About Sanibel
Sanibel, Florida is a community in Lee County, Florida. This page consolidates verified public records resources for Sanibel, including law enforcement, court, vital, property, and government records.
Read more about public records in Sanibel
Sanibel is located in Lee County, Florida and had a recorded population of approximately 6,402 at the last census. County and state agencies serving Lee County are the primary source for most government records affecting Sanibel residents.
Law enforcement in Sanibel is served by Sanibel Police Department and Lee County Sheriff's Office. Arrest records, booking information, and incident reports are maintained by these agencies and can usually be requested in person, by mail, or via online portals where available.
Court case records for civil, criminal, family, and probate matters in Lee County are maintained by the county trial court of general jurisdiction and, where applicable, by municipal or district courts. Statewide court case search tools published by the Florida Judicial Branch can also be used to locate cases.
Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates for Sanibel residents are issued through the Florida Department of Health (Bureau of Vital Statistics), with local copies often available through the Lee County Clerk's office. Real-property records (deeds, mortgages, liens) and parcel assessments are recorded with the county Clerk of Court (recorder) and the county Property Appraiser.
Most government records held by Florida agencies are accessible under the Florida Sunshine Law (Public Records Act), which sets a response window of a reasonable time and requires agencies to publish procedures for written records requests. Certain records (juvenile, sealed, victim, and active investigation records) may be withheld or redacted under statutory exemptions.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Sanibel
Sanibel Police Department
. The City of Sanibel announces. Sanibel, Florida April 21, 2026 Contact: Eric Jackson, APR Public Information Officer City Manager's Office (239) 472-37.
Lee County Sheriff's Office
Collier County Sheriff’s Office, 10 years; Lee County Sheriff’s Office, 6 years; appointed Sheriff of Lee County, 2018 and elected Sheriff in 2020. Re-elected Sheriff, 2024. 2020 Top Honors for Underage Drinking Prevention- MADD Southwest Florida; 2020 2nd Annual Hanley Foundation Prevention.
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Sanibel
Public Records Request | Sanibel, FL
The City Clerk’s office is the official repository for all public records for the City of Sanibel.
🏠 Property & Public Records in Sanibel
Lee County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Property records for Sanibel, Florida are maintained by the Lee County Clerk of the Circuit Court. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Lee County, including Sanibel.
About Sanibel — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Lee County Jail in Fort Myers is the primary detention facility for Lee County. When someone is booked into the facility, staff collect fingerprints, photographs, and personal information. Visitation requires advance scheduling, with both in-person and video options available to those who comply with the facility's specific rules.
Florida's bond and bail system permits pretrial release, and bail can be posted directly at the jail or arranged through a bail bondsman. Anyone searching for a recently arrested individual can use the online search tool or contact the facility by phone.
Arrest Records
The Lee County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting the circumstances of each arrest, charges filed, and subsequent court proceedings. Residents and attorneys seeking these records can contact the Sheriff's Records Division in person or submit an online request form. Florida's Sunshine Law classifies arrest records as public documents, for openness in government operations. These records typically contain the arrestee's name, date of birth, charges, and booking information.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Lee County covers various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Lee County Clerk of Court maintains court records, while the Sheriff's Office manages arrest and incident reports. To conduct a background check in Florida, individuals can use the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Criminal History Information service, which provides statewide criminal history records. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement also offers resources for residents seeking information on criminal records.
Vital Records
The Florida Department of Health is the primary source for vital records about Sanibel and the surrounding Lee County area. Residents can obtain birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses through the department's online portal or by visiting their local office. These vital records provide essential documentation for a range of personal and legal purposes, and the department's user-friendly interface makes the process of accessing these records straightforward and efficient.
Business & Licensing Records
The City of Sanibel's official website provides information about local regulations, permits, and licenses for businesses and residents. The Building and Permitting Department handles construction permits, making sure of projects comply with the island's development standards. The Business Tax Receipt program manages registration and licensing for commercial enterprises operating in the community. This centralized platform helps residents, entrepreneurs, and developers navigate the administrative processes required to establish and maintain operations.
Economy & Demographics
Sanibel's economy is largely driven by the tourism industry, which capitalizes on the city's natural beauty and environmental preservation efforts. Key employers in the area include hospitality providers, such as beachfront resorts and fine dining establishments, as well as eco-tourism operators offering guided nature tours, kayaking excursions, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The city's commitment to sustainable development has also fostered a thriving local arts and crafts scene, with numerous galleries and specialty shops showcasing the work of talented artisans. The J.N.
