Collier County warrant records are public files that show active arrest orders issued by judges in the 20th Judicial Circuit. These records are managed by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and the Clerk of Courts in Naples, Florida.
Anyone can look up these records for free using the FDLE statewide database or the local clerk’s online system. This page explains exactly how to search, what each warrant type means, and what to do if a warrant shows up in your name.
How to Search Collier County Warrant Records Online
Two free online tools let you check for active warrants in Collier County. The FDLE Public Access System covers all 67 Florida counties, including Collier. The Collier County Clerk’s website shows local court cases with warrant entries. Both tools are free, run 24 hours a day, and need no account to use.
FDLE Public Access System
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a free public database called the Public Access System. This system lists wanted persons across the entire state, including anyone with an active warrant in Collier County. The database pulls data from sheriff’s offices, police departments, and state agencies. Results update as local agencies enter new warrants.
To use the system, visit the FDLE homepage and click the wanted persons search. Type a full name into the search box. The results page shows the person’s name, the warrant type, the agency that issued it, and the charge description. The system does not show Social Security numbers, dates of birth, or addresses. You only see what the law allows the public to view.
Collier County Clerk Online Case Search
The Collier County Clerk of Courts keeps the official court docket for every case filed in the county. This includes criminal cases with warrant entries. The clerk’s online portal lets you search by defendant name, case number, or citation number. Once you open a case, the docket shows every filing, including when a judge issued a bench warrant or capias.
This tool works well for people who already know a case number or want to confirm a specific court record. It also shows whether a warrant has been served, recalled, or is still active. The portal is free, and you do not need to create an account.
Collier County Sheriff’s Office Website
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office posts active warrant photos and names on its website under the Warrants Division section. These listings cover people with outstanding arrest warrants who have not yet been taken into custody. The page updates regularly as new warrants get entered into the system. You can browse the list or search by name through the site’s search function.
Collier County Sheriff’s Office Warrants Division
The Warrants Division is a special unit within the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. Its job is to find and arrest people with active warrants. Deputies in this division track fugitives, coordinate with other law enforcement agencies, and serve arrest papers across the county and the state.
Contact Details and Location
The Sheriff’s Office main building sits at 3319 Tamiami Trail E. in Naples, Florida 34112. The general phone line is (239) 252-9300. The Warrants Division has a direct line at (239) 252-0707. Calling the Warrants Division directly is the fastest way to ask questions about a specific warrant or check the status of a case. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The public lobby stays closed on weekends and county holidays.
What the Warrants Division Does
Deputies in the Warrants Division handle several tasks. They serve arrest warrants issued by Collier County judges. They pick up people with bench warrants who missed court dates. They process capias orders from the clerk’s office. They also work with the U.S. Marshals Service and other federal agencies when fugitives cross state lines. The division runs proactive operations that target wanted persons at homes, workplaces, and known hangouts.
Warrant Service in the 20th Judicial Circuit
Collier County belongs to the 20th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties. Under Florida law, a warrant issued in one county can be served in any other county. A person wanted in Collier can be arrested in Miami-Dade, Orange County, or anywhere else in Florida. This is why the FDLE statewide database matters so much for Florida warrant searches.
Warrant Types Used in Collier County
Collier County uses every standard warrant type recognized under Florida law. Each type has a different legal basis and serves a different purpose. Knowing which type applies to your situation helps you understand what comes next.
Arrest Warrants
An arrest warrant is a written order from a judge that commands law enforcement to take a person into custody. A judge issues this warrant after reviewing an affidavit from a police officer or prosecutor that shows probable cause. Florida Statute 901.02 controls how arrest warrants get issued in the state. In Collier County, arrest warrants remain active until the person is arrested or a judge recalls the order. There is no time limit for an active arrest warrant.
Bench Warrants
A bench warrant is a special arrest order that a judge issues from the bench. It usually happens when a person fails to appear in court for a scheduled hearing or trial. The judge signs the warrant during the court session, and it goes straight to the sheriff for service. Bench warrants in Collier County stay active until the person shows up in court or a judge cancels the warrant.
Capias Warrants
A capias warrant is similar to a bench warrant but is issued through the clerk of courts rather than directly from the bench. Capias orders get filed when a person violates a court order, such as failing to pay a fine, failing to complete court-ordered classes, or missing a required check-in. The clerk enters the capias into the court system, and the sheriff’s office serves it.
Violation of Probation Warrants
When a person on probation breaks the rules of their supervision, a probation officer can ask a judge to issue a warrant. These are called violation of probation warrants or VOP warrants. The arrestee has the right to a hearing within a set time after being taken into custody. VOP warrants are common in Collier County because the 20th Circuit handles thousands of probation cases each year.
Search Warrants
Search warrants give law enforcement permission to search a specific place for evidence. Under Florida Statute 933.07, a search warrant must be served within 14 days of issuance or it expires. Search warrants are not public until they get served or the case moves forward. Once served, the return of the warrant becomes part of the public court file.
