Hendry County birth records are official papers that show a person was born in Hendry County, Florida. You can order a certified copy of a Hendry County birth certificate from the Florida Department of Health office in the county.
The main office sits in LaBelle, and a second branch office sits in Clewiston. Both offices can pull up any Florida birth from the statewide database and print a legal copy on the same day you walk in. This page covers every step to order, fix, replace, or research Hendry County birth records for 2026.
Hendry County Birth Records Office Locations
The Florida Department of Health runs two offices in Hendry County. Both offices handle birth record requests. The staff at each office can print a certified copy of any Florida birth record on state security paper with the official seal.
LaBelle Main Office
The LaBelle office is the main location. It sits at 1140 Pratt Boulevard, LaBelle, FL 33935. The phone number is 863-674-4041. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office closes for state holidays. You can walk in any time during open hours. No appointment is needed for birth record requests.
Clewiston Branch Office
The Clewiston office is a smaller branch. It sits at 1100 South Olympia Street, Clewiston, FL 33440. The phone number is 863-983-1408. Office hours are the same as LaBelle. The Clewiston office sits on the east side of the county, about 30 miles from LaBelle. People who live near Lake Okeechobee can use this office to avoid a long drive to the county seat.
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOH-Hendry LaBelle | 1140 Pratt Boulevard, LaBelle, FL 33935 | 863-674-4041 | Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| DOH-Hendry Clewiston | 1100 South Olympia Street, Clewiston, FL 33440 | 863-983-1408 | Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
How to Get Hendry County Birth Records
You have three ways to order Hendry County birth records. You can walk into a local office, send a mail request, or place an online order through VitalChek. Each method has its own steps, fees, and wait times. Pick the method that fits your needs and your budget.
Walk-In Service at the Local Office
Walking in is the fastest way to get a Hendry County birth certificate. You fill out a DH726 form at the office. Show a valid photo ID. Pay the $15 fee for the first copy. The staff prints your copy on state security paper with the official seal. Most walk-in orders take 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish. You can pay with cash, check, or money order. The offices do not accept credit or debit cards for in-person requests.
Mail Request to the Hendry County Office
You can mail your request to the LaBelle office. Print and fill out the DH726 form. Make a copy of your photo ID, both front and back. Write a check or money order for $15 made out to DOH-Hendry. Mail all three items to 1140 Pratt Boulevard, LaBelle, FL 33935. Mail requests take two to three weeks to process. The office mails your birth certificate back by regular first-class mail.
Mail Request to the State Office
The Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville also accepts mail requests for Hendry County birth records. Send the DH726 form, a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order for $15 to PO Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231. State mail orders take three to five business days plus mail time each way. This route works well for people who live far from the Hendry County office.
Online Orders Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the only online vendor approved by the Florida Department of Health. You can order a Hendry County birth certificate on the VitalChek website any time of day or night. Enter the birth details, upload a photo of your ID, and pay with a credit or debit card. The state fee through VitalChek is $19. VitalChek adds a service fee of about $7. Standard shipping takes five to seven business days. Rush and express shipping are available for extra cost.
Hendry County Birth Certificate Costs
The first certified copy of a Hendry County birth certificate costs $15. Each extra copy of the same record costs $7 when you order them at the same time. Florida Statute 382.0255 sets these fees for every county in Florida. The Hendry County offices in LaBelle and Clewiston accept cash, checks, and money orders for in-person and mail requests.
Online orders through VitalChek cost more. The base state fee is $19. A service fee of $7 or more gets added. Shipping fees raise the total price. Rush and overnight options add even more. Most online orders total $30 to $45 for one copy. Some rush orders can run $60 or more. Mail orders to the LaBelle office or the state office cost the standard $15 fee with no extra service fees.
The DH726 Form and Other Hendry County Birth Certificate Forms
The DH726 form is the official Hendry County birth certificate application. You must fill out this form for every request. The form asks for the full name on the birth record, the date of birth, the place of birth, the mother’s maiden name, and the father’s name. The form also asks for your name, your tie to the record, and your mailing address.
You can get the DH726 form at the LaBelle or Clewiston office. You can also download the form from the Florida Department of Health website. Print the form and fill it out in black ink. Do not sign the form until you are in front of a notary or a staff member at the office. Mail requests do not need a notary. Walk-in requests need your signature in front of the staff.
