1>Union County Florida Genealogy Records
Union County Florida genealogy records help researchers trace family roots in north central Florida. The county formed in 1921 from Bradford County. Lake Butler serves as the county seat. Many families have lived in this region for over a century, building communities and creating paper trails across multiple generations. Records held at the courthouse, state archives, and online databases span birth certificates, death records, marriage licenses, land deeds, and court documents. Researchers can view these files in person at local offices or through digital collections from home. This page covers every record type available for Union County and explains how to order copies, view original documents, and build a complete family tree using trusted Florida genealogy sources.
Union County Records and History
Union County sits in north central Florida and shares borders with Bradford, Alachua, Columbia, Baker, and Duval counties. Before 1921, the area belonged to Bradford County. Early settlers arrived during the territorial period and included farming families, cattle ranchers, and timber workers. Spanish land grants from the 1820s show the first property owners in the region. African American families have deep roots here, with records dating back to the plantation era and Reconstruction. Union County genealogy research draws from state-level archives and local courthouse files that document more than 100 years of family history.
County Background and Formation
Florida legislature created Union County on May 8, 1921, from part of Bradford County. Lake Butler became the county seat. The first courthouse records begin in 1921, so any birth, marriage, or probate document before that date stays in Bradford County files. Union County became part of Florida’s 8th Judicial Circuit. Local residents worked in agriculture, forestry, and phosphate mining during the early 20th century. These occupations appear often in census records and city directories. Knowing this background helps researchers place ancestors in the right time period and the right county.
Available Records and Time Periods
Union County holds records from 1921 forward. Before that year, researchers must check Bradford County and state archives. The table below shows the main record types and their starting dates.
| Record Type | Start Date | Held By |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage Licenses | 1921 | Union Clerk of Court |
| Probate Records | 1921 | Union Clerk of Court |
| Land Deeds | 1921 | Union Clerk of Court |
| Court Cases | 1921 | Union Clerk of Court |
| Birth Certificates | 1917 (statewide) | Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics |
| Death Records | 1877 (statewide) | Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics |
| State Marriages | June 6, 1927 | Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics |
Union County Clerk of Court
The Union County Clerk of Court maintains official records under Florida’s public records law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). This office holds marriage licenses, court cases, probate files, and land records dating back to 1921. Researchers can visit the office in Lake Butler to search records in person. Staff members help locate historical documents and provide certified copies for a fee. Many records exist on microfilm and in digital formats. The clerk’s office preserves these documents for public access, and researchers can request copies by mail, phone, or in person.
Location and Contact Details
The Union County Clerk of Court sits at 55 West Main Street, Lake Butler, Florida 32054. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The phone number is (386) 496-3711. Researchers should bring a valid photo ID when requesting records. The official website at unioncountyclerk.org lists office services and fee schedules. Parking is available on the street and in the lot behind the courthouse. Staff can guide researchers to the right records, though large projects need advance notice.
Marriage License Records
Marriage records before June 6, 1927 stay at the Union County Clerk’s office. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds state marriage records from June 6, 1927 to the present. County marriage files often include the bride’s and groom’s full names, ages, birthplaces, parents’ names, and the date and place of the ceremony. These details help researchers link generations and confirm family relationships. Certified copies cost a small fee per copy, and the office provides same-day service for in-person requests.
Probate and Estate Records
Probate records show estate settlements, heir relationships, and property transfers after someone died. Union County probate files from 1921 forward include wills, letters of administration, inventory lists, and final distribution papers. These records often name spouses, children, and siblings who survived the deceased. Researchers use probate files to confirm parent-child links and to track land transfers between generations. Each file may contain multiple documents that paint a complete picture of a family’s wealth and structure.
Land Deeds and Property Records
Land deeds trace property ownership through generations. Union County deed books from 1921 forward list buyers, sellers, dates of sale, and legal property descriptions. Earlier property records from the territorial period sit at the Union County Courthouse as well. These records help researchers locate where ancestors lived and how they acquired or sold land. Many deeds include family connections, such as a father selling property to a son or a widow transferring land to her children.
Court Case Files
Court records contain civil and criminal case files. Civil cases often involve debt disputes, land conflicts, divorces, and child custody matters. Criminal cases may name family members, witnesses, and neighbors. These files often include witness statements, sworn testimony, and jury lists. Researchers can find maiden names, residence details, and migration clues in court records. The Union County Clerk’s office indexes cases by name and year, making searches straightforward.
Florida State Archives Collections
The State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee holds materials that support Union County genealogy research. Collections span from the territorial period to modern times. Documents include military records, land grants, voter rolls, and territorial papers. Many items are unique to the state collection. Researchers can access them in Tallahassee by visiting the research room during regular business hours. The archives also digitize many records and make them available online through the Florida Memory Project.
