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Hendry County, Florida Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Hendry County, Florida?

Arrest records in Hendry County, Florida are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law (Florida Statutes § 119.01). This statute establishes that all records made or received by any public agency in the course of its official business are available for inspection, unless specifically exempted by law. The Florida Constitution and the Public Records Law emphasize government transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to governmental proceedings and records.

The Hendry County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation. Members of the public seeking arrest information may obtain these records without demonstrating a specific need or purpose for the request. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with exemptions provided in Florida Statutes § 119.071, such as the personal information of law enforcement officers or victims of certain crimes.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Hendry County?

Hendry County arrest records are available online through several official portals maintained by county and state agencies. The Hendry County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to recent arrest information through their website's inmate search function. This service is provided in accordance with Florida's commitment to government transparency as codified in Florida Statutes § 119.01.

The Hendry County Clerk of Courts also maintains an online database of court records, which includes information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. This system allows for remote access to public records 24 hours a day, significantly enhancing the accessibility of these documents for residents throughout the county and beyond.

Additionally, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains a statewide database that includes arrest information from Hendry County. This centralized system facilitates comprehensive searches across multiple jurisdictions within the state.

Hendry County Sheriff's Office
101 S. Bridge Street
LaBelle, FL 33935
(863) 674-5600
Official Website

Hendry County Clerk of Courts
25 E. Hickpochee Avenue
LaBelle, FL 33935
(863) 675-5217
Official Website

How to Look Up Hendry County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for accessing Hendry County arrest records in 2025, with digital options being the most efficient. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.01, these records remain accessible to the public through the following channels:

  1. Online Resources:

  2. In-Person Requests:

    • Citizens may visit the Hendry County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) to request arrest records.
    • The Hendry County Clerk of Courts maintains public terminals at their office for searching court records related to arrests.

  3. Written Requests:

    • Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Hendry County Sheriff's Office Records Division.
    • Requests must include the subject's full name, approximate date of arrest, and contact information for the requestor.

Fees for obtaining arrest records are established in accordance with Florida Statutes § 119.07(4) and may vary based on the volume of records requested and the format in which they are provided.

Contents of a Hendry County Arrest Record

Hendry County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Florida law and local procedures. These documents typically include:

  • Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color), and address of the arrested individual.
  • Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency; name and badge number of the arresting officer; and the statutory authority under which the arrest was made.
  • Criminal Charges: Specific charges filed, including Florida Statute numbers and descriptions of the alleged offenses.
  • Booking Information: Booking number, date and time of booking, and fingerprint identification number.
  • Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or continued detention.
  • Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the judicial system, including court dates and preliminary hearing outcomes.
  • Photographic Evidence: Mugshot taken during the booking process.

Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.071, certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information related to victims of certain crimes.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access in Hendry County

While arrest records are generally public in Hendry County, Florida law establishes several important restrictions on their accessibility. These limitations are designed to protect privacy rights while maintaining government transparency:

  1. Sealed and Expunged Records: Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 943.0585 and § 943.059, records that have been legally sealed or expunged are not available to the general public. These records are treated as if they never existed for most purposes.

  2. Juvenile Records: Under Florida Statutes § 985.04, records pertaining to juvenile arrests are subject to heightened confidentiality protections, with limited exceptions for serious offenses.

  3. Active Criminal Investigations: Information related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily exempt from public disclosure under Florida Statutes § 119.071(2)(c).

  4. Victim Information: Personal identifying information of victims of certain crimes, including sexual offenses and child abuse, is protected from public disclosure under Florida Statutes § 119.071(2)(h).

  5. Personal Information of Specific Individuals: Florida law protects personal information of certain government employees, including law enforcement officers, judges, and prosecutors, as outlined in Florida Statutes § 119.071(4).

The Hendry County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts are responsible for ensuring these exemptions are properly applied before releasing arrest records to the public.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Hendry County

Eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records in Hendry County pursuant to Florida Statutes § 943.0585. Expungement effectively removes the record from public access, though certain government agencies retain limited access for specific purposes.

To qualify for expungement in Hendry County, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • The arrest did not result in a conviction or adjudication of guilt.
  • The applicant has no prior convictions for criminal offenses.
  • The applicant has not previously received an expungement or sealing of records.
  • The offense is not among those specifically excluded by Florida Statutes § 943.0585(2).

The expungement process requires:

  1. Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
  2. Filing a petition with the Hendry County Clerk of Courts.
  3. Serving copies of the petition on the State Attorney's Office and the arresting agency.
  4. Attending a hearing before a circuit court judge if required.

Applicants are advised that the expungement process involves multiple governmental agencies and typically takes several months to complete. Court filing fees and FDLE processing fees apply to all expungement applications.

Hendry County Courthouse
25 E. Hickpochee Avenue
LaBelle, FL 33935
(863) 675-5217
Official Website

Consequences of Arrest Records in Hendry County

Arrest records in Hendry County can have significant implications for individuals, even without a conviction. These consequences may include:

  1. Employment Limitations: Many employers in Hendry County conduct background checks that reveal arrest records, potentially affecting hiring decisions. Florida law does not prohibit employers from considering arrest records in employment decisions, though some limitations exist under federal equal employment opportunity guidelines.

  2. Housing Restrictions: Landlords and property management companies frequently screen applicants for criminal history, including arrests. The presence of an arrest record may result in denial of housing applications.

  3. Educational Opportunities: Higher education institutions and scholarship programs may consider criminal history, including arrests, when evaluating applicants.

  4. Professional Licensing: Many professional licensing boards in Florida review arrest records when evaluating applications for licenses in fields such as healthcare, education, and financial services.

  5. Immigration Consequences: For non-citizens, arrest records may trigger immigration proceedings or affect applications for citizenship, visas, or other immigration benefits.

The Hendry County Probation and Community Intervention Program provides resources for individuals seeking to mitigate the impact of arrest records through rehabilitation and community service programs.

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