Located in south-central Florida, Hendry County not only can boast proximity to beaches, leisure, and commerce, but is considered a destination itself. Nestled on the southwestern shores of Lake Okeechobee, visitors can enjoy some of the best bass fishing in the country. In 2020, Lake Okeechobee was voted #10 by Bassmaster Magazine's 100 Best Bass Lakes of the Decade.
Hendry County, known as the “True nature of Southern Florida” offers adventures for any sports enthusiast. From hunting and fishing to skydiving and camping, outdoor sportsmen find the ultimate getaway vacation.
The population of Hendry County is roughly 40,000 and has two cities: LaBelle and Clewiston. Hendry’s top industry is agriculture, producing food for a large portion of the Country year-round, but more importantly during colder months when crop production has halted in northern States. In fact, in 2017, Hendry County had 433,113 acres of land dedicated to farms.
Advances in technology have increased the productivity and quality of the farming industry in Hendry. The nearby Southwest Florida Research & Education Center supported by IFAS and the University of Florida conducts research and monitoring throughout the vast acreage of animal and crop farms found in Hendry. From the use of outdoor Wi-Fi networks to control tractors and harvesting to drone usage, Hendry is incorporating new techniques based on scientific research each year.
Hendry is home to a younger population, a vast contrast to neighboring counties with retirees and seasonal residents. The younger demographic and location have caught the attention of businesses and entrepreneurs looking to become a part of the Florida economy.
Hendry sits along major transportation corridors allowing ease of access to large metropolitan areas such as Miami, Ft. Myers, and Orlando. Highway 80, an east-west coast connector and highways 27 and 29, north-south connectors allow movement of freight and cargo, as well as people throughout the state. These roads connect to larger networks such as interstates or the Florida Turnpike.
Industrial sites and housing communities are on the rise as coastal communities become denser and growth moves inland. Manufacturing is also on the rise. The availability of competitively priced, large tracts of land and available workforce within the region is attractive to developers and site selectors when compared to other parts of the State.
When Airglades International Airport, an international cargo hub, is fully operational, importing and exporting opportunities will be a compliment to the growing community. The development of the airport is expected to increase the surrounding distribution and manufacturing clusters for the area.
The Hendry County Economic Development Council serves as the primary countywide economic development organization for all of Hendry County. For more information on services available to facilitate your business plans, call 863-675-6007 or email office@hendryedc.com.