Confederate Pension Records
Confederate Pension Applications provide detailed family information for Union County and the surrounding region. These files include veteran service details, residence information, and family data. Many files list widows and dependents who applied for benefits after the war. They often contain correspondence, medical notes, and affidavits from neighbors. These documents connect Civil War era families and show where they lived after the war. Researchers find ancestor names, birth dates, and marriage details in these pension files.
Spanish Land Grants
Spanish Land Grants show original property owners from 1821. Florida became a U.S. territory that year, but Spain issued land grants before the transfer. These maps and deeds predate Florida statehood in 1845. They name early settlers in the region and describe property boundaries in detail. Researchers with Union County ancestors who arrived before statehood should review these grants. The State Archives holds the original documents, and many are scanned and available online.
Voter Registration Rolls
The 1867-68 Voter Registration Rolls document African American genealogy in this region. These records name Black men who registered to vote after the Civil War. Each entry lists name, age, race, place of birth, and residence. Some entries note occupation and physical description. The rolls mark the first systematic African American voter registration in Florida. They serve as a key substitute for the missing 1890 federal census. Researchers use these rolls to confirm residence in Union County during Reconstruction.
Florida Vital Records
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics operates under Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes. The Bureau holds statewide birth and death records. Birth records begin around 1917, though earlier records are sparse. Death records go back further. The Bureau maintains these files in Jacksonville. Researchers can order copies by mail, phone, or online. Confidential birth records less than 125 years old have restricted access under Florida law, and only specific individuals can obtain copies. These include the person named, parents, and legal guardians. Valid photo ID is required for all requests.
Birth and Death Records
Statewide birth registration in Florida began in 1917. Earlier birth records are rare and often appear only in church books or family Bibles. Death records date back to 1877 statewide. Death certificates usually list the deceased’s name, age, birth date, parents’ names, cause of death, and burial location. Cause of death stays private for 50 years. Researchers order copies through VitalChek, by mail, or in person at the Jacksonville office.
Marriage and Divorce Records
State marriage records cover June 6, 1927 to the present. Earlier marriages remain at the county clerk’s office where the license was issued. Divorce records sit at the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was finalized. The Bureau of Vital Statistics does not hold divorce records. Each divorce file contains the petition, final decree, and sometimes custody agreements. These documents confirm marriage dates, children’s names, and property settlements.
Ordering Process and Costs
Researchers can order vital records three ways: online through VitalChek, by mail with a signed application, or in person at the Jacksonville office. The current fee for a certified birth or death certificate is set by Florida statute and listed on the Department of Health website. Mail requests must include a photocopy of valid ID. Online orders process faster but include an extra service fee. Walk-in customers receive same-day service during office hours.
Census and Federal Records
Federal census records track families every 10 years in the United States. Union County first appeared in the 1930 census because the county formed in 1921. Researchers must check Bradford County census records for ancestors who lived in this area before 1930. Census data shows household members, ages, birthplaces, occupations, and year of immigration. This data helps trace migration patterns and confirm family relationships. The 1890 census for Florida was destroyed by fire, so other records fill the gap.
Federal Census Records
Available federal census years for Union County and surrounding areas include 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940, and 1950. The 1950 census was released to the public in 2022 and is now searchable online. Census records from 1850 forward list every household member by name. Earlier census records (1790-1840) list only the head of household by name. All census records show the county and state of residence, which helps confirm where ancestors lived.
Other Federal Records
Federal records beyond the census include military draft registrations, naturalization files, and Social Security applications. World War I draft cards (1917-1918) and World War II draft cards (1940-1947) name men aged 18 to 45 and include birth dates, addresses, and physical descriptions. Naturalization records show when an immigrant became a citizen. Social Security death records list birth and death dates. These records fill gaps between census years and confirm vital events.
Cemetery and Church Records
Cemetery and church records help researchers find ancestors who left no other paper trail. Many Union County families buried loved ones in small family plots or community cemeteries. Local churches kept baptism, marriage, and burial records that predate civil registration. These records often include birth dates, parents’ names, and death dates. Researchers should contact local churches and cemetery offices directly to view original records or request copies.
Cemetery Records
Find A Grave and BillionGraves host photos and transcriptions of Union County cemetery markers. Local cemeteries include Mount Zion Cemetery, Swift Creek Cemetery, and the Lake Butler Cemetery. Cemetery records show birth and death dates, military service, and family relationships listed on the markers. Some graves have additional inscriptions on the back or base. Researchers can visit these cemeteries in person or request photos through volunteer networks online.
Church and Religious Records
Baptist, Methodist, and African Methodist Episcopal (AME) churches served Union County residents throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Church records often predate civil records and contain baptisms, marriages, and burials. Religious organizations kept detailed membership lists. Some churches still hold their original books in storage. Researchers should contact local churches directly to ask about archive access. The State Archives also holds microfilm copies of many Florida church records.
