessment disputes
- Proceedings are documented through written determinations
- No court reporter is present unless specifically requested
These non-record proceedings are governed by simplified procedural rules designed to provide accessible forums for resolving minor disputes. While not courts of record in the traditional sense, basic documentation of case outcomes is still maintained by the Clerk's Office pursuant to Florida Statutes §28.215.
Lookup Court Records in Collier County
Search Collier County court records online
Access the official Collier County Clerk portal
Find detailed court case information
Visit the Collier County Clerk's official website
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