Florida genealogy records search helps you trace your family roots in the Sunshine State. You can look for birth certificates, death records, marriage files, and census data through official sources.
The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville hold millions of these documents. Each record gives a clue about your ancestors who lived, worked, and raised families in Florida. This page shows you where to look, what you can access, and how to order copies for your family tree project.
Florida became a U.S. state in 1845, but its records go back to the 1500s during Spanish rule. You may find papers from Spanish land grants, British colonial files, Confederate pension records, and early homestead applications. Local county clerks also keep marriage, probate, and court records from the 1800s to today. With the right plan, you can build a full picture of your Florida family line.
Florida State Archives of Florida Records
The State Archives of Florida sits in the R.A. Gray Building at 500 South Bronough Street in Tallahassee. It keeps the most important historical records for the state. The archives collect old government files, family papers, maps, photos, and church books. You can visit the reading room Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The staff will help you search the catalog and pull original records for your visit.
Confederate Pension Application Files
The State Archives holds thousands of Confederate pension files from Florida soldiers and their widows. These files often list birth dates, marriage dates, children’s names, and the soldier’s unit. You may also find doctors’ notes and witness statements. These papers help you link a Civil War ancestor to later generations. Many widows applied for pensions in the 1880s and 1900s, leaving strong family details for researchers.
Spanish Land Grants
Spain controlled Florida from 1513 to 1763 and again from 1783 to 1821. During those years, the Spanish crown gave land grants to settlers and soldiers. The archives hold the original grants with maps, names, and locations. These records help you trace pioneer families who arrived before Florida became a U.S. territory. Grants often name the grantee, family members, and witnesses.
Voter Registration Rolls 1867-1868
After the Civil War, Florida ran its first voter registration in 1867 and 1868. The rolls list African American men who registered to vote after slavery ended. Each entry gives a name, age, occupation, and address. The archives keep these rolls on microfilm and in digital scans. Researchers use these rolls to trace freedmen families and their communities after Emancipation.
World War I Service Cards
The archives hold Florida World War I service cards for over 40,000 men. Each card lists the soldier’s name, birth date, race, address, and next of kin. You can also see when they registered for the draft. Many cards link soldiers to parents and wives, which helps build family groups. Some cards also give a physical description of the man, including height and eye color.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics Records
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps statewide birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. The office sits at 1217 North Pearl Street in Jacksonville, Florida. You can order copies of certificates online, by mail, or by phone. The state uses VitalChek as its official vendor for online orders. Most records reach the state file within 60 days after the event.
Birth Records and Privacy Rules
Florida birth records less than 125 years old stay private. Only the person named on the record, a parent listed on the record, a legal guardian, or a court-appointed representative can order a copy. You must show a valid photo ID when you request a birth certificate. The state holds birth records from 1917 to today for most counties. A few counties have records back to 1850, but coverage is not full.
Death Records and Cause of Death
Florida death records less than 50 years old are open to the public. You can order a copy with or without the cause of death. The cause of death section stays private for 50 years after the death. After that time, it becomes part of the public record. You can use death certificates to find parents, spouses, and burial locations for your ancestors. Death certificates often list the informant, who was usually a family member.
Marriage Records Before and After 1927
The state keeps marriage records from June 6, 1927, to today. Couples who married before that date must contact the county clerk in the county where the license was issued. Each county courthouse keeps its own older marriage files. Some of these files go back to the 1800s. Always check the county first for early Florida marriages.
Divorce Records and Court Files
The Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps divorce decrees from June 6, 1927, to the present. Earlier divorce cases sit with the circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted. A divorce file often names both spouses, their ages, and the grounds for the divorce. You can use these files to confirm family splits or separations. Some older divorce files also list property settlements and child custody terms.
Florida County Clerk Genealogy Records
Florida has 67 counties. Each county has a clerk of court who keeps local records. You can find marriage licenses, probate files, civil court cases, and property deeds at the county level. Many county clerks now post records online through their official websites. For older records, you may need to visit the courthouse in person or hire a local researcher.
Marriage Records Before 1927
Couples who married before June 6, 1927 do not appear in the state file. You must contact the county clerk where the marriage license was issued. Many clerks have index books that list the bride and groom by name. Some older books also show parents’ names, which helps you link to earlier generations. Alachua, Duval, and Escambia counties have the oldest marriage files.
