>Nassau County Florida Genealogy Records
Nassau County Florida genealogy records help you trace family roots in one of Florida’s oldest counties. The county formed in 1824 from parts of Duval County. Yulee serves as the county seat today. Records here go back to the early 1800s. You can find birth, death, and marriage papers. Local church books and land deals add more details. The area has a rich maritime and plantation past. Many families settled near the Amelia River. This makes the county a key spot for Florida ancestry search.
How Nassau County Formed and Why It Matters
Nassau County sits on Florida’s northern border next to Georgia. It was created by the Florida Territorial Legislature in 1824. Early settlers came from Georgia, South Carolina, and other southern states. Some came from Spain and the Bahamas. The county was once part of the old Spanish land grant system. Spanish Land Grants from 1821 still exist today. These papers show the first non-Native property owners in the region.
County Seat and Court District
Yulee became the county seat in 1993. Before that, Fernandina Beach held that role. The county is part of Florida’s 4th Judicial Circuit. The area code for the county is 904. Knowing these basic facts helps you write better letters to local offices. It also helps you pick the right court records to search.
Nearby Border Counties
Many Nassau County families lived in nearby counties too. Baker County lies to the west. Duval County sits to the south. Camden County and Charlton County in Georgia lie just north. Old records may list families in both states. Border areas often share the same surnames. Always check neighboring counties when you hit a wall.
Nassau County Clerk of Court Records
The Nassau County Clerk of Court keeps many key papers for genealogy research. The office works under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This law gives the public the right to view government records. You can search marriage licenses, court cases, probate files, and land deeds. Many papers date back to 1824.
Marriage Records at the County Level
Marriage records before June 6, 1927 stay at the county clerk’s office. State offices only hold records from that date forward. This rule comes from Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes. If your family married in Nassau County before 1927, contact the clerk directly. The office can help you find old license books. Some early books have been scanned online.
Probate and Estate Files
Probate records show how estates were split after someone died. These files often list all heirs by name. They show relationships like wife, son, daughter, or brother. They also list the value of land and goods. Probate papers from the 1800s still exist on paper. Some have been microfilmed for easier reading.
Land Deeds and Property Transfers
Land deeds trace who owned a piece of land over time. They list buyers, sellers, and prices. They also mention nearby landmarks like rivers or roads. These clues help you locate old family farms. Many early deeds connect to Spanish Land Grants. You can view deeds at the clerk’s office in person.
Visit the Clerk in Person
The Nassau County Clerk’s office sits at 76347 Veteran’s Way, Yulee, FL 32097. Staff can help you find the right book or file. They also have search terminals. Bring a photo ID and any names and dates you already know. Calling ahead saves time.
Florida State Archives in Tallahassee
The State Archives of Florida holds papers for all 67 counties. The archives sit in Tallahassee. Many Nassau County records are stored there. The archives open Monday through Friday. You can call (850) 245-6700 before visiting. Some records are online through the Florida Memory project.
Confederate Pension Files
Confederate Pension Applications list veterans and their families. They show birth years, death years, and marriage dates. They also list children and siblings. Many Nassau County men served in the Civil War. Their widows later filed for pensions. These files are rich with family data.
Spanish Land Grants
Spain gave land grants before Florida became a U.S. territory. The grants date from 1790 to 1821. Each grant lists the grantee, the acreage, and the land location. Many Nassau County farms trace back to these grants. The State Archives has the full collection.
World War I Service Cards
Florida issued service cards for men who served in World War I. These cards list the soldier’s name, age, race, and home address. They also show the nearest relative. Many Nassau County men appear in this set. The cards are searchable on the Florida Memory website.
Voter Registration Rolls
Voter rolls from 1867 to 1868 list early residents. They include race, age, and length of residence. They show whether the voter had sworn an oath. These rolls help you find men of voting age right after the Civil War. They are useful for placing families in the county during the Reconstruction era.
Other Archives Holdings
The State Archives also holds territorial court records, militia rolls, and school board minutes. These papers can fill gaps in your family tree. They show where people lived and worked. You can search the online catalog before visiting.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps statewide birth and death records. It sits within the Florida Department of Health. Birth records start from 1917 across the state. Death records go back further in some counties. You can order certified copies by mail or online.
Birth Records Access Rules
Florida law keeps birth records less than 125 years old private. Only certain people can view them. These include the person named on the record, immediate family members, and legal representatives. You must show valid photo ID and prove your direct interest. Older birth records become public once they pass the 125-year mark.
