Hendry County police records cover all written reports, arrest logs, and incident files created by the Sheriff’s Office in LaBelle, Florida. This rural county sits in southwest Florida and serves more than 42,000 people.
The Sheriff’s Office patrols the cities of LaBelle and Clewiston, plus all unincorporated areas. Florida’s public records law, Chapter 119, gives any person the right to view or copy these files. Most police reports become open to the public once an investigation ends or a case closes in court.
Police Records Available in Hendry County
Police records in Hendry County cover all written reports made by sworn officers. These files show what happened during calls for service, traffic stops, arrests, crashes, and criminal probes. The Sheriff’s Office writes the largest share of police reports because deputies patrol all areas outside city limits. The Clewiston Police Department writes reports for events inside Clewiston city lines. Each agency keeps its own files and answers records requests on its own timeline.
Types of Records You Can Request
Several kinds of police records exist under Hendry County jurisdiction. Incident reports describe what an officer found at a scene. They list the date, time, location, names, and a short summary of events. Arrest records show when someone was taken into custody, the charges filed, and the booking officer’s name. Crash reports cover traffic accidents on county and city roads. Booking logs from the county jail list each person held after arrest, the charges, and bond amounts.
- Incident and offense reports
- Arrest affidavits and booking logs
- Traffic crash reports
- Warrant records after service
- Calls for service logs
- Offense and incident-based stats
Records Kept by Each Agency
No single office holds all police records in Hendry County. The Sheriff’s Office controls reports made by its deputies. The Clewiston Police Department holds city police reports. The Hendry County Clerk of Court keeps court case files, dockets, and sentencing records. The Florida Highway Patrol writes reports for serious crashes on US 27 and State Road 80. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission writes reports for incidents in wildlife management areas. Always check which agency responded before sending your request.
What Records Stay Sealed
Some police records stay sealed under Florida law. Active criminal investigation files stay closed until the case ends. Confidential informant names stay redacted in all reports. Juvenile criminal records stay closed. Sealed or expunged court cases do not appear in public searches. Home addresses and phone numbers of active officers and crime victims get redacted. Medical details and certain personal identifiers get removed before any release. The agency cites the specific Florida statute that allows each redaction.
How to Request Hendry County Police Records
Requesting Hendry County police records takes three simple steps. First, identify the right agency for the report. Second, gather basic details about the incident. Third, submit a written request by mail, email, or in person. Florida law requires agencies to respond within a reasonable time. Most simple requests are processed in a few business days. Large or complex requests can take longer based on staff workload and file size.
In-Person Request Steps
You can walk into the Sheriff’s Office records window in LaBelle to make a request in person. Bring a photo ID and as much detail as you can about the incident. The records clerk helps you fill out a request form. Simple requests often get processed the same day if staff have time. There is no fee to view records, only to copy them. Plan to arrive before 4:30 PM to allow time for work before the office closes at 5:00 PM.
Written and Email Request Steps
Written requests work for people who live outside Hendry County or cannot visit in person. Send your request by mail to the Sheriff’s Office address, or email it to the public records contact listed on the county website. Include your full name, phone number, mailing address, and email. Describe the record you want with the date, location, and case number if known. Florida law does not require you to explain why you want the records. Keep a copy of your request for your own files.
- State your full name and contact details
- List the date or date range of the event
- Name the people involved or the case number
- Describe the type of record you want
- Add a return mailing address or email
Online Request Channels
Some Hendry County police records can be requested online. The Sheriff’s Office accepts public records requests through its website at hendryfla.net/public_information/public_records_requests.php. For crash reports, the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website lets you buy and download crash reports for a small fee. The Clerk of Court online portal at hendryclerk.org allows you to search court case records by name or case number. Read the search help page before paying any fee online.
Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Contact Details
The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office is the main police agency for the county. It runs the county jail, answers 911 calls in unincorporated areas, and patrols rural roads. The main office sits in downtown LaBelle, the county seat. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is closed on weekends and county holidays. Public records staff answer questions about the request steps during these hours.
