Okeechobee County Florida genealogy records help you trace family roots in this central Florida region. The county formed in 1917 from parts of Palm Beach and Osceola counties.
Records here date back over 100 years. Many records are now available online through state and county offices.
Quick Facts About Okeechobee County
Okeechobee County sits in the heart of Florida near the big lake that shares its name. The county seat is the city of Okeechobee. Local records start from 1917 when the county first formed. Before that year, families living in this area appear in records from Palm Beach and Osceola counties.
County History and Formation
Okeechobee County formed on May 8, 1917 through a special act of the Florida Legislature. The new county took land from Palm Beach County on the south side and Osceola County on the north side. Early settlers farmed cattle and grew crops on the rich soil near Lake Okeechobee. Many families moved here from other southern states after the county formed.
Geographic Location and Borders
Okeechobee County borders seven other Florida counties. Glades County sits to the southwest. Highlands County lies to the west. Indian River County is on the east. Martin County touches the southeast. Osceola County is to the north. Palm Beach County sits to the south. St. Lucie County is to the east. Polk County touches the northwest corner.
| County Border | Direction |
|---|---|
| Osceola County | North |
| Indian River County | East |
| St. Lucie County | East |
| Martin County | Southeast |
| Palm Beach County | South |
| Glades County | Southwest |
| Highlands County | West |
| Polk County | Northwest |
Essential Records Types for Genealogy Research
Genealogy research in Okeechobee County needs several types of records. Each record type shows different facts about your family. Birth records show when and where someone was born. Death records list the date and cause of death. Marriage records name the bride and groom. Court records show legal actions. Land records show property ownership.
Birth and Death Records
Florida birth and death records start at different times in Okeechobee County. Birth records begin in 1917 when the county formed. Some early birth records may be missing because the county was new. Death records go back further because the state kept death records since 1877. You can order birth and death records from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville.
Marriage Records and Divorce Files
Marriage records in Okeechobee County split between two offices. Marriage licenses from 1917 to June 5, 1927 stay only at the Okeechobee County Clerk office. Marriage records from June 6, 1927 to today are kept by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Divorce files stay at the county clerk office for all years.
Probate and Court Records
Probate records show how estates were divided after someone died. These records list family members, debts, and property. Okeechobee County probate files start from 1917. Court records include civil cases, criminal cases, and land disputes. The county clerk keeps all court records at the main courthouse.
Land and Property Records
Land records show who owned property over time. Okeechobee County land records start from 1917. Earlier land records for this area appear in Palm Beach County records. Spanish Land Grants from 1821 cover some parts of what became Okeechobee County. These old land grants are at the State Archives of Florida.
Cemetery and Burial Records
Cemetery records help find family burial sites. Okeechobee County has several old cemeteries. The State Archives of Florida has cemetery transcription records. These records list names, birth dates, death dates, and family relationships. Local churches also kept their own burial records.
Official Sources for Okeechobee Records
Three main government offices hold Okeechobee County genealogy records. The county clerk office has local records. The state vital statistics office has birth and death records. The state archives has older historical records. Each office has different rules for getting copies of records.
Okeechobee County Clerk of Court
The Okeechobee County Clerk of Court keeps local records from 1917 to today. The office holds marriage records before 1927, probate records, court records, and land records. You can visit the clerk office in person to search records. Staff can help you locate files. You can also request copies by mail. The office follows Florida public records laws under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes.
Okeechobee County Clerk of Court
312 NW 3rd Street
Okeechobee, FL 34972
Phone: (863) 763-2131
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds statewide birth and death records. This office is part of the Florida Department of Health. The office keeps birth records from 1917 forward and death records from 1877 forward. You can order certified copies online through VitalChek. You can also order by mail or visit the Jacksonville office in person.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
1217 N. Pearl Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (877) 550-7330
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Website: www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records
State Archives of Florida
The State Archives of Florida holds older historical records for the whole state. This includes records for Okeechobee County before the county formed. The archives have Spanish Land Grants from 1821, voter registration rolls from 1867 to 1868, and World War I service cards. You can search many of these records online through the archives website.
State Archives of Florida
R.A. Gray Building
500 South Bronough Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 245-6700
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Website: dos.fl.gov/library-archives/archives
Online Genealogy Databases
Online databases make genealogy research easier. Many Okeechobee County records are scanned and posted online. Some databases are free. Other databases need a paid subscription. You can search records from your home computer at any time of day.
FamilySearch Resources
FamilySearch offers free genealogy records for Okeechobee County. The site has Florida marriage records, census records, and probate records. You need a free FamilySearch account to view records. FamilySearch also has family trees you can search. Many Florida county records are added to FamilySearch each year.
Ancestry.com Florida Collections
Ancestry.com has large collections of Florida genealogy records. A paid subscription gives you full access to records. Ancestry has Florida birth records, death records, census records, and military records. You can search records by name and location. Ancestry also offers DNA testing services to help with genealogy research.
Free Online Databases
Several free websites have Florida genealogy records. The State Archives of Florida website has searchable databases. The Florida Memory project has historical photos and documents. Find A Grave has cemetery records uploaded by users. USGenWeb has volunteer-contributed records for Florida counties.
