The Hendry County Court Docket is a public log kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in LaBelle, Florida. It lists every case filed, every hearing set, and every order issued in the local court system.
Anyone can look at these records online or at the courthouse. The docket shows a full timeline of a case from the day it starts to the day it ends.
What a Court Docket Means in Hendry County
A court docket is a written record of a court case. It shows each paper filed, each court date set, and each ruling made by a judge. In Hendry County, the clerk office writes and saves these records for all cases that move through local courts. The docket acts as the case’s history, giving you a clear picture of where the case stands at any moment.
Each entry on the docket has a date, a short description, and the name of the judge or clerk who acted on it. You can see when a motion was filed, when a hearing took place, and when a final order was signed. This public log helps lawyers, parties to a case, and the public track the progress of court actions.
The 20th Judicial Circuit and Hendry County Courts
Hendry County sits inside the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit also covers Charlotte, Collier, Glades, and Lee Counties. The circuit court handles felony crimes, family law, probate, and civil cases over $50,000. The county court handles traffic cases, misdemeanors, small claims, and civil disputes up to $50,000.
Each court level keeps its own docket. The clerk office stores and updates all of them in one central system. This setup makes it simple to look up cases in Hendry County through the same online portal.
Hendry County Clerk of the Circuit Court
The Hendry County Clerk of the Circuit Court runs court operations from the main courthouse in LaBelle. The clerk files new cases, records docket entries, and gives copies of filed papers. This office also handles marriage licenses, tax payments, and other county records. The clerk is an elected constitutional officer who serves the public.
Staff at the clerk office can help you look up a case or order copies of docket papers. They can also tell you which courthouse has a specific file, since Hendry County has a branch office in Clewiston that handles some court matters.
Main Office Details
The main Hendry County Courthouse stands at 25 East Hickpochee Avenue in LaBelle, Florida 33935. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can reach the clerk office by phone at (863) 675-5217. The official website is hendryclerk.com.
| Office | Hendry County Courthouse |
|---|---|
| Street Address | 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, FL 33935 |
| Phone Number | (863) 675-5217 |
| Business Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Official Website | hendryclerk.com |
Hendry County Court Docket Search Methods
You can search the Hendry County Court Docket in three main ways. Each method gives you the same basic case data, but the tools work a little differently.
Online Search Through the Clerk Website
The fastest way to search a docket is through the Hendry County Clerk website at hendryclerk.com. The site has a public records search tool that lets you look up cases by name, case number, or filing date. You do not need to create an account for basic searches. Results will show the case type, party names, docket entries, and scheduled hearing dates.
The online tool updates as new papers are filed. Most entries show up the same day they are filed with the court. For older cases stored off-site, the office may need extra time to pull the file from storage before you can see the full docket.
Statewide E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com tracks filed papers for cases across all 67 Florida counties, including Hendry. More than 30 million papers go through this system each year. You can search by case number or party name. The portal shows docket entries, motions, orders, and other filings for Hendry County cases.
Lawyers and people who represent themselves can also file new papers through the E-Filing Portal. Each filing shows up on the local docket the same day it is processed. For appellate cases, the ACIS portal at acis.flcourts.gov covers the Florida Supreme Court and the six District Courts of Appeal.
In-Person Visits to the Courthouse
You can visit the Hendry County Courthouse in LaBelle to look at docket records in person. The clerk staff can pull case files and let you review them in the office. You can also order certified copies of docket papers for legal use.
For cases filed in Clewiston, the branch office may have the file you need. Call the main office first at (863) 675-5217 to check which location holds a specific case. Older case files may need one or two business days to pull from storage.
Hendry County Daily Docket and Calendar
The Hendry County daily docket shows the court calendar for a specific day. It lists each hearing, arraignment, trial, and motion set for that day in front of each judge. The clerk posts the daily calendar on its website and at the courthouse. You can view it the day before a scheduled court date to confirm times and room numbers.
The court calendar docket helps lawyers and parties plan their day. It also lets the public see which cases are moving through the local court system. The schedule updates as new hearings are set or cases are moved to different dates.