Newspapers and Obituaries
Local newspapers published obituaries, marriage notices, and community events. These stories add context to family history and confirm vital events. The Union County Times and other local papers covered the region from the late 1800s forward. The Florida Digital Newspaper Library hosts many of these papers online. Researchers can search by name and date to find obituaries, wedding announcements, and news articles about family members.
Local Newspapers
The Union County Times started publication in the late 1920s. Earlier regional papers, such as the Bradford County Telegraph, covered Union County before the county formed. These papers reported on farming news, court cases, school events, and family milestones. Obituaries in local papers often include lists of survivors, which helps researchers build family trees. Marriage notices name parents, officiants, and locations.
Obituary Sources
Researchers find obituaries through newspapers, funeral home websites, and genealogy databases. Funeral homes in Lake Butler and surrounding areas post obituaries online. Legacy.com and newspapers.com host searchable obituary collections. State archives also hold obituary clipping files from the early 20th century. Obituaries often list full names, birth and death dates, burial locations, and surviving family members.
African American Genealogy Research
African American genealogy in Union County requires careful use of slavery-era records, Freedmen’s Bureau files, and Reconstruction documents. Before 1865, enslaved people rarely appear by name in official records. Researchers should check plantation records, bills of sale, and probate files that list enslaved individuals. After the Civil War, Freedmen’s Bureau records, voter rolls, and church registers name Black residents. State and federal archives hold these materials and make them searchable online.
Slave Era Records
Slave era records include bills of sale, estate inventories, and plantation account books. These documents name enslaved people and show how families were separated by sale. Probate files from wealthy families often list enslaved people by name and age. Researchers with ancestors from the plantation era should review Bradford County and surrounding county probate files from the 1800s. These records form the backbone of pre-1865 African American research in this region.
Freedmen and Reconstruction Records
Freedmen’s Bureau records (1865-1872) document the transition from slavery to freedom. The Bureau helped formerly enslaved people find family members, sign labor contracts, and resolve disputes. The 1867-68 voter registration rolls name Black men who registered to vote. School records, church registers, and cemetery markers from the Reconstruction era confirm residence and family links. Researchers can find these records at the National Archives and the State Archives of Florida.
Naturalization and Immigration Records
Naturalization records show when immigrants became U.S. citizens. Federal courts handled naturalization before 1906, and county courts handled applications after that date. Union County naturalization files from 1921 forward sit at the Clerk of Court. Earlier records remain in Bradford County files. These documents include the immigrant’s birth country, date of arrival, and ship name. Researchers can trace immigration patterns through these records and link them to census data.
Federal Naturalization Records
The National Archives holds federal naturalization records created in U.S. district courts. These records include declarations of intention, petitions for naturalization, and certificates of citizenship. The 1906 Naturalization Act standardized forms, making later records easier to search. Researchers can request copies of federal naturalization files through the National Archives website or visit in person at the National Archives facility in Washington, D.C.
County Naturalization Records
County courts handled naturalization from 1906 to 1940 in many Florida counties. Union County naturalization files from 1921 forward sit at the Clerk of Court. These records include the immigrant’s name, age, country of birth, and date of arrival. Researchers should contact the Clerk of Court office to search these records. Files may also include witness statements and supporting documents that name family members.
Online Databases and Digital Tools
Online databases make Union County genealogy research faster and easier. FamilySearch, Ancestry.com, and the Florida Memory Project host millions of records from across the state. These platforms let researchers search by name, date, and location. Many collections are free, while others require a subscription. Researchers should use multiple databases to cross-check facts and find records not available elsewhere.
FamilySearch
FamilySearch.org offers free access to Florida birth, marriage, death, census, and military records. The site hosts the Florida State Census (1885, 1935, 1945) and many county-level records. FamilySearch also holds digitized church records, probate files, and land records from across Florida. Users create a free account to save records and build family trees. The FamilySearch catalog lists every collection by county and record type.
Ancestry.com
Ancestry.com hosts Florida state collections, federal census records, immigration files, and military records. The site requires a paid subscription for full access. Many public libraries offer free Ancestry access through their genealogy section. Researchers should check with the State Library of Florida and local libraries for guest passes or on-site access. Ancestry’s Florida collection includes vital records, newspapers, and city directories.
Florida Memory Project
The Florida Memory Project at floridamemory.com holds digitized records from the State Archives and State Library. Collections include photographs, documents, newspapers, and maps. Researchers can search by keyword, county, and date. The project also hosts oral histories and personal papers. Many records in this collection relate to Union County families, including military records, land grants, and territorial papers.
