Hendry County criminal history records show arrests, charges, court actions, and case outcomes for people in LaBelle, Clewiston, and other parts of the county. These public files are held by the Hendry County Clerk of Courts and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Anyone can search these records for personal, legal, or job reasons under Florida’s open records laws.
What Hendry County Criminal History Records Contain
Each Hendry County criminal history file holds a full paper trail of one person’s run-ins with the local justice system. The records start with an arrest and end with the court’s final decision. The State of Florida treats these files as open public records by default, so most adult records can be seen by any member of the public.
Core Records Stored by the Clerk of Courts
The Clerk of Courts in LaBelle keeps the physical and digital case files for every criminal matter in the county. These files are set up in a way that lets you follow one case from start to finish. You can see who was charged, what the charges were, and how the court ruled.
- Arrest affidavits and booking photos
- Charging documents from the State Attorney’s Office
- Court motions, orders, and hearing minutes
- Plea deals, trial results, and sentencing papers
- Probation records and post-conviction motions
- Final judgments and case dismissals
Types of Cases Included in the Records
Both felony and misdemeanor cases show up in Hendry County criminal history searches. Traffic-related criminal charges, like driving under the influence (DUI) or leaving the scene of a crash, also appear in these files. Juvenile records are kept separate and are not open to the public.
Statute That Governs Public Access
Florida Statute Chapter 119, the Public Records Law, makes these files open. Florida Statute Chapter 943 controls who can get Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) and how it is shared. A state-level check through the FDLE follows rules set by the FBI as well.
How to Search Hendry County Criminal Records
You have three main ways to pull up Hendry County criminal history files. You can search online, visit the Clerk of Courts in person, or send a written request by mail. Each method works best for a different reason, so the right pick depends on what you need.
Online Search Through the Clerk’s Website
The Hendry County Clerk of Courts runs a public records portal at www.hendryclerk.org. You can search by name, case number, or date range. The portal lets you see a basic case list with the charges and the next court date. To read the full file, you usually need to visit the office or pay for a copy.
In-Person Search at the LaBelle Office
The Clerk of Courts office sits at 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, Florida 33935. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Bring a photo ID and the full legal name of the person you are searching for. Staff can help you use the public terminals to find old paper files from before the digital system started.
Mail and Written Record Requests
You can also send a written records request to the Clerk’s office. Your letter should list the full name, date of birth, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The office charges a per-page copy fee, plus a small certification fee if you need an official stamp. This method works well if you are not in a rush.
Florida Statewide Criminal History Search Through FDLE
For a wider search, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs the state criminal history database. This database covers every county in Florida, not just Hendry County. It is the same database that employers, licensing boards, and government agencies use for background checks.
What the FDLE Database Covers
The FDLE database holds records of arrests, dispositions, and sentences from all 67 Florida counties. It includes records from local police, county sheriffs, and state law enforcement. The database does not hold federal charges or charges from other states, so it is a state-only check.
How to Request a Statewide Search
You can request your own record through a Personal Review, or you can ask the FDLE for a public records check. The process starts at the FDLE website, www.fdle.state.fl.us. You will need to fill out the right form, get Livescan fingerprints taken, and pay the state fee. Results come back by mail in about two to four weeks.
FDLE Fees and Processing Times for 2026
The FDLE charges a set fee for each criminal history record request. Florida residents pay one rate, and non-residents pay a higher rate. Certified results cost more than plain copies. The standard processing time is around 14 business days, but mail delays can add more time.
| Service | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Resident Personal Review | $24.00 | 14 business days |
| Non-Resident Personal Review | $34.00 | 14 business days |
| Volunteer or Non-Profit Request | $15.00 | 14 business days |
| Certified Copy Add-On | $5.00 extra | Same request |
Certified Criminal History Records in Florida
A certified criminal history record carries the official seal of the issuing agency. Courts, immigration offices, and many employers will not accept a plain copy. The stamp on a certified record proves the file came straight from the source and has not been changed.
What Makes a Record Certified
A certified record has three key features. First, it bears the raised or stamped seal of the Clerk’s office or FDLE. Second, a deputy clerk or authorized officer signs the document. Third, the certification date and the file number match the records on file.
When Certification Is Required
Certification is required for adoption cases, immigration petitions, and professional license applications. Many federal jobs also ask for a certified FDLE record. Landlords and private employers usually accept a plain copy or a third-party background report.
How to Get a Certified Copy
To get a certified copy from the Hendry County Clerk, visit the office in LaBelle or send a written request. For an FDLE-certified record, order through the Personal Review process and mark the certification box on the form. The clerk will mail the certified document once the fee clears.
Background Check Options in Hendry County
A background check pulls together arrest, court, and sometimes credit data into one report. In Hendry County, you can run a local check, a statewide check, or a national check. The depth of the report depends on who runs it and what database they use.
Local Background Checks Through the Clerk
A local background check only covers cases filed in Hendry County. It is the fastest and cheapest way to confirm a person’s record in this county. The Clerk’s office can run the search while you wait, or you can pay for a written report.
Statewide Background Checks Through FDLE
A statewide check through the FDLE covers all 67 Florida counties. It picks up cases that may have been filed in another county but not in Hendry. Many Florida employers require this level of search under Florida Statute 435 for jobs working with children, the elderly, or people with disabilities.
FBI National Background Checks
An FBI check covers federal crimes and arrests from all 50 states. You would need this for federal jobs, certain immigration cases, or out-of-state licensing. The FBI runs the check through its own channel, not through the Hendry County Clerk or the FDLE.
Sealing and Expungement of Criminal Records in Hendry County
Sealing and expungement are two legal ways to clear a criminal record. The State of Florida lets people who meet the rules take their records off public view. The Clerk of Courts in LaBelle handles the filing and the order.
