Coral Springs City Florida genealogy records help you trace family roots in this planned South Florida community. Coral Springs sits in Broward County and was founded in 1963.
The city grew from bean fields and marshland into a large suburb of more than 140,000 people. Many early families moved here in the 1960s and 1970s to build homes in the planned neighborhoods. Their descendants now search for birth, marriage, death, and property records. This page covers every official and online source for Coral Springs family history research.
Quick Facts About Coral Springs
Coral Springs belongs to Broward County in southeast Florida. It is the fifth largest city in the county. The city has a population of 140,808 people. Coral Springs was officially incorporated in 1963. Knowing these facts helps you set the right time frame for your research. Most family records for Coral Springs residents start from the mid-1960s forward.
County and Location
Coral Springs lies about 12 miles west of Fort Lauderdale. It is part of the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach metro area. Broward County keeps all official records for the city. You will need to contact Broward County offices for most legal documents. The county seat is Fort Lauderdale, where the main clerk office sits.
Why the City Was Built
A company called Coral Ridge Properties planned the whole city in the early 1960s. Developers bought 3,860 acres of farmland and marsh. They mapped out streets, parks, schools, and shopping centers before any homes were built. The first families moved in during 1963 and 1964. Knowing this history helps you know where to look for early homeowner records.
Broward County Library Coral Springs Branch
The Broward County Library Coral Springs Branch is the main local source for family history research. The branch connects you to county-wide resources and free database access. Staff can help you start your search or solve hard problems. Most researchers visit this library first.
Library Address and Contact
The library sits at 10077 NW 29th Street, Coral Springs, FL 33065. You can call the branch at (954) 357-7490. The library opens Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday hours run 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday hours run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The branch closes on Sundays. Free parking is available in the front lot.
Free Genealogy Databases at the Library
Your library card gives you free access to Ancestry Library Edition. This site has all U.S. census records from 1790 to 1950. It also has Florida newspapers, immigration lists, and military draft cards. You can use the database only inside the library building. HeritageQuest offers remote access with your library card number. HeritageQuest has census records, Freedmen’s Bureau records, and local history books. Both databases help you trace Coral Springs families who came from other states or countries.
Local History Books and Maps
The Coral Springs branch keeps a strong collection of Broward County history books. You can find books about the western communities built in the 1960s and 1970s. Old city maps show how land was divided before houses went up. Some maps name the original developers and planners. The library also has city directories from the 1970s onward. These list every homeowner by name and address. They help you track a family through each decade.
Newspapers on Microfilm
The library holds microfilm copies of the Sun Sentinel newspaper. Coverage goes back to the 1960s for western Broward County news. The collection includes the Coral Springs Forum and other local papers. Newspapers hold birth notices, wedding announcements, and obituaries. They often name parents, children, and siblings of the person mentioned. Staff can help you set up the microfilm readers.
Coral Springs Historical Society Archives
The Coral Springs Historical Society preserves the story of the city’s early days. The society started in the 1970s to collect photos, papers, and objects from the city’s founding. Volunteers run the archives and answer research questions. Their collection fills in gaps that official records leave out.
What the Archives Hold
The society keeps more than 5,000 photographs of early Coral Springs. Photos show the first homes, schools, and shopping centers. Many photos show the construction crews at work. Some photos name the people pictured. You can request copies of photos for a small fee. The society also holds documents from the original Coral Ridge Properties developers. These papers list the first land sales and family names who bought lots.
How to Contact the Historical Society
The society holds meetings at the Coral Springs Museum of Art. The museum sits at 2855 Coral Springs Drive. You can reach the society through the city’s main phone line at (954) 344-1188. Researchers should call ahead to set up an appointment. The archives are open on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Members of the society get free research help.
Broward County Clerk of Court Records
The Broward County Clerk of Courts keeps all legal records for Coral Springs. The main office sits in Fort Lauderdale at 201 SE 6th Street. The clerk handles marriage licenses, property deeds, probate files, and court cases. Many of these records are now online. Some go back to 1915, when Broward County was formed.