Probate and Estate Files
Probate courts handle wills, estate inventories, and guardianship papers. When someone died with property, the court named an executor or administrator to settle the estate. Probate files often list heirs, their addresses, and the relationship to the deceased. You can use these files to prove parent-child links and to find maiden names for wives. Inventories also list every household item, giving clues about daily life.
Property Deeds and Land Records
County clerks keep deeds, mortgages, and tax records for every property sale. A deed shows the seller, buyer, date, and parcel description. By following the deed chain, you can track a family through one piece of land for many years. Tax rolls from the 1800s and early 1900s also list heads of household and the value of their land. Some tax rolls even list the number of acres, livestock, and slaves for that year.
Court Records and Naturalizations
Circuit courts handle criminal cases, civil suits, and naturalization papers. Before 1906, most U.S. naturalizations happened in local courts. Florida circuit court records from the 1800s include oaths of allegiance and citizenship papers for immigrants. These files give you the immigrant’s birth country, arrival year, and witnesses. You can search indexes on FamilySearch for many Florida naturalization files.
Online Florida Genealogy Databases
You can search many Florida records from your home computer. FamilySearch, Ancestry, and Findmypast hold large Florida collections. The Florida State Archives also runs Florida Memory, a free digital library with photos, maps, and documents. Each website has its own search tools and record types. Use more than one site to cross-check names and dates.
FamilySearch Florida Collections
FamilySearch.org is a free website run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It holds millions of Florida birth, marriage, death, census, and church records. You must create a free account to view most records. FamilySearch also has a wiki page with Florida research tips and links to county-level resources. The site also holds Florida probate records, land records, and Freedmen Bureau papers.
Ancestry.com Florida Records
Ancestry.com is a paid subscription site. It holds Florida census images, city directories, military records, and a large vital records index. Many Florida collections cover the 1800s and 1900s. You can also connect your family tree to other Ancestry users who may share your ancestors. Ancestry also holds U.S. passport applications, Florida voter lists, and Florida school yearbooks from the 1900s.
Florida Memory Digital Collections
Florida Memory is a free digital archive run by the State Library and Archives. It holds photos, maps, films, audio recordings, and documents. The collection covers Florida history from the 1500s to today. You can search by name, place, or topic. Many items have full transcripts you can read online. The site also hosts a free newspaper collection with over 4 million pages from Florida papers.
Military Records for Florida Ancestors
Florida residents served in every major U.S. war. You can find their service records through federal and state sources. The National Archives in Washington, D.C. holds federal military files. The State Archives keeps state-level records like the Florida Confederate pension files and the World War I service cards. Local county courthouses also hold enlistment papers and militia rolls.
Civil War and Confederate Records
Florida sent about 15,000 men to fight for the Confederacy. You can find their service records through fold3.com and the National Archives. Many Florida soldiers also appear on Civil War muster rolls and pension rolls. The State Archives holds the original Florida Confederate pension applications, which were filed between 1885 and 1940. These files give names of widows, children, and parents.
Spanish and British Colonial Wars
During the Spanish and British periods, soldiers served in colonial militias. Their records are sparse but exist in colonial archives in Seville, England, and St. Augustine. The State Archives holds copies of some Spanish and British papers from Florida. The St. Augustine Historical Society also keeps colonial-era documents. Researchers often find names of soldiers who served at Fort San Marcos and other presidios.
Revolutionary War Pension Files
Some Florida residents served in the American Revolution, even though Florida was a British colony at the time. A few patriots received land grants in Florida after 1783. The National Archives holds Revolutionary War pension files. You can search them through fold3.com or request copies by mail. Some pensioners later moved to Florida and appear on early Florida census records.
World War I and World War II Draft Cards
Florida men registered for the World War I draft in 1917 and 1918. Their cards list birth dates, addresses, and next of kin. The State Archives has these cards on microfilm. For World War II, draft registration cards from 1942 cover most of the U.S. male population. Ancestry and FamilySearch both index these records. Each card often gives a person’s employer and physical description.