Who Qualifies for Record Sealing
You can apply to seal a record if your case ended in a withhold of adjudication, a dismissal, or a not-guilty verdict. You cannot have a prior conviction for most felonies, and you must finish all the terms of your sentence, including probation. A waiting period often applies before you can file.
How to Apply for Sealing or Expungement
The process starts with a Certificate of Eligibility from the FDLE. Once you have that, you file a petition with the Hendry County Clerk of Courts. A judge reviews the petition at a hearing. The Clerk’s office then sends the order to every agency that holds a copy of the record.
Difference Between Sealing and Expungement
Sealing keeps the record but hides it from public view. Most private employers and landlords will not see it, but courts and law enforcement can. Expungement destroys the record in most cases, leaving only a sealed note that a case existed. Expungement has stricter rules and is harder to get.
Searching by Name, Date of Birth, and OCA Number
The Hendry County Clerk and the FDLE accept several search fields. Knowing which one to use cuts down the time it takes to find the right record. Each field matches a different part of the case file.
Search by Full Legal Name
A name search works best when you know the person’s full legal name, including any middle name. Common names may bring up many hits, so you will need a date of birth to narrow the list. The Clerk’s online portal lets you filter results once you run the first search.
Search by Date of Birth
A date of birth (DOB) is the most reliable single piece of data for any search. A name and DOB combo almost always gives you the right match. You should bring the DOB to the Clerk’s office if you plan to search in person.
Search by OCA Number
OCA stands for “Originating Agency Case” number. Each law enforcement agency in Florida gives every case a unique OCA number. If you have the OCA number from a police report, you can look it up directly without a name search. This method gives you the most exact match.
Fees, Forms, and Livescan Fingerprinting
To run a Florida state-level check, you will likely need a Livescan fingerprint appointment. Livescan is a digital fingerprint system used by the FDLE. The prints go straight to the state database along with your request form.
Florida Criminal History Record Fees
The Clerk of Courts charges per page for copies of case files. The FDLE charges a flat fee for each criminal history search. Livescan vendors add their own fee for taking the prints. Check the current rate sheet on the FDLE website before you pay.
Required Forms and Where to Get Them
The FDLE form is the main one you will need for a statewide check. The Hendry County Clerk’s website has a Records Request form for local searches. The Petition to Seal or Expunge is a court form, and you can get it at the Clerk’s office or through a lawyer.
Florida Livescan Fingerprinting Providers
Approved Livescan vendors in the Hendry County area include local sheriff’s offices, private fingerprinting companies, and some UPS stores. Each vendor must be on the FDLE-approved list. The vendor sends the prints and your form to the FDLE electronically.
Key Contact Details and Resources
You can reach the right office by phone, by mail, or in person. The Clerk of Courts in LaBelle handles local files. The FDLE handles statewide files. The Office of the State Court Administrator helps with court rules and forms.
Hendry County Clerk of Courts
The Clerk of Courts is the main office for Hendry County criminal history record requests. You can visit, call, or write to the office. The Clerk keeps both the digital case index and the older paper files.
Address: 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, FL 33935
Phone: (863) 675-5217
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: www.hendryclerk.org
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
The FDLE runs the state criminal history database and issues Certificates of Eligibility for sealing or expungement. You can order Personal Review records and request background checks through their site.
Address: Post Office Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302
Phone: (850) 410-7000
Website: www.fdle.state.fl.us
Florida Courts Self-Help Center
The Florida Courts Self-Help Center has forms, guides, and answers to common questions. It can help you with sealing, expungement, and other court filings.
Website: www.flcourts.gov
Frequently Asked Questions About Hendry County Criminal History
People ask the same set of questions about Hendry County criminal history records. The answers below cover search methods, fees, and the rules that apply to local files. Each answer is based on Florida law and current FDLE rules as of July 2026.
How much does a Hendry County criminal history search cost?
A local search at the Clerk of Courts costs only the copy fee, which runs a set amount per page. A statewide FDLE record check costs $24 for Florida residents and $34 for non-residents. A certified copy add-on is $5 extra. A third-party online search can cost more, depending on the service and how deep the report goes.
Can I look up someone’s criminal record in Hendry County for free?
Yes, you can search the Clerk’s public portal for free to see a case list. You will see the person’s name, charges, and court dates. To get the full file or a certified copy, you have to pay the copy and certification fees. The FDLE does not offer free searches for other people’s records.
How long does an FDLE criminal history search take in 2026?
The standard processing time at the FDLE is 14 business days from the day they get your request. Mail time can add a week or more at each end. Online requests through approved vendors can come back faster because the prints go straight to the state system.
Will a sealed record still show up in a background check?
A sealed record will not show up on most private background checks. Law enforcement agencies and the courts can still see it. If an employer runs an FBI check or uses a government database, sealed records may still appear. Expunged records are destroyed in most cases and do not show up anywhere.
Do I need a lawyer to seal a record in Hendry County?
You do not need a lawyer to seal or expunge a record, but one can help. The paperwork is plain, but the rules are strict. A mistake can cause the court to deny your petition. Many people use a lawyer for the hearing step, even if they file the rest on their own.
Are juvenile records part of Hendry County criminal history?
Juvenile records are not part of the public adult criminal history. They are sealed by Florida law when the case ends. You cannot look up a juvenile record through the Clerk’s public portal or the FDLE database. Only the court, law enforcement, and a few state agencies can see them.
Can I get a Florida criminal history record if I live out of state?
Yes, the FDLE offers a non-resident Personal Review. You fill out the form, get Livescan prints taken at an approved vendor, and pay the higher non-resident fee. The FDLE will mail the certified record to the address you list on the form.