Marriage Licenses and Divorce Records
Marriage licenses for Broward County start in 1915. Each license names the bride and groom. It gives their ages, birthplaces, and parents’ names. You can search the clerk’s online index from home. The website is browardclerk.org. Divorce records sit at the Broward County Courthouse in the Family Division. Older divorce files from the 1920s through 1960s are open to the public. Each file names children and property.
Property Deeds and Land Records
Property deeds show who owned each piece of land over time. Coral Springs land was mostly sold by Coral Ridge Properties starting in 1963. You can search deeds online at the clerk’s website. The records name buyers and their spouses. Spouse names help you find a wife’s maiden name. Deed records go back to 1915 for all of Broward County.
Probate and Wills
Probate records name the heirs of people who died in Broward County. Wills list children, grandchildren, and property. Estate inventories show what families owned at death. These records help you prove family links. The clerk keeps probate files from 1915 forward. Older files are open to the public. You can search the online index by name.
Florida State Archives in Tallahassee
The Florida State Archives holds records from all 67 Florida counties. The archives sit in the R.A. Gray Building in Tallahassee. You can visit in person or order copies by mail. Many records are now online through their website. The archives cover state-wide history from Spanish colonial times to the present.
Death Certificates
The State Archives keeps Florida death certificates from 1877 onward. Each certificate names the deceased person, parents, and cause of death. The certificate also gives the burial place. Death certificates are open to the public after 50 years. You can order copies through the Florida Department of Health website at floridahealth.gov. The archives office phone number is (850) 245-6719.
State Census Records
Florida took its own census in 1885, 1935, and 1945. These state censuses fill gaps between federal census years. They name every person in each household. They give ages and birthplaces. State census records are open to the public. You can view them at the State Archives or through FamilySearch.org.
Birth Certificates
Florida birth certificates are restricted for 100 years. Only the person named, their parents, or legal heirs can order them. After 100 years, birth records become public. Records from 1917 and earlier are now open. You can order older birth certificates through the State Archives or the Florida Department of Health.
Federal Census Records for Coral Springs
Federal census records help you trace Coral Springs families from 1970 forward. The 1960 census was the last one taken before the city existed. The 1970 census is the first to list Coral Springs residents. Census records name every person in the household. They give ages, birthplaces, and family relationships.
1970 Through 2020 Census
The 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2010 censuses are all open to the public. The 2020 census will open in 2032. You can search these records on Ancestry.com or FamilySearch.org. The National Archives website at archives.gov also has free census images. Each census year gives different details, like years of education or income.
Why Census Records Matter
Census records help you place a family in Coral Springs at a specific time. You can track moves within the city. You can see when children were born. You can find neighbors who might be related. Census records also confirm names and ages that match other documents.
Florida Department of Health Vital Records
The Florida Department of Health runs the Bureau of Vital Statistics. This office handles all state birth and death certificates. The office sits in Jacksonville at 1217 Pearl Street. You can order records online, by mail, or in person. The main website is floridahealth.gov.
How to Order Birth Records
You can order a Florida birth certificate online through the department’s website. The fee is $25 for each certificate. You will need a valid photo ID. Mail orders take 4 to 6 weeks. Online orders take 3 to 5 business days. Walk-in orders at the Jacksonville office are ready the same day.
How to Order Death Records
Death records follow the same process as birth records. Death records less than 50 years old are restricted. Only immediate family or legal heirs can order them. After 50 years, death records become public. The fee is the same as birth certificates. You can pay by credit card, check, or money order.
Online Genealogy Databases
Online databases make it easy to search Coral Springs records from home. Most databases let you search by name and date. Some databases are free. Others charge a monthly fee. Many Florida records are now scanned and indexed.
FamilySearch.org
FamilySearch is a free website run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The site has Florida marriage records, death records, and census images. You can create a free account and build a family tree. The site also has Broward County school records and city directories. FamilySearch has a large collection of Florida microfilm that has been digitized.
