Pembroke Pines City Florida genealogy records help you trace family roots in one of South Florida’s youngest cities. Pembroke Pines sits in Broward County.
It was a farming area until 1960. That year, the city officially became Pembroke Pines. Today it is the tenth largest city in Florida. More than 170,000 people live there. Many families moved here after World War II. They came from northern states, Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti. Their papers sit in local offices, state archives, and online databases. These records cover birth, marriage, death, land, court files, schools, churches, and newspapers. You can find them for free or for a small fee. This article shows you where to look, what to ask for, and how to start your search right now.
Quick Facts About Pembroke Pines for Genealogy
Before you search records, learn the basic facts about the city. These facts shape where records are kept. They also explain why certain papers exist and others do not.
City Founding and Early Years
Pembroke Pines started as a dairy and farming area in the 1920s. The city charter was filed on January 16, 1960. Before that, the area was unincorporated land in Broward County. Most residents farmed or worked in nearby cities like Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. After incorporation, the city grew fast. Subdivisions replaced cow pastures. Schools, churches, and shops opened each year. This growth brought new families from across the United States and other countries. The city limits expanded west over the years. Today Pembroke Pines borders Miramar, Hollywood, and the Everglades.
Why Records Start at Certain Dates
Broward County was carved out of Dade County in 1915. So county records begin that year. Pembroke Pines city records begin in 1960. State records for Florida go back to the 1800s. Birth and death records start in 1877. Marriage records start in 1927 for the whole state, but Broward County kept its own from 1915. School records for Pembroke Pines schools begin in the 1960s. Knowing these dates saves you time when you search.
Broward County’s Role
Almost all Pembroke Pines records sit in Broward County offices. The county seat is Fort Lauderdale. It is about 12 miles east of Pembroke Pines. The county clerk, courthouse, and main library are there. State records are in Tallahassee, which is in north Florida. Federal records like census data are in Washington, D.C., but copies are online. Always check the county first, then the state, then federal sources.
Broward County Library Resources
The Broward County Library System has the largest local collection of genealogy papers. It serves Pembroke Pines through a branch and the main library downtown.
Pembroke Pines Branch Library
The Pembroke Pines branch sits at 955 NW 129th Avenue. You can call the branch at (954) 357-6750. The branch has local history books, city directories, and maps. Staff members know how to help you start a family search. They can pull obituaries from local newspapers on microfilm. The branch also has computers with free access to major genealogy sites. You do not need a library card to use the computers inside the library. You do need a card to use some databases from home.
Main Library Genealogy Collection
The Broward County Main Library is at 100 S Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. It has the largest genealogy section in South Florida. The collection includes census records on microfilm, military records, and immigration lists. The library subscribes to Ancestry Library Edition and HeritageQuest. You can use these for free inside the library. HeritageQuest also allows remote access for cardholders. The main library has a special Florida room. This room holds books about every Florida county. It also has rare city directories and phone books from the 1950s onward.
Newspapers on Microfilm
Old newspapers hold birth notices, wedding stories, and obituaries. The library keeps microfilm copies of the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel and earlier papers like the Fort Lauderdale News. These papers covered Pembroke Pines news after 1960. You can read them on microfilm readers at the main library. The papers name family members, employers, and street addresses. They also show church events, school news, and club meetings. Staff can help you load the microfilm and use the reader.
Broward County Clerk of Court Records
The clerk’s office holds the most important legal records. Many of these papers cover Pembroke Pines families from the early 1900s to today.
Marriage Records
The clerk keeps marriage licenses from 1915 to today. You can search the online index from home. The index lists the bride’s name, groom’s name, marriage date, and book number. To see the full record, you visit the clerk’s office in Fort Lauderdale. The full record lists ages, birthplaces, parents’ names, and previous marriages. You can order copies by mail for a fee. Some older marriage records from the 1800s and early 1900s sit with the county historian. Ask the clerk for a referral to the historian if you need early papers.