Collier County Clerk of Courts Records
The Clerk of Courts is the official record keeper for the 20th Judicial Circuit in Collier County. The clerk’s office files every court document, including complaints, arrest affidavits, motions, and warrant orders. These records are public under Florida’s public records laws.
Court Records Search Methods
You can search Collier County court records in three ways. The online portal is the fastest option and runs around the clock. The in-person search at the clerk’s office lets you pull physical files and certified copies. Mail requests work for people who live outside the area. Each method has its own process and fees.
Document Request and Copy Fees
Standard copies of court documents cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $2.00 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards for in-person requests. Mail requests must include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment by check or money order. The clerk’s office does not accept cash through the mail.
Clerk’s Office Location and Hours
The Collier County Clerk of Courts building sits at 3315 Tamiami Trail E. in Naples, Florida 34112. The phone number is (239) 252-2646. Office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The clerk’s office closes on weekends and on official Collier County holidays.
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheriff’s Office | 3319 Tamiami Trail E., Naples, FL 34112 | (239) 252-9300 | Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Warrants Division | 3319 Tamiami Trail E., Naples, FL 34112 | (239) 252-0707 | Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Clerk of Courts | 3315 Tamiami Trail E., Naples, FL 34112 | (239) 252-2646 | Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Florida Public Records Laws and Warrant Access
Florida has some of the strongest public records laws in the country. The Florida Constitution and Florida Statute 119.07 give every person the right to view and copy public records. Warrant records held by the sheriff and clerk fall under these laws.
Florida Sunshine Law
The Florida Sunshine Law requires government agencies to make their records open to public inspection. Section 119.07 of Florida Statutes says any person can request to see or copy public records without giving a reason. The agency must respond to records requests in a reasonable time. Warrant information that has been entered into a public database is open to anyone who asks.
What Records You Can See
You can see the name of the person named in the warrant, the warrant type, the charge description, the date of issue, the issuing court, and the case number. You can also see the agency that entered the warrant into the system and the warrant status. This is the same information that appears on the FDLE database and the clerk’s docket.
What Records Stay Private
Some parts of warrant records stay sealed. Active criminal intelligence information does not get released. Search warrant affidavits stay sealed until the warrant is served or the investigation closes. Juvenile records are not public in most cases. Sealed or expunged records do not appear in any public search.
What to Do If You Have a Warrant in Collier County
If you find out there is a warrant in your name, the most important step is to act quickly. Warrants in Florida do not expire on their own. They stay active until you deal with them. Ignoring a warrant only makes the legal situation worse.
Steps to Take Right Away
The first step is to confirm the warrant exists. Use the FDLE database or call the Warrants Division at (239) 252-0707. The second step is to hire a criminal defense attorney who handles warrants in the 20th Judicial Circuit. A lawyer can contact the court, find out the bond amount, and sometimes arrange for you to surrender without sitting in jail for a long time. The third step is to follow your lawyer’s advice on whether to surrender or wait for the court to set a hearing.
Surrendering on a Warrant
When you surrender on a warrant in Collier County, deputies will book you into the Naples Jail Center. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and a background check. After booking, you go before a judge for a first appearance hearing. The judge sets a bond amount based on the charge and your criminal history.
Bond and Bail Process
Once a judge sets a bond, you can pay it in several ways. Cash bond means paying the full amount in cash at the jail. Surety bond means paying a bondsman a percentage of the bond amount. The bondsman posts the full amount with the court. Release on recognizance means the judge lets you go without paying, based on your promise to show up for future court dates. Each method has its own rules and fees.
Working with a Defense Attorney
A local criminal defense attorney knows the judges, prosecutors, and procedures in the 20th Judicial Circuit. A good attorney can sometimes get a warrant recalled before you surrender. The attorney can also file a motion to quash the warrant if it was issued in error. Attorney fees vary based on the case complexity and the attorney’s experience level.
How Long Do Warrants Last in Florida
Warrants in Florida do not have a time limit for arrest warrants, bench warrants, and capias orders. A warrant issued 20 years ago carries the same weight as one issued yesterday. The only ways to clear a warrant are arrest, court appearance, judge recall, or death. Search warrants are different and expire after 14 days if not served.
Florida Warrant Amnesty Programs
Some Florida counties run warrant amnesty events from time to time. These events let people with minor warrants come in, deal with their cases, and avoid arrest. Collier County has hosted these events in past years for people with misdemeanor warrants and failure to appear charges. Check the Collier County Sheriff’s website for current announcements.
Searching Nearby Florida Counties for Warrants
Collier County borders several other counties in southwest Florida. If you are not sure which county issued a warrant, you may need to check multiple databases. The FDLE statewide search covers all 67 counties, so it is a good starting point. You can also search each county’s clerk and sheriff websites directly.
Lee County Warrant Search
Lee County shares the 20th Judicial Circuit with Collier County. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office runs a warrant search on its website. The Lee County Clerk of Courts also provides online case records. Lee County’s main cities include Fort Myers and Cape Coral.
