About Hendry County
Hendry County is located in south-central Florida, bordered by the Caloosahatchee River to the north and Lake Okeechobee to the east. Established in 1923 and named after pioneer cattleman Francis A. Hendry, Hendry County includes approximately 1,190 square miles of land characterized by vast agricultural expanses, cattle ranches, and wetlands. Hendry County Seat is LaBelle, situated along the scenic Caloosahatchee River, while Clewiston serves as Hendry County's other major county and is known as "America's Sweetest Town" due to its sugar industry.
With a population of approximately 42,000 residents, Hendry County maintains a rural character while playing a crucial role in Florida's agricultural economy. Hendry County is home to major landmarks including the Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Hendry County Courthouse at 25 East Hickpoochee Avenue in LaBelle, and the vast Everglades Agricultural Area. Hendry County Clerk of Court, located at 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, FL 33935, maintains official records for Hendry County.
Hendry County Property Appraiser's office, situated at 165 South Lee Street, LaBelle, FL 33935, handles property assessments and tax roll preparation. What makes Hendry County unique is its position as one of Florida's premier agricultural counties, producing significant quantities of sugarcane, citrus, cattle, and vegetables. Hendry County's scene transitions from river bottomlands to prairie-like cattle ranches to rich muck soils near Lake Okeechobee, creating diverse ecosystems that support both agriculture and wildlife.
Hendry County has deep ties to Seminole heritage and continues to reflect a blend of pioneer ranching culture and modern agribusiness.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Hendry County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Hendry County. It provides a range of services including patrolling, criminal investigations, and community policing initiatives. The office also manages Hendry County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is involved in various community outreach programs meant to crime prevention and public safety education.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Hendry County is primarily provided by 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, making sure of full coverage across Hendry 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.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Hendry County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 101 South Bridge Street, LaBelle, FL 33935, provides primary law enforcement services throughout Hendry County's unincorporated areas and contracted municipal services. The Sheriff's Office operates under constitutional authority and can be reached for Their website at hendrysheriff.org provides access to various public safety resources and community information. Hendry County Jail, also located at the Bridge Street complex in LaBelle, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving county sentences.
- Under Florida Statute 119.011, the Florida Public Records Law, arrest records are generally public documents accessible upon request.
- Citizens may submit public records requests to the Sheriff's Office in person, by mail, or through designated online portals.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports, crash reports, and investigative documents.
- The Sheriff's Office Records Division handles formal requests during business hours Monday through Friday.
Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office website and by calling the detention facility directly for The roster typically includes inmate names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates. Within municipal boundaries, the Clewiston Police Department at 115 West Ventura Avenue, Clewiston, FL 33440 (863-983-1474) serves the city's residents, while LaBelle has law enforcement provided through contract with the Sheriff's Office. Mugshots and booking photographs are considered public records in Florida and are typically available through the Sheriff's Office records division, though some restrictions apply for juvenile arrests or sealed cases.
No tribal police agencies operate within Hendry County boundaries, though Hendry County borders areas with Seminole Tribe presence in adjacent counties. Special jurisdiction agencies include Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers who patrol Hendry County's extensive rural and wetland areas.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Hendry County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. 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, making sure of accurate and full criminal recordkeeping.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Hendry County are maintained by 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.
Jail & Inmate Records
Hendry County Jail, located in LaBelle, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Hendry County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate information can be accessed through 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.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Hendry County are taken and retained by Hendry County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website, which may provide an online search tool for recent bookings. Florida law allows for the publication of mugshots, but individuals may request removal from certain websites under specific circumstances, such as proven innocence or expungement of records. The Sheriff's Office follows state guidelines regarding the retention and dissemination of booking photos.
Courts & Case Records
Hendry County is served by the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, which covers five counties in southwest Florida. Hendry County Courthouse is located at 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, FL 33935, phone. The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $30,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, probate proceedings, and appeals from county court. Hendry County Court, also housed in the LaBelle courthouse, has jurisdiction over misdemeanor crimes, traffic violations, civil disputes under $30,000, and small claims cases up to $8,000.