Property Deeds and Land Records
Property deeds show who owned land in Pembroke Pines. Deeds also list spouses who gave up dower rights. This helps you find a wife’s married name. You can search the clerk’s online records system for free. The system shows deeds from 1978 to today. Older deeds sit on microfilm at the clerk’s office. They track how the area changed from farms to subdivisions. Each deed names the buyer, seller, sale price, and legal description. These records help you find when a family moved to Pembroke Pines.
Probate and Court Records
Probate records name heirs, children, and grandchildren. They list what the person owned at death. Wills name family members directly. Estate inventories list houses, cars, and land. These papers help you build a full family picture. The clerk also has civil court records, divorce papers, and criminal case files. Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes says these records are open to the public. You can view them in person or order copies. Some records from the early 1900s are on microfilm. Newer records are online.
Florida State Archives and Tallahassee Records
The Florida State Archives sit in Tallahassee. They hold state-level records that cover all Florida counties, including Broward County and Pembroke Pines.
Death Certificates and State Files
The state has death certificates from 1877 to today. Florida death certificates name the deceased, parents, spouse, and burial site. They also show cause of death and the informant’s name. Records less than 50 years old have access rules. You must prove you are a family member to get recent copies. Older records are open to anyone. The state archives website has a free search index. You can also visit in person or order copies by mail. The archives office is at 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. You can call them at (850) 245-6719. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
State Census Records
Florida took state censuses in 1885, 1935, and 1945. These censuses list every person in each household. They show names, ages, and birthplaces. The 1945 census covers Pembroke Pines just before it became a city. It lists farmers and their families. You can view state census records on microfilm at the archives. You can also see them at the main library in Fort Lauderdale. These censuses fill the gap between federal censuses taken in 1940 and 1950.
Colonial and Territorial Records
Broward County did not exist before 1915. Before that, the area was part of Dade County. So colonial and territorial records for Pembroke Pines land sit in Dade County records. The state archives also hold Spanish land grants and early surveys. These cover the 1800s. They name early settlers and land owners. You can search the archives online catalog for free. Staff also answer email questions about your search.
Florida Vital Records Through the Health Department
The Florida Department of Health runs the Bureau of Vital Statistics. This office keeps birth, death, marriage, and divorce records for the whole state.
Birth Certificates
Florida birth certificates start in 1877. Birth records less than 100 years old have access rules. Only the person named, their parents, or legal heirs can order a copy. You must show proof of identity. You can order birth certificates online, by mail, or in person. The cost is about $30 for each certified copy. The vital records office is in Jacksonville, Florida. Their website explains exactly what papers you need to prove who you are. The address is 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The phone number is (904) 359-6900. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Death Certificates
Death certificates older than 50 years are open to anyone. Newer ones have the same rules as birth certificates. The state death index is online for free search. You can see the name, date of death, and county. The full record costs a small fee. Death certificates help you find parents, spouses, and burial sites. They also name the informant, which is often a close family member. This clue leads to other family members.
Marriage and Divorce Records
Florida started keeping marriage records statewide in 1927. But county clerks also kept local records earlier. Broward County marriage records start in 1915. Divorce records sit with the clerk of court in the county where the divorce happened. You can search the state marriage index for free online. The state also has a divorce index for records from 1927 to today. You order copies from the county where the event happened.
Online Genealogy Databases for Florida Records
Online databases make research faster. Many let you search from home at any hour. Some are free. Others charge a fee.
FamilySearch.org
FamilySearch is free for everyone. The site is run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has Florida birth, marriage, death, and census records. You can view Broward County marriage records from 1915 to 1960. You can also see Florida death indexes from 1877 to 1969. The site has indexed Broward County probate records and school yearbooks. You build a free family tree on the site. Other users can see your tree and add information.
Ancestry.com
Ancestry.com is a paid site. It has the largest collection of U.S. records. The site includes all U.S. federal censuses from 1790 to 1950. It has Florida newspapers, including the Miami Herald. It also has Broward County school yearbooks from the 1960s onward. Ancestry has military records, passenger lists, and immigration papers. A subscription costs about $25 per month. The site often runs sales for new users. You can search for free, but you must pay to see full records.