Florida Newspapers, Cemeteries, and Obituaries
Old newspapers often print obituaries, marriage announcements, and local news. Florida had many small-town papers in the 1800s and early 1900s. Cemetery headstones also list birth and death dates. These three sources together help you build a full life story for your ancestor. Newspaper ads also tell you about local businesses, schools, and church meetings.
Historical Florida Newspapers
The State Archives runs a free newspaper collection on Florida Memory. It includes papers from Pensacola, Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, and many small towns. You can search by name and date. Chronicling America at the Library of Congress also has Florida papers from 1863 to 1922. Many old newspapers are also on Newspapers.com. The Gateway newspapers and Pensacola Journal are common sources for early Florida obituaries.
Cemetery and Burial Records
Florida has thousands of cemeteries, from small family plots to large city burial grounds. Find A Grave and BillionGraves let you search millions of headstone photos. You can also contact local churches and funeral homes for older burial lists. Cemetery records often give birth dates, death dates, and spouse names. Some cemetery offices keep plot maps and burial registers that go back over 100 years.
Obituary Archives Online
Obituaries give the most life details in one short piece. They often list parents, siblings, spouses, children, jobs, and church memberships. Newspapers.com, Ancestry, and FamilySearch all index Florida obituaries. The State Library and Archives in Tallahassee also keeps microfilmed obituary files for many Florida towns. You can also find modern obituaries through Legacy.com and local funeral home websites.
Florida Historical Societies and Libraries
Local historical societies hold private collections of family papers, photos, and town records. Many of these groups have research libraries you can visit. They also answer questions by email or phone. Joining a local society often gives you access to materials not held anywhere else. Most societies charge a small yearly fee for membership and access to research files.
Florida Historical Society
The Florida Historical Society sits in Cocoa, Florida. It runs the Florida Historical Society Library, which holds books, maps, and family papers. Members get a quarterly journal with new research and book reviews. The society also hosts annual meetings where you can meet other researchers. Their collection covers all regions of Florida, from the Panhandle to the Keys.
Local County Historical Societies
Almost every Florida county has a local historical society. These groups keep files on pioneer families, old homes, and town history. Many local groups publish small books or pamphlets with cemetery readings, marriage lists, and family Bible records. You can find their contact details through the state society or the public library. The Halifax Historical Museum and the Orange County Regional History Center are strong local resources.
Florida State Library and Archives
The State Library of Florida sits next to the State Archives in Tallahassee. It holds books, periodicals, microfilm, and digital databases. You can use Ancestry Library Edition, Fold3, and HeritageQuest for free on-site. The library staff can help you plan your search and pull the right books from the closed stacks. The library also has a large map collection, including Sanborn fire insurance maps for Florida towns.
Family History Centers
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints runs Family History Centers across Florida. These centers offer free access to FamilySearch and other databases. Staff volunteers can help you use the site and read microfilm. Centers are open to the public, even if you are not a member of the church. Major centers sit in Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, and Pensacola.
Florida Genealogy Research Tips and Privacy Rules
Florida has clear privacy laws for vital records. Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes covers birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. Chapter 119 covers public records access. Birth records less than 125 years old are private. Death records less than 50 years old have private cause of death. These rules help families protect their data and still allow historical research.
Start with Family Interviews
Talk to your oldest living relatives first. Ask for full names, dates, places, and family stories. Write down every detail, even small ones. Old family Bibles, photo albums, and letters often hold names you cannot find anywhere else. This first step saves you time at the archives later. Always ask open questions so relatives can share memories freely.
Work Backward in Time
Start with what you know and move to older records. A death certificate may name the parents. A marriage license may show the previous marriage. A census record may list siblings. Each record leads to the next clue. Move one step at a time so you do not skip a generation. Always cite your source for each new fact.
Use All Census Years
The federal census was taken every 10 years from 1790 to 1950. Florida became a state in 1845, so the first full Florida census was in 1850. The 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, and 1940 censuses also cover Florida. Each census lists name, age, occupation, and state of birth for every family member. The 1880 and 1900 censuses also list the parents’ birth states.