- Certified copies of court documents cost $2.00 for the first page and $0.15 for each additional page as established by Florida Statute 28.24.
- Non-certified copies are typically $0.15 per page.
Online case lookup is available through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal and the Clerk of Court's website at hendrycountyclerk.com, where users can search civil, criminal, family, and probate cases by party name, case number, or attorney. Hendry County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller maintains all court records and provides public access under Florida Statute 28.13 and Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution, which guarantees public access to court proceedings and records. Online searches through the clerk's website are generally free, though some documents may require payment for downloading.
The courthouse also houses a law library available to the public for legal research. Traffic cases and certain civil matters may be handled administratively, while more serious matters require formal court proceedings before circuit or county judges assigned to Hendry County.
Property & Public Records
Hendry County Clerk of Circuit Court is the official recorder of deeds and maintains all land records at 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, FL 33935, phone. The Official Records Division maintains documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions of mortgage, liens (mechanic's, judgment, tax), easements, restrictive covenants, plat maps, and subdivision plats. These records date back to Hendry County's formation in 1923 and are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description.
- However, certified copies require payment of $2.00 for the first page and $0.15 for each additional page, plus applicable search fees.
- Recording fees for new documents are $10.00 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page as prescribed by Florida Statute 28.24.
- Their website at hendrypa.net provides a free online property search tool allowing searches by owner name, address, or parcel identification number.
The clerk's website at hendrycountyclerk.com offers a free online Official Records Search system where users can search and view recorded documents without charge. Hendry County Property Appraiser, located at 165 South Lee Street, LaBelle, FL 33935 (863-675-5270), maintains property assessment records, ownership information, tax roll data, aerial photography, and property characteristics. The GIS mapping system displays parcel boundaries, zoning information, and property details.
Hendry County Tax Collector at 110 Broward Avenue, LaBelle, FL 33935 (863-675-5280) handles tax payments and maintains payment history records. All property records are public under Florida Statute 119 and Article I, Section 24(a) of the Florida Constitution, for public access in land ownership and taxation.
Vital Records
Vital records for Hendry County residents are maintained by both Hendry County Health Department and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Birth certificates for births occurring in Hendry County can be requested from the Florida Department of Health in Hendry County, located at 1100 Olympia Street, Clewiston, FL 33440, phone. Birth certificates cost $20.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
- Processing time is typically 10-15 business days for in-person requests.
- Death certificates follow the same fee structure and can be obtained from the same location.
- Expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
- The license fee is $93.50, reduced to $61.00 for couples who complete a premarital preparation course.
- Uncertified informational copies may have different fees and access rules.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of eligibility (immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with tangible interest). Marriage licenses are issued by Hendry County Clerk of Court at 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, FL 33935, phone. Both parties must appear in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers.
There is no waiting period if both parties are Florida residents and have completed the course. Divorce records are also maintained by the Clerk of Court as part of circuit court family law cases. For records older than Hendry County office retention period, or for statewide searches, contact the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, P.O.
Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042, or order online through VitalChek.com. Florida Statute 382 governs vital records, establishing confidentiality provisions and eligibility requirements.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Hendry County involves multiple agencies depending on the business type and activity. Local business tax receipts (formerly called occupational licenses) are issued by Hendry County Tax Collector's Office at 110 Broward Avenue, LaBelle, FL 33935, phone. Applications are processed annually with fees varying by business classification and location. Hendry County Clerk of Court at 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, FL 33935 (863-675-5217) records fictitious name registrations (DBA - Doing Business As) as required by Florida Statute 865.09.
- The filing fee is typically $50.00 and requires publication in a local newspaper of general circulation.
- This free online database allows searches of all Florida business entities, registered agents, officers, and filing history.
For formal business entity formation (corporations, LLCs, partnerships), the Florida Division of Corporations, part of the Secretary of State's office, maintains the official registry accessible at sunbiz.org. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, health practitioners, and cosmetologists are issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and can be verified at myfloridalicense.com. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land development permits are handled by Hendry County Building Department and Planning & Zoning Division at 165 South Lee Street, LaBelle, FL 33935, phone.
