Fort Myers Beach, Florida Public Records

The bond and bail process in Florida allows for the release of inmates pending trial, and bail can be posted directly at the jail or through a bail bondsman. To find someone recently arrested, individuals can use the online inmate search tool or contact the jail directly.

For those interested in exploring the area's rich history and genealogy, the Florida Department of State's Division of Library and Information Services offers a wealth of archived materials and research assistance.

Additionally, the nearby presence of larger economic hubs, such as the city of Fort Myers, provides residents of Fort Myers Beach with access to a diverse range of employment opportunities beyond the local tourism sector.

The Fort Myers Beach Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining public safety and responding to emergencies within the town's limits. Residents and visitors can access information on the department's services, as well as contact information for the local precinct, through the town's official website. The Lee County Sheriff's Office also provides broader law enforcement support, covering areas beyond the town's jurisdiction. For individuals seeking criminal records, mugshots, or other law enforcement-related data, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's online portal offers a centralized resource for conducting searches and obtaining information.

Fort Myers Beach voters are served by the Lee County Supervisor of Elections, located at 13180 South Cleveland Avenue, Suite 103, Fort Myers, FL 33907, phone (239) 533-8683, website www.leeelections.com. The office handles all aspects of voter registration, early voting, absentee ballot processing, polling place assignments, and election administration for Fort Myers Beach and all of Lee County. Florida residents can register to vote online through the Florida Division of Elections at registertovoteflorida.gov, by mail using a Florida Voter Registration Application, or in person at the Supervisor of Elections office, any Lee County public library, or driver license office. The registration deadline is 29 days before any election. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, Florida residents, at least 18 years old by election day, and not adjudicated mentally incapacitated or convicted of a felony without having civil rights restored. Valid Florida driver license number or Social Security number is required for registration.

Fort Myers Beach municipal elections are held for Town Council seats, including the mayor position (who is elected directly). The town has a council-manager form of government with a mayor and six council members serving staggered terms. Municipal elections are typically held in even-numbered years on dates coordinated with county elections. The next Fort Myers Beach municipal elections are scheduled for 2026, with specific seats to be determined based on term expirations. Candidates for town offices file with the Lee County Supervisor of Elections, and ballot measures specific to Fort Myers Beach appear on the ballot only for registered voters with addresses within town limits. Fort Myers Beach voters can find their assigned polling place by using the precinct finder tool at www.leeelections.com or by calling the Supervisor of Elections office. The county operates numerous polling locations throughout Lee County, with Fort Myers Beach residents typically assigned to vote at the Fort Myers Beach Community Center or other island locations depending on precinct boundaries.

Under Florida public records law, extensive election information is publicly accessible. The Lee County Supervisor of Elections maintains searchable voter registration lists showing registered voters' names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history (which elections they voted in, though not how they voted). Campaign finance reports for all candidates are available through the Florida Division of Elections website at dos.myflorida.com/elections for state-level races and through the Lee County Supervisor of Elections for local races. Complete election results by precinct are published after each election at www.leeelections.com. In the November 2024 presidential election, Lee County recorded approximately 68% voter turnout, with roughly 265,000 ballots cast out of approximately 390,000 registered voters, reflecting strong participation in this Republican-leaning county.

The November 3, 2026 general election will feature several significant races for Fort Myers Beach voters. At the federal level, U.S. Senate Class III is up for election (currently held by Senator Marco Rubio, though this depends on his term status). All of Florida's 28 U.S. House seats will be on the ballot, with Fort Myers Beach located in Florida's 19th Congressional District. At the state level, Florida does not have gubernatorial elections in 2026 (the Governor serves a four-year term with the next election in 2026), and all 40 Florida Senate seats (half elected in a staggered cycle) and all 120 Florida House seats will be contested. Lee County constitutional officers including Sheriff, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, and Supervisor of Elections will appear on the 2026 ballot as these positions are elected every four years. County Commissioner seats for specific districts will also be decided. Fort Myers Beach Town Council seats coming up for election in 2026 will be determined based on term schedules. Voters can access sample ballots specific to their address through the Lee County Supervisor of Elections website approximately 45 days before the election.

Florida voters can request absentee ballots (called vote-by-mail ballots in Florida) through several methods: online at www.leeelections.com, by phone at (239) 533-8683, by email, by mail, or in person at the Supervisor of Elections office. Vote-by-mail ballot requests are valid through the end of the calendar year of the second general election following the request, meaning voters must renew their request every two years. Ballots are mailed beginning approximately 40 days before each election. Completed ballots must be returned by 7:00 PM on Election Day either by mail (postmark does not count; must be received by 7:00 PM), by dropping off at any Lee County early voting location during early voting hours, at the Supervisor of Elections office, or at any polling place on Election Day. Florida law requires a signature on the ballot envelope that is matched against the voter's signature on file. Early voting in Lee County typically runs for 10-14 days before Election Day at multiple locations throughout the county, including locations on or near Fort Myers Beach, with extended hours including evenings and weekends for voter convenience.