Hours of Operation:

Courthouse hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Intake Office is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Courthouse Access:

The public entrance to the courthouse is located on First Street. All individuals entering the building are required to proceed through a metal detector and have any bags, packages, purses, etc. examined through an x-ray machine. Electronic devices, including cellular phones, lap top computers, sound/recording equipment, photographic/broadcasting equipment, are prohibited absent a court order. A standing order pertaining to attorney utilization of personal electronic devices in the courthouse has been issued. Please visit our Attorney Resource page for a copy of the order. Firearms, knives, pocket knives, chemical sprays and other weapons not specified are also prohibited.

Courthouse Access:

Wheelchair access is available.

Parking Availability

Disabled jurors may refer to the Florida Statutes by visiting www.flsenate.gov. In addition, you may contact the Jury Staff for additional information on disabled parking in this area.

Parking Availability:

Parking is available at the City of Palms parking garage located across First Street from the courthouse.

For additional information, please visit the Fort Myers River District Directory

Parking Information For Jurors Only:

Parking is available at the City of Palms parking garage located at 2118 Bay Street. The garage is located at the corner of Bay and Monroe Streets; you may enter the garage from either street. Bring your parking ticket with you for validation.

Juror Attire & Conduct:

Jurors are expected to conduct themselves with reserve and courtesy, and when appearing at Court, to dress appropriately to preserve the dignity of the Court. Business attire, such as suits and dresses, is not required; however, more informal attire, such as beach wear or shorts, should not be worn.

Drop Box Information:

8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

The after hours depository is provided as a convenience by the Clerk’s Office. Building hours are subject to change without notice by the Court Security Officers, GSA, and U.S. Marshal Service.

The depository box is not for filing emergency or sealed pleadings nor should checks or money be deposited in the box. Please file these types of pleadings with an Intake clerk.

Ft. Myers Historical Information:

The first federal courthouse started as a U.S. Post Office built in 1932 during the Great Depression. Constructed of coral rock and coquina shell, it was designed by Florida architect Nat Gaillard Walker and is listed on the National Historic Landmark Registry. In 1983 it was renamed the George Whitehurst United States Courthouse in memory of Judge George W. Whitehurst, a native of Hardee County, appointed to the federal bench in 1949. Judge Whitehurst traveled between southern and mid- Florida during the 1950s and 1960s serving multiple courts as a “circuit rider.”

In 1998 a new federal courthouse was built a few blocks from the old one. Prominently featured on the exterior of the new building is a mural by Barbara Jo Revelle entitled “An Alternative History of Fort Myers” depicting historic photographs. In July 2006, the building was awarded the International Office Building of the Year Award in the Government Building category. The old courthouse, now owned by the City of Fort Myers, is slated to become a cultural center operated by a non- profit organization.

Historic Photograph Source: Fort Myers Downtown Commercial District nomination, Lee County, Florida, #89002325. National Register of Historic Places archives, National Park Service, Department of Interior.

Text Source: Middle District of Florida Historical Society