Kissimmee Historical Archives

Osceola County genealogy research connects you to Florida's cattle country heritage. The county formed in 1887 from parts of Brevard and Orange counties. Kissimmee serves as the county seat. It was named for the Seminole leader Osceola. Records here reflect ranching and citrus history. Local archives hold rich genealogy resources.

Osceola County Clerk of Court Records

The Clerk of Court maintains official records for Osceola 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 1887. You can visit the office in Kissimmee 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 Staff members help find historical documents and make certified copies.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 Kissimmee, you must check with the Osceola 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 1800s.

Visit the Osceola County Clerk at 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741.

Florida State Archives Collections

The State Archives of Florida contains materials for Osceola 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 Osceola County. Voter Registration Rolls from 1867-68 are vital for African American genealogy research.

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 Osceola 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 1887-1927 are found only at the county clerk office in Kissimmee. 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.

Osceola County Genealogy Research Tips

Success in Osceola County genealogy starts with family stories.

Census records track Osceola County families over time. Federal census began in 1890 when the county formed. Look at neighboring counties too, as borders changed over the years. Families moved between Orange and Osceola counties frequently. Check all possible locations for your ancestors.

Church records supplement official documents.

Newspapers add details to your Osceola 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 Osceola County.