Flagler County Florida genealogy records include birth, death, marriage, court, land, cemetery, military, and census files held in Bunnell, Tallahassee, and federal archives. The county formed in 1917 from parts of St.
Johns and Volusia Counties. Before that year, your ancestors appear in records from those two counties. This page covers every key record type, where the files sit, who can view them, and how to order copies. Each section gives direct contact details, fees, and access rules so you can build your family tree with real proof.
History of Flagler County for Genealogy Research
Knowing the history of a county shapes your research plan. Flagler County sits on Florida’s Atlantic coast. The land was mostly pine forest and swamp until the 1880s. Few families lived there before the railroad arrived. The Florida East Coast Railway, built by Henry Flagler, opened up the region. Workers came from many states to lay tracks and build towns. New settlers followed. Towns sprang up at every rail stop. Bunnell became the county seat in 1917.
How Flagler County Formed
The Florida Legislature created Flagler County in 1917. Lawmakers carved it out of the southern part of St. Johns County and the northern part of Volusia County. The new county took the name of Henry Flagler. He had died two months before the county formed. Local leaders wanted to honor his role in building the Florida East Coast Railway. The new county included the towns of Bunnell, Flagler Beach, and Daytona North. Bunnell won the vote to serve as the county seat.
Why Records Are Split With Other Counties
Records for people who lived in this area before 1917 sit in St. Johns and Volusia Counties. Birth, marriage, death, land, and court files for those years stay in those two courthouses. Flagler County only holds files from its 1917 start. This split creates a key step in any research plan. You must check both parent counties for early ancestors. They may have lived, married, died, or owned land before Flagler existed. Their names still belong to the same families who later lived in Bunnell or Flagler Beach.
Flagler County Clerk of Court Records
The Flagler County Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the main record holder for the county. The clerk’s office sits at 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell, Florida 32110. You can call the office at 386-313-4400. Office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The clerk holds marriage licenses, probate files, court cases, deeds, and liens. Chapter 119 of Florida law gives the public the right to view most files.
You can search the clerk’s online database for newer records through the official website. Older books wait in the office archive room. Staff can pull them with a name and year. Most files come back the same day. Larger probate packets may take one business day to retrieve. The clerk charges a per-page copy fee for each document you request.
Marriage Records From 1917 to 1927
Marriage records from 1917 through 1926 stay only in Bunnell. The state did not collect these records. You must visit the clerk’s office to view them. Each license names the bride and groom. Witnesses signed each book. Marriage bonds show who paid the fee for the couple. These bonds often list parents, ages, and birthplaces. Early bonds can lead to parents, siblings, and other kin. You can also search the clerk’s online system for newer licenses.
Probate and Estate Files
Probate files list heirs, assets, and debts. They show who received land, money, and goods after a death. Children appear in birth order. Spouses claim their shares. Debts often link to other relatives. Probate files work well for tracking female lines. Widows, daughters, and sisters often appear as heirs or witnesses. You can request a probate packet from the clerk. Older files take time to retrieve from storage. A small fee applies to each copy.
Court Case Records
Court case files hold divorce papers, land suits, debt cases, and criminal records. Divorce decrees name both spouses and often list children. Land disputes show neighbors and family groups on both sides. Debt cases name creditors and debtors. Criminal files list witnesses and family ties. Each case can add two or three generations of kin. Older files from the 1920s and 1930s sit in the clerk’s vault. Staff can pull them with a name and year.
Florida State Archives and Flagler County Holdings
The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee holds key records for Flagler County kin. The archives sit at 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399. Call 850-245-6700 before you visit. The archives hold Spanish land grants, voter rolls, Confederate pension files, tax lists, school logs, and microfilm of early county records. The online catalog lets you search records from your home before traveling.
Spanish Land Grants
Spanish land grants cover claims made under Spanish rule. The grants passed through families for generations. Names on the deeds link to today. You can trace a line from Spain to statehood through these grants. Most Spanish claims in this area belong to what was then St. Johns and Volusia. Check those county sections in the archives for early records.
Voter Rolls and Reconstruction Records
Voter rolls from 1867 list men who signed up to vote. The rolls marked race and birth state. These records help locate Black ancestors from Reconstruction. Freedmen signed their names to vote. The rolls prove where they lived at that time. You can search the archives online by name and county.
