Martin County Florida genealogy records help you trace families on Florida’s Treasure Coast, where the county formed in 1925 from parts of Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties.
Stuart serves as the county seat and holds most of the older documents. Records here begin later than in many Florida counties because the area was rural until the early 1900s. People settled in this region for fishing, citrus farming, and maritime trade along the St. Lucie River and Atlantic coast.
You can search birth, death, marriage, probate, court, land, newspaper, cemetery, and military records for this area. Some records sit at the Martin County Clerk of Court in Stuart. Others are stored at the Florida State Archives in Tallahassee or on free genealogy websites like FamilySearch. This page shows you exactly where each record type lives, who can see it, and how to request copies.
Martin County History and Record Background
Martin County sits on Florida’s east coast between Palm Beach County to the south and St. Lucie County to the north. The county was created by the Florida Legislature in 1925, splitting from the larger Palm Beach region. Stuart became the county seat and remains so today. Before 1925, families in this area appeared in Palm Beach County records, which started in 1909, and St. Lucie County records, which started in 1905.
The earliest settlers arrived along the St. Lucie River in the late 1800s. Many came from the Bahamas, Spain, and the northern United States. Citrus growers, sponge divers, and pineapple farmers shaped the early economy. Hurricane events in the 1920s and the 1926 Miami hurricane brought new families looking for work in fishing and rail shipping.
County Formation and Early Settlement
The Florida Legislature passed the act creating Martin County on May 30, 1925. The county took its name from John W. Martin, who served as Florida governor from 1925 to 1929. Stuart was named after the daughter of a local settler who won a coin toss for the honor. The first courthouse opened in Stuart that same year.
Records before 1925 belong to neighboring counties. If your ancestor lived in what is now Martin County before 1925, check Palm Beach and St. Lucie county records first. Some early settler families appear in Indian River County records from 1905 or in older Brevard County documents from the 1850s onward.
Record Availability Timeline
Record keeping in Martin County starts at different times for each document type. Marriage records start in 1925 when the county formed. Birth and death records start around 1917 statewide, though Martin County entries only begin after 1925. Probate and court records start in 1925. Land records also start in 1925 under the new county clerk.
Federal census records for Martin County residents first appear in 1930. The 1935 Florida state census and 1945 Florida state census also include local families. Earlier territorial censuses from 1830, 1840, 1850, and 1860 cover parts of what became Martin County when it was still part of St. Lucie County.
Vital Records in Martin County
Vital records include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. Florida law controls who can see these records under Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes. Birth and death certificates for Florida residents older than 100 years become public. Records younger than 100 years stay restricted to legal family members and authorized researchers.
Birth Records
Florida started statewide birth registration in 1917, but compliance was low until the 1920s. Martin County birth records begin around 1925 when the county formed. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds certified copies of these records. You can order them online through the Florida Department of Health website or by mail using a signed application with valid photo ID.
Records less than 125 years old are sealed by Florida law. Only the person named on the certificate, parents listed on the document, legal guardians, or authorized representatives with court approval can request them. You must show proof of your relationship with a government issued photo ID and supporting documents like a birth certificate or court order.
Death Records
Florida death records start in 1877 for the state, but Martin County entries begin around 1925. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps death records less than 125 years old sealed for the same reason as birth records. Death records older than 50 years have the cause of death removed for privacy under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes.
You can request certified death certificates from the Florida Department of Health. The cost is set by state law and may change yearly. You can also search the Social Security Death Index, which lists deaths reported to the Social Security Administration from 1962 forward for most U.S. residents.
Marriage and Divorce Records
Marriage licenses in Martin County start in 1925 with the county. From June 6, 1927 onward, the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds marriage records for the entire state. Marriage records from 1925 to June 6, 1927 sit only at the Martin County Clerk of Court in Stuart. You can search these in person or through the clerk’s online records portal.
Divorce records sit with the Martin County Clerk of Court under the court’s chancery division. Final divorce decrees, petitions, and supporting documents from 1925 forward are available through the clerk’s office. Online indexes show basic case information. Certified copies require a written request with the case number and a processing fee.
Martin County Clerk of Court Records
The Martin County Clerk of Court keeps all official county records under Florida law. The office is located at 100 SE Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994. The clerk’s office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and follows state rules for record retention and public access.
Location and Access
The main clerk’s office sits on the first floor of the Martin County Courthouse in downtown Stuart. Free parking is available behind the building on Flagler Avenue. The records vault holds paper documents from 1925 forward. Older Palm Beach County documents that cover the Martin County area sit in West Palm Beach at the Palm Beach County Clerk.
You can search records in person using the public computers in the clerk’s office. Staff will help you locate documents by name, date, or case number. Copying fees apply for paper or digital copies. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and most major credit cards for fees.
Court and Probate Records
Probate records show how a person’s estate was divided after death. These files include wills, inventories, and letters of administration. Martin County probate records start in 1925 with the county. You can find them at the clerk’s office under the probate division. Files list heirs, relationships, property, and debts.