MyHeritage and FindMyPast
MyHeritage has Florida records and a strong family tree builder. FindMyPast has British records, which helps if your family came from the UK. Both sites offer free trial periods. Both have Broward County records and South Florida newspapers. You can also try the free site USGenWeb for Broward County. Volunteer genealogists run that site and post free records.
Census, Cemetery, and Church Records
Census records, cemetery records, and church records fill in details that other papers miss. These records often show family relationships and personal facts.
Federal Census Records
The U.S. takes a census every 10 years. Florida census records go back to 1830. Broward County started showing up in 1920, after the county formed. The 1930, 1940, and 1950 censuses cover Pembroke Pines. The 1940 census shows the area as a farming community. The 1950 census shows new subdivisions. Census records name every person living in the home. They show age, birthplace, occupation, and neighbors. You can see these records on FamilySearch and Ancestry for free at libraries. The 1950 census is also free on the National Archives website.
Cemetery Records
Broward County has many cemeteries. Major sites include Hollywood Memorial Park, Fred Hunter’s Hollywood Memorial Gardens, and Lauderdale Memorial Park. You can search cemetery records on FindAGrave.com and BillionGraves.com. Both sites are free. Volunteers post photos of headstones. The headstones show birth and death dates. Some show family relationships. You can also visit the cemetery office in person. Staff can help you find a specific grave. Broward County also has a small Jewish cemetery, a Catholic cemetery, and several church-run burial grounds.
Church Records
Church records include baptisms, marriages, and funerals. St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church sits in Pembroke Pines. Other churches include First Baptist Church of Pembroke Pines and Temple Beth Emet. Each church keeps its own records. Older records sit with the diocese or regional church office. Catholic Diocese of Fort Lauderdale holds records for Catholic churches in Broward County. You can contact the church office directly for baptism or marriage papers.
Military, Immigration, and Naturalization Records
Military papers, immigration lists, and naturalization files help you trace family who came from other countries. Many Pembroke Pines families have roots in Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and South America.
Military Service Records
Many Pembroke Pines men and women served in the U.S. military. Service records show where a person served, when, and rank. You can order military records from the National Archives. Florida veterans also filed for state bonuses after World War I and World War II. These bonus files sit at the state archives in Tallahassee. They name the soldier, parents, and spouse. You can search the bonus files for free online. Korean War and Vietnam War records are also available.
Immigration and Passenger Lists
Most Florida immigrants came through the port of Miami or the port of New York. Passenger lists show the person’s name, age, country of origin, and ship name. You can search these lists on Ancestry.com and FamilySearch. The lists cover the years 1820 to 1957. They name family members traveling together. This helps you connect parents and children who came to Florida together.
Naturalization Records
Naturalization papers show when a person became a U.S. citizen. They list birth date, birth country, and port of entry. They also name the person who sponsored the new citizen. Broward County naturalization records sit with the clerk of court in Fort Lauderdale. Federal naturalization records sit with the National Archives in Atlanta. You can search naturalization indexes on Ancestry and FamilySearch. The indexes show the court where the person was naturalized.
Historical Newspapers and Obituaries in Florida
Newspapers and obituaries give you daily life details. They name family members, friends, and neighbors. They also show where a person worked and lived.
South Florida Newspapers
The Miami Herald covers all of South Florida, including Pembroke Pines. The Sun-Sentinel covers Broward County news. Both papers have online archives. The Sun-Sentinel archive goes back to 1982. The Miami Herald archive goes back to 1982 as well. Older papers sit on microfilm at the Broward County Main Library. Newspapers.com has a large Florida collection. You can search for free, but full access costs a fee.
