Hendry County, Florida

Hendry County is an inland part of Florida known for its agriculture and wide-open spaces rather than beaches or theme parks. LaBelle, the county seat, is located along the Caloosahatchee River and serves as an important community in the region.

Vast sugar cane fields dominate much of the landscape. Clewiston, often called “America’s Sweetest Town,” is closely associated with the sugar industry and is home to U.S. Sugar Corporation. Agriculture remains central to daily life, with farms and tractors far more common than large crowds of tourists.

Lake Okeechobee forms part of Hendry County’s northern boundary and provides excellent opportunities for fishing and boating. Airboat rides are also popular with visitors hoping to see alligators and Florida wildlife. The county has a rich Seminole and early settler history, adding another layer to its distinctive Old Florida character.

CategoryDetails
County NameHendry County
County SeatLaBelle
EtymologyNamed after the early settler, Henry “Hendry” Williams
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesLaBelle, Clewiston, Labelle, Felda, Montura Ranch Estates
Interstates and HighwaysU.S. 27, U.S. 41, SR 80, SR 29
FIPS Code12-051
Total Area (Land and Water)1,175 square miles (land: 1,105 sq mi, water: 70 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction) Glades County (North), Martin County (Northeast), Okeechobee County (Northeast), Palm Beach County (East), Broward County (Southeast), Collier County (South), Lee County (West), Charlotte County (West)
Time ZoneEastern Time Zone (ET)
StateFlorida
Coordinates26.7463° N, 81.4207° W
Major Landmarks Lake Okeechobee, Big Cypress National Preserve, Hendry County Courthouse
PopulationApproximately 40,000
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