Boca Raton City Florida genealogy records help you trace family ties in Palm Beach County. These records start in the late 1800s.
They show who lived, married, died, and owned land here. You can search birth files, marriage licenses, death certificates, and court papers. Many of these files are free to view online. This page shows you where to look, what to expect, and how to build your family tree step by step.
Why Boca Raton Records Matter for Family Research
Boca Raton sits in southeast Palm Beach County. The first settler arrived in 1895. The Florida East Coast Railway reached the area in 1896. Pineapple farms filled the land until a 1910 freeze. After that, new settlers came for beans and trade. Each wave left a paper trail. Marriage files, land deeds, and probate papers from Palm Beach County hold names of your kin. Older records from Dade County cover years before 1909 when Palm Beach split off.
The name Boca Raton means “rat’s mouth” in Spanish. Sailors named the inlet for its shape. Spanish ships passed these shores in the 1500s. Native Tequesta people lived here for ages before that. Early settlers from the Bahamas and the U.S. South added to the mix. Your ancestors may have come from any of these groups.
Key Record Types You Need
You need several types of files to build a full tree. Each one fills a different gap.
- Birth certificates show parents and birthplaces
- Marriage licenses list ages and parents of the couple
- Death certificates name the parents of the dead
- Land deeds show who bought and sold land
- Probate files list heirs and what they owned
- Census records place families on a map each decade
Palm Beach County Vital Records
Palm Beach County keeps most vital records for Boca Raton. The county formed in 1909 from part of Dade County. Before that year, you need Dade County files. The county clerk holds marriage, probate, and court records. The Health Department holds birth and death records. You can visit the clerk in West Palm Beach or search online indexes.
Birth Records
Florida started statewide birth registration in 1917. Some counties recorded births earlier. Palm Beach County birth files start in that year. Files from 1917 to 1919 are free to view at the State Archives. Files after that have privacy rules. Only the named person, their parents, or legal heirs can order a copy.
You can search free indexes on FamilySearch. The Florida Department of Health runs a vital records office in Jacksonville. You can order certified copies by mail or online. The standard fee is around $30 per copy in 2026. Rush orders cost extra.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in Palm Beach County date to 1909. Each license names the bride and groom. It lists their ages and birthplaces. Parents are named if either spouse is under 21. The clerk’s online search lets you look up names. You can view the index for free. Copies cost a small fee.
For marriages before 1909, check Dade County files. Many early Boca Raton settlers married in Miami. The Dade County clerk holds those papers. The State Archives has microfilm copies too.
Death Records
Florida death registration began in 1877. Palm Beach County files start in 1909. Files from 1877 to 1919 are open to the public. You can view them at the State Archives. Files from 1920 onward have privacy limits. Only close family can order a copy.
Death certificates list the parents of the dead. They also show burial place and cause of death. These files help you jump one generation back. Free indexes let you search by name and year.
Divorce Records
Divorce decrees in Palm Beach County are held by the clerk of court. They date to 1909. The files show grounds for divorce. They may list children and property. You can search the clerk’s index online for free. Viewing the file may need a copy fee.
Court, Land, and Probate Records
Court and land files give the deepest view of family life. They cover what people owned and how they passed it on. These files are public under Florida law.
Probate Records
When someone died owning property, the court opened a probate case. The file names the heirs. It lists the will, if one existed. Inventories show what the person owned. These files date to 1909 in Palm Beach County. They fill gaps when birth and death records are missing.
You can search the probate index online at the Palm Beach County clerk’s site. You need the case number or the name of the dead person. Files are open to view in person. Copy fees apply.
Land Deeds and Homestead Records
Land deeds trace who owned a plot of land. They go back to the county start in 1909. Earlier deeds may be in Dade County. The Homestead Act of 1862 let settlers claim land. Florida homestead files show which pioneers took up plots. These files are at the State Archives and on FamilySearch.
Deeds show land transfers. They link one owner to the next. Wives often signed deeds with husbands. This proves a marriage and names a wife’s maiden name.
Court Records
The Palm Beach County courthouse holds civil and criminal court files. They date to 1909. Many old files have been scanned. You can view them online through the clerk’s site. Names, dates, and case types are searchable.