Research Tips for Union County
Start with family knowledge before searching public records. Interview older relatives about names, dates, and places. Write down what you learn and organize your notes by surname. Census records track families over time and show household members, ages, birthplaces, and occupations. Check neighboring county records because families moved between counties for work or land. Look at all possible locations where your ancestors may have lived.
Starting Research at Home
Begin with what you already know. Gather birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and family Bibles from living relatives. Photos often have names and dates written on the back. Funeral programs and obituaries confirm family relationships. Build a simple family tree using free software or online tools. Record every source so you can return to it later. This home research gives you the names, dates, and places you need to search public records.
Working with Courthouse Records
Contact the Union County Clerk of Court before visiting. Staff can tell you what records exist and what fees apply. Some older records sit in storage and need advance notice to retrieve. Bring cash or a checkbook because not all offices accept credit cards. Photocopying is allowed, but some records cannot be photocopied due to age or condition. Plan your research trip to maximize your time at the courthouse.
Using State Archives
The State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee holds records that local courthouses do not. Researchers can order copies of documents by mail or visit in person. The research room is open Monday through Friday. Bring a pencil and notebook because pens are not allowed near old documents. Free Wi-Fi is available for laptop users. The archives staff helps researchers locate records and use finding aids.
Nearby Counties for Genealogy Research
Union County families often appear in records from neighboring counties. Borders changed over time, and people moved for work, marriage, or land. Researchers should check the surrounding counties listed below. Each county has its own clerk’s office with records that connect to Union County families. Looking at all nearby counties ensures a complete search.
- Bradford County (formed Union County in 1921)
- Alachua County (Gainesville)
- Columbia County (Lake City)
- Baker County (Macclenny)
- Duval County (Jacksonville)
Contact Information and Visiting Hours
The Union County Clerk of Court sits at 55 West Main Street, Lake Butler, Florida 32054. Phone: (386) 496-3711. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The website is unioncountyclerk.org. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics is at 1217 North Pearl Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202. Phone: (877) 550-7330. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The State Archives of Florida sits at 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399. Phone: (850) 245-6719. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
FAQs
The following questions cover common research topics for Union County Florida genealogy records. Each answer gives direct steps, official sources, and practical tips to help researchers find specific records. Use these answers to plan courthouse visits, order vital records, and build a complete family history using trusted Florida genealogy sources.
Where do I find Union County marriage records before 1927?
Marriage records before June 6, 1927 sit at the Union County Clerk of Court in Lake Butler. The clerk’s office holds all marriage licenses issued in the county since 1921. Researchers should visit the office in person or call (386) 496-3711 to ask about record searches. Staff members can search by name and date and provide certified copies for a small fee. Mail requests are accepted with a signed application and a photocopy of valid photo ID.
How do I order a Florida birth certificate from 1920?
Florida birth records begin in 1917 statewide. To order a 1920 birth certificate, contact the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. The office accepts orders by mail, online through VitalChek, and in person. Mail applications require a signed form, a photocopy of valid ID, and the correct fee. Online orders process faster but include a service fee. Walk-in customers receive same-day service during office hours.
What records help trace African American ancestors in Union County?
Key records for African American genealogy include Freedmen’s Bureau files, 1867-68 voter registration rolls, church records, and cemetery markers. Slave era records such as bills of sale and probate inventories list enslaved people by name. The State Archives of Florida holds many of these records. Researchers should also check FamilySearch for digitized Freedmen’s Bureau records and church registers from north central Florida.
Can I view Union County probate records online?
Some Union County probate records are digitized and available on FamilySearch. Older files from the 1920s through 1960s have been scanned and indexed. Researchers can search by name and date on FamilySearch.org with a free account. Files not yet digitized sit at the Union County Clerk of Court. Researchers can request copies by mail or visit the office in Lake Butler to view original documents.
What is the earliest census available for Union County?
Union County formed in 1921, so the earliest federal census showing Union County households is the 1930 census. Researchers with ancestors who lived in this area before 1930 must check Bradford County census records. Federal census years for Florida include 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940, and 1950. The 1890 census for Florida was destroyed by fire.
Are Union County land records available online?
Some Union County land records are available through FamilySearch and the Union County Clerk’s office online portal. Older deed books from the 1920s through 1970s have been scanned. Researchers can search by grantor or grantee name. Records not yet digitized can be viewed at the courthouse in Lake Butler. The clerk’s office staff can pull original books for in-person research.
How do I access Florida State Archives records from out of state?
Researchers who cannot visit Tallahassee can request copies from the State Archives by mail. Submit a written request with the record name, date range, and any known details. Staff will quote a copying fee before processing the order. Many collections are also digitized and available through the Florida Memory Project. Researchers can search floridamemory.com for scanned documents, photos, and maps.