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Felda, Florida Public Records

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Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for Felda, Florida.

Official Government Sources

Felda Public Records Directory

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

About Felda

Felda is an unincorporated community located in northeastern Hendry County, Florida, approximately 30 miles southeast of Fort Myers and about 40 miles northwest of the Palm Beach County line. Founded in 1960 as part of a planned agricultural settlement by the Felda Farmers Cooperative, the community was developed on former Everglades wetlands converted to farmland. Felda's name is derived from the abbreviation of "Felda Farms" and the town remains predominantly agricultural, with sugar cane, citrus groves, and cattle ranching serving as the economic backbone. The population hovers around 600 residents, making it one of Hendry County's smaller communities. Felda is known for its rural character, wide-open farmland vistas, and tight-knit farming community that has maintained its agricultural heritage for over six decades.

Public records for Felda residents are maintained primarily at the Hendry County level, as Felda has no incorporated municipal government. The Hendry County Clerk of Circuit Court at 25 East Hickpochee Avenue in LaBelle serves as the central repository for court records, official documents, marriage licenses, and recorded land documents. The Hendry County Sheriff's Office, also based in LaBelle, handles law enforcement services and maintains arrest records, incident reports, and booking logs. Property records, tax assessments, and parcel information are managed by the Hendry County Property Appraiser's Office. Vital records such as birth and death certificates are processed through the Florida Department of Health in Tallahassee and the Hendry County Health Department. All public records requests in Felda fall under Florida's comprehensive Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), which guarantees broad public access to government documents with limited exemptions.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Law enforcement in Felda, Hendry County is primarily provided by the Hendry County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Clewiston Police Department serves the city of Clewiston, focusing on local law enforcement and community policing within city limits. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the county. The Sheriff's Office handles rural and unincorporated areas, while city departments manage urban areas, working together to address crime trends and public safety issues.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Hendry County Jail, located in LaBelle, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate information can be accessed through the Hendry County Sheriff's Office website, which provides a searchable database for recent arrests. Visitation at the jail is subject to specific rules and schedules, which are outlined on the Sheriff's Office website. The bond and bail process in Florida allows for the release of inmates pending trial, and bonds can be posted through a bail bondsman or directly at the jail facility.

Court Records

Felda residents are served by the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, with the Hendry County Courthouse located at 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, FL 33935, phone (863) 675-5217. This courthouse handles all felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $30,000, family law matters including divorce and child custody, probate and estate administration, guardianship proceedings, and appeals from county court. The County Court division, also located at 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, phone (863) 675-5217, handles misdemeanor criminal offenses, civil disputes up to $30,000, small claims cases (up to $8,000), traffic violations, and county ordinance violations. Felda has no municipal court as it is unincorporated. The Hendry County Clerk of Circuit Court, housed in the same courthouse building, serves as the official record keeper for all court proceedings. Court records can be searched online through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com, which provides access to case dockets, filings, judgments, and party information for both circuit and county court cases statewide. The Clerk's website at www.hendrycountyclerk.com also offers online case search capabilities specific to Hendry County.

Fees for court record services in Hendry County include $2.00 per page for certified copies of court documents, $1.50 per page for non-certified copies, and a $2.00 search fee per name or case number when staff assistance is required. Recording fees for judgments and liens are established by Florida Statutes and vary by document type. Online access through the E-Filing Portal is free for basic case searches, though PACER-style fees may apply for bulk document downloads. The Clerk's office accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and major credit cards for in-person requests, with online payment options available for remote services.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Hendry County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Hendry County Sheriff's Office maintains local criminal records, while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) provides statewide background checks. Residents can request a background check through the FDLE website, which includes information on arrests, convictions, and registered sex offenders. The Florida Bureau of Investigation also assists in criminal investigations and data management for Hendry County, ensuring accurate and comprehensive criminal recordkeeping.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Hendry County are maintained by the Hendry County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of 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 records, and access is generally granted unless restricted by law. A Hendry County arrest record typically includes the date of arrest, charges, and any court proceedings related to the arrest.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Felda are maintained by the Hendry County Property Appraiser's Office, located at 640 South Main Street, LaBelle, FL 33935, phone (863) 675-5270, website www.hendrypa.net. The Property Appraiser maintains comprehensive parcel records, ownership information, assessed values, property characteristics, exemption status, and sales history for all real property in Felda and throughout Hendry County. The office provides a free online property search tool accessible at www.hendrypa.net where users can search by owner name, property address, parcel identification number, or geographic location to retrieve detailed property information including current market value, taxable value, building square footage, lot size, year built, and recent sale prices. The database is updated annually following the assessment roll certification and reflects current ownership as of January 1st each year.