You can write your request on a plain sheet of paper if you cannot get the DH726 form. The plain sheet must have the same details as the DH726 form. The office can reject a request that is missing key details. Include your daytime phone number so the office can call you with questions.
Who Can Get Hendry County Birth Records
Florida keeps birth records private for 125 years from the date of birth. Florida Statute 382.025 lists the people who can get a certified copy. The Hendry County office only gives a certified copy to people with a direct tie to the record.
Eligible requesters include the person named on the record if 18 or older, a parent listed on the certificate, a legal guardian with court papers, a spouse, an adult child, a grandchild, a sibling, or an attorney for any of these people. A court order can grant access to other people. The court order must come from a Florida judge.
You must show your photo ID at the time of the request. You may also need to prove your tie to the record. The staff at the Hendry County office checks every request. If you do not meet the rules for a certified copy, you can ask for a non-certified copy. A non-certified copy has the same data but carries a stamp that says it is not valid for legal use. The fee is the same as a certified copy. Anyone can get a non-certified copy, even without a tie to the record.
Documents You Need for a Hendry County Birth Certificate Request
You must bring a valid photo ID to get a Hendry County birth certificate. Accepted IDs include a driver’s license, state ID card, passport, military ID, or green card. The ID must not be expired. If your ID is expired, bring a second form of ID such as a Social Security card, voter registration card, or utility bill.
You also need to know the full name on the birth record, the date of birth, and the place of birth. The mother’s maiden name helps the office find the right record. The father’s name is also helpful. The more details you have, the faster the office can pull up the right file. Missing details can lead to delays or a wrong record.
For mail requests, include a copy of your photo ID. The copy must show both the front and back of the ID. Write the request on the DH726 form or on a plain sheet of paper. The office can reject a request that does not have enough details or that does not include an ID copy. Sign the form before mailing it.
Florida Laws That Cover Hendry County Birth Records
Several Florida laws cover how birth records work in Hendry County. Florida Statute 382.013 says all births in the state must be registered with the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Hospitals file births with the state shortly after delivery. Home births must also be filed. The Hendry County office works under these state rules.
Florida Statute 382.025 lists who can get a certified copy. The 125-year rule keeps records private. Florida Statute 382.0255 sets the fees. The $15 fee for the first copy and the $7 fee for each extra copy come from this law. Florida Statute 382.016 covers changes to birth records and court-ordered amendments.
Florida Statute 382.025 also sets the rules for non-certified copies. A non-certified copy has the same data as a certified copy. The difference is the stamp that says it is not valid for legal use. The Hendry County office can give a non-certified copy to anyone who asks. The 125-year rule does not apply to non-certified copies.
Fixing Mistakes on Hendry County Birth Records
You can fix mistakes on a Hendry County birth certificate through the amendment process. Small errors like a misspelled name need a short form and proof of the right spelling. A baptism record, school record, or Social Security card can serve as proof. The Florida Department of Health has a list of accepted proof documents on its website.
Big changes like adding a parent, removing a parent, or changing a name need a court order under Florida Statute 382.016. The Hendry County office can help you fill out the forms. The Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville makes the final call on all amendments. Once the state approves the change, the new data goes into the system. You can then get a new certified copy from either Hendry County office.
Amendment fees are separate from copy fees. A simple correction costs $20. A court-ordered change can cost more based on the court filing fees. The Hendry County office can give you a fee list before you start the process. Most amendments take four to six weeks to process at the state level.
Hendry County Birth Certificate Replacement
You can replace a lost or damaged Hendry County birth certificate at any time. The process is the same as ordering a new copy. Fill out the DH726 form. Show your photo ID. Pay the $15 fee for the first copy. The staff prints a new certified copy on state security paper.
You do not need to report a lost birth certificate to the police. The old copy becomes void once a new one is issued. The new copy gets a new state file number. The data on the new copy is the same as the old copy. The only change is the issue date and the file number.
People who need many copies for a legal case can order them all at once. Each extra copy costs $7 when ordered at the same time. The office can print up to 10 copies in a single visit. Mail requests for many copies can take longer to process.
Old Hendry County Birth Records and Genealogy
The Hendry County office can issue copies of births from 1930 to the present. For births before 1930, contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics at 1217 N Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The state office keeps early Florida birth records on file. Call 904-359-6900 to ask about old records.
