Hendry County Flood Zones
County seat: LaBelle. 40,798 residents. Inland county.
Flood risk in Hendry County
Situated in inland Florida, Hendry County faces a distinct flood profile characterized by moderate rain flood risk rather than coastal storm surge exposure. As a landlocked region, the area is shielded from direct ocean inundation but remains vulnerable to heavy precipitation and localized drainage issues that can affect communities like Clewiston and LaBelle. The county's history reflects the broader impact of major regional weather systems, evidenced by multiple FEMA-declared disasters in recent years. Notably, Hurricane Ian in 2022 and Hurricane Milton in 2024 prompted federal disaster declarations for Hendry, highlighting how even inland areas can suffer significant impacts from high-wind events and the associated torrential rainfall. These declarations follow a pattern of repeated storm activity, including Tropical Storm Debby and earlier hurricanes like Irma and Dorian, which have tested local infrastructure and emergency response capabilities over the last decade. While the absence of a coastline eliminates the threat of rising tides, the combination of flat topography and intense seasonal storms creates persistent hazards for residents during wet seasons. Homeowners and property buyers in this area should verify their specific flood zone designations and review their insurance coverage to ensure adequate protection against water damage from heavy rains, as standard policies may not cover these inland flooding events.
Risk profile
Located in inland Florida, Hendry County faces moderate rain flood risk despite having low storm surge exposure. The county, which includes Clewiston and LaBelle, has experienced multiple FEMA-declared hurricane events in recent years, including Hurricane Ian in 2022 and Hurricane Milton in 2024.
Recent FEMA-declared storms
Tropical systems that triggered federal disaster declarations covering Hendry County (most recent first):
- Hurricane Milton (2024)
- TS Debby (2024)
- TS Nicole (2022)
- Hurricane Ian (2022)
- Hurricane Dorian (2019)
- Hurricane Irma (2017)
- Hurricane Matthew (2016)
- Hurricane Katrina (2005)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries.
Major cities in Hendry County
- Clewiston7,496
- LaBelle5,472
Source: US Census SUB-EST 2024.
Need real numbers, not estimates?
Buying or selling in Hendry County? A local Florida agent can tell you how flood zone affects price, insurance, and closing.
FAQ
What flood zones are in Hendry County?
Hendry County contains a mix of FEMA flood zones. Areas near rivers, lakes, and low-elevation drainage typically fall in Special Flood Hazard Areas (zones A, AE, AH), while higher-elevation areas are usually Zone X. Use the lookup tool above to check any specific address against the live National Flood Hazard Layer.
What hurricanes have impacted Hendry County recently?
Storms that triggered FEMA disaster declarations covering Hendry County since 2019: Milton (2024), Debby (2024), Nicole (2022), Ian (2022), Dorian (2019). Federal disaster declarations cover both direct landfall counties and surrounding counties eligible for federal assistance.
Is flood insurance required in Hendry County?
Flood insurance is federally required for any property in a Special Flood Hazard Area (zones beginning with A or V) that has a federally backed mortgage. In Zone X it is optional but often inexpensive. The lookup tool above tells you whether a specific address falls in an SFHA.
What is the population of Hendry County?
40,798 residents (ACS5 2023, US Census). The county seat is LaBelle.
Sources: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer, OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations, US Census Bureau (ACS 5-year, SUB-EST 2024), Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Flood zone designations and risk profiles change over time — always verify with the official lookup before making property decisions.