Confederate Pension Files
Confederate pensions track Florida veterans and their widows. Files list military units, service dates, and injuries. Widows filed with proof of marriage. Children appear as named heirs. Pension files connect to census, probate, and church records. They also help you confirm a female line. A widow’s file names her parents, marriage date, and husband’s unit.
Microfilm and Tax Records
Microfilm of Flagler County records sits at the State Archives. You can borrow rolls through a local library. Tax lists show land owners and their property size. School logs list pupils by year. Poll tax records from the late 1800s show men who paid. These records help you spot a male ancestor between census years.
Birth, Death, and Marriage Records in Florida
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps statewide birth, death, and marriage files. The main office sits at 1217 North Pearl Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32231. Call 877-550-7330 for help. You can order records online through the state’s partner service. Each record type has its own access rule.
Who Can Order Birth Records?
Florida seals birth records for 125 years. Only close kin may view them. Eligible people include the person named on the record, parents, children, and legal representatives. You must send proof of identity with your request. A driver license or passport works. The current fee for a birth certificate is set by Florida law. Unsealed files can include full names, birth date, hospital, and parents’ names.
Death Records and Death Certificates
Death records stay open in Florida. Anyone may order a death certificate. All facts but cause of death become public. Cause of death stays sealed for 50 years. Death certificates name the deceased, age, birth date, parents, spouse, and burial place. They work as a key proof for probate and Social Security claims.
How Do I Order These Records Online?
You can order vital records three ways. First, use the online partner service for fastest delivery. Second, walk into the Jacksonville office during business hours. Third, mail a signed request with your ID and a check or money order. The state returns records in two to four weeks by mail. Online orders often ship in five business days.
Census Records and Federal Sources
Federal census records cover Flagler County from 1920 onward. The county did not exist in 1910. Earlier census data sits in St. Johns and Volusia. You can search federal census images on FamilySearch, Ancestry, and HeritageQuest. Each census lists name, age, birth state, occupation, and home ownership. Census records anchor your tree between 10-year gaps.
Federal Census Records 1920 to 1950
The 1920 census was the first for Flagler County. The 1930 census shows families during the Great Depression. The 1940 census lists every household member and their 1935 residence. The 1950 census, released in 2022, adds more detail. You can view all these census years online. Use the street address to spot the exact page.
Pre-1917 Census in St. Johns and Volusia
Census records before 1917 sit under St. Johns and Volusia. Look at the 1900 and 1910 census for kin in the area. The 1900 census lists month and year of birth for each person. The 1910 census shows how many years a couple had been married. Both years help you locate parents and marriage dates.
Cemetery, Obituary, and Funeral Records
Cemeteries in Flagler County hold names from the 1800s to today. The earliest burials sit in family plots along the railroad line. You can search cemetery records online and at the Flagler County Historical Society.
Cemetery Records Lookup
Key cemeteries include Espanola Cemetery, Dupont Cemetery, and the Bunnell City Cemetery. Find A Grave and BillionGraves hold photos of many headstones. The Flagler County Historical Society holds a card file of local burials. Some plots have no marker. Funeral home records fill the gap. Local funeral homes keep burial ledgers from the 1920s forward.
Historical Obituaries and Newspapers
Historical obituaries appear in the Flagler Tribune and the Palm Coast Observer. The Tribune started in 1917. Older obituaries for this area appear in St. Augustine and Daytona newspapers. You can search Florida newspapers on Newspapers.com, GenealogyBank, and the state library site. Obituaries list survivors, funeral homes, and burial places. They often name nieces, nephews, and cousins. This makes obituaries a strong source for female lines and in-laws.
Military Records and Pension Files
Military records for Flagler County kin span from the Civil War to the Gulf War. Most files sit at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Pension files hold service records, marriage proof, and death dates. The Florida State Archives also holds Confederate pension files for veterans who lived in this area.
Civil War Service Records
Civil War service records for Florida troops sit at the National Archives. Each file names the soldier, unit, enlistment date, and discharge. Pension files list wounds, deaths, and widow claims. You can request copies online through the National Archives catalog. Many files have been digitized on Fold3.
Spanish-American War and World War I Records
Spanish-American War records sit at the National Archives. World War I draft cards cover men aged 18 to 45. Draft cards show full name, age, birth date, and physical description. They also list the person’s employer and nearest relative. You can search draft cards on FamilySearch and Ancestry for free. World War II draft cards cover a wider group of men. They list the same key data points.