Hendry County was created in 1923. Births before 1923 were filed in Lee County. Lee County has early records that may list your family member. The Hendry County Clerk of Court office in LaBelle also has some early records, marriage records, and probate files that can help with family history research.
Hendry County Clerk of Court Records
The Hendry County Clerk of Court sits at 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, FL 33935. The Clerk keeps court records, marriage records, and some old vital records. You can search the Clerk’s online records database from home. The database covers many types of public records. You can also visit the Clerk’s office in person to look at old books and files. The Clerk’s office can help with genealogy research for early Hendry County families.
Florida State Archives
The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee has a large collection of old birth records, death records, and family papers. You can search the State Archives catalog online. You can also visit the archives in person by appointment. The archives staff can help you locate old records that are not online. The State Archives also has a microfilm collection of early Florida birth records.
FamilySearch and Ancestry
FamilySearch.org has free indexes of Florida birth records. Ancestry.com has larger databases with images of old records. Both sites let you search by name, date, and place. They are useful tools for family history research on Hendry County families. FamilySearch also has a free family tree tool that can help you track your family lines.
Apostille for Hendry County Birth Certificates
An apostille is a stamp that proves a Florida document is real for use in another country. You may need an apostille on a Hendry County birth certificate for a visa, dual citizenship, or foreign marriage. The Florida Department of State in Tallahassee issues apostilles for Florida vital records. The Secretary of State is the only office in Florida that can issue an apostille.
You must send the original certified copy of the birth certificate to the Department of State. Include a cover letter with your name, the country that needs the document, and a return address. Pay the $10 apostille fee per document. Mail the request to the Bureau of Authentications, 2415 North Monroe Street, Suite 810, Tallahassee, FL 32303.
The Department of State processes apostille requests in about three to five business days. You can pay extra for rush service. The Hendry County office cannot issue an apostille. The office can only issue the certified copy that you then send to the state for the apostille stamp. Some countries may need extra steps like a translation or a consular stamp.
Cities Served by Hendry County Birth Records
The Hendry County office serves every city and town in the county. LaBelle is the county seat. Clewiston is the largest city. Other communities include Felda, Harlem, Montura, Pioneer, Port LaBelle, and Big Cypress. Each community can use the LaBelle or Clewiston office for birth record requests.
People who live outside the county can still order a Hendry County birth certificate. Any Florida county health department can pull up the record from the statewide database. The Hendry County office will mail a copy to any address in the United States. People who live in other countries can use the mail option or the online option through VitalChek.
Nearby Counties for Birth Record Requests
Hendry County borders several other Florida counties. Lee County sits to the west. Glades County sits to the north. Palm Beach County sits to the east. Broward County, Collier County, and Charlotte County also sit nearby. Any of these county health departments can pull up a Hendry County birth record and print a certified copy on the spot.
Some people use a nearby county office for speed or convenience. A Lee County office may be closer for people who live in Fort Myers. A Palm Beach County office may be closer for people who live near the coast. The fees are the same at every Florida county health department. The wait time is the same at every office.
Contact Details and Official Website
You can reach the Hendry County birth records office in three ways. Call 863-674-4041 for the LaBelle office. Call 863-983-1408 for the Clewiston office. Walk in to either office during open hours. The LaBelle office sits at 1140 Pratt Boulevard, LaBelle, FL 33935. The Clewiston office sits at 1100 South Olympia Street, Clewiston, FL 33440.
Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The offices close for state holidays. Both offices can answer questions about the DH726 form, fees, and request status. The staff can also tell you what to do if you cannot find the record you need. The official website for Florida vital records is www.floridahealth.gov. The state office phone number is 904-359-6900. The state office address is 1217 N Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202.
Common Questions About Hendry County Birth Records
The list below covers the top questions people ask about Hendry County birth records. Each answer gives clear facts about the process, fees, rules, and timelines. The answers reflect the latest 2026 rules from the Florida Department of Health and the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville.
How long does it take to get a birth certificate from Hendry County?