Florida State Archives Collections
The State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee holds statewide files. They have Palm Beach County records too. You can visit in person or search online. Many files have free digital scans.
State Archives Holdings
The Archives hold Confederate pension files. They have territorial records from 1822 to 1845. They keep Spanish land grants from the colonial era. They also hold early statehood military rolls. Most of these files are scanned and free to view.
The Archives reading room is open Tuesday through Saturday. The address is 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. The phone number is (850) 245-6715. Hours run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Archives closes on Sunday and Monday.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps statewide birth and death files. It operates under the Florida Department of Health. The Bureau office is in Jacksonville. You can order records by mail, online, or in person.
The Bureau address is 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The phone number is (904) 359-6900. The Bureau handles requests for the whole state.
Florida Department of Health Records
The Florida Department of Health runs the vital records office. It sets rules for who can order a file. It keeps files from 1917 to the present for births. It keeps files from 1877 to the present for deaths. Older files are open. Newer files have privacy shields.
Census and Federal Records
Federal census records place families on a map every ten years. They show names, ages, and birthplaces. They are a core tool for any U.S. family search.
Federal Census Records
The 1940 census is the most recent one open to the public. It covers Boca Raton when the town was still small. The 1930 census shows the boom era. The 1920 census shows the pineapple farms. The 1910 census is the first one that covers Palm Beach County after the split.
You can search census records free on FamilySearch. Ancestry.com also has all U.S. census years from 1790 to 1940. MyHeritage has 1910 and 1920. FindMyPast covers the 1940 census for free.
Naturalization and Immigration Records
Naturalization papers show when someone became a U.S. citizen. They list birth country and date. They may show the spouse and children. Palm Beach County naturalizations date to 1909. Federal courts also handled cases. Files are at the National Archives in Atlanta and online.
Military and Pension Records
Military files show service and pension payments. They name kin and next of kin. These files help trace men who served and their families.
Civil War Military Records
Florida contributed troops to the Confederate Army. Some Union men also lived here. Service records show unit, rank, and battles. Pension files show health after the war. The State Archives has a Confederate pension index for free online.
Confederate Pension Database
Florida paid pensions to Confederate veterans and their widows. The files date from 1885 to the 1940s. They name the soldier, unit, and widow. They show marriage date and children. The full database is on FamilySearch and the State Archives site.
Cemetery, Obituary, and Newspaper Records
Burial records and obituaries fill gaps left by death certificates. They add details about daily life and family ties.
Find A Grave Cemetery Records
Find A Grave lists burials worldwide. Boca Raton has several historic cemeteries. The Woodlawn Cemetery and the Boca Raton Cemetery hold many local burials. Volunteers have added photos and dates. You can search by name and view for free.
Florida Obituary Archives
Many Florida newspapers run obituary indexes. The Palm Beach Post covers Boca Raton. Older obituaries from the 1900s to 1940s are on newspapers.com. Some are free on the Library of Congress Chronicling America site.
Historical Newspapers
The State Archives has a digital newspaper collection. It covers papers from 1820 to the 2000s. You can search by name and date. Births, marriages, and deaths appear in old news items. These add details not found in vital records.
Online Genealogy Platforms
Three main sites cover most Florida records. Each has free and paid parts. Knowing what each holds saves time.
FamilySearch Florida Records
FamilySearch is a free site run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has Palm Beach County marriage files. It has census images. It has state archives scans. It has a large Florida collection that grows every month.
You need a free account to view most files. You can view records at a Family History Center near you. The Boca Raton Public Library has access through its computers.
Ancestry.com Florida Database
Ancestry.com is a paid site. It has the largest U.S. record set. It has all federal census years. It has Florida newspaper files. It has military and immigration rolls. A world subscription costs around $25 per month in 2026. The Library Edition is free at many libraries.
Find A Grave Florida Records
Find A Grave is free to search. It has burial records from across Florida. Volunteers add photos and links. You can search by name, year, and cemetery. You can add facts you know.
Local Genealogical Society and Library Resources
Local groups hold files you cannot search online. They offer help from expert researchers.