Land Records, Homesteads, and Property Files
Land records prove family ties and track moves. Flagler County deed records start in 1917. Earlier land files sit in St. Johns and Volusia.
Deed Records and Property Transfers
Deed records name the grantor, grantee, and property description. They show how land passed from one kin to another. You can search deeds online through the clerk’s office. Older deeds include family ties in the text. Some deeds name the relationship between buyer and seller. This helps you confirm a parent-child or sibling link.
Homestead Exemption Files
Homestead exemption files at the Property Appraiser’s office list owners, spouses, and heirs. Each file names who claimed the home and when. After a death, heirs must remove the deceased from the record. This step creates a record of death even when no probate file exists. The Property Appraiser’s office sits in the same building as the clerk.
Online Databases and Research Tools
Online databases let you search Flagler County records from home. Three main sites cover most of what you need. They include free and paid options.
FamilySearch Florida Records
FamilySearch holds free images of Florida records. You can search by name and county. Key collections include the 1940 census, Florida marriage index, and Florida death index. FamilySearch also holds user-submitted family trees. You can attach records to your tree for free.
Ancestry Florida Genealogy
Ancestry holds the largest set of Florida records online. Key collections include Florida birth index, Florida death index, Florida census, and Florida naturalization files. A paid subscription is needed for full access. Ancestry also holds user trees and DNA matches. You can build your Flagler tree step by step using these records.
Florida Memory Collections
Florida Memory is a free state-run site. It holds photos, maps, letters, and oral histories. The site covers all Florida counties. You can search by place, name, or date. Many photos show early settlers and towns. These images help you place your kin in the right time and place.
Flagler County Local Libraries and Societies
Local libraries and societies offer free help and unique records. Staff know the local history and files.
Flagler County Public Library
The Flagler County Public Library sits at 2500 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Palm Coast, Florida 32137. Call 386-446-6763. The library holds local history books, obituary files, and the Flagler Tribune on microfilm. Library staff can help you use the microfilm readers. A library card from any Florida county lets you use the genealogy section.
Genealogical Societies
The Flagler County Historical Society meets at the library. Members hold local files, photos, and oral histories. The society publishes a quarterly newsletter. You can join at any meeting. The society helps with lookups in their files. Members also lead research trips to Tallahassee and Salt Lake City.
Research Plan for Flagler County
A clear plan saves time and money. Use these steps to build your Flagler County family tree in a logical order.
- Start with yourself. Write down names, dates, and places you already know.
- Check home sources. Look at birth certificates, family Bibles, photo albums, and letters.
- Search the 1940 census on FamilySearch or Ancestry. The 1940 census lists everyone in the household.
- Work backward through each census year. 1930, 1920, and 1910.
- For 1910 and earlier, search St. Johns and Volusia Counties. Flagler did not exist yet.
- Search Florida marriage and death indexes on FamilySearch. Add spouses and death dates.
- Order death certificates for each ancestor. They list parents and burial place.
- Search land records in the clerk’s online system. Track property transfers.
- Search the State Archives catalog for Spanish grants, voter rolls, and pensions.
- Check local cemeteries on Find A Grave and BillionGraves.
- Search old newspapers for obituaries and news stories.
- Join the Flagler County Historical Society for local lookups.
- Build your tree on FamilySearch or Ancestry as you go. Attach each record.
Contact Details for Flagler County Offices
Use this list to reach key offices for Flagler County genealogy records. Call ahead to confirm hours and fees before you visit or order files.
Flagler County Clerk of Court, 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell, FL 32110. Phone: 386-313-4400. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1217 North Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32231. Phone: 877-550-7330. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Florida State Archives, 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Phone: 850-245-6700. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Flagler County Public Library, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Palm Coast, FL 32137. Phone: 386-446-6763. Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Flagler County Property Appraiser, 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Suite 103, Bunnell, FL 32110. Phone: 386-313-4150. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common Flagler County genealogy record searches. Use the answers to plan your next step. The answers point to the right office, the right years, and the right access rules for each record type. They also cover the most common mistakes researchers make when tracing Flagler County lines, and they show how to fill gaps in your tree using a mix of local, state, and federal sources.
Where Can I Locate Pre-1917 Birth Records?
