Lee County · Fort Myers
Federal Sentencing in Lee County (Fort Myers Division)
Lee County is home to the U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building on First Street in Fort Myers. The Fort Myers Division docket leans toward drug importation, immigration, and financial fraud cases across Southwest Florida.
Key figures
- Federal courthouse
- U.S. Courthouse & Federal Building
- Division
- Fort Myers
- Counties covered by division
- Lee, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry
Facts
- The Fort Myers federal courthouse is located at 2110 First St., Fort Myers.
- Southwest Florida's coastline makes Lee County a frequent venue for maritime drug importation prosecutions under 46 U.S.C. §70503.
- The Fort Myers Division is the smallest MDFL division by number of authorized judgeships but handles complex multi-defendant conspiracies.
Myths vs. reality
Myth: Because Fort Myers is smaller, sentences are lighter.
Reality: The same federal sentencing table applies. Division caseload has no bearing on offense level or criminal history category.
Myth: Safety valve relief is automatic for non-violent drug defendants.
Reality: 18 U.S.C. §3553(f) requires meeting all five criteria, including truthful proffer and limited criminal history points after the First Step Act amendments.