Key West Ancestry Records

Monroe County genealogy research helps you discover ancestors in the Florida Keys. The county formed in 1823 and was named for President James Monroe. Key West serves as the county seat. Records here reflect maritime and Caribbean influences. Many families came from Cuba and the Bahamas. Local archives hold unique genealogy resources.

Monroe County Clerk of Court Records

The Clerk of Court maintains official records for Monroe County genealogy research under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes ensuring public access to government documents including marriage licenses, court cases, and probate files dating back to 1823. You can visit the office in Key West to search records in person. Staff members help find historical documents and make certified copies. The office follows state laws for record retention.

Monroe County marriage records before June 6, 1927 stay at the clerk's office, while the state only holds records from that date forward as established by Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes governing vital statistics statewide. For older marriage licenses, you must check with the Monroe 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.

Visit the Monroe County Clerk at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040.

Florida State Archives Collections

The State Archives of Florida contains materials for Monroe County genealogy research.

Confederate Pension Applications provide detailed family information about veterans who lived in the region. They include the veteran's service unit and residence at time of application. Many files list widows and dependents who survived. Spanish Land Grants show original property owners from 1821 in Monroe County. Voter Registration Rolls from 1867-68 are vital for African American genealogy research.

Access these collections at the State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee. The archives open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (850) 245-6700 before visiting.

Bureau of Vital Statistics Records

The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds Monroe County birth and death records.

Confidential birth records are protected under Florida law, with records less than 125 years old having access limits to protect privacy under Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes governing vital statistics. Only specific people can obtain copies, including the person named, parents, and legal guardians. Valid photo identification is required. State marriage records cover June 6, 1927 to present, while earlier marriages are found only at the county clerk office in Key West. Death records without cause of death are public under Chapter 119. The cause remains private for 50 years.

Order records through VitalChek.

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

Monroe County Genealogy Research Tips

Success in Monroe County genealogy starts with family stories.

Census records track Monroe County families over time. Federal census began for this area in 1830. Look at neighboring areas too, as island communities had unique settlement patterns. Many families came from Cuba, the Bahamas, and other Caribbean islands. Check immigration records for additional sources.

Church records supplement official documents.

Newspapers add details to your Monroe County genealogy research. Local papers carried obituaries and wedding announcements. They reported on community events and social gatherings. The State Library has microfilm collections available to search.

Visit the State Library Genealogy Page for database access.

Nearby Counties for Genealogy Research

These counties neighbor Monroe County.