Hendry County family court records are the official files kept by the Clerk of Court for every family law case filed in the county. These records include divorce papers, custody orders, child support documents, paternity filings, adoption decrees, and domestic violence injunctions.
They are stored in LaBelle, the county seat, and are open to the public under Florida law. Anyone can view most of these files for free, with small fees for printed or certified copies. This page explains what the records contain, where to find them, and how to request specific documents.
Where Hendry County Family Court Records Are Kept
The Hendry County Clerk of Court serves as the official record keeper for every family law case in the county. All filings, court orders, and judgments pass through this office before becoming part of the public archive.
Clerk of Court Office Location and Contact
The main clerk office sits at 25 East Hickpochee Avenue in LaBelle, Florida 33935. The office phone number is (863) 675-5217. Visitors can walk in during business hours to look at files, ask questions, or pick up copies. The official website at hendryclerk.org provides office hours, fee schedules, and links to online search tools. Staff members can help locate a specific case if you have a name, case number, or filing date.
20th Judicial Circuit Coverage
Hendry County is one of five counties in Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit. The circuit also includes Charlotte, Collier, Glades, and Lee counties. Family law cases here are heard by circuit court judges who travel between counties. Even though the circuit shares judges, each county keeps its own records. A case filed in LaBelle stays in LaBelle, even if the same judge handles a similar case in Fort Myers or Naples.
Office Hours and Visit Planning
The clerk office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except for state holidays. Visitors should plan to arrive at least one hour before closing to allow time for file retrieval. The office can be busy on Mondays and the day after holidays. Calling ahead to confirm a file is available saves a wasted trip, especially for older cases stored off-site.
Types of Family Court Records Available
Family court covers a wide range of cases that involve domestic relations. Each case type creates a different set of records, and each follows its own rules for public access.
Divorce and Dissolution Cases
Divorce cases, called dissolution of marriage in Florida, are the most common family court filings. The records include the original petition, financial affidavits from both spouses, settlement agreements, parenting plans if children are involved, and the final judgment of dissolution. These files show how property was divided, whether alimony was awarded, and the terms of any support or custody order. Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes governs all divorce proceedings in the state.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing Records
Custody cases create parenting plans that spell out where children live and how decisions are made. Time-sharing schedules detail which parent has the child on specific days, holidays, and vacations. Court orders may also include restrictions on travel, relocation, or contact with certain people. These records stay active for years and are often modified as children grow older or family circumstances change.
Child Support Order Records
Child support records show the amount each parent must pay, how the figure was calculated, and the payment history. The Florida Department of Revenue helps enforce support orders statewide. These files include income information, health insurance details, and any arrears that have built up. Support orders can be modified when income changes or a child reaches certain ages.
Paternity Case Records
Paternity cases establish the legal father of a child. Records include DNA test results, petitions to establish paternity, and orders that grant the father rights and responsibilities. Once paternity is confirmed, the court can then order child support, custody, or visitation. These files are often linked to separate support or custody cases filed later.
Adoption Records
Adoption records in Florida are sealed once a final decree is entered. Only the adoptive parents, the adult adoptee, and other parties named in the case can access them. Birth parents generally cannot view the file after the adoption is complete. The clerk office can explain the steps to request a copy of a sealed adoption record, which usually requires a court order.
Domestic Violence and Injunction Records
Domestic violence cases move quickly through the courts. A person can request a temporary injunction, and a full hearing must be held within 15 days. Records include the petition, evidence presented, witness statements, and the final order. Some identifying details may be redacted to protect the person who sought protection. Florida Statute 741.30 sets out the rules for these cases.
Dependency Court Records
Dependency cases involve children who have been removed from their parents due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The Department of Children and Families typically initiates these cases. Records include shelter petitions, case plans, review hearings, and the final order. Many dependency files are sealed to protect the child’s identity and safety.
How to Search Family Court Records
There are three main ways to search Hendry County family court records: online through the clerk portal, in person at the LaBelle office, or by phone and mail. Each method works better for different types of searches.
Online Search Through Clerk Portal
The Hendry County Clerk website offers an online search tool for public court records. Users can search by name, case number, or filing date. Results show the case type, parties involved, filing date, and current status. Most cases filed after 2010 appear in the system. Older paper-only files require an in-person visit or a phone request.
In-Person Record Requests
Walking into the clerk office gives access to the full file, including documents that may not be scanned online. Visitors can read every page, take notes, and request copies. Staff at the public terminal can pull files from the back archive for a small wait. Bring a valid photo ID, since some records require identity verification before release.
Phone and Mail Inquiries
For simple questions, calling the clerk office often works best. Staff can confirm whether a case exists, give the current status, and quote copy fees. Mail requests for copies are also accepted, though they take longer. The request should include the case number, the documents needed, and a check or money order for the fees.
What You Need for a Search
The more details you have, the faster the search goes. The clerk staff can pull a file with just a full name, but adding a date of birth, case number, or filing year makes the result more accurate. Some common search items include:
- Full legal name of at least one party
- Approximate year the case was filed
- Case number, if known
- Type of case (divorce, custody, support, etc.)
- Date of birth or Social Security number (last four digits)
Public Access Rules and Privacy Protections
Florida law favors open access to court records, but it also protects sensitive personal details. The balance between openness and privacy shapes what the public can see.
Florida Public Records Act
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes creates a strong right of public access to government records, including court files. Anyone can ask to see or copy most court documents without stating a reason. The clerk office applies this rule to family court records, with some narrow exceptions spelled out in the law.