Hendry County Civil Court Docket
The civil court docket in Hendry County tracks lawsuits between people or businesses. These cases cover contract disputes, property issues, personal injury claims, and debt collection. Civil cases over $50,000 go to circuit court. Civil cases up to $50,000 go to county court.
Each civil case gets a docket entry for every paper filed. You can see when the complaint was filed, when the answer came in, and when motions were set for hearing. The docket also shows settlement conferences, trial dates, and final judgments.
Hendry County Criminal Court Docket
The criminal court docket logs every step in a criminal case. Felony cases go to circuit court, while misdemeanor cases go to county court. The docket shows the arrest, formal charges, arraignment, pretrial motions, plea deals, trial dates, and sentencing. Bond hearings and probation reviews also appear on the docket.
The clerk office updates the criminal docket as the case moves through each stage. You can check the docket to see if a case has been resolved, reset for a new date, or transferred to a different division.
Hendry County Felony Docket
The felony docket in Hendry County covers serious criminal charges handled by circuit court. These cases may involve drug trafficking, violent crimes, burglary, or major fraud. The felony docket tracks grand jury actions, pretrial motions, plea negotiations, and jury trials. It also shows sentencing orders and appeals.
Hendry County Misdemeanor Docket
The misdemeanor docket covers lesser criminal charges handled by county court. Common misdemeanor cases in Hendry County include petty theft, simple battery, DUI first offense, and minor drug possession. The docket shows the charge, plea, and final outcome for each misdemeanor case.
Hendry County Traffic Court Docket
The traffic court docket in Hendry County lists moving violations, speeding tickets, and other traffic infractions. Most traffic cases in Hendry County do not require a court appearance. You can pay the fine online or by mail. For cases that need a court date, the docket shows the hearing time and the assigned judge.
If you plan to fight a traffic ticket, the docket will show your trial date and any continuances granted. You can also see if the officer who issued the ticket is required to appear.
Hendry County Small Claims Docket
The small claims docket handles civil disputes up to $8,000 in Hendry County. Common small claims cases include unpaid debts, security deposit issues, and small property damage claims. The docket shows the filing date, hearing date, and judgment for each case. Small claims hearings are usually short and held before a judge, not a jury.
Hendry County Family Court Docket
The family court docket in Hendry County covers divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence cases. Family court also handles paternity actions and name changes. Each entry on the docket shows the motion filed, the hearing set, and the order signed by the judge.
Family court records are public in Florida, but some details are sealed by law. Adoption files, juvenile records, and certain domestic violence cases are not open to the public. The clerk can tell you which parts of a family case file you can see.
Hendry County Probate Court Docket
The probate court docket covers wills, estates, and guardianship cases. After someone dies, their will or estate goes through probate court. The docket shows the filing of the will, the appointment of a personal representative, the inventory of assets, and the final distribution of the estate.
Guardianship cases also go through the probate docket. The court appoints a guardian for minors or adults who cannot manage their own affairs. The docket tracks the guardian’s reports, accounting filings, and court reviews.
Hendry County Arraignment Docket
The arraignment docket shows the first court date for a criminal case. At an arraignment, the judge reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The arraignment docket in Hendry County lists each defendant set for arraignment on a given day, the charges, and the assigned judge.
Many arraignments in Hendry County are handled by written plea in misdemeanor cases. For felony cases, the defendant usually appears in person unless the lawyer enters a not guilty plea on their behalf.
Hendry County Pretrial and Motion Docket
The pretrial docket covers hearings held before trial. These hearings decide motions to suppress evidence, dismiss the case, or change venue. The docket shows each motion filed, the response from the other side, and the judge’s ruling.
The motion docket also tracks civil motions. These include motions to compel discovery, motions for summary judgment, and motions to set aside a default. Each motion gets a docket entry with the date filed and the judge’s decision.
