DeFuniak Springs Genealogy Records

Walton genealogy research helps you find your roots in the Florida Panhandle. The county formed in 1824. DeFuniak Springs serves as the county seat, and the county is named for Colonel George Walton. The Chautauqua heritage adds cultural depth. Many families have lived here for over a century, building communities and establishing deep connections to the land. Records include birth certificates, death records, marriage licenses, and court documents that span multiple generations of local families. You can access these in person at the courthouse or through online databases. State archives also hold valuable family history data.

Walton Clerk of Court Records

The Clerk of Court maintains official records for genealogy research under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, which gives the public the right to access government records. This office holds marriage licenses, court cases, probate files, and land records dating back to 1824. You can visit the office in DeFuniak Springs to search records in person, and staff members help locate historical documents and make certified copies for a fee. Many records are available on microfilm and in digital formats. Staff can guide you to the right resources. Marriage records before 1927 remain at the clerk's office, while the state only holds records from June 6, 1927 forward. Probate records show estate settlements and heir relationships. Land deeds trace property ownership through generations, and court records contain civil and criminal case information. These files often include witness names and family details. The clerk's office preserves these documents for public access, and researchers can request copies for a small fee.

Visit the Walton Clerk of Court at 571 U.S. Highway 90 E., DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433. Call (850) 892-8115 for questions, or visit waltonclerk.com. Office hours are Monday through Friday, so bring valid photo ID when requesting records. Staff can help you navigate the archives, though large research projects may need advance notice. Parking is available on the street.

Florida State Archives Collections

The State Archives of Florida contains materials for Walton genealogy research. Collections span from the territorial period to modern times, and documents include military records, land grants, and voter rolls. Many items are unique to the state collection. You can access them in Tallahassee by visiting the research room during regular business hours. Confederate Pension Applications provide detailed family information for the region. They include veteran service details and residence information. Many files list widows and dependents, and these connect Civil War era families in the area. Review these files for ancestor names and dates.

Pension records often contain correspondence and medical notes, and they show family relationships not found elsewhere. Spanish Land Grants show original property owners from 1821. These maps and deeds predate Florida statehood, and they name early settlers in the region. The 1867-68 Voter Registration Rolls are essential for African American genealogy in this region. These records name Black men who registered to vote after the Civil War, and they include race and residence details. Researchers find ancestors who lived in the area during Reconstruction. This was a pivotal period in Florida history, and the rolls document the first systematic African American voter registration. Each entry lists name, age, and place of birth. Some entries note occupation and physical description. Visit the State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee to access these materials. Archives are open Monday through Friday.

Bureau of Vital Statistics Records

The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds birth and death records under Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes. Birth records begin around 1917, though earlier records are sparse, and death records go back further. The Bureau maintains these files in Jacksonville, and you can order copies by mail, phone, or online. Confidential birth records less than 125 years old have restricted access under Florida law, and only specific individuals can obtain copies. These include the person named, parents, and legal guardians. Valid photo ID is required for all requests. State marriage records cover June 6, 1927 to present, while earlier marriages are at county clerk offices only. Death records without cause of death are public under Chapter 119, though the cause stays private for 50 years. Order through VitalChek. The Bureau is at 1217 N. Pearl Street, Jacksonville. Phone 877-550-7330.

Walton Genealogy Research Tips

Start with family knowledge. Interview older relatives about names and places. Write down what you learn, and organize your notes by surname. Census records track families over time. Federal census began for this area in 1830. Check neighboring county records too, as families moved between counties. Look at all possible locations. Census data shows household members and ages. It lists occupations and birthplaces, and you can use this to trace migration patterns. Church records provide additional information. Baptisms, marriages, and burials appear in church books. Religious organizations kept detailed membership lists, so contact local churches for archive access.

Newspapers add details to your research. Local papers published obituaries and marriage notices, and they covered community events. These stories add context to your family history. Visit the State Library Genealogy Page for database access. The library offers Ancestry and other tools, and you can use these on site in Tallahassee. Plan a research trip to maximize your time.

Nearby Counties for Genealogy Research

These counties neighbor Walton. Your ancestors may have lived in multiple counties. Check records in these areas, as borders changed over time. Families moved for work or land.