Ancestry.com
Ancestry.com is the largest paid genealogy site. A subscription costs about $25 per month. The site has all U.S. census records, immigration lists, and military records. Florida newspapers are also on Ancestry. Many public libraries offer free Ancestry access on their computers. You can search the Ancestry Card Catalog to see what Florida records are available.
Find a Grave
Find a Grave is a free website at findagrave.com. Volunteers have photographed gravestones across Florida. The site lists burials at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens and other local cemeteries. Each listing gives birth and death dates. Some listings have photos and family links. You can request a photo of a gravestone from volunteers worldwide.
Cemetery Records in Coral Springs
Cemetery records help you find birth and death dates. Many Coral Springs families are buried at local cemeteries. The main cemeteries in the area include Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens and Star of David Memorial Gardens. Both cemeteries sit just outside city limits. Their records go back to the 1960s.
Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens
Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens sits at 200 NW 137th Avenue in Pompano Beach. The cemetery office phone number is (954) 974-8600. The office can help you locate a grave and confirm burial dates. The cemetery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can visit the office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Star of David Memorial Gardens
Star of David Memorial Gardens sits at 7701 Bailey Road in North Lauderdale. The cemetery office phone number is (954) 721-2600. The cemetery serves Jewish families from Coral Springs and surrounding cities. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday hours run 9 a.m. to noon.
Military Records for Coral Springs Veterans
Military records help you trace veterans and their families. Coral Springs has a large veteran population. Veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and later wars settled here. You can request records through the National Archives.
National Archives Military Records
The National Archives keeps military service records for all U.S. veterans. You can order records online at archives.gov. World War II enlistment records are free to search. You will need the veteran’s full name, service number, and branch. Some records are restricted for 62 years after separation.
Broward County Veterans Services
Broward County has a Veterans Services office. The office sits at 2995 N. Dixie Highway in Oakland Park. The phone number is (954) 357-6622. The office helps veterans get copies of their DD-214 discharge papers. These papers show service dates and awards. They help prove military service for benefit claims.
Florida Historical Society and State Library
The Florida Historical Society sits in Cocoa Beach at 435 Brevard Avenue. The society keeps old Florida books, maps, and papers. The society library is open to researchers. You can contact them at (321) 690-1971. The Florida State Library also has a strong genealogy collection. The library sits in Tallahassee at 500 S. Bronough Street.
Florida State Library Collection
The Florida State Library has books on Florida families, counties, and towns. The collection includes family history books donated by researchers. You can search the online catalog at dos.fl.gov. The library offers free lookups by mail. You can also visit the library Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Church and Cemetery Records
Church records help you trace baptisms, marriages, and burials before government records began. Coral Springs has many churches that have served the area since the 1960s. Some churches keep their own archives of membership and events.
Local Church Archives
First United Methodist Church of Coral Springs keeps records dating to 1964. The church office phone number is (954) 752-0333. St. Andrews Catholic Church keeps baptism records from 1965 forward. The church office phone number is (954) 753-7180. You can contact each church office to ask about record lookups.
Research Tips for Coral Springs Families
Starting your research with the right steps saves time. Coral Springs records start in the 1960s. Older records come from other counties and states where families lived before. Always check the whole family, not just one person.
Step 1: Start With Yourself
Write down everything you know about your immediate family. Include full names, dates, and places. Talk to older relatives for stories and family connections. Gather home documents like birth certificates, wedding photos, and obituaries. Build a basic family tree chart.
Step 2: Check Federal Census Records
Search the 1970, 1980, and 1990 census records on Ancestry or FamilySearch. Look for your family in Coral Springs. Note the address, neighbors, and family members listed. Compare ages and birthplaces to your known facts.
Step 3: Search Broward County Records
Use the Broward County Clerk’s online search for marriage licenses, deeds, and probate records. Look for your ancestor’s full name. Record all results, even ones that seem wrong. Sometimes names are spelled differently in old records.
Step 4: Order Vital Records
Order Florida birth and death certificates through the Department of Health. Use these to confirm parent names and birthplaces. Death certificates often name parents, even when the deceased was elderly.
