Clewiston Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Clewiston, Florida government websites.

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement in Hendry County operates through a coordinated system involving the Hendry County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Clewiston Police Department handles local law enforcement and community policing within city limits, while the Sheriff's Office covers rural and unincorporated areas throughout the county. These agencies work together on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of public safety coverage.
The division allows city departments to focus on urban concerns while the Sheriff's Office manages the county's more remote regions, with both agencies collaborating to address crime trends and community safety issues.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Hendry County Jail, located in LaBelle, is the primary detention facility For people arrested throughout Hendry County. During booking, detainees are photographed, fingerprinted, and their personal information is recorded. Visitation at the facility follows specific rules and schedules outlined on the Sheriff's Office website.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Hendry County are maintained by the Hendry County Sheriff's Office. These records document details of each arrest, charges filed, and personal information about the arrested individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, either in person or through written requests. Under the Florida Sunshine Law, arrest records are considered public and access is generally granted unless restricted by law. A typical arrest record includes the date of arrest, charges filed, and any court proceedings related to the case.

Court Records

The Clewiston area falls under the jurisdiction of the 20th Judicial Circuit Court, which serves Hendry County. Court records and case information can be accessed through the Florida Courts website at https://www.flcourts.org/. This resource provides access to criminal, civil, and other court related documents for those needing to research or monitor cases in the area.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Hendry County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request a background check through the FDLE website, which includes information on arrests, convictions, and registered sex offenders. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement also assists in criminal investigations and data management for Hendry County, making sure of accurate and criminal recordkeeping.

Public Records Access

The City of Clewiston makes a variety of public records available through its official website at https://www.clewiston-fl.gov/. The Clewiston City Clerk's office maintains records including meeting minutes, ordinances, and other municipal documents. Residents can also find information about city services, community events, and local initiatives through the site.

Vital Records

For vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, Clewiston residents can access the Hendry County Clerk of Courts website at https://www.hendrycountyclerk.org/. This office is responsible for maintaining and providing copies of these important documents.

Business & Licensing Records

The Clewiston business community receives support from the city's Economic Development Department, accessible at https://www.clewiston-fl.gov/economic-development. This department provides resources and information for local businesses, including licensing requirements, tax information, and economic development initiatives that help sustain the area's agricultural and commercial economy.

Economy & Demographics

Clewiston's economy is heavily influenced by its agricultural heritage, with sugar cane and citrus production being major industries. The city's Economic Development Department works to support and attract businesses to the area, contributing to the overall economic vitality of Clewiston. Residents can find information about the local economy and employment opportunities through the city's website at https://www.clewiston-fl.gov/economic-development.

Elections & Voter Records

Clewiston voters are served by the Hendry County Supervisor of Elections, Brenda Hoots, whose office is located at 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, Room 102, LaBelle, FL 33975 (phone: 863-675-5230, website: hendryelectionsfl.gov). Florida residents can register to vote online through the Florida Division of Elections at registertovoteflorida.gov, which requires a Florida driver license or ID card. Voter registration deadlines close 29 days before any election. To register, applicants must be U.S.
Citizens, Florida residents, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and not adjudicated mentally incapacitated or convicted of a felony without rights restoration. As an incorporated municipality, the city elects local officials including a mayor and city council members. City council elections take place in March of odd-numbered years for four council seats and the mayor position, all elected citywide to staggered two-year terms. The next municipal elections are scheduled for March 2025 and March 2027. Candidate qualifying and local ballot measure information are posted at Clewiston City Hall and on the city website. Hendry County voters can find their assigned polling location by visiting hendryelectionsfl.gov and using the precinct finder tool, or by calling the Supervisor of Elections office. Early voting locations and dates are announced before each election, typically including sites in both LaBelle and Clewiston. In the November 2024 presidential election, Hendry County reported approximately 9,400 ballots cast out of roughly 14,500 registered voters, representing about 65% turnout, with strong rural Republican preference typical of Florida's agricultural interior. For the November 3, 2026 general election, local voters will decide several significant races. Florida does not have a U.S. Senate seat up in 2026; however, voters will elect Florida's Governor and Cabinet officers (Governor, Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer, Commissioner of Agriculture), all five State House of Representatives seats for Hendry County's district, and numerous county offices including County Commission seats, Sheriff, Clerk of Courts, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, and Supervisor of Elections. School board seats may also appear on the ballot. Florida voters can request vote-by-mail ballots (absentee ballots) through the Supervisor of Elections office by submitting a request online at hendryelectionsfl.gov, by phone, by mail, or in person. Mail ballot requests are valid through the end of the calendar year for all elections in that year, and must be renewed annually. Voted mail ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day to be counted. Public election records in Florida include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted under Florida Statutes), campaign finance reports searchable at dos.myflorida.com/elections, candidate qualifying information, precinct-level election results, and early voting/mail ballot statistics, all accessible through the Supervisor of Elections office and the Florida Division of Elections website.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.5/10, Hendry County and Clewiston provide strong digital access to most public records through state and county portals, with particularly property records and court document availability, though vital records require state-level processing and some specialized records require in-person requests at the LaBelle courthouse.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What are the school district and education performance data for Clewiston, Hendry County, Florida?
Public schools in Clewiston, Hendry County, Florida are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the Hendry County school administration or the Florida Department of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
Crime data for Clewiston, Hendry County, Florida is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly.
The Clewiston Public Library provides access to various public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. Library patrons can access property records, court records, and genealogy resources through the library's reference section. The Hendry County library system may offer additional branches and digital resources. Contact the library directly for hours, available databases, and research assistance.
The Clewiston Public Library serves residents of Clewiston and the surrounding Hendry County area in Florida. Contact the library directly or visit the Hendry County library system website for the current address, phone number, hours of operation, and available services.
Fingerprinting services for Clewiston, Florida residents are available through the local police department and authorized third-party providers in Hendry County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. The Florida Department of Justice or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.
Vital records for Clewiston, Hendry County, Florida including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Florida Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Hendry County Clerk's office may also process vital record requests. You will need valid photo identification and proof of eligibility. Processing times and fees vary by office and request method.
To register to vote in Clewiston, Florida, residents can register online through the Florida Division of Elections's website, by mail, or in person at the Hendry 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's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Clewiston, contact the Hendry County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
Property records for Clewiston, Florida are maintained by the Hendry Property Appraiser's Office and the Hendry County Clerk of the Circuit Court. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Hendry County, including parcels in Clewiston. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Hendry 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. For in-person requests, visit the Hendry County offices at the county courthouse. The Hendry County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
Birth, death, and marriage records for Clewiston, 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 Hendry County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Hendry 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.
Business licensing for Clewiston, Florida operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Clewiston town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Clewiston limits. Hendry County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all Florida businesses must register with the Florida Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the Florida Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant Florida licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Clewiston, contact the Clewiston clerk's office and the Hendry County economic development office.