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Land clearing permits in Hendry County and Glades County, FL

Always confirm with the county. This page summarizes public information we checked in November 2026. Rules, forms and fees change, and your parcel's situation (city limits, zoning, wetlands, flood zone, agricultural status) can change the answer. Call or visit the county or city before any clearing starts. This is general information, not legal advice, and we are a referral service, not a contractor or permitting agent.

Clearing land without the right permit can lead to stop-work orders, fines, or a requirement to restore what was removed. The good news is that in Hendry County the process for a standard land clearing permit is published and fairly straightforward. Glades County handles things differently. Here is what to know for each, plus the state agencies that can be involved no matter which county you are in.

Hendry County (LaBelle, Port LaBelle, Clewiston area, Felda, Montura, Pioneer)

Hendry County's published land clearing guidelines (Hendry County Land Clearing Guidelines (PDF)) state that a permit is required for land clearing under county code Section 1-58-6(a)(5), except for:

clearing for bona fide agricultural purposes, and
clearing required for house pads and development already approved through a site development plan or subdivision plat.

The guidelines also note that no contractor license is required for this particular permit, so an owner can apply. That does not mean the person doing the work needs no license or insurance for everything else, so still check your provider.

What Hendry County asks you to submit

A completed Accessory Use permit application.
A description of the purpose of the clearing.
Proof of ownership from public records (tax bill or recorded deed). If you are not the owner of record, written permission from the owner.
A boundary survey showing existing structures, all easements and the flood zone. The owner must locate markers and stake the property before the first inspection.
A site plan or copy of the survey showing every area to be cleared and the drainage and right-of-way easements.
A Florida DEP wetlands determination letter or permit, if applicable.
Proof of no floodway encroachment, if applicable.
An approved driveway permit, if applicable.
Receipts for proper debris disposal, or, if debris will be burned on site, the authorization number for an open burn approved by the Florida Forest Service.

Applications go to Hendry County Building & Licensing, 640 South Main Street, LaBelle, (863) 675-5245, with a Clewiston office at 1100 S. Olympia Street, (863) 983-1463. Zoning and land-use questions go to Hendry County Planning & Zoning.

Inside city limits

If your land is inside the city limits of LaBelle or Clewiston, check with the city too, because the city may have its own development rules or be the permitting authority: City of LaBelle and City of Clewiston.

Agricultural clearing

The agricultural exemption is for bona fide agriculture. If you are relying on it, confirm your parcel's agricultural classification with the Hendry County Property Appraiser and the Building Department before you start, because clearing a parcel and later building on it can raise questions about whether the clearing was really agricultural.

Glades County (Moore Haven and the rest of the county)

We did not find a published land-clearing permit checklist for Glades County like Hendry's. That does not mean no approval is needed. Glades County's Glades County Building Department handles building permits and inspections (the county lists (863) 946-6018 for inspections and appointments), and Glades County Planning & Zoning administers the county's Land Development Regulations, zoning and land-use verification. Before clearing in Moore Haven, Buckhead Ridge or anywhere else in Glades County, call the county, describe the clearing, and ask what permit or approval applies. If the work is tied to a new home or driveway, those permits will apply anyway.

State and federal rules that apply everywhere

Gopher tortoises

Gopher tortoises are a protected species in Florida, and their burrows are common in the sandy uplands of both counties. If burrows are present where you plan to clear, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rules generally require a permit and relocation by an authorized agent before land clearing. See FWC gopher tortoise permits.

Wetlands

Cypress heads, wet prairies and creek edges may be regulated wetlands. Hendry's checklist asks for a Florida DEP wetlands determination where applicable, and federal rules can also apply. Ask before clearing anything that holds water part of the year.

Burning debris

Open burning of land clearing debris requires an authorization from the Florida Forest Service: Florida Forest Service burn authorizations. Burn bans are common in dry spring months.

Flood zones and drainage

Much of the area is in mapped flood zones and crossed by drainage easements. Your survey should show both, and clearing that changes drainage onto neighbors or into a floodway can trigger more review.

A simple checklist before you clear

Find your parcel ID and confirm city vs. county jurisdiction.
Call the county (or city) and describe the job; ask whether a permit is needed.
Check for wetlands, gopher tortoise burrows, flood zone and easements.
Decide how debris will be handled: mulched, hauled or burned with authorization.
Get the scope and any permit responsibilities in writing from your provider.

Ready to price the work? See land clearing cost or request free quotes.

Services

Towns

Request free quotes or call (863) 265-5323