Civil and criminal court records from 1925 forward also sit at the clerk’s office. These records can help you find family members involved in lawsuits, property disputes, or criminal cases. Many court files have been scanned and sit in the clerk’s online search system.
Online Record Search
The Martin County Clerk runs an online records search at martin.fl.us. The portal covers official records including deeds, mortgages, liens, marriage licenses from 1925 to 1927, court cases, and probate files. You can search by name, document type, or recording date. The system shows images of the documents and offers certified copies for download or mail delivery.
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics online ordering system at floridahealth.gov lets you request certified birth and death certificates. Marriage certificate orders for events after June 6, 1927 also go through this state system.
Florida State Archives and State Library
The State Archives of Florida sits in Tallahassee at the R.A. Gray Building, 500 South Bronough Street. The archives open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and hold records covering all 67 Florida counties. Records older than 1925 for the Martin County area sit in Palm Beach County collections because the area belonged to that county before 1925.
State Archives Collections
The State Archives holds microfilm and digital records that help Martin County researchers. Spanish Land Grants from 1821 cover the early region. World War I Service Cards list Florida men who served between 1917 and 1921. Voter Registration Rolls from 1867 to 1868 show residents in the St. Lucie area before the Civil War.
Other State Archives collections include Confederate military records, homestead applications, territorial court records, and school records. You can search the State Archives online catalog at dos.fl.gov. Many collections have been digitized and sit in the Florida Memory project, which is free to search.
State Library Genealogy Resources
The State Library of Florida sits next to the State Archives in Tallahassee. The library holds a large genealogy collection with Florida newspapers on microfilm, city directories, family histories, and genealogy books. The library opens Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
You can access the State Library’s genealogy page at dos.fl.gov. The page links to Florida Memory, the FamilySearch Florida portal, and other free databases. Library staff answer genealogy questions by phone at (850) 245-6680.
Census Records and Federal Records
Census records help you place ancestors in a specific place at a specific time. Federal census records for Martin County start in 1930 because the county formed in 1925. The U.S. Census Bureau takes a new census every 10 years. Records older than 72 years are public.
Federal Census Records
The 1930 federal census is the first one to list Martin County separately. Earlier censuses for 1910 and 1920 list the area under Palm Beach County or St. Lucie County. The 1940 federal census, released in 2012, shows Martin County families during the Great Depression era.
You can search federal census records for free on FamilySearch and the National Archives website. Ancestry.com and MyHeritage also host census images with search tools. Census records include names, ages, birthplaces, occupations, home values, and family relationships.
Florida Territorial and State Censuses
Florida took special state censuses in 1885, 1935, 1945, and 1955. The 1885 state census covers the St. Lucie region before Martin County existed. The 1935 state census is the first one to list Martin County residents after the county formed.
You can find these state census records on FamilySearch. Many have been digitized and indexed by name. The 1885 census shows residents by race and age. The 1935 and 1945 censuses list all household members with ages and occupations.
Other Record Types for Martin County
Genealogy research uses many record types beyond vital certificates and census data. Cemetery records, newspapers, military records, and land records all add details to your family story.
Cemetery Records
Martin County has several historic cemeteries. The Martin County Historical Society keeps burial records for many local graveyards. Find A Grave and BillionGraves host photos and headstone transcriptions for local cemeteries online.
The Fernhill Memorial Gardens in Stuart holds many local burials from the 1900s forward. Older cemeteries include the Rio St. Lucie Cemetery in Jensen Beach and the Salerno Cemetery. You can visit these cemeteries in person or search their records online through the historical society.
Newspapers and Obituaries
Local newspapers help you find obituaries, wedding announcements, and community news. The Stuart News started in 1913 and covers the Martin County area. Issues from 1913 forward sit on microfilm at the State Library of Florida in Tallahassee.
You can search the Stuart News and other Florida newspapers on Newspapers.com, GenealogyBank, and the Library of Congress Chronicling America database. Many old Florida newspapers have been digitized and indexed by name.
Military Records
Military records help you find men who served in the armed forces. World War I draft registration cards from 1917 and 1918 cover men in the St. Lucie region. World War II draft cards from 1942 cover Martin County men. These records sit on FamilySearch and Ancestry.
Florida military records at the State Archives include Confederate service records, Florida National Guard records, and bonus application files for veterans of the Spanish American War, World War I, and World War II.
Land and Property Records
Land records show when ancestors bought or sold property. Martin County land records start in 1925 at the county clerk. Older land records for the Martin County area sit in Palm Beach County records from 1909 or St. Lucie County records from 1905.
Spanish Land Grants from the 1820s sit at the State Archives. These documents show early property owners in the Treasure Coast region. You can search grant records through the State Archives online catalog.