Genealogical Society Resources
The Palm Beach County Genealogical Society meets monthly. It holds local file collections. Members share research tips. The society library has books, maps, and family files. The address is 100 Coastal Lane, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. The phone number is (561) 655-6767. The website is pbcgs.org. The library is open to members and guests.
Local Libraries
The Boca Raton Public Library has a genealogy section. It has Ancestry Library Edition on its computers. It has local history books. It has microfilm of old newspapers. The address is 400 NW 2nd Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33432. The phone number is (561) 393-7852. Hours are Monday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Spanish Colonial and Early Territorial Records
Very early Boca Raton records are rare. They cover Spanish Florida and the early U.S. territorial period. These files are at the State Archives and in Spanish archives.
Spanish Florida Mission Records
Spanish missions in Florida ran from the 1500s to the 1700s. Mission files show baptisms, marriages, and burials. Many have been scanned by the State Archives. The Catholic Diocese holds some records too. Names of Native Americans appear in these files.
Florida Territorial Records 1822 to 1845
Florida became a U.S. territory in 1822. It became a state in 1845. The territorial period saw early American settlers. Records cover land grants, court cases, and militia rolls. They are at the State Archives and the National Archives in Washington.
Florida Land Grant and Homestead Records
The federal Homestead Act of 1862 gave free land to settlers. Florida had state land grants too. The Bureau of Land Management holds federal homestead files. The State Archives holds Florida state land files. These records name pioneers who first claimed the land.
Your Florida Research Plan
A clear plan helps you build a solid family tree. Follow these steps for the best results.
Start With What You Know
Write down names, dates, and places you already know. Talk to older relatives. Look at family papers and photos. Check Bible records and old letters. Make a list of gaps in your tree. Set clear goals for each search.
Search Federal Census Records First
Census records from 1910 to 1940 cover Boca Raton. They show families in one place. Search each decade. Note age, occupation, and birthplace. Use the data to search later vital records.
Check Palm Beach County Files
Search marriage, probate, and land files at the county clerk. Use the online index. Look for names that match your tree. Order copies of key files. Note the parents named on each license and will.
Use State Archives for Hard-to-Find Files
The State Archives holds files the county does not. It has Confederate pensions. It has territorial records. It has early state birth and death files. Search the online catalog before you visit.
Build a Research Log
Write down every search you do. Note the site, date, and what you looked for. Save what you found. Track where you looked and what was missing. A log prevents repeat work and shows gaps.
Official Contacts and Resources
The list below gives key contacts for Boca Raton and Florida genealogy research. Each entry has an address, phone number, website, and hours. You can use these contacts to order files, ask questions, or plan an in-person visit.
Florida State Archives of Florida – 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399 – (850) 245-6715 – archives@dos.myflorida.com – https://dos.myflorida.com/library-archives/ – Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts – 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 – (561) 355-2996 – https://www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/ – Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics – 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 – (904) 359-6900 – https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates/ – Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Boca Raton Public Library – 400 NW 2nd Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33432 – (561) 393-7852 – https://www.bocalibrary.org/ – Hours: Monday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Palm Beach County Genealogical Society – 100 Coastal Lane, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 – (561) 655-6767 – https://www.pbcgs.org/ – Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover common points that come up in Boca Raton family research. Each answer gives clear steps based on current Florida records law and the latest online tools. These answers reflect the most recent rules from the Florida Department of Health and the State Archives in 2026.
Are Boca Raton birth records free to view?
Birth files from 1917 to 1919 are open at the State Archives in Tallahassee. Files from 1920 onward have privacy limits set by Florida law. You can search free indexes on FamilySearch to see the name, year, and county of birth. To get a certified copy, you must order it through the Florida Department of Health in Jacksonville. The standard fee is about $30 in 2026. Rush orders cost more. Only the named person, their parents, legal heirs, or someone with a court order can request a certified copy. Palm Beach County birth records before 1917 are sparse. Early settlers often registered births in Dade County before the 1909 split. The State Archives holds microfilm of these early files. You can visit the reading room to view them at no cost. Copies of microfilm cost a small fee per page. For adoptions and sealed files, you need a court order to open them. The Florida Adoption Reunion Registry helps adopted adults search for birth parents when both parties register.
