Broward County Florida genealogy records help people trace family roots in southeast Florida. These records include birth certificates, death files, marriage papers, court cases, land deeds, and old newspapers.
The county formed in 1915 from parts of Palm Beach and Dade counties. Fort Lauderdale serves as the county seat. Records from before 1915 sit in those older counties. Researchers today use both county offices and online databases to build family trees.
What Types of Records Exist for Broward County
Broward County holds many kinds of records for people who lived or passed through the area. Each record type answers a different question about an ancestor. Birth records show when a person entered the world. Death records show when they left it. Marriage records connect two families together. Court records show disputes, property transfers, and estate settlements. Land records trace where families lived and farmed. Newspapers report daily events, including births, deaths, weddings, and crimes. Together, these records paint a full picture of an ancestor’s life in Broward County.
Birth Records
Florida started statewide birth registration in 1917. Broward County birth records from that year forward exist at the state level. Local birth records before 1917 are rare because the county did not exist yet. Birth records less than 125 years old stay restricted by Florida law. Only the person named on the record, parents listed, legal guardians, or lawyers with proof can order them. Older birth records become open to the public after 125 years. Researchers can request these through the Florida Department of Health or through third-party services like VitalChek.
Death Records
Florida death records go back further than birth records. Statewide death registration began in 1877 for cities and 1899 for the whole state. Broward County death certificates from 1877 to the present are held by the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Death records less than 50 years old stay restricted under Florida law. After 50 years, they become public records. Death certificates list the deceased’s name, age, date of death, cause of death, and burial location. They often name parents, spouses, and children. This makes them one of the most useful genealogy record types.
Marriage Records
Florida marriage records split into two time periods. Records before June 6, 1927 stay at the county level. The Broward County Clerk of Court holds these older files. Marriage records from June 6, 1927 forward sit with the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. Marriage certificates show the names of both spouses, their ages, birthplaces, and parents’ names. They also list the date and location of the marriage. Some include the names of witnesses and the officiant.
Divorce Records
Divorce records in Florida come from the Circuit Court where the divorce was granted. In Broward County, that means the 17th Judicial Circuit Court. The Clerk of Court maintains these files. Divorce case files often contain marriage dates, property lists, child custody details, and reasons for the split. Older divorce cases may also include depositions and witness statements. Researchers can search the Broward County Clerk’s online records system or visit the courthouse in person.
Broward County Clerk of Court Records
The Broward County Clerk of Court serves as the main records office for the county. This office keeps official records under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. These records stay open to the public. The clerk’s office stores marriage licenses filed before 1927, divorce decrees, probate files, deeds, mortgages, liens, and court case files. The office sits at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The phone number is 954-831-6565.
Official Records Search
The clerk’s office runs an online Official Records Search. This system lets users look up deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents. Users can search by name, document type, or recording date. Results show a digital image of the original document. Most records from the 1980s forward are digitized. Older records require an in-person visit or a written request. The search tool is free to use, but printing or certified copies cost a fee.
Court Case Records
The clerk also maintains court case records through the Broward County Case Search system. This database covers civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases filed in the county. Researchers can search by party name, case number, or attorney. Case files often contain pleadings, motions, judgments, and transcripts. Probate files show estate inventories, wills, and heir lists. Family court files include divorce decrees, adoption records, and name changes.
Florida State Archives Online Collections
The State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee holds records that span the entire state. These records include Broward County materials from before the county formed. The archives also hold materials from state agencies, courts, and the military. Researchers can search the archives online or visit the reading room in Tallahassee. The archives hold Confederate pension applications, World War I service cards, Supreme Court records, and territorial documents. These files help fill gaps when county-level records are missing or lost.
Florida Memory Digital Collections
Florida Memory is a free digital archive run by the State Library and Archives. The site holds photographs, manuscripts, maps, and audio recordings. It also has the Florida Digital Newspaper Library. Users can search these collections by keyword, date, or location. The newspaper collection includes papers from across the state. Many Broward County papers from the early 1900s sit in this collection. The site is free to use and requires no login.
World War I Service Cards and Military Files
The State Archives holds World War I Service Cards for Florida men who served. These cards list the soldier’s name, birth date, race, address, next of kin, and service details. They also hold Confederate pension application files. These files often contain family details, marriage dates, and children’s names. Researchers can view scanned images of these records online. The archives also hold Spanish-American War records, Second World War files, and Korean War materials.
Bureau of Vital Statistics in Florida
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics sits within the Florida Department of Health. This office keeps all statewide birth and death records from 1917 to the present for births and 1877 to the present for deaths. Marriage records from June 6, 1927 forward also sit here. The Bureau of Vital Statistics serves all Florida counties, including Broward. Researchers order records by mail, online, or through approved third-party vendors.
How to Order a Birth or Death Certificate
Ordering a vital record from the Bureau of Vital Statistics takes a few steps. First, fill out the correct application form on the Florida Department of Health website. Second, show valid identification. Third, pay the required fee. The current fee for a certified copy of a birth or death certificate in Florida is set by state law and reviewed each year. Fourth, submit the form by mail or use the online portal. Records arrive in about two to four weeks by mail. Online orders through VitalChek move faster but cost extra.
Marriage and Divorce Certificate Orders
Marriage certificates from June 6, 1927 forward go through the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Divorce decrees from any year go through the Broward County Clerk of Court. Researchers can order marriage certificates online, by mail, or in person at the state office in Jacksonville. The Bureau of Vital Statistics phone number is 877-550-7330. The VitalChek website processes online orders for an extra fee.
Federal Census Records for Broward County
Federal census records help track families every ten years. The first federal census that covered Broward County was 1920. The county did not exist before 1915, so earlier censuses list residents under Palm Beach County or Dade County. Census records show names, ages, birthplaces, occupations, and home addresses. They also show family relationships. The 1940 census is the most recent one open to the public. The 1950 census became available in 2022. The 1945 Florida State Census adds extra data between the 1940 and 1950 federal counts.
Where to Find Census Records Free
FamilySearch.org hosts free digital images of U.S. federal censuses from 1790 to 1950. Users can search by name and view the original images for free. The National Archives also holds census records. Ancestry.com and MyHeritage host census records but charge a subscription fee. Researchers can also visit libraries that subscribe to these services. Many public libraries in Broward County offer free access to Ancestry and other genealogy databases inside the library.
Land, Property, and Probate Records
Land records trace where families lived and farmed. Broward County land records begin in 1915. Earlier land records for the same area sit in Palm Beach County or Dade County files. Deeds show who sold land to whom and when. Mortgages show loans against the property. Probate records show what happened to a person’s belongings after they died. These files list heirs, debts, and property values. They also show the names of spouses and children.
Property Appraiser Records
The Broward County Property Appraiser maintains parcel records, ownership history, and tax files. The Property Appraiser website has a free search tool. Users can search by address, name, or parcel number. The site shows the current owner, sales history, and building details. Older ownership data goes back to the early 1900s in many cases. Researchers use these records to track when a family bought or sold property in the county.
Probate Files and Estate Records
Probate files open when a person dies with or without a will. The clerk’s office assigns a case number and stores the file. Probate packets include the will, inventory, appraisement, and final distribution. They list heirs, debts, and assets. They also name the executor. Many Broward County probate files from 1915 forward sit in the clerk’s office. Researchers can search the online case system or request a file in person.
Cemetery and Obituary Records
Cemetery records and obituaries give names, dates, and family details. Broward County cemeteries include Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Lauderdale Memorial Park, and Hollywood Memorial Gardens. Some cemeteries have online burial search tools. Others require a phone call or visit. Obituaries often appear in local newspapers. They list survivors, funeral home details, and burial locations. Many obituaries name parents, siblings, and children.
Online Cemetery Databases
Find A Grave and BillionGraves are two free websites with cemetery records. Volunteers add photos of headstones and burial data. Users can search by name and cemetery. The sites also link to other records on FamilySearch and Ancestry. Broward County cemeteries have thousands of entries on these sites. Researchers should check both sites because some cemeteries appear on one but not the other.
Local Funeral Home Records
Funeral homes in Broward County keep their own records. These records often include death dates, cause of death, family contacts, and burial details. Some funeral homes date back to the 1920s. Researchers can contact funeral homes directly. Staff may share basic details with family members. Older funeral home records sometimes appear in local historical society collections.
Historical Newspapers for Broward County
Historical newspapers report the daily lives of past residents. Broward County newspapers began with the Fort Lauderdale News in 1911. The paper later became the Sun-Sentinel. Other papers include the Hollywood Sun-Tattler, the Dania News, and the Pompano Beach Sun. These papers contain obituaries, birth announcements, wedding stories, social columns, crime reports, and local news. They also print legal notices, land sales, and probate filings.
