Active Criminal Investigation
In late September and early October 2025, the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office launched a criminal investigation into irregularities and "concerning business practices" at Clewiston City Hall. Multiple tips led detectives to subpoena documents and execute a search warrant, removing bags of evidence for review. This investigation, which began with reports in August, is ongoing and considered highly sensitive by local authorities.
Areas of Concern
Authorities have not disclosed the exact nature of the irregularities, but search warrants and subpoenas focused on documentation related to city business practices, including building permits. The probe is reportedly targeting records management, approval processes, and possible permitting fraud or code violations.
Previous issues highlighted by Clewiston's Code Enforcement Division include alleged construction begun without proper permits, and concerns about transparency in permit issuance and contractor verification. The code enforcement office regularly addresses complaints about construction prior to obtaining permits and minimum housing/building standards.
Authorities have not disclosed the exact nature of the irregularities, but search warrants and subpoenas focused on documentation related to city business practices, including building permits. The probe is reportedly targeting records management, approval processes, and possible permitting fraud or code violations.
Previous issues highlighted by Clewiston's Code Enforcement Division include alleged construction begun without proper permits, and concerns about transparency in permit issuance and contractor verification. The code enforcement office regularly addresses complaints about construction prior to obtaining permits and minimum housing/building standards.
Oversight and Reporting
Citizens with concerns about building code compliance, permit fraud, or illegal work are encouraged to file official complaints with the city’s Code Enforcement Division or Hendry County authorities. All complaints and tips must include the name and address of the reporting party (in accordance with recent amendments to Florida statutes).
Building permits, inspections, and city government records are subject to both city-level and county-level audits. Contractors are required to be licensed and insured, and the permits should be pulled in the contractor’s name, not the homeowner’s.
Citizens with concerns about building code compliance, permit fraud, or illegal work are encouraged to file official complaints with the city’s Code Enforcement Division or Hendry County authorities. All complaints and tips must include the name and address of the reporting party (in accordance with recent amendments to Florida statutes).
Building permits, inspections, and city government records are subject to both city-level and county-level audits. Contractors are required to be licensed and insured, and the permits should be pulled in the contractor’s name, not the homeowner’s.
Recent Public Statements
The city has not issued detailed public statements about the investigation, citing its sensitive nature. Media reports confirm ongoing coordination between City Hall, the Sheriff’s Office, and the State Attorney’s Office on the case.
Summary:
The city has not issued detailed public statements about the investigation, citing its sensitive nature. Media reports confirm ongoing coordination between City Hall, the Sheriff’s Office, and the State Attorney’s Office on the case.
Summary:
Clewiston FL is facing an active criminal investigation into business and permitting practices at City Hall, including allegations potentially involving permit fraud or irregularities in building code enforcement.
Authorities are reviewing city documentation and encourage public reporting of any suspected violations, while details remain confidential as the case develops.
There is an active criminal investigation into building permit irregularities at Clewiston City Hall in Hendry County, FL. Hendry County Sheriff's Office investigators have, as of late September and early October 2025, executed a search warrant at City Hall after receiving multiple tips regarding "concerning business practices," specifically involving city documents and permit records.
The investigation, which started in August 2025, involves scrutiny of documentation related to building permits and compliance issues. Evidence seized includes several large bags of records, and the case is ongoing with detectives working closely with the State Attorney’s Office. Authorities have not publicly specified the exact nature or individuals involved in the alleged permit irregularities, but permit fraud and improper approvals are under review.
Code enforcement in Clewiston is tasked with ensuring that all construction requires a permit and is done according to local and state codes, with regular inspections and verification of contractor licensure. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious or unauthorized building activity through official channels, including the Code Enforcement Division and permitting office.
In summary, if you are dealing with permitting processes or suspect irregularities, contact Clewiston Code Enforcement or the Hendry County Sheriff's Office. The city is working to ensure compliance and transparency during this investigation.
The investigation, which started in August 2025, involves scrutiny of documentation related to building permits and compliance issues. Evidence seized includes several large bags of records, and the case is ongoing with detectives working closely with the State Attorney’s Office. Authorities have not publicly specified the exact nature or individuals involved in the alleged permit irregularities, but permit fraud and improper approvals are under review.
Code enforcement in Clewiston is tasked with ensuring that all construction requires a permit and is done according to local and state codes, with regular inspections and verification of contractor licensure. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious or unauthorized building activity through official channels, including the Code Enforcement Division and permitting office.
In summary, if you are dealing with permitting processes or suspect irregularities, contact Clewiston Code Enforcement or the Hendry County Sheriff's Office. The city is working to ensure compliance and transparency during this investigation.
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