St. Petersburg Family Records
St. Petersburg genealogy research explores Florida's Gulf Coast heritage. Founded in 1888, this city grew from a small settlement to a major urban center. It sits in Pinellas County, which holds rich records for family historians. Tourism and retirement shaped the local economy. Many families have called this area home for generations. Understanding these records helps you discover your St. Petersburg ancestors.
St. Petersburg Quick Facts
St. Petersburg Public Library
The Mirror Lake Library serves as the main genealogy resource in St. Petersburg. Located at 3745 9th Avenue N., this historic building houses extensive collections. Staff can be reached at (727) 893-7724 for research assistance. The library provides both in-person and remote access to many records. The facility welcomes genealogy researchers from across the region.
Census records anchor most St. Petersburg family research. The library holds federal census microfilm from 1790 through 1950. St. Petersburg first appears in census records in the early 1900s. Researchers can track households through successive census years. Population schedules reveal family compositions and occupations. Many early residents worked in tourism or fishing industries.
Local newspapers provide rich details about St. Petersburg families. The library holds the St. Petersburg Times and other papers on microfilm. These publications contain birth announcements, marriage notices, and obituaries. Society columns tracked the activities of prominent families. News stories capture important events in the community.
City directories trace St. Petersburg families between census years. The library collection includes directories from the early 1900s onward. These volumes list residents alphabetically by name. Entries show addresses and occupations. Directories help track families as they moved within the city.
Pinellas County Official Records
Pinellas County maintains official records for all St. Petersburg residents. The county was established in 1912. St. Petersburg has served as a major city within the county since its founding. The Pinellas 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 St. Petersburg. 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. They also show when new families arrived in the area.
Property deeds trace land ownership through St. Petersburg history. The city's real estate boom began in the 1920s. Deed records show who bought and sold land. They reveal married names of daughters. Chain of title research follows property across generations. Many early residents purchased lots from railroad companies.
Probate files preserve details of St. Petersburg estates. When residents died, courts oversaw the distribution of property. These cases generated extensive paperwork. Wills name heirs and their relationships. Estate inventories list personal property. Guardianship records document care of minor children.
Florida State Archives Collections
The Florida State Archives preserves records covering all of Pinellas County. Located in Tallahassee, the archives welcome St. Petersburg 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.
Military records document St. Petersburg veterans. The archives hold service cards for Florida soldiers. World War I and World War II records are especially complete. These files list service details and family members. Visit dos.fl.gov to access these resources.
Internet Resources for St. Petersburg
Digital collections have expanded St. Petersburg genealogy research. Many records are now accessible from home computers. This convenience helps researchers worldwide. Both free and subscription sites offer materials. Knowing where to look speeds up the research process.
FamilySearch.org provides free record access. The site includes census images and marriage indexes. Church records from local parishes are available. The catalog lists microfilm for ordering. New digitization projects add records regularly.
Ancestry.com hosts extensive collections. Census records and city directories are complete. Subscription costs apply, but library access is often free.
State Vital Records for St. Petersburg
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains birth and death records for St. Petersburg residents. These certificates provide primary evidence of family relationships. State-level copies supplement county holdings. Understanding access rules helps researchers plan their requests. Birth records have a 100-year privacy restriction. Death records are restricted for 50 years. After these periods, records become public.
Proper identification and proof of relationship are required. The Florida Health website at floridahealth.gov provides ordering details. Online databases allow remote searching. The archives staff assists with research questions.
Pinellas County Genealogy Records
St. Petersburg is a major city within Pinellas County. Most official records for residents are held at the county level. The Clerk of Courts and other county offices maintain these documents. Researchers should explore both city and county resources.