Collier County Clerk Office Celebrates Transparency and Open Access to Public Information

The Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court is celebrating Sunshine Week from March 16-22, 2025, along with other Clerks throughout the state of Florida. Sunshine Week is an annual recognition of government transparency and open access to public information. It is a nonpartisan collaboration among groups in the journalism, civic, education, government, and private sectors. 

Clerks of Court are tasked to collect, store, and implement systems that allow the public to access records, forms, and relevant information easily. In addition, it is also their responsibility as Comptrollers to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being utilized according to best financial practices and the law. Over the past few years, the Collier County Clerk’s Office has taken great strides in undergoing system improvements to modernize recording and court services to enhance accessibility. Clerk Crystal K. Kinzel also works closely with the Board of County Commissioners and staff to monitor county projects and expenditures that utilize taxpayer dollars. 

“Every year, our team participates in celebrating Sunshine Week to show our dedication to providing government transparency and raising awareness throughout the community,” said Clerk Crystal K. Kinzel. “In the last year, we have upgraded our online systems with e-Recording to provide citizens and businesses with greater access to public information. Additionally, we have a robust community engagement program to educate residents.”

Through the Clerk’s website, residents can access services such as traffic forms, civil procedure forms, and instructions, civil small claims, criminal forms, landlord/tenant forms, family law forms, foreclosures, etc. Detailed instructions are available on the website; however, citizens are encouraged to visit the Self-Help Center at the main courthouse for more personalized assistance. Community members can also register for The Clerk's Report, a monthly newsletter issued by Clerk Kinzel that features timely updates on government projects, expenditures, and taxpayer watch issues at collierclerk.com.