Applications require submission of construction plans, site surveys, and compliance with the Florida Building Code. Hendry County Chamber of Commerce in LaBelle (863-675-0125) and the Clewiston Chamber of Commerce (863-983-7979) provide business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development information. Sales tax permits are issued by the Florida Department of Revenue and can be applied for online at floridarevenue.com.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Hendry County are administered by Hendry County Supervisor of Elections, located at 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, Room 225, LaBelle, FL 33935. The office can be reached, and their website at hendryelectionsfl.gov provides full voter information, election results, and candidate filings. Voter registration in Florida requires applicants to be U.S. Citizens, Florida residents, and at least 18 years old by the next election. Registration must be completed at least 29 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- Online voter registration is available through the Florida Division of Elections at registertovoteflorida.gov, where eligible citizens can complete registration using their Florida driver license or state ID number.
- In the November 2024 general election, Hendry County experienced approximately 62% voter turnout among registered voters, reflecting strong participation in the presidential election.
- Requests can be submitted online through the Supervisor of Elections website, by phone, by mail, or in person.
- Vote-by-mail requests are valid through the end of the calendar year of the second general election following the request, meaning voters must renew requests periodically.
- Florida Statute 101.62 requires mail ballot requests to be received no later than 5:00 PM on the 10th day before the election.
Paper registration forms are available at the Supervisor of Elections office, public libraries, tag agencies, and various government offices. Voters can find their assigned polling place by visiting the Supervisor of Elections website, calling the office, or checking their voter information card mailed before each election. Hendry County typically operates approximately 12-15 precincts across LaBelle, Clewiston, and unincorporated areas.
Election records that are public under Florida law include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted per Florida Statute 97.0585), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees, candidate qualifying documents, precinct-level election results, and early voting statistics. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate midterm races, Florida gubernatorial election, state legislative seats, and various county offices.
Vote-by-mail ballots (absentee ballots) are available to all Florida voters without requiring an excuse. Ballots must be returned by 7:00 PM on Election Day either by mail (postmarked deadlines do not apply), secure drop box locations, or delivered to the elections office. Early voting is offered at designated locations in both LaBelle and Clewiston for approximately two weeks before each election.
Citizens may request copies of election records, voting equipment test results, and canvassing board proceedings under Florida's Government in the Sunshine Law (Chapter 286, Florida Statutes) and Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), for public access in the electoral process.
Economy & Demographics
Hendry County's economy is fundamentally driven by agriculture, which remains the dominant industry and largest employer. Sugarcane production represents the cornerstone of the agricultural economy, with the United States Sugar Corporation operating one of the nation's largest sugarcane mills in Clewiston, employing over 1,800 workers seasonally and year-round. The company farms approximately 155,000 acres in and around Hendry County, making it one of Hendry County's most significant economic forces.
- Citrus groves, though reduced from historic peaks, still contribute substantially to the economy, producing oranges and grapefruit for juice processing.
- The median household income in Hendry County is approximately $44,000, below the Florida state average, reflecting the rural agricultural economy and seasonal employment patterns.
- Economic development efforts focus on agricultural technology, value-added food processing, and supporting the existing agricultural base while seeking diversification opportunities.
- Hendry County's strategic location between Florida's east and west coasts, with access to State Road 80 and US Highway 27, provides logistics advantages.
Cattle ranching constitutes another major agricultural sector, with numerous family ranches and corporate operations raising beef cattle across Hendry County's vast prairie lands. Vegetable farming, particularly winter vegetables such as sweet corn, green beans, and specialty crops, adds diversity to agricultural production. The unemployment rate typically ranges between 4-6%, with seasonal fluctuations tied to agricultural harvest cycles.
Beyond agriculture, the economy includes retail trade, healthcare services, education, and government employment. Hendry Regional Medical Center in Clewiston is a significant healthcare employer. Tourism plays a modest role, centered on fishing, birding, and heritage tourism related to the rural character and natural resources.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (State/County) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8/10, Hendry County provides strong digital access to court records, property data, and election information through county websites, though vital records require direct contact with health department or clerk offices.