Office Location and Hours
The Sheriff’s Office main building is at 101 S Bridge Street, LaBelle, FL 33935. Visitors should use the main entrance and ask for the records window. Free parking is available around the building. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is closed on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. View a map of the location at https://maps.google.com/?q=101+S+Bridge+Street+LaBelle+FL+33935.
Phone and Online Access
Call (863) 674-5600 to reach the main office and records desk. For non-emergency questions about a police report, ask to speak with the records supervisor. The office does not release records by phone, but staff can tell you the status of a pending request. Email requests go through the public records form on the Sheriff’s Office website. For emergencies, always dial 911 instead of calling the office line.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 101 S Bridge Street, LaBelle, FL 33935 |
| Phone | (863) 674-5600 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | hendryfla.net |
| Records Page | hendryfla.net/public_information/public_records_requests.php |
Hendry County Clerk of Court Records
The Hendry County Clerk of Court keeps court records for all cases filed in the county. This includes criminal cases, traffic tickets, civil suits, and small claims. Court records show charges, court dates, pleas, sentences, and final rulings. These files often complete the story started in a police report. The Clerk’s office sits in the Hendry County Courthouse in LaBelle. Office hours match the Sheriff’s Office, running Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Court Case Records Search
Search court case records online at hendryclerk.org/official-records/. The online portal lets you search by name, case number, or date. Most court files are open to the public. Sealed cases, juvenile cases, and certain family law records stay closed. You can view case summaries for free and pay a small fee for full document copies. For certified copies that can be used in court, you must request them in person at the Clerk’s office.
Official Records Online
The Clerk of Court also keeps the Official Records index. This index covers deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents. Police reports are not filed in the Official Records index, but court rulings based on police reports often are. Search the index at hendryclerk.org/official-records/. Records are grouped by type and date. Subscription plans offer bulk access for lawyers, title companies, and frequent users.
Florida Statewide Police Records Sources
Florida offers several statewide tools for police records that reach beyond Hendry County. These tools help when you need records from many agencies, statewide background checks, or trooper reports. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the main state database. The Florida Highway Patrol handles its own reports. Crash reports for any Florida road go through the FLHSMV system. All these tools accept online requests and charge set fees under state law.
FDLE Criminal History Records
FDLE keeps Florida’s Criminal History Record Check database. This database lists arrests, dispositions, and sentences for people across the state. You can request your own record check for $24. The check covers all Florida counties, including Hendry. Submit fingerprints at an approved vendor near Hendry County. Results come back by mail or email in about 5 to 7 business days. Visit fdle.justfoia.com/publicportal for the public records portal or call (850) 410-8161 for help.
Florida Highway Patrol Records
The Florida Highway Patrol writes reports for crashes and incidents on state roads and the interstate. US 27 and State Road 80 pass through Hendry County and fall under FHP patrol. FHP reports go through FHP headquarters, not the Sheriff’s Office. Contact FHP at flhsmv.gov/florida-highway-patrol/contact-fhp/ to ask for a report. FHP Troop L covers southwest Florida and handles many Hendry County highway incidents. Crash reports from FHP cost the same fee as Sheriff’s Office crash reports.
Crash Reports Online
All Florida crash reports are sold through one state website. Visit flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/ to search and buy a report. You need the report number, the crash date, and at least one person’s name. The fee is $10 per report for the first 10 years, then $15 for older reports. Reports are sent by email as a PDF. Allow up to 10 days after the crash for the report to be ready online.
Cities in Hendry County Police Coverage
Hendry County has two main cities and many rural areas. LaBelle is the county seat and largest town. Clewiston sits on Lake Okeechobee and ranks second in size. The Sheriff’s Office patrols all areas outside city limits. The Clewiston Police Department handles calls inside Clewiston city limits. When you ask for a police report, you must send the request to the right agency. Sending it to the wrong office slows down the steps.
Clewiston Police Department
The Clewiston Police Department serves the city of Clewiston. Its office sits in the city civic complex on West Ventura Avenue. The agency writes reports for crimes, traffic stops, and crashes inside city limits. To ask for a Clewiston police report, contact the department directly. Their phone number and address are listed on the city of Clewiston website. Records from the Clewiston Police are separate from Sheriff’s Office files, even if the same event involved both agencies.
LaBelle Police Coverage
LaBelle does not have its own city police department. The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office handles all police work in LaBelle. Deputies patrol, answer 911 calls, and write reports for events in the LaBelle city area. When you need a report for an event in LaBelle, the Sheriff’s Office holds the file. Clewiston and unincorporated Hendry County areas are covered by their own agencies. Always match the location to the right office before you submit your request.
Request Fees and Response Times
Hendry County police records request fees follow Florida state law. The first 30 minutes of staff time to pull and review records is free. After that, the agency can charge for staff time at the hourly pay rate. Copy fees are set at 15 cents for single-sided pages and 20 cents for double-sided pages. Electronic records sent by email are often free. Certified copies cost more because of the official seal and signature work.
Copy Fees
Copy fees in Hendry County match the rates set by Florida law. Each single-sided page costs 15 cents. Each double-sided page costs 20 cents. A CD or DVD copy costs up to $1. Records sent by email are free in most cases. Certified copies add a $1 to $5 charge per document. Ask the records clerk for a fee estimate before they handle a large request. The agency can charge for staff time if the request takes more than 30 minutes of work.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Single-sided copy | 15 cents per page |
| Double-sided copy | 20 cents per page |
| CD or DVD copy | Up to $1 |
| Electronic email copy | Free |
| Certified copy | $1 to $5 extra |
| Staff time over 30 minutes | Hourly pay rate |
Response Timelines
Florida law does not set a strict deadline for police records responses, but says agencies must act within a reasonable time. Simple requests in Hendry County often take 3 to 5 business days. Complex requests with many pages or files can take 2 to 4 weeks. Background checks through FDLE take 5 to 7 business days. Crash reports take 5 to 10 days after the crash to be ready. Call the records desk if your request takes longer than expected.
Florida Public Records Law Basics
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives every person the right to view or copy records made or kept by government agencies. This law covers police records in Hendry County and every other Florida county. The law was first passed in 1909 and updated many times since. Government agencies must follow the law and can only deny records when a specific state statute allows the denial.
Chapter 119 Basics
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes covers all public records. A public record is any document, paper, letter, map, book, tape, photo, film, sound recording, or other material made or received by a government agency. Police reports fit this definition. The law says any person can inspect or copy these records. You do not need to be a Florida resident. You do not need to explain why you want the records. The agency must respond within a reasonable time.
Exemptions and Restrictions
Some police records are exempt from public release under Florida law. Active criminal investigation files stay closed until the case ends. Confidential informant names and details stay sealed. Juvenile criminal records stay closed. Sealed or expunged records stay closed. Home addresses of active police officers stay redacted. Social Security numbers and certain medical details are removed before release. The agency must cite the exact statute that allows any denial.
Appealing a Denial
If Hendry County denies your records request, you have options. First, ask the records clerk to cite the specific statute. Then, contact the agency supervisor to discuss the denial. Most denials get fixed at this step. If the agency still denies the request, you can file a lawsuit in circuit court. A judge can order the agency to release the records. You may be able to recover attorney fees if the court finds the denial was wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often have questions about how police records work in Hendry County, what they cost, and what gets released. The answers below cover the most common questions. Each answer uses the latest state law and current Hendry County Office rules as of August 2026. The Sheriff’s Office, Clerk of Court, and state agencies all have their own roles in the records system. Read the full answer to each question for clear next steps.
How long does it take to get a Hendry County police report?
