Florida Genealogy Records Search
Florida genealogy records help you trace your family roots through the Sunshine State. You can find birth certificates, death records, marriage licenses, and census data from official sources. The State Archives of Florida and the Bureau of Vital Statistics hold millions of records. These documents tell the story of your ancestors who lived, worked, and raised families in Florida.
Florida Genealogy Records Quick Facts
Florida State Archives Genealogy Collections
The State Archives of Florida collects, preserves and makes available for research the historically significant records of the state. Anyone interested in learning about Florida history, government and people through original records can use these collections. The archives sit in the R.A. Gray Building on 500 South Bronough Street in Tallahassee.
Key collections for genealogists include Confederate Pension Application Files, Spanish Land Grants, and Voter Registration Rolls from 1867-68. The archives also hold World War I Service Cards and Supreme Court Records. You will find the 1825 Leon County Census along with family histories and county records. The staff can help you search these materials during regular hours.
The archives are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They close on weekends and state holidays. Ask for a parking token at the reference desk to avoid the $5 fee when exiting the next door parking garage. You can contact the archives at (850) 245-6700 or via email at archives@dos.fl.gov.
Visit the State Archives of Florida to plan your research trip. The website has research guides and tutorials to help you get started.
The archives website offers online tools to search catalogs and find records before you visit.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics Records
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. Their office is at 1217 N. Pearl Street in Jacksonville. You can order records online or by phone through VitalChek. This is the only vendor the state recommends for vital records.
Birth records less than 125 years old are confidential. They may only be issued to the person named on the record if of legal age, parents listed on the record, legal guardians, or legal representatives. You must show valid photo ID when requesting these records. The bureau has limited birth records from 1850, with most starting in 1917.
Marriage certificates from June 6, 1927 to the present are available through the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Any marriages before that date are obtainable from the clerk of court in the county where the marriage license was issued. Processing takes about 60 days after the ceremony for records to reach the state office.
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics website lets you order certificates online. You can also find information about amendments and corrections to records.
Note: You can also request records by mail at P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042.
Florida State Library Genealogy Resources
The State Library of Florida has a large collection of reference materials for genealogists. Their genealogy bibliography serves as a guide to resources at the library. You can access Ancestry Library Edition, Fold3, and HeritageQuest Online on-site. The library sits at 500 S. Bronough St. in Tallahassee.
Special collections include the Black Experience Collection Guide and the Digital Library on American Slavery. These resources help researchers trace African American family history in Florida. The library staff can guide you to the right materials for your search.
Visit the State Library Genealogy Page to learn more about available resources. The genealogy bibliography lists all major sources for family history research in Florida.
Florida Genealogy Research Tips
Finding your Florida ancestors takes patience and the right approach. Start with what you know and work backward. Talk to family members about names, dates, and places. Write down everything you learn. This saves time when you visit archives or request records.
Death records are open to anyone without cause of death. Cause of death stays confidential for 50 years. After that, it becomes public information. This rule helps you get recent death certificates for your research.
For marriage records, check county clerk offices for records before June 6, 1927. The state only has records from that date forward. County courthouses often have the oldest marriage records in their vaults.
Confederate Pension Applications hold valuable genealogical information for families with Civil War ties. Spanish Land Grants contain maps and property records from 1821. Voter Registration Rolls from 1867-68 include the first systematic African American voter records in Florida.
The VitalChek website offers online ordering for birth, death, and marriage certificates. Call 877-550-7330 for help with your order.
Florida County Genealogy Records
Each of Florida's 67 counties keeps its own records. County clerks hold marriage licenses, probate records, court records, and official records like deeds. Many counties offer online searches for recent records. Older records may require a visit to the courthouse.
Property appraisers maintain land and ownership records. These can trace family property through generations. Tax collectors also keep historical records useful for genealogy research.
The state offers research tutorials to help you navigate county records.
Florida Vital Records Laws
Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes governs vital statistics including birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. This law sets the rules for who can access records and how they are kept. Birth records less than 125 years old remain confidential under this chapter.
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes covers public records access. It gives citizens the right to inspect and copy most government records. Email addresses are public records under Florida law. This chapter ensures transparency while protecting sensitive information.
Death records less than 50 years old have confidential cause of death information. After 50 years, the cause of death becomes public. This balance protects privacy while allowing historical research.
You can find catalog FAQ information about accessing records under these laws.
Browse Florida Genealogy Records by County
Each county in Florida maintains genealogy records through the Clerk of Court office. Select a county below to find local contact information and resources for family history research in that area.
Genealogy Records in Major Florida Cities
Major cities in Florida have libraries and historical societies with genealogy collections. Select a city below to learn about family history resources in that area.