Court records in Hendry County, Florida can be searched through several channels. HendryCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. Additional access points include official court resources such as the Hendry Clerk of Courts & Comptroller website, the clerk's office in person, and public-access terminals at the courthouse in LaBelle.
Hendry Court System & Jurisdictions
Hendry County's state courts operate within Florida's unified court system. Two trial-level courts sit in the county, and federal matters are handled by a separate district court.
Circuit Court (Twentieth Judicial Circuit)
The Circuit Court is the general-jurisdiction trial court. According to the Florida Courts directory for Hendry County, the circuit court handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $50,000
- Family law matters — dissolution of marriage, custody, domestic violence injunctions, paternity, and child support
- Probate, guardianship, and mental health cases
- Juvenile dependency and delinquency proceedings
- Appeals from county court
Self-represented litigants in family cases may contact Florida Rural Legal Services, which serves Hendry County along with twelve other counties.
County Court
The Hendry County Court has jurisdiction over:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic infractions and criminal traffic offenses
- Civil disputes of $50,000 or less, including small claims (up to $8,000)
- County ordinance violations
Federal Court
Federal civil and criminal cases involving Hendry County fall under the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Fort Myers Division. Federal dockets are searchable through the PACER system.
Hendry Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding scheduled hearings in Hendry County requires checking the correct court level and division.
State Court Calendars
- Clerk's office. Contact the Hendry County Clerk of Courts to ask about specific hearing dates. The clerk maintains calendars for both circuit and county court divisions.
- Twentieth Judicial Circuit website. The circuit's administrative office publishes judicial schedules and division assignments. Visit the Twentieth Judicial Circuit site at ca.cjis20.org to search for case events by case number or party name.
- In-person terminals. Public-access computer terminals at the Hendry County Courthouse in LaBelle allow users to look up upcoming hearing dates, courtroom assignments, and docket entries.
Appellate Dockets
If a case has been appealed, docket information is available through the Florida Appellate Case Information System (ACIS), which covers the Supreme Court and all District Courts of Appeal.
Tips for Checking Today's or This Week's Calendar
- Search by case number for the most accurate results.
- If you only have a party name, confirm spelling and check for aliases.
- Hearing times can change on short notice — verify with the clerk's office the day before if your appearance is required.
How to Get a Copy of a Hendry Court Document
The Hendry County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller is the custodian of all court records filed in the county's circuit and county courts. Copies can be obtained online, in person, or by mail.
Online
The clerk's website offers an online records search. Some documents can be viewed or printed directly. For certified copies, you will generally need to submit a request through the clerk's office.
In Person
Visit the clerk's office at the Hendry County Courthouse:
Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can locate the file and provide plain or certified copies while you wait, depending on the document type and volume.
By Mail
Send a written request to the mailing address above. Include:
- Case number (if known)
- Full names of the parties
- Description of the document you need
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the applicable fee (contact the clerk's office in advance to confirm the amount)
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions suitable for personal reference.
- Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature, confirming authenticity. Courts, government agencies, and many employers require certified copies.
Restricted Records
Certain records are confidential or exempt from public disclosure under Florida law, including:
- Sealed or expunged criminal records
- Juvenile dependency and delinquency files
- Some mental health and substance-abuse records
- Certain family law documents (e.g., financial affidavits in dissolution cases may have restricted access)
If you are unsure whether a record is publicly available, ask the clerk before submitting payment.
Related Records From Other Agencies
- Inmate and arrest information: The Hendry County Sheriff's Office inmate search provides current booking data.
- Statewide criminal history: The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains the state's central criminal history repository.
- Divorce certificates: The Florida Department of Health issues dissolution of marriage certificates recorded since June 6, 1927.
Hendry Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Hendry County are set by Florida statute (primarily Chapter 28, Florida Statutes). The table below reflects standard statutory fees. Confirm current amounts with the clerk's office, as fees may be updated by the legislature.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (first page) | $2.00 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $1.00 |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification / authentication of a document | $2.00 |
| Search fee (per name, per year searched) | $2.00 |
| Duplicate certified copy of a recorded document (first page) | $1.00 |
| Duplicate certified copy (each additional page) | $1.00 |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order. Some clerk offices accept credit and debit cards; ask in advance whether a convenience fee applies.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to the Hendry County Clerk of Courts.
- Online: When available through the clerk's portal, payment is typically by credit or debit card.
Fees cited above are based on Florida Statutes § 28.24. For bulk requests or complex searches, the clerk's office may provide a cost estimate before processing.