About the Lee County Courthouse
The Lee County Courthouse, located in the county seat of Fort Myers, serves as a central hub for the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers several Southwest Florida counties, with the Lee County Clerk of the Court playing a vital role in managing the local legal process. The Clerk’s office is responsible for maintaining all official court records, processing criminal case files, and accepting official bail bond filings and payments to secure a defendant's release from custody.
Under Florida law, anyone arrested in Lee County must receive a first appearance hearing within 24 hours of their arrest. During this initial hearing, a judge reviews the arrest report, determines if probable cause exists, and establishes the bond amount and release conditions. Having a bail bond referral service ready to assist immediately after this hearing is crucial to navigating the 20th Judicial Circuit's requirements and securing a quick release.
Posting Bail in Lee County
To post bail for a case at the Lee County Courthouse, you can work with a licensed bail bond agent who will post a surety bond on your behalf. The agent charges a standard, non-refundable premium—typically 10% of the total bail amount set by the court—to guarantee the defendant's appearance at all future scheduled hearings.
How to Post Bail at Lee County Courthouse
There are several ways to post bail in Lee County:
- Through a bail bondsman (most common) — Pay 10% of the bail amount to a licensed agent. Call QuickBail at (941) 477-6888 for 24/7 service. This is the fastest method.
- Cash bond at the Clerk's office — Pay the full bail amount in cash, cashier's check, or money order at the Clerk of Court during business hours. The full amount is returned (minus fees) when the case concludes.
- Property bond — Use real property as collateral. Requires property appraisal and court approval. Takes longer to process.
- Surety bond — Posted through a licensed insurance company. Same as a bail bond but directly through the insurer.
Bail Payment Tips
- The Clerk's office typically accepts: cash, cashier's checks, money orders, and some credit cards
- Personal checks are usually NOT accepted for bail payments
- After-hours bail posting requires a bail bondsman — the Clerk's office is closed evenings/weekends
- Bond amounts are set by the judge or per the county's bail schedule
Lee County Jail
Defendants arrested in Lee County are booked into the Lee County jail. For detailed jail information including inmate search, visitation hours, and bail schedules: