Fort Lauderdale City Florida genealogy records help researchers trace families who lived along Florida’s southeastern coast since the city’s founding in 1911. These records cover birth, death, marriage, divorce, land, court, military, church, and newspaper collections held at libraries, archives, and government offices in Broward County and Tallahassee.
Researchers today can search many of these sources online, request certified copies from state agencies, or visit local repositories in person. This page lists the most useful record groups, the offices that hold them, and the steps needed to request each type of document.
Fort Lauderdale History and Records Context
Fort Lauderdale began as a small frontier settlement on the New River. The area was part of Dade County until 1915, when Broward County formed and Fort Lauderdale became the county seat. Early families arrived through the Florida East Coast Railway, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the city’s growing tourism and farming economy. Most surviving records date from 1915 onward, since few local documents exist before the county was created. Spanish Florida colonial records, Seminole War papers, and early state territorial documents cover the period before 1845, when Florida became a state.
Record Loss and Surviving Sources
Many early Broward County records were lost to fire, flood, and simple neglect. Researchers should expect gaps, especially for the years 1915 to 1925. State-level copies held at the Florida State Archives in Tallahassee often fill these gaps. Federal census records, church registers, and private manuscript collections also help recover lost data.
Florida Vital Records for Fort Lauderdale
Florida birth certificates, death records, marriage records, and divorce decrees are handled at both the county and state level. Fort Lauderdale births and deaths from 1915 onward are filed with Broward County. Statewide registration began in 1877 for deaths and 1905 for births, but compliance in southern Florida was uneven until the 1920s. Researchers should always check both county and state sources when searching.
Florida Birth Certificates
Florida birth certificates are restricted for 100 years from the date of birth. Records older than 100 years are open to the public at the Florida State Archives. Newer records require proof of eligibility, such as a direct family relationship. The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville holds statewide birth registrations from 1905 to the present. Researchers can order certified copies online, by mail, or in person for a small fee. Each certified copy costs around 15 dollars as of 2026.
Florida Death Records
Florida death records become public 50 years after the date of death. Records from 1877 to 1969 are searchable through the Florida State Archives online catalog. The Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains an indexed database of all Florida deaths from 1917 onward. Death certificates often list the deceased’s parents, spouse, birthplace, and burial location, making them one of the most useful documents in family research.
Florida Marriage Records and Licenses
Florida marriage records exist in two forms. The marriage license is filed with the county Clerk of Courts where the ceremony took place. The marriage certificate is the returned proof that the ceremony occurred. Both documents list the full names of the bride and groom, their ages, residences, and the officiant’s name. Broward County marriage licenses from 1915 to the present are searchable through the Clerk’s online records system.
Florida Divorce Records and Decrees
Florida divorce records are filed with the Clerk of Courts in the county where the divorce was granted. Broward County divorce decrees from 1920 onward are available through the Clerk’s office. These records show the grounds for divorce, custody arrangements, and property settlements. Researchers often need divorce decrees to trace women who remarried under different surnames.
Broward County Clerk Official Records
The Broward County Clerk of Courts maintains official records for all Fort Lauderdale residents. The Clerk’s office sits in the main courthouse at 201 Southeast 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale. Phone: (954) 831-6565. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Most official records are searchable online through the Clerk’s Official Records search portal. Older records are available on microfilm at the Clerk’s records center.
Broward County Marriage License Records
Broward County marriage licenses from 1915 to the present are searchable by name. The index lists the bride, groom, license number, and date of filing. Researchers can view digital images of the original licenses for records from 1978 onward. Earlier records require a microfilm lookup or in-person visit to the Clerk’s records department.
Broward County Probate and Estate Files
Broward County probate records document the distribution of property after a resident died. Probate files include the will, inventory of assets, debts owed, and final distribution to heirs. These records are filed with the Clerk of Courts Probate Division. Researchers can search the probate index by decedent name from 1915 to the present. Files from 1978 onward are available as digital images.
Broward County Land and Deed Records
Broward County land records trace property ownership from 1915 onward. The Clerk’s office holds deeds, mortgages, liens, and easement records. These documents show how property moved between family members through sale, gift, or inheritance. Deed records often reveal the married names of daughters, the death dates of spouses, and the geographic spread of a family across the county.
Broward County Main Library Resources
The Broward County Main Library serves as the primary genealogy collection point for Fort Lauderdale. The library sits at 100 South Andrews Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale, phone (954) 357-7444. Hours run Monday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., closed Sunday. The library’s Genealogy Room holds federal census microfilm, local newspapers, city directories, and Florida history books. Library staff can help researchers plan a search and order microfilm.
Census Records at Broward Main Library
Federal census records anchor most Fort Lauderdale family research. The library holds microfilm for the 1790 to 1950 censuses. Fort Lauderdale first appears as a separate enumeration area in the 1930 census. Earlier population schedules list Broward County residents under rural farm schedules. The 1940 census is fully indexed and searchable online through the National Archives. State censuses, including the 1935 Florida State Census and the 1885 Florida Census, are also available on microfilm at the library.