Sealed and Confidential Cases
Judges can seal entire cases or specific documents when privacy outweighs public interest. Common reasons include protecting children, hiding trade secrets, or shielding victims of violence. A sealed record cannot be viewed without a court order. The clerk office can tell you whether a case is sealed and explain the steps to ask the court to unseal it.
Adoption Record Restrictions
Adoption files are automatically sealed under Florida law. This rule protects the privacy of birth parents, adoptive parents, and the adopted child. Adult adoptees can request a copy of their own file once they turn 18. Birth parents and adoptive parents may also request access under limited conditions set by statute.
Redacted Personal Information
Even when a case is public, certain details are removed before release. Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and minor children’s full names are redacted under Section 119.0714. Credit card numbers, debit card PINs, and similar financial data are also hidden. This rule keeps sensitive information out of the public eye while keeping the rest of the file open.
Fees, Copies, and Certified Documents
The clerk office charges fees for copies and certified documents, but viewing records in person is free. Knowing the fee schedule helps avoid surprises at the counter.
Standard Copy Fees
Regular copies cost a set amount per page under Florida law. The fee covers the cost of paper, toner, and staff time. Self-service copiers may be available in the clerk office for a lower rate. Copies can also be requested by mail for the same per-page fee plus postage.
Certified Copy Requirements
A certified copy includes a clerk’s stamp and signature that proves the document is a true copy of the original. Certified copies cost more than regular copies and are required for many legal purposes, such as name changes, remarriage, or immigration filings. The clerk office can issue same-day certification in most cases.
Payment Methods Accepted
The clerk office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and most major credit and debit cards. A small convenience fee may apply to card transactions. Payment is due at the time of service for walk-in customers. Mail requests should include a check or money order payable to the Hendry County Clerk of Court.
Electronic Filing and Online Records
Florida courts now use electronic filing for most new cases, which has changed how the public sees records. The shift to digital has made many files easier to find.
Florida E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, known as the E-Portal, is the statewide system for submitting court documents. Attorneys and self-represented parties file new cases and submit motions through this portal. Each filing gets a time-stamped receipt and becomes part of the public record. The portal is managed by the Florida Courts eFiling Authority.
MyFloridaCourtAccess.com Portal
MyFloridaCourtAccess.com offers statewide access to court records across all 67 Florida counties. Users can search for a Hendry County case from anywhere in the state. The portal pulls data from each county clerk and shows case types, parties, hearings, and orders. It works well for tracking a case across multiple Florida jurisdictions.
Records Available Electronically
Most family court cases filed after 2010 have at least a partial electronic record. Newer cases may have every document scanned, including exhibits and proposed orders. The clerk office continues to scan older files as resources allow, so the online archive grows over time. Some documents, like sealed exhibits, are never scanned.
Paper-Only Older Records
Cases filed before the digital era often exist only on paper. These files sit in the clerk’s storage area and must be pulled by hand. A phone call ahead of time helps the staff locate the file before a visit. Some very old records may have been moved to off-site storage, which adds a day or two to the request.
Contact Details and Office Hours
The Hendry County Clerk of Court handles all family court records for the county. Here are the key contact details for in-person and remote requests.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Hendry County Clerk of Court |
| Address | 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, FL 33935 |
| Phone | (863) 675-5217 |
| Website | hendryclerk.org |
| Office Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Closed | State and federal holidays |
| Main Search Tool | Hendry County Court Records Search on hendryclerk.org |
| Statewide Search | MyFloridaCourtAccess.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common issues people face when looking for Hendry County family court records. Each answer points to the right office, fee, or procedure so you can get the records you need without delay.
Can I view Hendry County family court records online for free?
Yes, basic case data is free to view through the Hendry County Clerk online search and through MyFloridaCourtAccess.com. You can see the case type, parties, filing date, and current status at no cost. Viewing the actual document images usually costs a small per-page fee, and certified copies cost more. A library computer or personal device with internet access is all you need to start a search.
How do I find a divorce record in Hendry County?
Start with the Hendry County Clerk online search by entering the full legal name of either spouse. If the search does not return results, call the clerk office at (863) 675-5217 and ask staff to check older paper files. Once you locate the case, you can request a certified copy of the final judgment for legal use, such as remarriage or name change.
Are adoption records available to the public in Hendry County?
No, adoption records are sealed under Florida law once the adoption is final. Only the adult adoptee, adoptive parents, and certain other parties named in the case can request access. A court order is required to unseal an adoption file. The clerk office can explain the petition process and the documents you will need to file.
What should I bring to view records at the LaBelle clerk office?
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. You will also need the full name of the person on the case, and ideally a case number or filing year. A notebook or phone for taking notes helps, since you may not be allowed to bring scanners or cameras into the file area.
How long does it take to get copies of family court records?
Walk-in requests for copies are often ready the same day, especially for simple files. Mail requests take one to two weeks, depending on postal times. Older cases stored off-site may take a few business days to retrieve. Certified copies take the same time as regular copies but cost more per page.
Can I get child support payment history from Hendry County records?
Yes, child support payment history is part of the court file, but the Florida Department of Revenue also keeps a separate statewide record. For a full payment history, contact the Florida Department of Revenue Child Support Program. The Hendry County court file will show the support order itself, any modifications, and basic payment data.
What happens if a family court case is sealed in Hendry County?
Sealed cases are not open to the public. You cannot view the file, search for it online, or request copies without a court order. If you have a legal reason to see a sealed file, you can file a motion with the court that handled the case. A judge will decide whether to grant access based on the facts and the law.