Hendry County Bond Docket
The bond docket shows hearings about release from jail before trial. At a bond hearing, the judge sets a bond amount or orders the defendant held without bond. The docket lists each bond review, any changes to the bond amount, and conditions of release such as no-contact orders or ankle monitor requirements.
Hendry County Trial Docket
The trial docket shows jury and non-jury trials set in Hendry County. The clerk posts the trial calendar one to two weeks before the trial date. If a case settles or is reset, the docket reflects the change. Trial dates can move several times as the lawyers work through pretrial motions and plea talks.
Hendry County Hearing Docket
The hearing docket covers all short court appearances. These include status hearings, case management conferences, and review hearings. The docket shows the time, judge, and purpose of each hearing. Most hearings last only a few minutes unless the judge sets the case for a longer motion hearing.
Hendry County Docket by Case Number
Searching a docket by case number gives you the fastest and most exact results. The case number format in Hendry County includes the year, the court type, and a sequence number. For example, a case number may look like 26-2024-CA-000123. The first two digits show the county code, the year shows when the case was filed, the middle letters show the case type, and the last digits show the sequence number.
You can search by case number on the clerk website, the statewide E-Filing Portal, or by calling the clerk office. If you do not know the case number, you can search by party name or filing date instead.
Hendry County Docket Status and Schedule
You can check the status of any Hendry County case through the docket search tools. The status shows where the case stands, such as pending, active, or closed. The docket also lists the next scheduled court date, the type of hearing, and the assigned judge.
For cases in active litigation, the docket may show multiple upcoming dates. These may include a pretrial conference, a motion hearing, and a trial date. The clerk office updates the docket as new events are set or old dates are cleared.
Public Access Rules for Hendry County Court Dockets
Court docket records in Hendry County are public under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. The law says all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying. You do not need to give a reason to see a docket. The law also says electronic access must not reduce the public’s right to see records.
Some records are not open to the public. Sealed cases, expunged cases, and juvenile records stay confidential. Records with Social Security numbers, bank account data, and medical details get redacted before the public can see them. Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC24-65 sets up 15 user roles for electronic access, with the general public able to see case numbers, party names, and docket entries without an account.
If you need access to a sealed record, you must file a motion with the court and show good cause. The clerk office can give you the forms you need to ask the judge to open a sealed file.
Filing Fees and Copies of Docket Records
The Hendry County Clerk charges a small fee for certified copies of docket records. The fee covers the cost of pulling the file, copying the pages, and certifying them as true copies. You can pay by cash, check, or credit card at the clerk office. The clerk also accepts mailed requests with a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check for the fees.
Standard copies cost less than certified copies. The clerk price list is posted on the website and at the office window. For large copy requests, the staff can give you a price quote before they make the copies.
E-Filing and Electronic Docket Updates
Lawyers and self-represented parties can file papers through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Each filing goes to the Hendry County clerk office, and a new docket entry appears the same day. The portal accepts complaints, motions, responses, exhibits, and proposed orders. You need a registered account to file new papers, but you can search existing dockets without an account.
The E-Filing support desk can help with technical problems. You can reach the support desk at (850) 577-4609 during weekday business hours. The clerk office in LaBelle can also help you with questions about filing fees and accepted file formats.
Self-Help Resources for Court Users
The Hendry County Clerk provides self-help forms and guides for common case types. These forms help people who want to file a small claims case, a simple divorce, or a name change without a lawyer. The forms are available on the clerk website and at the office window.
The Florida Courts website at flcourts.gov has family law forms and instructions that apply to Hendry County filings. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website at flclerks.com lists all 67 county clerks with contact details and links to local forms.
Legal aid groups in the 20th Circuit may help people who cannot afford a lawyer. These groups handle civil cases, family law matters, and consumer issues for low-income clients. The clerk office can give you a referral list for legal aid in Hendry County.
Common Questions About the Hendry County Court Docket
Many people call the Hendry County clerk office with similar questions. Below are short answers to the most common ones.
How long does it take for a new filing to show up on the docket? Most filings show up the same day they are processed. Some filings may take until the next business day.