Where can I see free Florida marriage records?
FamilySearch has a free Palm Beach County marriage index that covers 1909 to the 2000s. You can search the Palm Beach County clerk’s online search tool too. Marriage files from 1909 onward are open to the public. Viewing the index is free for everyone. Copy fees apply for full images of the license and certificate. The standard fee per page is small. Marriage files show the full names of the bride and groom. They list ages at the time of marriage. They show birthplaces. Parents’ names appear if either spouse was under 21. Some licenses show the wife’s maiden name. This helps you trace her family line. For marriages before 1909, check Dade County files. Many early Boca Raton settlers married in Miami. You can search the Dade County clerk’s online records. The State Archives also holds microfilm of early Dade County marriage records.
How do I trace a Boca Raton pioneer from the 1800s?
Start with the 1910 federal census. It is the first census that covers Palm Beach County after the 1909 split from Dade. Look for settlers in the Boca Raton area. Note the age, birthplace, and year of immigration for each person. Check land deeds at the Palm Beach County clerk’s office. Deeds from 1909 onward show who claimed each plot of land. The State Archives in Tallahassee has early homestead files too. Spanish land grants cover even earlier settlers from the 1700s and early 1800s. These grants name the original claim holder. The Florida Historical Society can help with rare records. They have books on early Boca Raton pioneers. They also have files on the pineapple farming era. The Boca Raton Historical Society holds local family files. You can contact them for help with specific pioneer families. Newspaper archives from 1895 to 1920 often name early settlers in news items, farm reports, and social news.
Can I view probate files online?
Yes, the Palm Beach County clerk has a probate index online. Old files have been scanned and linked to the index. You can search by the name of the dead person. You can view images for a small fee per page. Files from 1909 to the 1970s are open to the public. Newer files may have privacy shields on certain pages. Probate files show the will of the dead person. They list all heirs named in the will or determined by law. They show inventories of property. They list debts and final distributions. The file may include a guardianship record for minor children. It may also show a dower claim by a surviving spouse. These files often give more family detail than any other record. They help you jump one or two generations back in your tree.
What is the best free site for Florida genealogy?
FamilySearch is the top free site for Florida genealogy. It has census images from 1790 to 1940. It has Palm Beach County marriage files. It has state archives scans. It has a wiki with research tips for each Florida county. You can create a family tree on the site for free. You can attach records to people in your tree. The site also has a catalog of microfilm you can borrow at a Family History Center. The Boca Raton Public Library gives free access to Ancestry Library Edition. You can use it on library computers. The library also has Fold3 for military records. The State Archives has its own online catalog too. Many State Archives files are free to view. The Palm Beach County clerk’s site has free indexes for marriage, probate, and court records.
How do I search old obituaries from Boca Raton?
Check the Palm Beach Post archives first. The paper covers Boca Raton daily news. Its archive goes back to 1916. You can search it on newspapers.com. The State Archives digital newspaper collection covers papers from 1820 onward. You can search by name and date. Many early Florida papers from the 1800s are in the collection. Find A Grave has obituary links too. Volunteers add obituaries to burial records. The Boca Raton Public Library has microfilm of local papers from the early 1900s. You can view them on microfilm readers at the library. The Library of Congress Chronicling America site has free papers from 1836 to 1922. These include some Florida papers. Obituaries often name more family members than death certificates. They also give details about church ties, club memberships, and travels.
Are Confederate pension files open to the public?
Yes, Florida Confederate pension files are open to the public. The State Archives has a full index online. Files cover soldiers and widows from 1885 to the 1940s. The files show the soldier’s unit and rank. They show service dates and battles. They show marriage date and children. They name the widow if one applied for a pension. These files help trace Civil War ancestors who lived in Florida after the war. You can view scans for free on the State Archives site. You can also order copies by mail for a small fee. FamilySearch has a Confederate pension index too. Some pension files have been digitized by the Florida State Library. These files often name parents, siblings, and other kin. They give details not found in any other record.