The Hendry County Clerk of Circuit Court, 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, FL 33935, phone (863) 675-5217, website www.hendrycountyclerk.com, serves as the official Recorder of Deeds for Hendry County, recording all instruments affecting real property title including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, assignments, satisfactions, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, covenants, plats, and declarations. The Clerk's Official Records division maintains an online document search portal accessible through the clerk's website, allowing free searching of recorded documents by name, document type, book and page, or official record number. Scanned images of recorded documents are available online for records dating back several decades, with older records available on microfilm or microfiche at the clerk's office. Recording fees are established by Florida Statutes § 28.24 and typically range from $10 for the first page plus $8.50 for each additional page.

Hendry County also provides a Geographic Information System (GIS) parcel viewer accessible through the Property Appraiser's website, offering interactive mapping capabilities that allow users to view parcel boundaries, aerial photography, flood zones, zoning designations, and property ownership overlays for properties throughout Felda and the entire county.

Economy & Demographics

Felda's economy is almost exclusively agricultural, built on the foundation of the Felda Farmers Cooperative established in 1960 when the federal government sold reclaimed Everglades land to farming families. The community was originally settled by approximately 150 farming families who cleared and drained the land for agriculture. Today, Felda remains dominated by large-scale farming operations, with sugar cane cultivation being the primary economic driver. The United States Sugar Corporation and Florida Crystals operate extensive sugar cane fields in the Felda area, providing seasonal employment during harvest operations. Citrus groves, though diminished by citrus greening disease in recent years, still occupy significant acreage, and cattle ranching provides additional agricultural income. The Felda area is also home to vegetable farming operations producing sweet corn, green beans, and other row crops.

Major employers serving Felda residents include agricultural operations, the Hendry County School District (which operates Felda Elementary School in the community at 19050 Hendry-Isles Road), and various agricultural support businesses including equipment dealers, seed suppliers, and farm labor contractors. The median household income in Felda is estimated to be below the Florida state median, reflecting the community's rural agricultural character and seasonal employment patterns. The population has remained relatively stable at around 600 residents for several decades, with limited residential development beyond housing associated with agricultural operations. Many Felda residents commute to larger employment centers in LaBelle (the county seat, 18 miles west), Clewiston (22 miles southwest), or Moore Haven for non-agricultural employment. The community maintains its identity as one of Florida's last planned agricultural settlements, though economic pressures including land acquisition by large agricultural corporations, declining profitability in some crop sectors, and generational succession challenges have transformed the cooperative farming model over the past 60 years.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Felda is an unincorporated community with no municipal police department; all law enforcement services are provided by the Hendry County Sheriff's Office (HCSO), headquartered at 101 South Bridge Street, LaBelle, FL 33935, phone (863) 674-5600, website www.hendrysheriff.org. The Sheriff's Office has countywide jurisdiction covering Felda and all unincorporated areas of Hendry County, responding to calls for service, conducting criminal investigations, and maintaining public safety throughout the region. The HCSO operates patrol substations and maintains deputies assigned to various zones, with Felda falling under the eastern patrol district. To request police reports or incident records from Felda, residents must contact the HCSO Records Division at the LaBelle headquarters; requests can be submitted in person, by mail, or via the department's public records request process. Florida's Public Records Law, specifically Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, governs access to law enforcement records, requiring agencies to provide access to most incident reports, arrest records, and booking information with limited exemptions for active investigations and confidential informant data.