Miami-Dade County Warrant Search
Miami-Dade County has its own warrant search system run by the Miami-Dade Police Department. The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts provides court case records online. Miami-Dade is the largest county in Florida by population.
Other Major Florida Counties
Other large Florida counties also maintain their own warrant search tools. Hillsborough County covers Tampa. Orange County covers Orlando. Duval County covers Jacksonville. Broward County covers Fort Lauderdale. Palm Beach County covers West Palm Beach. Pinellas County covers St. Petersburg. Each county has a different way to search for active warrants.
| County | Main City | Warrant Search Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Lee County | Fort Myers | Sheriff Online Search |
| Miami-Dade County | Miami | Police Department Database |
| Hillsborough County | Tampa | Clerk of Court Records |
| Orange County | Orlando | Sheriff Online Search |
| Duval County | Jacksonville | Sheriff Online Search |
| Broward County | Fort Lauderdale | Sheriff Online Search |
| Palm Beach County | West Palm Beach | Clerk of Court Records |
| Pinellas County | St. Petersburg | Sheriff Online Search |
Collier County Warrant Search FAQ
This FAQ covers the most common questions people ask about Collier County warrant records. The answers are based on Florida public records laws and current procedures used by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and Clerk of Courts. If you have a specific legal situation, talk to a licensed attorney in the 20th Judicial Circuit.
How do I check if I have a warrant in Collier County?
You can check for a warrant in Collier County using the FDLE Public Access System at https://web.fdle.state.fl.us/pas/restricted/PAS/home/home.jsf. This free database lists active warrants across Florida. You can also call the Warrants Division at (239) 252-0707 or search the Collier County Clerk’s online docket. The sheriff’s office website also posts photos of people with active warrants in the county. If you find a warrant in your name, contact a criminal defense attorney before going to the sheriff’s office.
Are Collier County warrant records free to search?
Yes, all three main search tools are free. The FDLE Public Access System charges nothing. The Collier County Clerk’s online case search is also free. The Collier County Sheriff’s website posts warrant listings at no cost. You only pay if you request certified copies of court documents. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page, and certified copies cost $2.00 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee. No subscription or account is required for any of the online searches.
How long does a warrant stay active in Florida?
Arrest warrants, bench warrants, and capias warrants in Florida do not expire. They stay active until the person is arrested, appears in court, or a judge recalls the warrant. A 20-year-old warrant carries the same legal force as one issued yesterday. Search warrants are different and must be served within 14 days under Florida Statute 933.07 or they expire automatically. The only ways to clear a warrant are surrender, court appearance, or a judge’s order to recall.
Can I clear a warrant without going to jail in Collier County?
In some cases, yes. A criminal defense attorney can file a motion to recall or quash the warrant. If the court grants the motion, the warrant gets removed without an arrest. Another option is a walk-through surrender, where your attorney arranges a time for you to come in, get booked, and post bond quickly. Some misdemeanor warrants can be handled through a written promise to appear, which avoids jail time. The exact option depends on the charge, the warrant type, and the judge’s decision.
Will a Florida warrant show up on a background check?
Active warrants in Florida usually show up on background checks run by employers, landlords, and licensing agencies. The FDLE database is the same source many background check companies use. Federal background checks, like the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC), also show active Florida warrants. Expunged or recalled warrants do not appear. Sealed warrants are limited but may still show on law enforcement checks depending on the case.
Can I look up warrants from other states in the Collier County database?
No, the Collier County warrant system only shows warrants issued in Collier County. The FDLE Public Access System shows Florida warrants from all 67 counties. Out-of-state warrants do not appear in either system. If you have a warrant from another state, you would need to contact that state’s law enforcement agency or check their online database. The U.S. Marshals Service tracks fugitives across state lines through the Federal Crime Information Center.
What information do I need to search for a warrant?
For the FDLE database, you only need a full name. First and last name works in most cases. The system may return multiple results for common names. The Collier County Clerk’s system accepts a name, case number, or citation number. The more details you provide, the more accurate your search results. A date of birth or full middle name helps narrow down common names. You do not need a Social Security number for any public warrant search.
Can I get a warrant expunged in Florida?
Yes, under certain conditions. Florida law allows expungement for some cases that did not result in a conviction. You must file a petition with the court in the county where the warrant was issued. For Collier County, that means filing with the Clerk of Courts in Naples. The court holds a hearing and decides whether to grant the expungement. The process can take several months. You will likely need a lawyer to handle the paperwork and represent you at the hearing.
Official Resources:
Collier County Sheriff’s Office: 3319 Tamiami Trail E., Naples, FL 34112 | Phone: (239) 252-9300
Warrants Division: Phone: (239) 252-0707
Collier County Clerk of Courts: 3315 Tamiami Trail E., Naples, FL 34112 | Phone: (239) 252-2646
FDLE Public Access System: https://web.fdle.state.fl.us/pas/restricted/PAS/home/home.jsf