Simple police reports in Hendry County take 3 to 5 business days after the request is received. Crash reports take 5 to 10 days after the crash date before they are ready online. Complex requests with many pages or sealed sections can take 2 to 4 weeks. State background checks through FDLE take 5 to 7 business days. There is no set deadline in Florida law, but agencies must act within a reasonable time. Call (863) 674-5600 if your request takes longer than 30 days. The records clerk can check the status of your file and tell you if more time is needed. Most delays come from large file sizes, sealed sections, or heavy staff workload. You can speed up the request by sending a clear, written request with the case number, date, and names. Email requests often get faster responses than mailed requests because staff can forward them right away.
Can I view Hendry County police records for free?
Yes. Florida law lets you inspect public records for free before paying for copies. You can visit the Sheriff’s Office or Clerk of Court to view files in person at no charge. You only pay when you want your own paper or electronic copy. Copy fees are 15 cents per single-sided page and 20 cents per double-sided page. Records sent by email are usually free. Certified copies cost more because they include an official seal. Inspection must happen during normal business hours. Staff may ask you to sign a log book before viewing files. You can take notes by hand or with a personal device. Photographing records is often allowed, but staff may limit use of flash or tripods. Bring a photo ID and be ready to show what records you want to view.
What details get redacted from Hendry County police reports?
Hendry County police reports have certain details redacted before release. Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and financial account numbers are removed. Home addresses and phone numbers of victims, witnesses, and active officers are often removed. Medical details and certain juvenile details stay sealed. Confidential informant names never appear. Bank account numbers and credit card numbers get redacted in theft and fraud cases. The agency cites the specific Florida statute that allows each redaction in its response letter. Most redactions cover just a few lines, not whole pages. You still get the full report with the key facts: who, what, when, where, and how. Redactions protect privacy while keeping the report useful for the public.
Are arrest records in Hendry County public?
Yes. Arrest records in Hendry County are public once the arrest is made and the booking is complete. The record shows the arrest date, charges, arresting officer, and bond amount. Mugshots may be included unless a judge orders them sealed. Expunged or sealed arrests are not public. Juvenile arrests are not public. Warrants that have not been served may not be public. You can ask for arrest records through the Sheriff’s Office or the Clerk of Court. The current jail inmate roster is also posted on the Sheriff’s Office website and shows who is in custody right now. The roster updates each day. For older arrest records, contact the records desk with a date range and full name. The records clerk can pull booking logs from the jail archive for the same fee as a regular police report.
Can I get a police report if I am not the person involved?
Yes. Florida law lets any person ask for any public record, even if you were not part of the event. You do not need to be a Florida resident. You do not need to be a lawyer or journalist. You do not need to explain why you want the record. The agency can only deny the request if a specific Florida statute allows the denial. Family members, neighbors, and the media often request records for events they did not witness. Insurance companies, employers, and background check firms also make requests. Some redactions may still apply to protect victim privacy. The agency may ask for your ID to log the request, but cannot turn you away for being unrelated to the case. Always include a clear written request with the case number or names and date.
How do I check if someone was arrested in Hendry County?
Check the Hendry County jail inmate roster online through the Sheriff’s Office website. The roster shows current inmates, charges, bond amounts, and booking dates. For past arrests, ask the Sheriff’s Office records desk for booking logs. The Clerk of Court online portal also shows pending criminal cases. For statewide arrest history, request a criminal background check through FDLE for $24. Fingerprints must be submitted at an approved vendor. The vendor list is on the FDLE website. Results come back by mail or email in 5 to 7 business days. You can also call the records desk at (863) 674-5600 to ask if someone is in custody right now. Staff can confirm a current booking but cannot give full arrest details over the phone.
What should I do if my records request is denied?
First, ask the records clerk to cite the specific Florida statute that allows the denial in writing. Second, contact the agency supervisor or public information officer to discuss the denial. Most disputes are resolved at this level. If the agency still denies the request, you can file a lawsuit in the Hendry County Circuit Court. A judge reviews the denial and can order the agency to release the records. You may also recover attorney fees if the judge rules in your favor. Many denials happen because the request was too broad or the file is sealed by a judge. Narrowing your request to a specific date or case often solves the problem. Always put your request in writing and keep a copy for your records. The written record helps if you need to appeal later.