Arrest and jail booking records for individuals detained in Felda or anywhere in Hendry County can be searched through the Hendry County Jail inmate roster, accessible online at the Sheriff's Office website at www.hendrysheriff.org/inmate-search or through third-party jail roster services. The Hendry County Jail, located at 1410 Forestry Road, LaBelle, FL 33935, houses all county arrestees. The online inmate search displays current detainees' names, booking dates, charges filed, bond amounts, booking photographs (mugshots), physical descriptions, and projected release dates. The roster is updated regularly, typically within hours of booking. Historical arrest records and criminal history information can be requested through the Sheriff's Records Division or through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Under Florida Statutes § 119.071, most arrest records are public unless sealed or expunged by court order, and booking photographs are generally available immediately upon request for current and recent detainees.

Vital Records

Birth and death certificates for Felda residents are issued by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202, phone (904) 359-6900, website www.floridahealth.gov/certificates. Birth certificates cost $9 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $5 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy. Certified copies can be ordered online through the VitalChek service at www.vitalchek.com with additional convenience fees, or by mail with completed application forms and payment. Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests and 7-10 business days for expedited online orders. Florida birth records are confidential for 100 years and available only to the registrant (if 18+), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, or authorized representatives with proper documentation; death certificates are public records with no access restrictions. The Hendry County Health Department, 1100 Olympia Street, Clewiston, FL 33440, phone (863) 674-4041, can assist with vital record applications but does not issue certified copies directly.

Marriage licenses for Felda residents are issued by the Hendry County Clerk of Circuit Court, 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, FL 33935, phone (863) 675-5217. The fee for a marriage license is $93.50, reduced to $30 if both parties complete a premarital preparation course within one year prior to application. Florida law requires a three-day waiting period between license application and issuance unless the course is completed or waived for in-state residents. Both parties must appear in person with valid government-issued photo identification and social security numbers. Marriage records are public and searchable through the Clerk's official records database dating back to the county's founding. Divorce records are maintained as court case files in the Circuit Court Family Law Division at the same address and are accessible through the court records search system. Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $2.00 per page. The Clerk's office maintains marriage and divorce records dating back to 1923 when Hendry County was established, with indexes and some images available online.

Business & Licensing Records

Felda, as an unincorporated community, does not issue municipal business licenses or business tax receipts. Businesses operating in Felda must obtain a Hendry County Business Tax Receipt (formerly called occupational license) from the Hendry County Tax Collector's Office, 110 North Bridge Street, LaBelle, FL 33935, phone (863) 675-5280, website www.hendrycountytc.com. Business tax receipt fees vary depending on business classification, gross receipts, and number of employees, typically ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars annually. Receipts must be renewed each September 30th for the following fiscal year. The Tax Collector's office maintains a searchable database of active business tax receipt holders, though online search functionality may be limited and require in-person or phone inquiries.

Fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA filings) for Hendry County businesses are filed with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, and must also be advertised in a local newspaper of general circulation once per week for four consecutive weeks. Registration is handled through the Florida Division of Corporations website at dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz, where businesses can file fictitious name registrations online for a $50 filing fee. The Sunbiz system also serves as Florida's primary business entity database, providing free searchable access to all corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered business entities operating in Florida. Users can search by entity name, registered agent, officer name, or document number to view entity status (active, dissolved, inactive), formation date, principal address, registered agent information, annual report filing status, and officer/member names. The database is updated in real-time and includes historical filings and document images.

Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) financing statements and lien searches for Felda businesses are filed with and searchable through the Florida Department of State UCC Division at dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/ucc, which maintains a statewide database of secured transactions. Commercial property tax assessments for Felda businesses can be searched through the Hendry County Property Appraiser's online database at www.hendrypa.net using the property address or parcel number to retrieve assessed values, millage rates, and tax obligations for business-owned real property.

Elections & Voter Records

Felda voters are served by the Hendry County Supervisor of Elections, located at 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, Room 10, LaBelle, FL 33935, phone (863) 675-5230, website www.hendryelections.gov. This office administers all federal, state, county, and special district elections for Felda residents, maintains voter registration rolls, manages polling locations, processes absentee ballots, certifies election results, and provides voter information services. Florida residents can register to vote online through the Florida Division of Elections website at registertovoteflorida.gov, which offers a secure online voter registration application requiring a Florida driver's license or ID card number. Voter registration deadlines in Florida are 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 currently serving a sentence for a felony conviction (though Amendment 4 restored voting rights to most convicted felons who have completed their sentences).