Elections & Voter Records
The Lee County Supervisor of Elections serves Sanibel voters from offices at 13180 South Cleveland Avenue, Suite 101, Fort Myers, FL 33907. Residents can reach the office at 239-533-8683 or visit https://www.leeelections.com. Florida residents register to vote online at https://registertovoteflorida.gov, which requires a Florida driver's license or ID card number. Registration must be completed 29 days before any election. State law requires voters to present valid photo identification at polling places, such as a Florida driver's license, U.S.
Passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID. As an incorporated city, Sanibel elects a mayor and city council members in nonpartisan elections typically held in November of odd-numbered years. Council members serve staggered four-year terms. City election information, candidate filings, and local ballot measures are posted at https://www.mysanibel.com and coordinated through the county Supervisor of Elections. Residents locate their assigned polling place by visiting https://www.leeelections.com and using the "Find Your Precinct" tool, which requires entering a residential address. Under Florida public records law, voter registration lists are public records available for purchase for political purposes, though individual voter history faces some restrictions. Campaign finance reports for local and state candidates are accessible through the Florida Division of Elections website at https://dos.myflorida.com/elections/candidates-committees/campaign-finance. Florida does not have a U.S.Current federal, state, and local election schedules, ballot contests, candidate filings, and certified results for Sanibel voters are published by the Florida Division of Elections (https://dos.fl.gov/elections/). State House and Senate seats covering the island, currently District 76 for House and District 27 for Senate, will be contested. County voters will also decide countywide offices including County Commissioner seats, Sheriff, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, Supervisor of Elections, and Clerk of Court. Florida offers vote-by-mail ballots to any registered voter upon request. Applications can be submitted online through the Lee County Supervisor of Elections website, by phone at 239-533-8683, or in person. Vote-by-mail ballots must be requested by 5:00 PM on the 10th day before the election and must be received by the Supervisor of Elections office by 7:00 PM on Election Day to be counted.
Official Government Resources
Sanibel Florida Criminal Records
Florida Department of Law Enforcement criminal history records for Sanibel.
Sanibel Florida Property Records
Florida Department of Revenue property records for Sanibel.
Sanibel Florida Archives and Genealogy
Florida Department of State archives and genealogy for Sanibel.
Sanibel Florida Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court Middle District of Florida for Sanibel.
Florida Courts, Sanibel Case Information
Florida Courts public information for Sanibel court records.
Sanibel Florida Vital Records
Florida Department of Health vital records and certificates for Sanibel.
Sanibel Florida Inmate Search
Florida Department of Corrections offender search for Sanibel.
Sanibel Florida Missing Persons
Florida Missing Child Information Clearinghouse for Sanibel.
Sanibel Florida Most Wanted
Florida FDLE most wanted persons for Sanibel.
Sanibel Florida Sex Offender Registry
Florida Sexual Offender / Predator search for Sanibel area.
Sanibel Florida Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Sanibel.
City of Sanibel
Directory of Sanibel city records and information
Sanibel City Clerk
Official records and legal files 800 Dunlop Road Sanibel FL 33957 Phone: (239) 472-3700
Sanibel Police Department
Law enforcement services 800 Dunlop Road Sanibel FL 33957 Phone: (239) 472-3111
Sanibel Public Library
Reference and research materials 770 Dunlop Road Sanibel FL 33957 Phone: (239) 472-2483 Fax: (239) 472-9524
Sanibel Florida Criminal Records Search and Depository
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Mailing Address P.O. Box 1489 Tallahassee, FL 32302-1489 Directory of Contacts
Sanibel Florida Official Criminal History Background Check
Florida Department of Law Enforcement User Services Bureau Criminal History Services PO Box 1489 Tallahassee FL 32302 (8
Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information.
Inmate Search and Community Corrections
2601 Blair Stone Road Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500 (850) 488-5021 1-888-558-6488 or citizens.services@mail.dc.state.f
Nearby Cities in Lee County, Florida
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Sanibel, Florida?
To register to vote in Sanibel, Florida, residents can register online through the Florida Division of Elections website, by mail, or in person at the Lee County elections office. Florida requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Florida Division of Elections voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Sanibel, contact the Lee County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Sanibel, Florida?
Property records for Sanibel, Florida are maintained by the Lee Property Appraiser's Office and the Lee County Clerk of the Circuit Court. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Lee County, including parcels in Sanibel. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Lee County Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Florida counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Lee County Tax Collector handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Sanibel, Florida?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Sanibel, Florida residents are available through both county and state offices. The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, located in Jacksonville, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Florida. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Lee County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Lee County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.