Did you know that the earliest official recorded document in Lee County dates back to 1887 when Lee first became a County? Did you know that the Recording Office has plats dating back to 1887, marriage license records dating back to 1888 and the Marks and Brands Record 2 book dated to 1899? 

Joanne Miller, a member of the Southwest Florida Historical Society and a 30+ year veteran of the Clerk's Office had the passion and knowledge of Lee County history and the vision to bring the Historical Document Library to realization. With the approval of former Clerk Linda Doggett, unused office space within the Recording Office was transformed into a library where one can come to view rare books, records and plats. To furnish the library, office furniture was removed and plat shelving units and a display case were transferred from the county warehouse and documents from our vault relocated to the newly created library. 

You now have the opportunity to visit the Historical Documents Library and examine interesting and original documents. There are rare books, such as the Marks and Brands Records 2 book that dates back to 1899, when the cattlemen and hog ranchers of that era submitted their marks and brands for their livestock to the Clerk of Court for registration. Other books and records of interest are Bride and Groom indexes, County Commissioners Minutes, General Indexes from 1887 and Tax Deed related documents, such as land sold for unpaid taxes and redeemed for Tax Deed Certificates. 

Due to the size and condition of some of the historical books and documents, we will not be able to offer copy services. However, we encourage and allow you to take pictures of the books and specific pages and we also allow hand-held scanners. 

Currently there are over 150 books available. 

If you are interested in Lee County's history or would like to search genealogical records of your family tree, come visit the Historical Document Library located at: 

Lee County Administration Building
Recording Office
2115 Second Street, 2nd Floor
Fort Myers, FL 33901