Felda is an unincorporated community with no municipal government, so there are no mayoral or city council elections. Felda residents vote in Hendry County Commission elections, School Board races, state legislative contests, and federal elections. Hendry County is governed by a five-member Board of County Commissioners elected by district to four-year staggered terms. Felda falls within County Commission District 4. The Hendry County School Board also has five members elected by district. Felda residents can find their assigned polling place by using the Precinct Finder tool at www.hendryelections.gov or by calling the Supervisor of Elections office. The Hendry County elections website provides sample ballots, polling locations, early voting schedules, and election results.

Under Florida's public records law, extensive election records are publicly accessible, including voter registration lists (with limited personal information such as social security numbers and driver's license numbers redacted), campaign finance reports through the Florida Division of Elections website, candidate qualifying information, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot request and return data. The Hendry County Supervisor of Elections provides precinct-by-precinct results for all elections on the office website shortly after certification. In the November 2024 presidential election, Hendry County reported approximately 65% voter turnout with roughly 11,500 ballots cast from approximately 17,700 registered voters, reflecting the county's traditionally high participation in presidential elections and strong Republican voting patterns.

The November 3, 2026 general election will feature critical races for Felda and Hendry County voters. Florida's gubernatorial term limits mean Governor Ron DeSantis cannot seek re-election, so 2026 will feature an open Governor's race along with elections for all Florida Cabinet positions including Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer, and Commissioner of Agriculture. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio's seat is not up for election in 2026 (next up in 2028), and Senator Rick Scott's seat is also not contested until 2030, so there will be no U.S. Senate race. Florida's entire congressional delegation faces election, including the representative for Florida's 17th Congressional District which includes Hendry County. State legislative races include Florida House District 80 (which covers Hendry County) and potentially a Florida Senate seat depending on district rotation. Hendry County offices on the ballot in 2026 include the Sheriff (four-year term), Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, Supervisor of Elections, and Clerk of Circuit Court, along with County Commission seats for districts on the 2026 cycle. Candidate qualifying typically occurs in April-June of election years, with primary elections in August and the general election November 3, 2026.

Florida offers vote-by-mail (absentee) ballots available to any registered voter without requiring an excuse. Felda residents can request a mail ballot through the Supervisor of Elections website, by phone at (863) 675-5230, by mail, or in person at the elections office in LaBelle. Vote-by-mail ballot requests are valid through the end of the calendar year in which they are made for all elections in that period, or voters can request to be placed on the permanent vote-by-mail list to automatically receive ballots for all elections. Completed mail ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections office by 7:00 PM on Election Day to be counted; postmarks do not extend this deadline. Hendry County also offers early voting typically beginning 10 days before Election Day at designated sites announced prior to each election.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.1/10 — Hendry County and Florida provide excellent public records access through comprehensive online portals for court records, property searches, inmate rosters, business entities, and election information, with vital records available through state online ordering systems, placing the county among Florida's leaders in transparency and digital accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Felda, Hendry County, Florida to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Felda, Florida, you will be transported to the Hendry County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Hendry County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Hendry County Clerk of Courts for case information.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Felda, Hendry County, Florida?
The Felda area is served by public school districts in Hendry County, Florida. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Florida Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
3
What are the crime statistics for Felda, Hendry County, Florida?
Crime statistics for Felda, Florida are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Felda Police Department on their official website. The Florida Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Felda, Hendry County, Florida Library?
The Felda Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Florida government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
5
Where is the Felda, Hendry County, Florida Public Library located?
The Felda Public Library main branch is located in Felda, Florida. Check the Felda city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Felda, Hendry County, Florida?
Fingerprinting services in Felda, Florida are available through the Felda Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Hendry County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Felda, Hendry County, Florida, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records in Felda, Florida, contact the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Hendry County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
8
About Police Reports
Police reports from Felda, Florida can be obtained from the Felda Police Department or the Hendry County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Florida Government-in-the-Sunshine Law, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Florida DMV.
9
About background check
A background check in Felda, Hendry County, Florida typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Florida criminal history report through the Florida Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
Last reviewed: Mar 25, 2026 Updated: Mar 25, 2026