Green Cove Springs Vital Statistics

Clay County genealogy research reveals family history in northeast Florida. The county formed in 1858 and was named after Henry Clay. Records span over 165 years. The county seat is Green Cove Springs. You can find birth records, marriage licenses, and death certificates. The Clerk of Court maintains court records. The St. Johns River forms the eastern boundary. This river shaped the county's development.

Clay County Clerk of Court Records

The Clerk of Court maintains vital records under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This office stores marriage licenses and court documents. You can search official records online or visit in person. The courthouse is in Green Cove Springs. Staff can help locate documents. Many records have been digitized.

Marriage records before 1927 are at the county level while the state holds records from June 6, 1927 forward under Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes. Probate records show estate settlements. These files contain family relationship details. Court records document legal matters.

Contact the Clay County Clerk at 825 N. Orange Avenue, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Call 904-269-6302.

Florida State Archives Genealogy Resources

The State Archives of Florida contains Clay County resources. Confederate Pension Applications include local veterans. You can access these in Tallahassee.

Visit the State Archives of Florida for access to these collections. The archives preserve Florida's history. They have documents from the Spanish period. Territorial records are also available. Civil War materials include pension files. These list the soldier's unit and battles. They often name the widow and children. This helps trace family connections across generations.

Bureau of Vital Statistics for Clay County

The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps birth and death records under Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes. Birth records are available from 1917. Death records go back further. This office serves all Florida counties. They maintain the official records for the state.

Birth certificates less than 125 years old are restricted under Florida law, with access limited to the person named on the record, parents listed, legal guardians, or legal representatives. You must show valid identification. Marriage records from June 6, 1927 are at the state level.

Order through VitalChek.

Call 877-550-7330.

Clay County Property and Land Records

Property records in Clay County trace land ownership patterns recorded under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. The Property Appraiser maintains these documents. Deeds show property transfers. Maps display boundaries. These records help reconstruct communities.

Visit the Clerk website for searches. The online records go back many decades. You can find original homestead claims. The federal government granted land to settlers. These grants were recorded locally. The records show the chain of ownership. This helps prove family connections to the land.

Clay County Spring and Military History

Clay County bears the name of Henry Clay. He was a great statesman from Kentucky. The county seat is famous for its springs. Green Cove Springs drew tourists in the 1800s. People believed the water could heal sickness. Hotels lined the St. Johns River.

The Navy came during World War II. The base brought new families to the area. Orange Park grew as a suburb of Jacksonville. The county maintains a mix of rural and suburban life. Farms still operate near new homes. Many families have roots here for generations. They have witnessed much change over time.

Clay County Genealogy Research Tips

Start with family documents. Gather names and dates. Look for military papers. Many Clay County men served in the armed forces. Their records contain family details.

Census records document Clay County families from 1860. Track families across years. The county grew as a resort area. Many winter visitors became permanent residents. Check for records in northern states too. Families often kept ties to their home states.

Visit the State Library Genealogy Page for help. The Green Cove Springs Library has local history materials. They have photos of old hotels and homes. These may show your ancestors' buildings.

Clay County Census Substitutes

Census substitutes help when federal records are missing. Tax rolls list property owners by year. They show who lived in the county. Voter registration records are another source. Florida's 1867-68 voter rolls are significant. They include African American men who could vote.

City directories list residents alphabetically. They predate phone books. Many Florida towns had directories. School records show children and parents. The State Archives has some collections. Land warrants and grants list original settlers. These federal records show where pioneers came from. They often include family details.

Nearby Counties for Genealogy Research

These counties border Clay County. Your ancestors may have lived in or moved to these areas. Check records in neighboring counties. Clay County was once part of Duval County. Some early records may be there.