Okeechobee Lake Region Archives

Okeechobee County genealogy research connects you to Florida's heartland. The county formed in 1917 from parts of Palm Beach and Osceola counties. Okeechobee serves as the county seat. Records here reflect agricultural heritage. Local archives hold unique genealogy resources.

Okeechobee County Clerk of Court Records

The Clerk of Court maintains official records for Okeechobee 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 1917. You can visit the office in Okeechobee to search records in person. Staff members help find historical documents and make certified copies. The office follows state laws for record access.

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 marriage licenses issued in Okeechobee, you must check with the county clerk directly. Probate records show how estates were divided among heirs and family members. These files list relationships and assets in detail. They contain information about family connections from the early 1900s.

Visit the Okeechobee County Clerk at 312 NW 3rd Street, Okeechobee, FL 34972.

Florida State Archives Collections

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

World War I Service Cards document military personnel from the region. Spanish Land Grants show original property owners from 1821 in the area that became Okeechobee County. Voter Registration Rolls from 1867-68 include early residents of the region before the county formed. These records help trace families through multiple generations.

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

Bureau of Vital Statistics Records

The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds Okeechobee County birth and death records under Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes governing vital 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, with records less than 125 years old having access limits to protect privacy. 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 from 1917-1927 are found only at the county clerk office in Okeechobee. 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. The Bureau is at 1217 N. Pearl Street, Jacksonville. Call 877-550-7330. Visit the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics website.

Okeechobee County Genealogy Research Tips

Success in Okeechobee County genealogy starts with family stories.

Census records track Okeechobee County families over time. Federal census began in 1920 when the county formed. Look at neighboring counties too, as borders changed over the years. Families moved between Palm Beach and Okeechobee counties. Check all possible locations for your ancestors.

Church records supplement official documents.

Newspapers add details to your Okeechobee 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 Okeechobee County.