Florida Digital Newspaper Library
The Florida Digital Newspaper Library sits on the Florida Memory website. It has free scans of historic papers from across the state. Users can search by keyword, date, or county. The library holds papers from the 1800s to about the 1960s. Broward County papers from the 1920s through the 1950s appear in the collection. The site also has papers from Miami, West Palm Beach, and other nearby cities.
Newspapers.com and GenealogyBank
Newspapers.com and GenealogyBank are paid websites with large newspaper collections. They hold Broward County papers and national papers. These sites help when obituaries or news stories ran in out-of-state papers. Researchers can search by name, date, or location. Both sites offer free trials. Many public libraries also subscribe to these databases for in-library use.
Military and Naturalization Records
Military records show service details, ranks, and medical history. Naturalization records show when an immigrant became a U.S. citizen. Both record types often list birthplaces, ages, and family members. Broward County residents served in every major American war. Some records sit at the National Archives. Others sit at the State Archives in Tallahassee. Local veterans service offices can also help locate service files.
Federal Military Records
The National Archives holds military service records for U.S. soldiers, sailors, and airmen. World War I draft registration cards cover most Broward County men born between 1873 and 1900. World War II draft cards cover men born between 1896 and 1929. These cards list names, addresses, birth dates, and physical descriptions. Researchers can view these cards free on FamilySearch and Ancestry.
Naturalization and Immigration Files
Federal naturalization records before 1906 sit in federal court files. After 1906, the records go through the INS and later USCIS. Broward County naturalization files from 1915 forward sit at the Clerk of Court for the 17th Judicial Circuit. These files include declarations of intent, petitions, and certificates of citizenship. Researchers can request a search through the clerk’s office or check FamilySearch for indexes and images.
Free Online Genealogy Databases
Many free databases help researchers trace Broward County ancestors. FamilySearch is the largest free genealogy site. It holds indexes and images of vital records, censuses, court files, and more. Find A Grave and BillionGraves cover cemetery data. The Broward County library system also offers free access to Ancestry, HeritageQuest, and other paid databases inside the library. Researchers can save money by using these resources first.
FamilySearch Florida Records
FamilySearch hosts the largest free collection of genealogy records. Florida records on the site include county birth indexes, death indexes, marriage records, census images, and probate files. The site also has a Florida collection page. Users can browse by county and record type. FamilySearch also has a wiki page for Florida genealogy that lists key resources and research tips. The site requires a free account to save records and build family trees.
Free State of Florida Resources
The State Library and Archives of Florida offers free online resources. These include the Florida Memory site, the Digital Newspaper Library, and the State Archives online catalog. The Clerk of Courts site also offers free searches for recorded documents and court cases. The Florida Department of Health provides vital records order forms free of charge. Researchers should use these official sources first before turning to paid sites.
Local Libraries and Historical Societies
Local libraries and historical societies hold unique records. The Broward County Main Library in Fort Lauderdale has a Florida Room. The Florida Room holds local history books, maps, photographs, newspapers on microfilm, and vertical files. The Broward County Historical Commission also holds archives and photographs. Local historical societies in cities like Dania, Hollywood, and Pompano Beach also hold records and photos specific to their areas.
Broward County Library Genealogy Resources
The Broward County Library system offers free access to Ancestry, HeritageQuest, and Fold3. Users can access these sites from any branch library. Library staff can help with research questions. The Main Library’s Florida Room holds rare books and local history materials. The library also offers free classes on genealogy research. The library website lists hours, locations, and online resources.
Broward County Historical Commission
The Broward County Historical Commission holds photographs, documents, maps, and oral histories. The Commission sits in the Broward County Main Library. Researchers can visit by appointment. The Commission also runs exhibits and events. Its collection focuses on county history and family stories. Researchers can search the collection online through the library’s catalog system.