Obituary Searches
You can find obituaries on newspaper websites, Legacy.com, and newspapers.com. Obituaries name survivors, parents, and burial sites. They often list the funeral home. You can then call the funeral home for more details. The main funeral homes serving Pembroke Pines include Fred Hunter’s, T.M. Ralph, and Joseph A. Scarano. Each home keeps files on the people they served. They can confirm dates and family members.
School Yearbooks and Class Photos
School yearbooks show class photos. They name students and teachers. Pembroke Pines schools have yearbooks from the 1960s onward. McArthur High School, Flanagan High School, and Pembroke Pines Elementary all have yearbook collections. Many of these yearbooks sit on Ancestry.com. You can also visit the school media center to see old yearbooks in person.
Contact List for Pembroke Pines Records
The following offices can help you with records. Each has a phone number and address. Most have websites for online search and ordering.
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broward County Clerk of Court | 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | (954) 831-6525 | Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Broward County Main Library | 100 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | (954) 357-7444 | Mon-Sat, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Pembroke Pines Branch Library | 955 NW 129th Ave, Pembroke Pines, FL 33029 | (954) 357-6750 | Mon-Sat, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Florida State Archives | 500 S Bronough St, Tallahassee, FL 32399 | (850) 245-6719 | Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics | 1217 Pearl St, Jacksonville, FL 32202 | (904) 359-6900 | Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Map of Broward County Clerk of Court:
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common search problems. Each answer gives you a direct path to the right office or database. The answers also explain rules about who can see which records. Use these answers to plan your next step in tracing Pembroke Pines family roots.
Where do I start my Pembroke Pines genealogy search?
Start with the most recent known family member. Write down their full name, birth date, and death date. Then check the Broward County Clerk online index for marriage and property records. Next, search the 1940 and 1950 U.S. census on FamilySearch or Ancestry. These two steps often give you parents, siblings, and the year a family arrived in the area. You then move to church records, school yearbooks, and newspaper archives for more details.
Can I get Pembroke Pines birth and death records for free?
You can search indexes for free. The full record costs a fee. Florida birth records less than 100 years old need proof of family relationship. Death records less than 50 years old also need proof. Older records are open to anyone. You can view older records at the state archives or order copies. The fee for a certified copy is set by Florida law. The total cost depends on the year of the record and the type of certificate.
Are Pembroke Pines marriage records online?
Yes. The Broward County Clerk has an online index for marriages from 1915 to today. FamilySearch has free indexes and images for some Broward County marriage records. You can search the index from home. To see the full record image, you may need to visit the clerk’s office or pay for a copy. Marriage records from 1970 onward are usually fully online.
How do I find old obituaries for Pembroke Pines residents?
Search the Sun-Sentinel and Miami Herald online archives first. These papers cover South Florida. Use Legacy.com and newspapers.com as backup. You can also call local funeral homes. Fred Hunter’s and T.M. Ralph both have older files. The Broward County Main Library has newspaper microfilm that goes back to the 1950s. Library staff can help you use the microfilm reader for free.
What if my ancestor came to Pembroke Pines from another country?
Search passenger lists on Ancestry and FamilySearch. These cover ports like Miami and New York. Then search naturalization records with the Broward County Clerk and the National Archives. Cuban, Haitian, and Jamaican families often have naturalization papers in Fort Lauderdale. You can also check church records and local immigrant aid groups. The Cuban American National Foundation and Haitian American Foundation keep community histories.
Are there records from before Pembroke Pines became a city?
Yes. Before 1960, the area was unincorporated land in Broward County. So records from the 1910s to 1959 sit with the county. Dade County also has some older records from before 1915, when Broward County split off. The state archives in Tallahassee hold old surveys, land patents, and Spanish land grants. You can search the state archives catalog online for free.
Can I research Pembroke Pines records without paying anything?
Yes. FamilySearch is free. The Broward County Library gives free access to Ancestry and HeritageQuest. The clerk’s online index is free. The state archives catalog is free. Many cemeteries have free lookups on FindAGrave. You can also use the free USGenWeb site for Broward County. You only pay when you order certified copies of vital records or old deeds.