Tallahassee Vital Records

Leon County genealogy research offers unique access to Florida's history in the state capital. The county formed in 1824 and named for Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon. Tallahassee serves as both county seat and state capital. The State Archives of Florida sits here. Records stretch back to the earliest days of Florida statehood. You can find birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses.

Leon County Clerk of Court Records

The area holds rich political and social heritage. Many families came to work in government and education. Local archives preserve this unique history.

Leon County Clerk of Court maintains vital records for family history research under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This office holds marriage licenses, court cases, and probate files dating back to the county's formation. You can visit the office in Tallahassee to search records in person. Staff members help find historical documents and make certified copies. State laws govern record retention and access.

Marriage records before 1927 stay at the clerk's office. State records only cover June 6, 1927 forward per Chapter 382 of Florida Statutes. For older marriage licenses, you must check with the Leon County Clerk directly. Probate records show how estates were divided among heirs and family members. These files list relationships and assets in detail. They often contain the only record of family connections from the 1800s. Land deeds trace property through generations of Leon County families. Court records reveal disputes and legal matters involving ancestors.

Contact the Leon County Clerk of Court at 301 S. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Call (850) 577-4000 for information.

Florida State Archives Collections

State Archives of Florida sits in Tallahassee and contains rich materials for Leon County genealogy research. Confederate Pension Applications provide detailed family information about veterans who lived in the region. Spanish Land Grants show original property owners from 1821. The 1867-68 Voter Registration Rolls are vital for African American genealogy research. You can access these records in person at the archives building.

Visit the State Archives of Florida at 500 South Bronough Street in Tallahassee. The archives open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (850) 245-6700 before visiting to confirm hours. Search online catalogs to plan your research before making the trip. Confederate pension files include the veteran's service unit and residence at time of application. Many files list widows and dependents who survived. The 1825 Leon County Census is a unique early resource available here.

Bureau of Vital Statistics Records

Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds Leon County birth and death records. Birth records begin around 1917, though earlier records are incomplete. Death records extend further back in time. You can request certified copies online or by mail.

Confidential birth records are protected under Florida law. Records less than 125 years old have access limits to protect privacy. Only specific people can obtain copies, including the person named, parents, and legal guardians. Valid photo identification is required for all requests. State marriage records cover June 6, 1927 to present. Earlier marriages are found only at county clerk offices. Death records without cause of death are public under Chapter 119. The cause remains private for 50 years. This balance protects privacy while allowing historical research.

Order records through VitalChek for convenience.

Bureau of Vital Statistics is located at 1217 N. Pearl Street, Jacksonville. Phone 877-550-7330 for assistance.

Leon County Genealogy Research Tips

Success starts with family stories. Interview older relatives.

Census records track Leon County families over time. Federal census began for this area in 1830. Look at neighboring counties too, as borders changed over the years. Families moved between counties frequently. Check all possible locations for your ancestors.

Church records supplement official documents. Many families attended local churches.

Visit the State Library Genealogy Page for database access. The library has research tools available. These databases help build your family tree by connecting local records to national sources. Staff can guide you to the right materials.

Good notes save time. Write down all sources you check.

Nearby Counties for Genealogy Research

These counties neighbor Leon County. Your ancestors may have lived in multiple counties.