Flagler County did not exist before 1917. No birth records sit in Flagler for those years. You must check St. Johns and Volusia Counties for any births in this area before 1917. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville holds statewide birth records from 1865 forward for some events, but early Florida birth records are sparse. You can also search church records and family Bibles. Many early births only appear in the 1900 or 1910 census, where month and year of birth were recorded by the census taker. If you still cannot locate a birth record, check the mother’s listing on later census years to confirm her age and state of birth. Baptismal records from local Catholic or Protestant churches can also help. The Diocese of St. Augustine holds Catholic baptismal records for the late 1800s in the region. You can request those records by mail through the diocesan archive office.
Can I View Early Flagler Marriage Records for Free?
Yes, you can view Flagler County marriage records from 1917 to 1926 at the clerk’s office in Bunnell. The state did not collect these records, so the local clerk holds the only copy. You pay a small copy fee for each page. Some older books have been scanned by FamilySearch. Search the FamilySearch catalog for Flagler County marriages. Online images let you view the records for free at any FamilySearch center or partner library. The Flagler County Public Library in Palm Coast serves as a FamilySearch partner. Bring a photo ID and ask for the genealogy desk. Staff will log you into the records system. You can save images to a USB drive for free. Marriage records from June 6, 1927 forward sit with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville.
How Do I Locate Black Ancestors in Flagler Records?
Start with the 1867 voter rolls at the Florida State Archives. They list freedmen by name and race. Next, search the 1870 and 1880 census for St. Johns and Volusia, since Flagler did not exist then. Use the 1910 and 1920 census for later Flagler families. Search Freedmen’s Bureau records on FamilySearch. Check church records at local AME and Baptist churches. Cemetery records on Find A Grave also list Black burials. Flagler County cemetery records include sections for Black families at the Bunnell City Cemetery and Espanola Cemetery. The records often include birth dates, death dates, and family relationships. You can also check school records from the Rosenwald schools in the area, which list students by name and parent. Marriage records held by the Flagler County Clerk also include the race column for licenses issued before 1970.
What Records Exist for Flagler County Before 1917?
Before 1917, this area was part of St. Johns and Volusia Counties. Records from those counties cover births, deaths, marriages, deeds, probate, and court cases for the area. The Florida State Archives holds Spanish land grants that cover some early claims. You can also locate railroad records for the Florida East Coast Railway. The Flagler County Historical Society holds some local files. Combine all these sources to fill the pre-1917 gap in your tree. Tax rolls from St. Johns and Volusia list land owners in the area. School board minutes from those counties list teachers and sometimes pupils. Church records from the Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian circuits cover baptisms and marriages. Homestead entries from the federal government show settlers who claimed land under the 1862 Homestead Act. The National Archives holds those patent files indexed by name and legal land description.
How Do I Order a Florida Death Certificate Online?
You can order a Florida death certificate through the state’s partner service, VitalChek. The site lets you pay with a credit card. You receive the certificate by mail in about five business days. You can also order by mail. Send a signed request, a copy of your ID, and a check to the Jacksonville office. Walk-in orders at the Jacksonville office take same-day service in many cases. Each copy costs a fee set by Florida law. The fee changes from year to year, so check the current price before you send payment. Death certificates from 1917 forward for events in Flagler County sit with the state. Earlier death events for this area sit in St. Johns and Volusia County files. You can order non-Florida certified copies for use in other states or countries. Apostille service for international use runs through the Florida Department of State.
Are Flagler County Probate Records Online?
Some Flagler County probate records appear online through the clerk’s office. Newer files from the 1990s forward sit in the online system. Older files from the 1920s to 1980s need an in-person visit or a staff lookup. The clerk charges a fee for each lookup and copy. The State Archives also holds microfilm of some early Flagler County probate files. You can borrow that microfilm through your local library. Estate files often include a will, an inventory of assets, a list of heirs, and final distribution papers. Each file can add two or three generations of family ties. Many Flagler County estate files from the 1920s and 1930s name spouses, siblings, parents, and children. You can request specific files by name and year of death.
What Is the Best Free Resource for Flagler Records?
FamilySearch is the best free resource. FamilySearch holds census images, vital record indexes, and many user trees. You can search by name and view records for free at home. A FamilySearch center or local partner library gives you access to records you cannot view at home. The Flagler County Public Library is a FamilySearch partner. Library staff can help you use the free records during business hours. Florida Memory is a strong second resource for photos, maps, and oral histories. Newspapers.com offers a free trial that you can use to search Flagler Tribune obituaries. HeritageQuest also offers free access through many library systems. You can search the Florida State Archives catalog for free from any computer. Combine these free tools with paid records to fill the gaps in your tree without spending too much money.