Port St. Lucie Family History
Port St. Lucie genealogy research explores Florida's Treasure Coast. Founded in 1961, this city grew from a small planned community to a major urban area. It sits in St. Lucie County, which holds records for family historians. Growth and development shaped the local economy. Many families have called this area home since its early days. Understanding these records helps you discover your Port St. Lucie ancestors.
Port St. Lucie Quick Facts
St. Lucie County Library System
The St. Lucie County Library System provides genealogy resources for Treasure Coast researchers. The library offers access to online databases and physical collections. Visit their website at stlucieco.gov/library for branch locations and hours. Staff can help with research questions. The library provides both in-person and online services.
Census records form the foundation of Port St. Lucie family research. The library provides access to federal census records from 1790 through 1950. The area first appears in census records in the mid-1900s. Researchers can track households through successive census years. Population schedules reveal family compositions and occupations.
Local history materials document the area's growth. The library holds materials about the city's founding and development. These resources help researchers understand the context of their ancestors' lives. Early residents worked in agriculture and construction.
St. Lucie County Official Records
St. Lucie County maintains official records for all Port St. Lucie residents. The county was established in 1905. Port St. Lucie has grown to become the largest city in the county. The St. Lucie County Clerk of Courts manages most historical records. Their office provides access to documents dating to the early 1900s.
Marriage records document unions performed in Port St. Lucie. The clerk maintains licenses from the early 1900s to the present. Records show the names of the bride and groom. They include the date and location of the ceremony. Marriage records prove family connections.
Property deeds trace land ownership through St. Lucie County history. The region's development began in earnest in the 1960s. Deed records show who bought and sold land. They reveal married names of daughters. Chain of title research follows property across generations.
Probate files preserve details of estates. When residents died, courts oversaw the distribution of property. These cases generated paperwork. Wills name heirs and their relationships. Estate inventories list personal property.
Florida State Archives for Port St. Lucie
The Florida State Archives preserves records covering all of St. Lucie County. Located in Tallahassee, the archives welcome researchers. Many records are also available online. The collections complement local holdings. State-level copies sometimes survive when county records were lost.
Vital statistics records form a core collection. The state began systematic record keeping in the late 1800s. Birth and death certificates prove family relationships. Access follows rules set by Chapter 382. Older records are open to the public. Newer records have privacy restrictions.
Visit the Florida State Archives at dos.fl.gov to access these resources. Online databases allow remote searching. The archives staff assists with research questions.
Digital Tools for Port St. Lucie Genealogy
The internet has transformed how researchers access family records. Many documents are now available online. This allows research from anywhere in the world. Both free and subscription sites serve genealogy needs.
FamilySearch.org provides free access to records. The site includes census images and marriage indexes. New records are added regularly.
Ancestry.com offers extensive collections. This subscription site has census records and city directories. Many libraries offer free in-library access.
Florida Vital Records for Port St. Lucie
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains birth and death certificates for all residents. These records serve as primary sources for family history. Understanding access rules helps researchers obtain the documents they need.
Birth certificates less than 100 years old have restrictions. Only the person named or immediate family can obtain copies. After 100 years, birth records become public. Death certificates follow a similar pattern with a 50-year restriction.
The Florida Health website at floridahealth.gov provides ordering instructions. Fees are set by state law. Records can be ordered online, by mail, or in person.
St. Lucie County Genealogy Resources
Port St. Lucie is the largest city in St. Lucie County. Most official records for residents are maintained at the county level. The Clerk of Courts and other county offices hold these documents. Researchers should explore both city and county resources.