Can I see old case records from the 1990s? Yes. The clerk office keeps records going back many decades. Older files may take a few days to pull from storage.
Do I need a lawyer to read a docket? No. The docket is written for the public. You can read the entries without any legal training.
What if my name is misspelled in the docket? Contact the clerk office to ask for a correction. The clerk can update the docket if you show proof of the correct spelling.
Can I get a copy of a docket entry by email? Some entries are free to print from the online portal. Certified copies must be picked up in person or mailed to you.
Court Dates and Location Summary
Here is a short list of the most useful contact points for the Hendry County Court Docket system.
- Main Courthouse: 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, FL 33935
- Main Phone: (863) 675-5217
- Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Official Website: hendryclerk.com
- Statewide E-Filing Portal: myflcourtaccess.com
- Florida Courts Website: flcourts.gov
- E-Filing Support Desk: (850) 577-4609
FAQ
The questions below answer the most searched topics about the Hendry County Court Docket. Each answer gives clear, fact-based details you can use right away.
How do I search the Hendry County Court Docket online for free?
You can search the docket for free on the Hendry County Clerk website at hendryclerk.com. The public records search tool lets you look up cases by party name, case number, or filing date. You do not need to create an account. The statewide Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com also lets you search Hendry County dockets at no cost. Both tools show the case type, party names, docket entries, and scheduled court dates. The clerk site updates as new papers get filed, and most entries appear the same business day.
What types of cases appear on the Hendry County Court Docket?
The docket shows every case type filed in the county. Civil cases, criminal cases, traffic tickets, small claims, family law, and probate cases all show up. Felonies, divorces, custody disputes, and estate matters go to circuit court. Misdemeanors, traffic cases, and small claims go to county court. Each case type gets its own docket section, and each entry lists the date, the action taken, and the judge who acted. The clerk office keeps a master list that ties all the case types together.
Can I see sealed or expunged records on the Hendry County Court Docket?
No. Sealed and expunged cases do not show up in the public docket search. Under Florida law, only the parties to the case and their lawyers can see sealed records. Juvenile cases, adoption files, and certain domestic violence cases also stay sealed. To open a sealed record, you must file a written motion with the court and give the judge a legal reason. The clerk office has the forms you need to ask the court to unseal a record. Approved motions may also require a court fee.
What is the difference between the Hendry County daily docket and the court calendar?
The daily docket shows the full list of hearings, motions, and trials set for a single day. The court calendar covers a longer stretch of time, often a week or a month. The daily docket is a snapshot of one day. The calendar gives you a broader view of when each judge is in court. The clerk posts the daily docket the day before each court date. The court calendar goes up earlier and lists all set events for the period. Both are open to the public.
How do I find a case number in Hendry County?
You can find a case number by searching the online docket tool on the Hendry County Clerk website. Type in the party name and the tool will show matching cases with their case numbers. You can also call the clerk office at (863) 675-5217 with the names of the parties and the year the case was filed. The staff can look up the case number for you. For criminal cases, the case number also appears on the arrest report, the charging document, and any bond paperwork. For civil cases, the case number shows up on the first page of the complaint.
What should I do if I miss my court date in Hendry County?
Contact the Hendry County clerk office right away at (863) 675-5217. The clerk can tell you whether the judge issued a warrant for failure to appear. You may need to file a written motion to set aside the failure to appear and reset the hearing. In criminal cases, a failure to appear can lead to a bond forfeiture or a new charge. In civil cases, the court may enter a default judgment against you. Acting fast and showing up in person with a written explanation gives you the best chance to fix the problem. The clerk can give you the right forms and tell you the next steps.
Does the Hendry County Court Docket show jury duty dates?
No. The jury duty schedule is a separate system run by the clerk office. Your jury summons tells you the date, time, and courthouse where you must report. You can check your jury status on the clerk website. The court docket, on the other hand, tracks cases, not jurors. If you have a jury summons, follow the instructions on the summons itself. If you need to postpone your service, contact the clerk office as soon as possible. Failure to appear for jury duty can lead to fines or contempt of court.