Glades County Family Records

Glades County genealogy research opens doors to Florida's heartland history near Lake Okeechobee, where families have lived for nearly a century. The county formed in 1921 from part of DeSoto County during a period of rapid agricultural expansion in Florida. Moore Haven serves as the county seat on the lake's western shore, a community built by pioneers seeking fertile land. Records span nearly a century of family stories tied to fishing, farming, and life along the Caloosahatchee River. Early settlers drained land and planted crops in the rich muck soil. They built homes near the water's edge for access to transportation and trade. Their descendants still live here today, preserving the heritage of this unique region.

The Caloosahatchee River flows through this rural landscape, providing water and transportation routes for residents throughout the area. Farmers grow sugarcane and vegetables in the warm climate. The natural environment shaped family life. Many generations worked the same land. Their stories remain in local archives available for research.

Glades County Clerk of Courts

The Glades County Clerk of Courts maintains official records for genealogy research in Moore Haven. This office holds marriage licenses dating from 1921 forward. Staff members assist family historians in locating historical documents. The clerk preserves court cases, probate files, and land transactions essential for tracing ancestry.

Marriage records before 1927 remain at the county level exclusively, which is important for researchers to understand when planning their work in this region. State archives maintain copies only from June 6, 1927 onward, meaning earlier records must be accessed locally. Early marriage books contain handwritten entries showing the bride, groom, and officiant names. Some records list parents or witnesses who attended the ceremonies. These documents provide valuable insights into family connections and relationships.

Florida public records laws govern the Clerk's office operations under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, granting access to most historical documents for researchers. Visitors may inspect records during regular business hours. Staff provides guidance on finding specific family documents. Navigating the archive system requires patience and attention to detail.

Birth and Death Certificates

Birth and death records for Glades County residents are maintained at the state level. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds these documents in Jacksonville. Birth records begin around 1917. Death records extend back to 1877 in some cases. Access to birth records is restricted under Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes.

Online ordering is available through VitalChek, the state's authorized vendor for expedited service requests from the public. Mail orders require additional processing time. Jacksonville hosts the Bureau office. Visit the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics website for ordering information.

Marriage Licenses in Glades County

The Clerk of Courts maintains all marriage records for Glades County. Original licenses date from the county's founding in 1921. These documents contain valuable family information for researchers. Each marriage record lists the full names of both parties. Documents show the wedding date and location. Some early records include parent names. Places of birth may appear. Witness signatures appear on most licenses.

Land and Property Records

Property deeds in Glades County trace land ownership back to 1921. The Clerk of Courts maintains these records in Moore Haven. Deeds show property transfers between family members. They document agricultural land acquisitions throughout the county's history. Researchers can search deeds by grantor or grantee name. Staff assists with locating specific property transactions.

Land records often reveal family relationships beyond what appears in vital records. Heir property transfers show how estates passed to descendants through generations of ownership. These documents indicate where ancestors lived and worked. Property boundaries sometimes reference neighboring family members. Old surveys mention landmarks now long gone.

Historical Resources for Glades County

The State Archives of Florida contains materials relevant to Glades County research. Collections include census records and historical maps. Military service cards document veterans from the area. These statewide resources complement local county records.

Researchers can access the archives in Tallahassee or search online catalogs from home. The State Library provides research guides for Florida genealogy. These tools help navigate available collections efficiently. Visit the State Archives of Florida to explore available collections.

Nearby Counties for Genealogy Research

Glades County borders several other counties around Lake Okeechobee. Ancestors may have lived in multiple areas during their lives. Check records in these neighboring counties for additional family information.