Comparison of Record Types and Sources
The table below shows the main record types, the years they cover, and where to find them. This helps researchers pick the right source for each question about an ancestor.
| Record Type | Years Covered | Where to Find Records |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificates | 1917 to present | Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, VitalChek |
| Death Certificates | 1877 to present | Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, VitalChek |
| Marriage Licenses (pre-1927) | 1915 to 1927 | Broward County Clerk of Court |
| Marriage Licenses (post-1927) | 1927 to present | Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics |
| Divorce Records | 1915 to present | Broward County Clerk of Court |
| Probate Records | 1915 to present | Broward County Clerk of Court |
| Land Deeds | 1915 to present | Broward County Clerk of Court |
| Federal Census | 1920, 1930, 1940, 1950 | FamilySearch, Ancestry, National Archives |
| WWI Service Cards | 1917 to 1918 | State Archives of Florida |
| Confederate Pensions | 1885 to 1900s | State Archives of Florida |
| Cemetery Records | 1900s to present | Find A Grave, BillionGraves, local cemeteries |
| Newspapers | 1910s to 1960s | Florida Memory, Newspapers.com |
Step by Step Research Method
A clear method helps researchers avoid missed records. Start with family sources, then move to official records, then to online databases. This step by step method covers the most ground in the least time.
- Gather names, dates, and places from family documents, photos, Bibles, and letters.
- Interview older relatives and record their stories, names, and memories.
- Search the 1940 and 1950 federal censuses for Broward County on FamilySearch.
- Order death certificates from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics for each ancestor.
- Order marriage certificates for each couple from the correct office based on the date.
- Search Broward County Clerk Official Records for land deeds and probate files.
- Search Florida Memory and Newspapers.com for obituaries and news stories.
- Search Find A Grave and BillionGraves for burial locations and headstone photos.
- Check the State Archives for military service cards and Confederate pension files.
- Visit the Broward County Main Library Florida Room for local history resources.
Office Locations and Contact Details
The offices below handle genealogy records for Broward County. Researchers can contact these offices by phone, mail, or in person. Most offices also have online tools.
Broward County Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court sits at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The phone number is 954-831-6565. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The online records search runs 24 hours a day at the Clerk’s website.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Bureau of Vital Statistics sits at 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The phone number is 877-550-7330. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The VitalChek website processes online orders at any time.
State Archives of Florida
The State Archives sits at 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. The phone number is 850-245-6719. The reading room opens Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The online catalog runs 24 hours a day at the Archives website.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover common points about Broward County Florida genealogy records. The answers give clear, direct facts. Each question reflects a real issue faced by researchers. The answers point to the right office, record type, or tool. Researchers who need more help should contact the offices listed above or visit the local library.
How do I find a birth certificate from Broward County?
Birth certificates in Florida start with the year 1917. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds these records. Records less than 125 years old stay restricted by law. Only the person on the record, their parents, a legal guardian, or a lawyer with proof can order them. Order forms sit on the Florida Department of Health website. Researchers can also use VitalChek for faster online orders. Older birth records become public after 125 years pass.
Where can I find free Broward County death records?
Free death record indexes sit on FamilySearch and other genealogy sites. These indexes give names, dates, and counties. Full death certificates cost a fee through the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Researchers can search indexes for free, then pay only for the records they need. Cemetery records and obituaries on Find A Grave and Florida Memory also give death dates at no cost.
Are Broward County marriage records from the 1920s online?
Marriage records from before June 6, 1927 sit at the Broward County Clerk of Court. The Clerk’s online search covers many of these records. Users can search by name and view scanned images. Marriage records from June 6, 1927 forward sit with the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. Researchers can search the state index on FamilySearch, then order certified copies through the Bureau or VitalChek.
What happened to records before 1915 in Broward County?
The county did not exist before 1915. Records for residents who lived in the area before that year sit in Palm Beach County or Dade County files. Researchers should check both counties for early records. The State Archives of Florida also holds territorial and state records that cover the area before county lines were drawn. Court files, land grants, and military records may all have pre-1915 data.
How do I get a copy of a probate file?
Probate files for Broward County sit at the Clerk of Court. Researchers can search the online case system by name. Most files from 1980 forward have scanned images online. Older files require a visit to the courthouse. Researchers should bring valid identification and pay a copy fee. Some probate files also sit on FamilySearch under the Florida Probate Records collection.
Can I search Broward County newspapers from home?
Yes. The Florida Digital Newspaper Library on the Florida Memory site holds free scans of historic papers. The collection covers papers from the 1910s to the 1960s. Newspapers.com and GenealogyBank also hold Broward County papers, but they charge a fee. Many Broward County libraries offer free access to these paid sites inside the library building.
What military records exist for Broward County ancestors?
World War I Service Cards and Confederate pension files sit at the State Archives of Florida. These records list soldiers’ names, birthplaces, and family details. World War I and World War II draft cards sit on FamilySearch and Ancestry at no cost. Military service records for individual soldiers sit at the National Archives. Researchers can request these files by mail or online through the National Archives website.