Hendry County Florida marriage records are official documents that prove a marriage took place inside Hendry County or was filed with the Hendry County Clerk of the Circuit Court. These records include marriage licenses issued in LaBelle, signed certificates returned by officiants, and indexes that list each couple by name and year.
People search these records for genealogy, name changes, legal proof of marriage, immigration paperwork, and benefits applications. Hendry County is located in southwest Florida, and its county seat sits in LaBelle along the Caloosahatchee River. Marriage records here follow the same Florida laws used across all 67 counties, with small local differences in fees and office procedures.
About Hendry County Marriage Records
Marriage records in Hendry County fall under Florida’s public records law, which means most of them can be viewed and copied by any adult. The records cover every couple who received a marriage license from the Hendry County Clerk since the county started keeping files. Older records from the late 1800s and early 1900s are limited, since many early county records were lost to fire or flood over the years.
Types of Records Available
Three main types of marriage records exist in Hendry County. The marriage license is the document the clerk issues before the wedding. The marriage certificate is the document filed after the ceremony with the officiant’s signature. The third type is a certified copy, which is a stamped copy that proves the marriage to outside agencies like the Social Security Administration or foreign embassies.
Who Maintains These Records
The Hendry County Clerk of the Circuit Court handles all marriage records for events filed inside the county. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville holds copies of marriage certificates from June 6, 1927 onward. Records filed before that date exist only in the county where the license was issued. For Hendry County, this means the LaBelle courthouse is the only source for very old records.
Florida Laws That Apply
Florida Statute Chapter 741 controls all marriage laws in the state. Chapter 119 covers public records access. Section 741.04 requires both parties to sign an affidavit under oath. Section 741.041 sets the 60-day license validity window. Section 741.0305 sets the license fees and the discount for couples who complete a premarital course. Section 741.09 requires the clerk to keep a correct record of every license issued.
Hendry County Clerk Office Contact
The Hendry County Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the main point of contact for marriage records. The office handles license applications, ceremonies, certified copies, and record searches. The main office sits inside the Hendry County Courthouse in downtown LaBelle.
Office Location and Hours
The clerk’s office is located at 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, Florida 33935. Visitors can park along Hickpochee Avenue or in the courthouse parking lot off South Main Street. The office serves walk-in customers during regular business hours on weekdays.
Phone and Email Contact
The clerk’s office main phone number is (863) 675-5217. Callers can ask about license fees, document requirements, and record search status. Email is available through the clerk’s official website contact form. Mail requests should be sent to P.O. Box 1760, LaBelle, FL 33975.
Hours of Operation
The clerk’s office operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. Marriage license applicants should arrive at least one hour before closing to allow time for paperwork.
Marriage License Requirements
Florida sets the same marriage license rules for every county. Hendry County applicants must meet age, identity, and signature rules before a clerk can issue a license. Both people must appear together at the counter. No one can apply by mail or online for a new license.
Age and ID Requirements
Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. A 17-year-old can marry with written consent from both parents or guardians, and only if the other party is no more than two years older. Each person must bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver license, state ID card, passport, or military ID.
Documents You Need to Bring
Couples should bring specific paperwork to the clerk’s office. U.S. citizens need their Social Security number. Non-citizens need a valid passport or permanent resident card. People who were married before must know the exact date the prior marriage ended through divorce, death, or annulment. The clerk will write this date on the affidavit.
- Valid photo ID for both applicants
- Social Security number for U.S. citizens
- Date when last marriage ended, if any
- Cash, check, or card for the license fee
Residency Rules
Hendry County has no residency rule. A couple can apply in LaBelle even if they live in another state or country. The license works anywhere in Florida. The signed license goes back to the Hendry County clerk after the ceremony, no matter where the wedding takes place in the state.
Marriage License Fees and Costs
Hendry County marriage license fees follow Florida law. The total cost depends on whether the couple completes an approved premarital preparation course. All fees are paid at the time of application and are non-refundable.
Standard License Fee
The standard marriage license fee in Hendry County is $86. This amount includes a $2 application fee charged by the clerk and a $25 contribution to the state’s Domestic Violence Trust Fund. Florida law requires both charges for every license issued in the state.
Discount With Course
Couples who complete a registered premarital course within one year before applying pay $61 instead of $86. The course must be at least four hours long and taught by a registered provider. The course certificate must be presented at the time of application. The discount also removes the three-day waiting period for Florida residents.
Payment Methods
The clerk accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards. Card payments may include a small processing fee. Out-of-state checks are not accepted. The clerk’s office does not accept payment plans or partial payments for marriage licenses.