- State Archives of Florida online catalog
- Florida Memory project at floridamemory.com
- Find A Grave at findagrave.com
- USGenWeb Florida at flgenweb.org
- FamilySearch free collections
Historical Records and Special Collections
Special record collections can help you find hard-to-find family facts. Census records track families every 10 years. Military records show service in wars. Naturalization records show citizenship papers. Church records show baptisms and marriages. Newspapers carry obituaries and wedding announcements.
Census Records
Federal census records for Okeechobee County start in 1920. The county formed in 1917, so the 1920 census was the first one to list residents. The 1930 census, 1940 census, and later censuses also cover Okeechobee County. Census records show names, ages, birthplaces, and occupations. The 1940 census is fully searchable online through the National Archives.
Military Records
Military records help you trace ancestors who served in wars. The State Archives has World War I service cards for Florida residents. These cards list soldiers from Okeechobee County and nearby areas. Federal military records are at the National Archives. Confederate pension records are at the State Archives for Florida residents who served the Confederacy.
Naturalization Records
Naturalization records show when immigrants became US citizens. Federal courts handled naturalizations before 1906. After 1906, the federal government kept these records. Some naturalization records appear in county court files. The State Archives has some Florida naturalization records indexed online.
Church Records
Church records show baptisms, marriages, and burials. Many Florida churches kept their own records before the state kept vital records. Baptist, Methodist, and Catholic churches all served Okeechobee County families. The State Archives has microfilm copies of many Florida church records. You can also contact local churches directly.
Newspapers and Obituaries
Newspaper obituaries give death dates and family details. The Okeechobee News has been published since the county formed. Older issues are on microfilm at the State Library in Tallahassee. Newspapers also carry wedding announcements, birth notices, and community news. These stories add color to your family history.
Research Tips for Okeechobee County
Good research methods save time and give better results. Start with records you already know about. Work from known facts backward in time. Check multiple record sources for the same facts. Keep notes about every record you check.
Start With What You Know
Begin your research with family facts you already have. Write down names, dates, and places from family members. Old photos can show dates and places. Family Bibles often list births, marriages, and deaths. Start with these facts and search for records that match.
Check Neighboring Counties
Many Okeechobee County families appear in nearby county records. Before 1917, your family may appear in Palm Beach or Osceola County records. People often crossed county lines for marriage, land, or court business. Always check records from all neighboring counties for early ancestors.
Use Multiple Sources
One record source rarely gives all the facts you need. Use birth records, census records, and church records together. Compare facts across different sources to check for accuracy. Records can have mistakes. Cross-checking helps you find the right facts about your family.
Visit Local Libraries and Societies
Local libraries often have local history collections. The Okeechobee County Library has local history books and photos. The Okeechobee Historical Society has documents and oral histories. Local genealogy societies help connect you with other researchers working on the same families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about Okeechobee County genealogy records. These answers cover the most common questions. The answers give specific facts about records, offices, and research methods. Use these answers to plan your research.
Where do I start with Okeechobee County genealogy records?
Start by talking to family members to gather names, dates, and places. Then check the 1920 federal census, which is the first census for Okeechobee County. Birth records from 1917 forward are at the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Marriage records before June 6, 1927 are at the Okeechobee County Clerk. Death records from 1877 forward are at the state vital records office.
Are Okeechobee County birth records public?
Florida birth records are not fully public. Records less than 125 years old have access limits to protect privacy. Only specific people can get copies of recent birth records. These include the person named on the record, parents listed on the record, legal guardians, and people with court orders. You must show valid photo identification when requesting birth records.
How do I find old newspapers from Okeechobee County?
The Okeechobee News is the main local newspaper. Issues from the 1920s forward are on microfilm at the State Library of Florida in Tallahassee. The library also has a genealogy page at dos.fl.gov/library-archives/research/explore-our-resources/genealogy. Some newspaper issues are digitized and posted online through the Florida Memory project.
Can I search Okeechobee County records for free?
Yes, several free options exist for Okeechobee County research. FamilySearch offers free access to many Florida records. The State Archives of Florida website has free searchable databases. Find A Grave has free cemetery records. USGenWeb Florida has volunteer-contributed records. Local libraries offer free access to genealogy databases on their computers.
What military records exist for Okeechobee County?
The State Archives of Florida has World War I service cards for Florida soldiers. These include men from Okeechobee County and surrounding areas. The National Archives has federal military records for all wars. Confederate pension records for Florida soldiers who served the Confederacy are at the State Archives. You can search these collections online or visit in person.
How do I get a certified copy of a Florida death record?
You can order certified death records from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Order online through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. Order by mail using the state form. Visit the Jacksonville office in person. Death records without cause of death are public under Florida law. Records with cause of death are private for 50 years after the death.
What records exist before 1917 for Okeechobee County?
Before 1917, the Okeechobee area was part of Palm Beach County and Osceola County. Records for early settlers appear in those county records. The State Archives of Florida has Spanish Land Grants from 1821 for this region. Voter registration rolls from 1867 to 1868 list early residents. These older records help trace pioneer families before the county formed.