Local Newspaper Archives and Obituaries
The library holds the Fort Lauderdale News, the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, and predecessor papers on microfilm from 1911 to the present. These newspapers contain birth announcements, marriage notices, obituary records, society news, and local event coverage. The Sun-Sentinel’s online obituary archive reaches back to the 1980s. Researchers can also search the Florida Digital Newspaper Library hosted by the University of Florida for historical Fort Lauderdale papers.
City Directory Records for Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale city directories list residents alphabetically by name from 1923 onward. Each entry shows the home address, occupation, and sometimes the spouse’s name. Directories fill the gaps between federal census years. The library holds the complete run of Fort Lauderdale directories, plus many directories for neighboring cities in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.
Fort Lauderdale Historical Society Archives
The Fort Lauderdale Historical Society preserves photographs, manuscripts, and artifacts related to the city’s early families. The museum sits at 231 Southwest 2nd Avenue near the New River. Phone: (954) 463-4431. Hours run Tuesday through Friday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday. The research library requires an appointment for in-depth use of the manuscript collection.
Photograph Collections and Historic Images
The Historical Society holds thousands of photographs showing Fort Lauderdale from the 1890s to the present. Many images show street scenes, businesses, schools, churches, and family gatherings. Some photos are labeled with names and dates. Researchers can view the photograph database online or by appointment. Reproductions for personal use cost a small fee per image.
Manuscript Collections and Personal Papers
The manuscript collection includes letters, diaries, account books, and family papers from early Fort Lauderdale families. Finding aids list each collection by family name and subject. These papers often name parents, siblings, in-laws, and neighbors. Manuscripts cover the period from the 1890s through the 1970s.
Florida State Archives and State Records
The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee holds records covering every Florida county, including Broward. The Archives building sits at 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399. Phone: (850) 245-6719. Hours run Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Many archival holdings are searchable online through the Archives catalog. State-level records often survive when local records were lost.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville maintains statewide birth and death registrations. The Bureau sits at 1217 North Pearl Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202. Phone: (904) 359-6900. Researchers can order certified copies of birth and death certificates online through the Florida Health website. Statewide indexes cover births from 1905 to 1930 and deaths from 1877 to 1969. These indexes are searchable free of charge.
Florida Department of Health Records
The Florida Department of Health oversees the state system for birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. The Department’s website at floridahealth.gov provides ordering details, fee schedules, and eligibility rules. Marriage and divorce records from 1927 onward are available through the Clerk of Courts where the event was recorded. Marriage records before 1927 fall under the Bureau of Vital Statistics.
UF Smathers Libraries Special Collections
The University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries in Gainesville hold strong Florida and Caribbean genealogy collections. The Special Collections department includes the Florida History Room, the Map and Imagery Collection, and the P. K. Yonge Library of Florida History. UF staff answer remote reference questions by email. The Digital Collections portal hosts thousands of scanned photographs, letters, and newspapers useful for Fort Lauderdale family research.
Online Genealogy Databases and Digital Records
Digital records have changed how Fort Lauderdale genealogy research works. Many records are now accessible from home computers. Researchers worldwide can search the same databases. The largest collections are at FamilySearch, Ancestry, Findmypast, and MyHeritage. State and university projects add new records every year.
FamilySearch Florida Record Collections
FamilySearch offers free access to millions of Florida records. The Florida collection includes census images, marriage indexes, probate records, and church registers. The FamilySearch catalog lists microfilm for ordering from the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. New digitization projects add records every month. Researchers should create a free FamilySearch account to view records and save search results.
Florida Memory Digital Collections
The Florida Memory project at the State Library hosts photographs, manuscripts, oral histories, and government records from across Florida. Florida Memory contains the Florida Photographic Collection, the online obituary index, and the historical newspaper archive. Many Fort Lauderdale-specific photographs and documents are included. The site is free to use and requires no subscription.
Specialized Records for Fort Lauderdale Ancestors
Some record groups cover only certain families or time periods. Military, church, cemetery, and immigration records often fill gaps left by civil records. Researchers tracing African American families, Seminole descendants, or Caribbean immigrants will need these specialized sources.
Florida Military Service Records
The Florida State Archives holds military service cards for Florida soldiers from World War I onward. The National Archives in Washington, D.C. holds Compiled Military Service Records for Florida units in the Civil War, Spanish-American War, and Indian Wars. Confederate records for Florida regiments are available through the National Archives and Fold3. Pension records often list widows, children, and parents of soldiers.
Church Records for Broward County
Church records document baptisms, marriages, burials, and member lists. Broward County churches began keeping records in the 1890s. The Episcopal, Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, and Presbyterian churches all operated in early Fort Lauderdale. Many church records have been microfilmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah and are searchable on FamilySearch.