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard License | $86 | Includes $25 domestic violence fee |
| Discounted License | $61 | Requires premarital course certificate |
| Courthouse Ceremony | $30 | Simple civil ceremony at clerk’s office |
| Certified Copy | $2.50 to $9 | First copy cost varies by year |
How to Find Marriage Records
Searching Hendry County marriage records requires knowing where the records sit and what tools work for each time period. Records since 1927 are available through both the county clerk and the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. Older records exist only at the county level.
Search at the Clerk Office
The clerk’s office performs record searches by the names of the spouses and the approximate marriage date. Walk-in searches happen during business hours at the public records counter. Phone searches happen through the clerk’s records department. The office can search without proof of relationship or reason for the request.
Online Search Tools
Hendry County does not maintain a public online search portal for marriage records. The statewide portal called My Florida County Records includes some counties but not all of Hendry County’s older records. Users can check the state portal at myfloridacounty.com to see what records are posted there for Hendry County events.
State Vital Records Office
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville holds marriage certificates from June 6, 1927 onward. The state office accepts mail requests and online orders through its authorized vendor, VitalChek. Mail orders cost $5 for a one-year search and one certified copy. Online orders through VitalChek cost $15 plus a $7 processing fee per copy.
Genealogy Websites
Websites like FamilySearch and Ancestry host indexed records from many Florida counties. These sites include Hendry County marriage records in their Florida collections. Users can search by name and view scanned images of original records. Free accounts exist at FamilySearch. Ancestry requires a paid subscription for full access.
- FamilySearch.org – free, hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Ancestry.com – paid, owned by Ancestry.com LLC
- MyHeritage.com – paid, with some free indexes
- FindMyPast.com – paid, focused on Florida and U.S. records
Certified Copies and Certificates
Certified copies carry a raised seal or stamp and are accepted by courts, federal agencies, and foreign governments. Regular photocopies do not carry legal weight. The clerk’s office and the state vital records office both issue certified copies of Hendry County marriages.
County Clerk Copies
The Hendry County clerk charges between $2.50 and $9 for the first certified copy, depending on the year the marriage was filed. Additional copies cost less per copy. The fee is set by Florida law and applies to every county clerk in the state. Walk-in requests are filled the same day. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days to process.
State Certificate Costs
The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics charges $5 for a one-year search and one certified copy. Additional copies of the same record cost $4 each. The state certificate is an abstract that shows both names, the marriage date, and the county where the license was issued. The state does not issue a copy of the actual signed marriage license document.
Mail Request Steps
Mail requests to the state office follow a specific process. Applicants must complete a state application form or write a letter that includes both spouse names, the date of marriage, and the county where the license was issued. The letter must include a copy of the requester’s photo ID. Payment must accompany the request as a check or money order.
- Complete the Florida marriage certificate application form
- Include a copy of your valid photo ID
- Add both spouse names and the marriage date
- Include a check or money order for the correct amount
- Mail to P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
Historical Records Before 1927
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics did not begin statewide collection of marriage data until June 6, 1927. Hendry County was created from Lee County in 1923, which limits how far back local marriage records can go. The county has marriage records dating back to its creation. Records from before 1923 would be filed in Lee County.
Records Before 1927
For marriages filed before June 6, 1927, the Hendry County Clerk of Court in LaBelle is the only source. These older records sit in physical books, archived boxes, or microfilm at the courthouse. The clerk’s office can search these records by name and approximate year. Requesters should call ahead so staff can pull the records before the visit.
Church and Cemetery Records
Church records often document marriages that happened before civil registration was common. The Catholic Diocese of Venice covers Hendry County and keeps sacramental records for many Catholic churches. Cemetery records and funeral home files can also confirm marriage dates and family relationships. Local historical societies hold donated family papers and Bibles with marriage entries.
Family History Tips
Genealogists working on Hendry County lines should check multiple sources. Census records show marital status every 10 years. Newspapers printed obituaries and wedding announcements. Local history books published by the Hendry County Historical Society list early settlers and family ties. Combining these sources builds a clear picture of marriages before official records exist.
Apostille and Record Authentication
An apostille is a government stamp that proves a Florida document is real for use in foreign countries that belong to the Hague Apostille Convention. Florida marriage certificates often need an apostille for international name changes, dual citizenship, immigration, or overseas benefits. The Florida Department of State issues apostilles in Tallahassee.
What Is an Apostille
An apostille is a single-page certificate attached to a document with a metal eyelet. The certificate shows the country of origin, the official who signed the document, and the date and place of issuance. Countries that signed the 1961 Hague Convention accept apostilles in place of full diplomatic authentication. About 120 countries accept apostilles today.