Walk-in orders at the LaBelle or Clewiston office take 15 to 30 minutes from the time you walk in to the time you walk out with the certified copy. Mail orders to the LaBelle office take two to three weeks for processing plus three to five business days for return mail. Mail orders to the state office in Jacksonville take three to five business days for processing plus mail time each way. Online orders through VitalChek take five to seven business days with standard shipping. Rush shipping can cut the wait to one to three business days for an extra fee of $20 to $30. The Hendry County office does not offer same-day mail service. Walk-in is the only same-day option for Hendry County birth records. You can check the status of a mail request by calling the office during open hours. The staff can look up the request in the statewide database and tell you where the record stands in the queue.
Can anyone get a copy of a Hendry County birth certificate?
No. Florida law keeps birth records private for 125 years from the date of birth. The person named on the record, a parent, a legal guardian, a spouse, an adult child, a sibling, a grandchild, or an attorney can get a certified copy. You must show a photo ID and prove your tie to the record. A marriage license, birth certificate of a child, or court order can prove a tie. Anyone can get a non-certified copy. A non-certified copy has the same data as a certified copy but carries a stamp that says it is not valid for legal use. The fee is the same as a certified copy. Non-certified copies work well for school projects, personal records, and family history research. They do not work for a passport, driver’s license, or Social Security card.
What if the birth was at home in Hendry County?
Home births must be filed with the state under Florida Statute 382.013. The midwife or doctor files the birth within five days of delivery. The family can also file the birth if no midwife or doctor was present. The Hendry County office can help you file a late birth record. The state charges a fee for late filing. You will need proof of the birth, such as a baptism record, a letter from the doctor, or a Social Security record. A hospital birth record from a later visit can also serve as proof. The Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville reviews all late birth filings. Most late filings take 60 to 90 days to process. You can check the status of a late filing by calling the state office at 904-359-6900. The Hendry County office can give you the form for a late filing but cannot approve the filing themselves.
Can I get a Hendry County birth certificate if I live out of state?
Yes. You can order online through VitalChek and have the copy mailed to any U.S. address. You can also mail a request to the LaBelle office at 1140 Pratt Boulevard, LaBelle, FL 33935. Include a copy of your photo ID, the DH726 form, and a check or money order for $15. The office will mail the certificate to you by first-class mail. People who live in other countries can use the mail option or the online option through VitalChek. VitalChek ships to many countries for an extra fee. You may need an apostille for use in a foreign country. The Florida Department of State in Tallahassee issues apostilles. The Hendry County office cannot issue an apostille. The office can only issue the certified copy that you then send to the state for the apostille stamp. Plan for two to four weeks of total time for an out-of-state or international request.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Hendry County office?
No appointment is needed for walk-in birth record requests. You can walk in any time during open hours. The office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office can get busy around lunch and at the end of the day. The early morning is the least busy time to visit. Most walk-in requests take 15 to 30 minutes. Bring a valid photo ID and the $15 fee for the first copy. You can pay with cash, check, or money order. The offices do not accept credit or debit cards for in-person requests. The Clewiston office is smaller and may have a shorter wait than the LaBelle office. Both offices can help with the same types of requests. The staff at both offices can answer questions about fees, forms, and request status.
What if I was born in Hendry County before 1930?
County health departments can only issue copies of births from 1930 to the present. For earlier births, contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. The state office keeps early records on file. Some early records are also at the Hendry County Clerk of Court office in LaBelle. The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee has even older records. The Bureau of Vital Statistics at 1217 N Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 can help with pre-1930 records. Call 904-359-6900 to ask about old records. The state office can mail a copy of an old record to any address in the United States. The fee for an old record is the same as a current record. The state office can take four to six weeks to process a request for an old record. The State Archives also has a microfilm collection of early Florida birth records that you can view by appointment.
Can I use a Hendry County birth certificate for a passport?
Yes. A certified copy of a Hendry County birth certificate works for a U.S. passport application. The certificate must have the registrar’s seal and signature. A non-certified copy does not work for a passport. Make sure you order a certified copy with the raised or stamped seal. The passport office will reject a copy without a seal. The U.S. Department of State also requires that the birth certificate shows the full name of the parent or parents. A birth certificate with only one parent listed can still work for a passport. The passport office may ask for extra proof of citizenship if the birth certificate is old or hard to read. Plan to order the birth certificate at least six to eight weeks before you need it for a passport. The passport office can take six to eight weeks to process a routine application. You can pay extra for rush processing at the passport office if you need the passport faster.