Cemetery Records in Broward County
Cemetery records list burials, death dates, and family relationships. Major Fort Lauderdale cemeteries include Evergreen Cemetery, Woodlawn Cemetery, Lauderdale Memorial Park, and the Hebrew Memorial Garden. The Broward County Historical Commission maintains a database of cemetery burials. The US GenWeb project for Broward County also lists known cemetery inscriptions.
Naturalization and Passenger Lists
Naturalization records document when immigrants became US citizens. Broward County naturalization records from 1915 onward are held by the Clerk of Courts. Federal naturalization records from 1906 to 1956 are available through the National Archives. Passenger lists for ships arriving at Florida ports, including Key West, Miami, and Pensacola, are searchable through Ancestry and FamilySearch.
Research Strategy and Contact Directory
A focused research plan saves time. Start with home sources like family Bibles, letters, and photos. Move to federal census records to find the family in 1910, 1920, 1930, and 1940. Use city directories and newspapers to fill gaps. Request vital records from the state or county for each life event. Save Broward County and state office contacts for ordering certified copies.
| Office or Repository | Records Held | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broward County Main Library | Census, newspapers, directories | 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale | (954) 357-7444 | Mon-Thu 10am-8pm |
| Broward County Clerk of Courts | Marriage, divorce, probate, deeds | 201 SE 6th St., Fort Lauderdale | (954) 831-6565 | Mon-Fri 8am-5pm |
| Fort Lauderdale Historical Society | Photos, manuscripts, artifacts | 231 SW 2nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale | (954) 463-4431 | Tue-Sat 11am-4pm |
| Florida State Archives | State vital, military, land | 500 S. Bronough St., Tallahassee | (850) 245-6719 | Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm |
| Bureau of Vital Statistics | Statewide birth and death records | 1217 N. Pearl St., Jacksonville | (904) 359-6900 | Mon-Fri 8am-5pm |
Official websites for these offices include floridahealth.gov (state vital records), dos.fl.gov/library-archives/archives/ (Florida State Archives), familysearch.org (free genealogy records), and the Broward County Clerk portal at browardclerk.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions cover the most common requests from people searching for Fort Lauderdale City Florida genealogy records. Each answer includes the office to contact, the records available, and any access rules. Researchers should plan their requests based on the date of the event and the type of document needed. Most answers link back to local offices and online resources covered earlier in this article.
Where can I find Fort Lauderdale birth certificates?
Fort Lauderdale birth certificates are filed with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Records from 1915 to the present are available statewide. Records older than 100 years are open to the public at the Florida State Archives. Newer records require proof of direct family relationship and an application through the Florida Health website. Each certified copy costs about 15 dollars, and the processing time runs 5 to 10 business days.
How do I search Broward County marriage records?
Broward County marriage records are searchable through the Clerk of Courts online records portal. The index covers 1915 to the present. Researchers can search by bride name, groom name, or license number. Marriage records from 1978 onward are available as digital images. Earlier records require a microfilm lookup at the Clerk’s records department or the Broward County Main Library genealogy room.
What census records are available for Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale appears in the federal census starting in 1930. Earlier censuses list the area under Dade County or rural Broward County schedules. The library holds microfilm for the 1790 to 1950 federal censuses. The 1940 census is searchable free online through the National Archives. The 1935 Florida State Census is also available on microfilm at the library.
Can I view Fort Lauderdale newspapers online?
Yes. The Florida Digital Newspaper Library hosts scanned Fort Lauderdale newspapers from 1911 to 1923. The Sun-Sentinel online archive covers obituaries and articles from the 1980s to the present. The Broward County Main Library holds the complete run of local newspapers on microfilm for in-person research. NewspapersChroniclingamerica.loc.gov also lists some early Florida titles.
Where are Fort Lauderdale probate records kept?
Fort Lauderdale probate records are held by the Broward County Clerk of Courts Probate Division. Files from 1915 to 1977 are on microfilm. Files from 1978 onward are digital images. Researchers should search the probate index by decedent name. Each file includes the will, the inventory, and the final distribution of the estate.
Are there free records for Fort Lauderdale researchers?
Yes. FamilySearch offers free access to Florida census images, marriage indexes, and probate records. The Florida Memory project at the State Library provides free photographs and historical documents. The Broward County Main Library offers free access to its genealogy collection and on-site microfilm readers. Many Broward County Clerk records are also free to search online.
Tracing African American families in Fort Lauderdale
Tracing African American families in early Fort Lauderdale requires special attention to records outside the county system. Freedmen’s Bureau records from 1865 to 1872, federal census schedules, church records, and cemetery inscriptions are key sources. The Broward County Historical Commission and the African American Research Library in Fort Lauderdale hold focused collections. Slave schedules from 1850 and 1860 are searchable through the National Archives and Ancestry.