Step 5: Visit Local Libraries and Archives
Visit the Coral Springs Library branch for free database access. Visit the Historical Society for local photos and early records. Check the State Archives in Tallahassee for older records. Always call ahead to set up appointments.
Common Coral Surname Origins
Many Coral Springs families came from the northeastern United States. Common surnames in the city include Cohen, Smith, Williams, Rodriguez, and Patel. Each surname has a different origin story. Cohen is a Jewish name from Eastern Europe. Rodriguez comes from Spain and Latin America. Patel comes from India. Tracing surname origins can help you find your family’s home country.
Where Families Moved From
Many early Coral Springs families moved from New York, New Jersey, and other northeast states. Some came from other Florida cities, like Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Cuban and Haitian families settled here in the 1970s and 1980s. South American families arrived in the 2000s. Knowing these migration patterns helps you pick the right state records.
Contact Information Summary
The main contacts for Coral Springs genealogy research are listed below. Always call ahead before visiting any office. Most offices require appointments for record lookups. Bring a valid photo ID when visiting government offices.
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coral Springs Library | 10077 NW 29th Street | (954) 357-7490 | Mon-Thu 10-8, Fri 10-6, Sat 10-5 |
| Broward County Clerk | 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale | (954) 831-4000 | Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30 |
| Florida Department of Health | 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville | (904) 359-6900 | Mon-Fri 8-5 |
| Florida State Archives | 500 S. Bronough Street, Tallahassee | (850) 245-6719 | Mon-Fri 8-5 |
| Historical Society | 2855 Coral Springs Drive | (954) 344-1188 | 2nd & 4th Sat 10-2 |
| Veterans Services | 2995 N. Dixie Highway, Oakland Park | (954) 357-6622 | Mon-Fri 8-5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section answers the most common questions about Coral Springs genealogy research. Each answer gives clear facts and points you to the right office or website. Use these answers to plan your research steps and avoid common mistakes.
Where Do I Start Coral Springs Family Research?
Start by writing down everything you know about your immediate family. Then check the 1970 federal census, which was the first to list Coral Springs residents. Visit the Coral Springs Library Branch for free database access. Use the Broward County Clerk’s website to search marriage, deed, and probate records. Talk to older relatives for stories, photos, and documents. Starting with yourself and moving backward in time gives the best results.
Can I Get a Birth Certificate for Free?
No, Florida charges $25 for each certified birth certificate. You can pay by credit card, check, or money order. Online orders cost an extra processing fee. Mail orders take 4 to 6 weeks. Walk-in orders at the Jacksonville office are ready the same day. Birth certificates less than 100 years old are restricted to immediate family and legal heirs only.
What Is the Best Free Website for Florida Records?
FamilySearch.org is the best free website for Florida records. The site has Florida marriage records, death records, census images, and military records. You can create a free account and build a family tree. The site also has Broward County school records and city directories. FamilySearch has digitized many Florida microfilm records that you can view at home.
How Far Back Do Coral Springs Records Go?
Coral Springs was founded in 1963, so most city records start that year. Federal census records for Coral Springs start in 1970. Broward County records go back to 1915, when the county was formed. Florida death certificates go back to 1877. Florida birth certificates are open for births from 1917 and earlier. Older records from other counties and states can extend your research back further.
Are Cemetery Records Available Online?
Yes, Find a Grave has many cemetery records for Coral Springs area cemeteries. The site is free to use. Volunteers have photographed thousands of local gravestones. You can search by name and date. You can also contact Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens or Star of David Memorial Gardens directly for burial records. Cemetery records help you confirm birth and death dates.
Can I Search Probate Records Online?
Yes, the Broward County Clerk’s online search includes probate records. The website is browardclerk.org. You can search by name to find estate files from 1915 forward. Older files are open to the public. Newer files may require proof of relationship. Each probate file lists heirs, children, and property owned at death.
What If My Ancestor Was Not Born in Florida?
Check the state where they were born for birth records. Use the federal census to find them before they moved to Florida. Search border states like Georgia, Alabama, and other southern states where many early Floridians came from. Ancestry.com has many state census records that can help. Each state has its own vital records office with different rules and fees.