Where to Get One
The Florida Department of State Bureau of Commissions and Notaries processes apostille requests. The office accepts original certified marriage certificates by mail or in person. The current fee is $10 per document. Apostille requests can also be made through registered agents who charge extra for service. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days for mail requests.
Correcting Errors on Records
Marriage records sometimes contain misspellings, wrong dates, or missing information. Florida law allows corrections through a formal process. Small clerical errors cost less to fix than substantive changes like a name or date correction.
Common Errors
The most common errors on Hendry County marriage records include misspelled names, wrong birth dates, transposed digits in the marriage date, and missing middle names. Errors often happen because the couple or officiant wrote unclear information on the original affidavit. The clerk tries to catch errors at filing, but some slip past review.
Correction Methods
Minor clerical corrections can be made by the clerk’s office without a court order. These fixes cover obvious typos and misspellings. Substantive corrections, such as changing a name or date, require a court order under Florida law. Couples must file a petition with the Hendry County circuit court and pay a filing fee for substantive changes.
Nearby County Clerk Offices
Hendry County borders several southwest Florida counties. Couples can apply for a marriage license in any Florida county, so knowing nearby offices helps if Hendry County hours do not work. Each county clerk runs its own marriage license and records system.
| County | Clerk Office Location | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Lee County | 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers | (239) 533-5000 |
| Collier County | 3315 Tamiami Trail E, Naples | (239) 252-2646 |
| Charlotte County | 350 E. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda | (941) 833-5000 |
| Glades County | 500 Avenue J, Moore Haven | (863) 946-6010 |
| Palm Beach County | 205 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach | (561) 355-2996 |
| Broward County | 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale | (954) 831-6565 |
Hendry County Clerk Office Reference
The Hendry County Clerk of the Circuit Court remains the official custodian of marriage records for the county. Phone: (863) 675-5217. Address: 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, FL 33935. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1760, LaBelle, FL 33975. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Official Website: hendryclerk.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common situations people face when working with Hendry County marriage records. Each answer reflects Florida law and current clerk office policy. Readers should call the clerk’s office to confirm fees and processing times before sending a request.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Certified Copy by Mail?
Mail requests to the Hendry County Clerk typically take 5 to 10 business days from the date the office receives the letter. State requests to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics take 2 to 4 weeks for mail orders. Online orders through VitalChek process faster, often in 2 to 5 business days. Rush service costs extra and cuts processing to 24 to 48 hours for online orders. Local walk-in requests fill the same day at the counter.
Can I Get a Marriage License if I Was Just Divorced?
Yes, Florida does not have a waiting period after a divorce before a new marriage license can be issued. The clerk requires the exact date the divorce was finalized. If the final judgment was issued within the last 30 days, bring a copy of the judgment to the clerk’s office. The clerk records the divorce date on the affidavit under Section 741.04. A death certificate of a former spouse works the same way for widows and widowers.
Are Hendry County Marriage Records Available for Free Online?
Hendry County does not host a free online search portal for marriage records at this time. FamilySearch.org indexes many Florida marriage records at no cost, including some from Hendry County. Ancestry.com and MyHeritage.com charge subscription fees for full access to indexed records and scanned images. The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics charges $5 for a basic search through its online partner VitalChek.
What Documents Do I Need to Bring for a Marriage License?
Both applicants must bring a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver license, passport, or state ID card. U.S. citizens must provide their Social Security number. Foreign applicants must bring a valid passport and, if applicable, a permanent resident card. Anyone previously married must know the exact date the prior marriage ended. The clerk will not issue a license without all required items present at the counter.
Can a Non-Citizen Get Married in Hendry County?
Yes, Florida does not require U.S. citizenship to marry. The clerk requires a valid passport or permanent resident card for foreign applicants. Tourists on B-2 visas can apply for a marriage license. The same license fee applies to all applicants regardless of citizenship. After the ceremony, couples should request extra certified copies to support any future immigration paperwork filed with USCIS.
How Do I Prove My Marriage for Social Security?
The Social Security Administration accepts a certified copy of the marriage certificate with a raised seal or stamp. Photocopies and informational copies do not meet SSA standards. Request a certified copy from the Hendry County Clerk or the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. SSA also accepts a state certificate issued through VitalChek. Bring the certified copy to your local SSA office along with a photo ID.
What Happens to My Marriage License if I Don’t Use It in 60 Days?
A Hendry County marriage license expires exactly 60 days after the date the clerk issues it. The clerk cannot extend the time frame under Florida law. Couples must apply for a new license and pay the fee again if the original expires before the ceremony. The new license starts a fresh 60-day clock from the new application date. Records of expired licenses stay on file at the clerk’s office.