Online Genealogy Databases
Online databases let you search records from home. Free sites include FamilySearch, the National Archives, Chronicling America, and Florida Memory. Subscription sites include Ancestry.com, MyHeritage, FindMyPast, and Newspapers.com.
FamilySearch Florida Resources
FamilySearch is a free genealogy website run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Florida collection at familysearch.org holds many records for Martin County researchers. Records include census images, vital record indexes, probate files, church records, and family trees.
You can browse the Florida county records at familysearch.org. Martin County records are listed under Florida, Martin County. The site also has a statewide Florida research guide that helps you find record types and archives.
Ancestry and Subscription Databases
Ancestry.com hosts Florida records including census images, birth and death indexes, marriage records, military records, and city directories. You can search these records with a paid subscription. Many public libraries offer free Ancestry access through their library card.
MyHeritage hosts similar records with a global focus. FindMyPast has British and Irish records that help trace emigrant families. Newspapers.com hosts historical newspapers including the Stuart News and other Florida papers.
Local Genealogy Societies and Libraries
The Martin County Genealogical Society helps researchers with local records and lookups. The society meets monthly and holds workshops on genealogy topics. Members publish newsletters with research tips and records from local families.
The Martin County Public Library System has a local history and genealogy section at the Blake Library in Stuart. Library staff help you search local records and use online databases. The library hosts free workshops on FamilySearch, Ancestry, and DNA research.
| Resource | Location | Records Available |
|---|---|---|
| Martin County Clerk | 100 SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart | Marriage 1925-1927, court, probate, land |
| Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics | Jacksonville, FL | Birth, death, marriage after June 1927 |
| State Archives of Florida | 500 S Bronough St, Tallahassee | Territorial records, military, land grants |
| State Library of Florida | Tallahassee, FL | Newspapers, books, microfilm |
| Blake Library | 2351 SE Monterey Rd, Stuart | Local history, online databases |
Visiting the Martin County Clerk
The Martin County Clerk of Court sits at 100 SE Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994. Phone: (772) 288-5731. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can search records in person at the public terminals on the first floor of the courthouse. Staff can help you locate documents and order certified copies.
You can also search records online at martin.fl.us. The online portal covers official records from 1925 forward. You can view document images and order copies by mail or email. Fees follow the fee schedule posted on the clerk’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions cover common topics that researchers ask about Martin County Florida genealogy records. These answers point you to specific offices, websites, and record groups that can help you make progress on your family research.
Where do I start Martin County genealogy research?
Start with family documents, oral histories, and old photos at home. Write down names, dates, and places from these sources. Then search the 1930 federal census on FamilySearch to see your family in Martin County for the first time. Check the Martin County Clerk’s online portal for marriage, court, and probate records from 1925 forward. Order birth and death certificates from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Search local newspapers on Newspapers.com for obituaries and wedding announcements. Join the Martin County Genealogical Society for local help and resources.
Can I see Martin County birth records for free?
You can search birth record indexes for free on FamilySearch and Ancestry. Full birth certificates under 125 years old sit with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics and require a paid request with proof of relationship. Birth records older than 125 years have been transferred to the State Archives of Florida and may be open to the public. You can also search delayed birth records filed by adults who needed proof of age for Social Security or other purposes.
What is the difference between the county clerk and the Bureau of Vital Statistics?
The county clerk holds local records like marriage licenses, court cases, and property deeds for that county only. The Bureau of Vital Statistics holds statewide birth, death, and marriage records starting June 6, 1927. Marriage records from 1925 to June 6, 1927 sit at the county clerk only. Birth and death records from 1917 forward sit at the state bureau. The county clerk can issue local certified copies, but birth and death certificates come from the state bureau.
How do I find Martin County ancestors before 1925?
Search records in Palm Beach County and St. Lucie County because Martin County was part of those areas before 1925. Check Palm Beach County records from 1909 and St. Lucie County records from 1905. Search the 1885 Florida state census and the 1900 and 1910 federal censuses for the St. Lucie area. Look at Spanish Land Grants at the State Archives for early settlers. Search local newspapers and church records for the same time period.
What Florida state censuses are available for Martin County?
Martin County appears in the 1935, 1945, and 1955 Florida state censuses because the county formed in 1925. The 1885 state census covers the region when it was part of St. Lucie County. You can search these records on FamilySearch for free. The records list household members with names, ages, races, and birthplaces.
Are Martin County probate records online?
Some probate records from 1925 forward sit in the Martin County Clerk’s online search portal. You can view document images and order copies through the system. Older probate files may sit only in paper at the courthouse and require a visit. The State Archives of Florida holds older probate records from surrounding counties that may cover the Martin County area before 1925.
What churches hold local genealogy records?
Local churches in Stuart, Jensen Beach, and Indiantown keep baptism, marriage, and burial records. The First Baptist Church of Stuart and Holy Family Catholic Church have records going back to the early 1900s. You can contact churches directly or check FamilySearch for indexed church records. Some church records have been microfilmed and sit at the State Library of Florida.