Track Name and Place Changes
Some Florida counties and towns changed names over the years. For example, parts of St. Johns County became Duval County in 1845. Some towns were renamed after the railroads arrived. Always check whether the place your ancestor lived is now part of a different county. The FamilySearch Wiki lists these changes for every Florida county. Older records may list a town name that no longer exists.
Join a Florida Genealogy Society
The Florida Genealogical Society meets in Tampa and hosts events across the state. Members get access to society journals, record indexes, and research trips. Local chapters also run beginner classes. Joining a society connects you to other researchers who may share your family lines. The society also publishes a quarterly journal with new Florida genealogy records and tips.
Official Contact Details for Florida Genealogy Records
You can contact the State Archives of Florida and the Bureau of Vital Statistics using the details below. Both offices answer questions by phone, email, and mail during business hours. The archives staff can help you plan a research trip. The vital statistics office handles orders for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates.
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Archives of Florida | 500 S. Bronough St., Tallahassee, FL 32399 | (850) 245-6700 | Mon-Fri, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics | 1217 N. Pearl St., Jacksonville, FL 32231 | (904) 359-6900 | Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Florida State Library | 500 S. Bronough St., Tallahassee, FL 32399 | (850) 245-6680 | Mon-Fri, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| VitalChek Certificate Orders | Online Only | 1-877-550-7330 | 24/7 Phone Support |
You can also email the State Archives at archives@dos.fl.gov or visit the website at dos.fl.gov/library-archives/archives. For vital records orders, use the Florida Department of Health website at floridahealth.gov/certificates-records. The VitalChek website is vitalchek.com. The FamilySearch Florida page is familysearch.org/en/wiki/Florida.
Florida Genealogy Records Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions about Florida genealogy records search. Each answer gives you a clear starting point and points to the right office or website. Use these to plan your research, save time, and avoid common mistakes. If your question does not appear here, contact the State Archives or the Bureau of Vital Statistics directly for help. The answers below reflect current Florida law as of 2026.
Where do I start a Florida genealogy records search?
Start by talking to your oldest relatives and writing down every name, date, and place you can remember. Then check the U.S. census for those ancestors from 1850 onward. Florida state records begin mostly after 1917 for births, 1927 for marriages, and 1877 for deaths. The State Archives in Tallahassee holds older historical papers like Spanish land grants and Confederate pension files. FamilySearch.org is a good free starting point for online records.
Can I view Florida birth records for free?
Florida birth records less than 125 years old are not free to view. You must order a certified copy through the Bureau of Vital Statistics or VitalChek. You can search free indexes on FamilySearch to find the certificate number. Birth records more than 125 years old become public and may be on free genealogy websites. State Archives microfilm may also hold older birth records for some counties.
How do I find old Florida marriage records before 1927?
For marriages before June 6, 1927, contact the county clerk of court where the license was issued. Each county keeps its own older marriage files. You can search their index books online or visit the courthouse. FamilySearch also has many Florida county marriage indexes from the 1800s. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics only holds records from 1927 forward.
What is the Florida State Archives address and phone number?
The State Archives of Florida sits at 500 South Bronough Street in Tallahassee, Florida 32399. The phone number is (850) 245-6700. The reading room is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can email the staff at archives@dos.fl.gov. The website is dos.fl.gov/library-archives/archives.
How can I find Florida Confederate or Civil War records?
Start with the Florida Confederate pension files at the State Archives. These files cover thousands of soldiers and widows who applied between 1885 and 1940. You can also search fold3.com for federal service records and muster rolls. The National Archives in Washington, D.C. holds the original federal military files. Many Florida Civil War rosters are on FamilySearch and Ancestry.
Are there free Florida genealogy databases online?
Yes. FamilySearch.org holds millions of Florida records for free. Florida Memory at floridamemory.com holds photos, maps, newspapers, and state documents. Chronicling America at loc.gov holds Florida newspapers from 1863 to 1922. Find A Grave and BillionGraves hold cemetery photos. The State Archives website also has research tutorials and catalog searches.
How long does it take to get a Florida vital record by mail?
Mail orders through the Bureau of Vital Statistics take about 4 to 6 weeks. Online orders through VitalChek take about 5 to 7 business days. Rush shipping is available for an extra fee. You must show valid photo ID and the right fee when you order. The bureau does not accept phone orders for certificates.