West Palm Beach Vital Records

Palm Beach County genealogy research connects you to South Florida's Gold Coast. The county formed in 1909 from parts of Dade County. West Palm Beach serves as the county seat. It is one of Florida's largest counties. Records here reflect pioneer and settler history. Local archives hold extensive genealogy resources.

Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Records

The Clerk of Court maintains official records for Palm Beach County genealogy under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes ensuring public access to government documents including marriage licenses, court cases, probate files, and land records dating back to 1909. You can visit the office in West Palm Beach to search records in person or access online portals. Staff members help find historical documents. Many records are available through digital databases.

Marriage records before June 6, 1927 stay at the county level, while the state only holds records from that date forward under Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes governing vital statistics and public access to marriage records in Florida. For older marriage licenses, check with the Palm Beach County Clerk directly. Probate records show how estates were settled and property divided among heirs. These files contain valuable family relationship details. Land deeds trace ownership through generations.

Visit the Palm Beach County Clerk at 205 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

Florida State Archives Collections

The State Archives of Florida holds collections useful for Palm Beach County genealogy.

Confederate Pension Applications contain family information about veterans in the region. Spanish Land Grants show original property owners from 1821 in the area that became Palm Beach County. World War I Service Cards document military service. Voter Registration Rolls from 1867-68 include early residents of the region before the county formed. These records help trace families through multiple generations.

Visit 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 keeps birth and death records for Palm Beach County under Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes governing vital records. Birth records start from 1917. Death records go back further. You can order certified copies.

Birth records less than 125 years old remain confidential under Florida law, with access limited to specific individuals with valid identification who can demonstrate a direct interest in obtaining the record. State marriage records cover June 6, 1927 to present. Earlier marriages from 1909-1927 are at the county clerk office. Death records without cause of death are public. The cause stays private for 50 years.

Palm Beach County Genealogy Research Tips

Start your Palm Beach County genealogy search with family information.

Census records are key for this area. Federal census coverage began in 1910 when the county formed. Look for neighbors with the same surname. Families often settled near each other. Census records show occupation and birthplace.

Newspapers provide additional details.

Visit the State Library Genealogy Page for more resources. The library has databases to help research. These tools connect Palm Beach County ancestors to wider networks.

Good organization helps your search succeed.

Nearby Counties for Genealogy Research

These counties border Palm Beach County.