Hendry County Background Check Lookup

Hendry County background check records are available through the Clerk of Court in LaBelle and through FDLE at the state level. This south Florida county has a population of about 43,000. The clerk's office maintains court records, criminal case files, and public documents that are searchable by anyone. Running a background check in Hendry County starts with picking the right source. The Clerk of Court has local court data, while FDLE handles statewide criminal history records. Most people who want a thorough Hendry County background check use both of these sources together for a more complete set of results.

Hendry County Clerk of Court

Kimberley R. Barrineau serves as the Hendry County Clerk of Court. The main office is at 25 E Hickpochee Ave in LaBelle. You can call (863) 675-5217 with questions about records or to check on office hours. Walk-ins are taken during the week. Staff at the Hendry County clerk's office can help you look up criminal cases, civil filings, and other records that form part of a background check.

Hendry County also has a branch office in Clewiston, the county's other main town. This can save you a drive if you live on that side of the county. The clerk's website at hendryclerk.org has online search tools for case records. Look up a name or case number and get results that show case type, filing date, and status. For full document copies from Hendry County, you may need to go in person or send a mail request. The online search is free to use and is a good way to start any Hendry County background check.

The Hendry County Clerk of Court website and records tools are shown here.

This portal lets you search court records and case status in Hendry County.

Note: Hendry County has two courthouse locations, so call ahead to confirm which office has the records you need.

Searching for Background Check Records in Hendry County

You have two primary options for a Hendry County background check. The county clerk's case search covers local court records. FDLE's system covers statewide criminal history. The clerk keeps records of criminal filings, civil cases, and traffic matters. FDLE keeps arrest and conviction data from every county in Florida. For the best results in Hendry County, check both.

To search at the courthouse, visit 25 E Hickpochee Ave in LaBelle. Bring a valid ID. Let the staff know which name you want to search. They pull up records and can print them for you. The MyFloridaCounty portal also lets you search official records online from any county, Hendry included. It covers liens, deeds, judgments, and other recorded documents. The search is free. Under Florida Chapter 119, all public records are open to anyone without needing to provide a reason.

For statewide criminal data, use CCHInet to submit a name-based request. The cost is $24. Results normally arrive within 24 hours. This Level 1 check covers all criminal history FDLE has on record. If the person has records in Hendry County or any other part of Florida, the results include them.

Hendry County Background Check Fees

The cost of a background check in Hendry County depends on the type you need. FDLE charges $24 for a name-based state criminal history search. This price applies statewide. Pay through the FDLE criminal history records page. A fingerprint-based Level 2 check has a higher fee that varies by the agency making the request.

At the Hendry County Clerk of Court, you pay copy fees for court documents. Plain copies are $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page. These can be picked up at the LaBelle or Clewiston office. The online case search on the clerk's website does not cost anything.

• FDLE state check (Level 1): $24.00
• Plain copy from clerk: $0.15 per page
• Certified copy: $1.00 per page
• Online case search: Free

Hendry County Public Records Laws

Florida's public records laws are very broad. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives anyone the right to request public records from any government office. You do not need to live in Hendry County. You do not need to state a reason. The clerk must give you access. This covers court records, arrest reports, and most government files on record in Hendry County. Only sealed or exempt records are held back.

The Attorney General's Open Government page is there to help if a Hendry County office blocks your request. The AG's team handles disputes when agencies refuse to release public records. They can push for compliance with the law. This is a good backup resource for anyone running a background check in Hendry County.

Note: Records sealed or expunged by court order are not subject to public records requests in Hendry County.

Types of Background Checks for Hendry County

Florida uses two levels of background checks. Both work the same in Hendry County as they do across the state. A Level 1 check is name-based. It pulls from FDLE's statewide database and shows arrests, charges, and case outcomes. It is fast. Results come back in about a day. This is the most popular choice for a quick Hendry County background check.

A Level 2 check requires fingerprints. It goes through FDLE and the FBI, pulling national records. Chapter 435 of the Florida Statutes requires this for certain roles that deal with vulnerable people. It takes a few days. You must go to an approved fingerprint site. Use the FDLE LiveScan vendor list to find one near LaBelle or Clewiston. If Hendry County does not have a provider, Lee County to the west is a close option.

The VECHS program from FDLE is another path. Authorized under Chapter 943, it lets approved groups check criminal history for people working with children, seniors, or those with disabilities. This program is open to qualifying organizations in Hendry County and the rest of Florida.

How to Get Copies of Hendry County Records

Go to the Hendry County Clerk at 25 E Hickpochee Ave in LaBelle for in-person copies. Or use the Clewiston branch if that is closer. Tell staff which file you want. They look it up and print copies. Bring cash or a check for the fees. The Find a Clerk directory can help you confirm office info before you make the trip.

Mail-in requests also work. Write to the Hendry County clerk with the person's full name, date of birth if you have it, and the record type you need. Include payment for the expected copy fees. Documents come back by mail. It takes longer than a visit but it is useful if LaBelle is far away. For FDLE records, go to CCHInet online, pay $24, and get results by email within about a day.

Cities in Hendry County

Hendry County has two main communities. LaBelle is the county seat. Clewiston is the other primary town. Both are served by the Hendry County Clerk of Court for background check and court record purposes. There is a courthouse branch in Clewiston in addition to the main office in LaBelle. All local court records go through the Hendry County clerk. Neither town qualifies for a separate background check page due to population size, but the county clerk serves the entire area.

Nearby Counties

Several counties border Hendry County. Each has its own clerk and court records system. If you need to search records in a neighboring area, contact that county's clerk directly.