Death Records Access Rules
Death records without a cause of death are public. Death records with a cause of death stay private for 50 years. After 50 years, the full record becomes public. You can request older death records through the Bureau of Vital Statistics or the Florida Department of Health.
Statewide Marriage Records
Florida marriage records from June 6, 1927 to today are kept at the state level. You can order a certified copy through the Florida Department of Health. The state system also holds divorce decrees from 1927 forward. For earlier marriages, contact the Nassau County Clerk directly.
Ordering Options and Fees
You can order vital records online, by mail, or in person. Online orders are faster but cost more. Mail orders need a signed form and a copy of your ID. Fees change each year, so check the current rate before sending payment.
FamilySearch and Free Online Databases
FamilySearch.org holds millions of Florida records you can view for free. The site is run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You only need a free account to view most records. FamilySearch Florida records include census images, county deed books, and church histories.
Federal Census Records for Nassau County
Federal census records help track families every 10 years. Florida took a territorial census in 1830 and 1840. State censuses followed in 1855, 1865, 1875, and 1885. Federal censuses started in 1850 and continued through 1940. Census records show names, ages, birthplaces, and occupations. They also show neighbors who were often relatives.
Florida Memory Project
The Florida Memory project sits at the State Library and Archives. It holds photos, maps, letters, and newspaper scans. Many items come from Nassau County families. You can search by name, place, or topic. The site is free to use.
Ancestry and Other Paid Sites
Sites like Ancestry.com, MyHeritage, and FindMyPast hold Florida records too. Many libraries offer free access to Ancestry through their websites. Check your local library’s genealogy page. You may be able to search from home using a library card number.
USGenWeb and Linkpendium
The USGenWeb project has volunteer-run pages for each Florida county. The Nassau County page lists local cemeteries, schools, and early settlers. Linkpendium gathers genealogy links by state and county. Both sites are free and updated by volunteers.
Florida Obituary and Newspaper Archives
Old newspapers often printed obituaries with full family details. They list parents, siblings, children, and funeral homes. They also list church membership and burial location. Florida historical newspapers are a gold mine for this data.
Chronicling America
The Library of Congress runs the Chronicling America site. It holds free newspaper scans from many U.S. states. Florida papers from the 1800s appear there. You can search by name and date. You can also browse by county.
Newspaper.com and GenealogyBank
Paid sites like Newspaper.com and GenealogyBank hold more recent Florida papers. They also have older scans that are not on free sites. Many libraries provide free access through their digital collections.
Local Nassau County Papers
The Fernandina Beach News-Leader has run since the 1800s. Old issues exist on microfilm at the local library. The Nassau County Public Library System has a genealogy section. Staff can help you use microfilm readers.
Cemetery and Church Records
Cemetery records often hold the most data per visit. Tombstones show birth and death dates. They also show relationships through shared family plots. Many old graves have been photographed and posted online.
Find a Grave and BillionGraves
Find a Grave holds photos of tombstones worldwide. BillionGraves uses GPS to map graves. Both sites let volunteers add photos. Many Nassau County cemeteries are already listed. You can search by name or cemetery.
Boggy Creek, Bosque Bello, and Other Local Cemeteries
Bosque Bello Cemetery in Fernandina Beach is one of the oldest in the county. It holds graves from the 1800s. Other burial grounds include Hickory Grove, Centre Street, and Old Town. Some small family plots still exist on old farmland. Local historians know their locations.
Church Books and Baptisms
Church records show baptisms, marriages, and burials. Nassau County had Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal, and Catholic congregations. Each church kept its own books. Many of these books now sit at the State Archives or local church offices.
Florida Pioneer Genealogy Records
Florida pioneer records list families who settled before statehood. Many Nassau County families came from Georgia. The State Archives has a pioneer file you can search. Local historical societies also keep pioneer lists.
Military Records for Nassau County Ancestors
Military records show service history, physical description, and family ties. They include draft cards, enlistment papers, and pension files. Many Nassau County men served in the Civil War, World War I, and World War II.
Civil War Service Records
Both Union and Confederate service records survive on microfilm. You can view them through the National Archives. They show enlistment date, unit, and any battles fought. They also list height, eye color, and hair color.
Florida State Militia Rolls
Florida kept militia rolls in the 1800s. Men were listed by county. The rolls show age and residence. They help place men in the county before the Civil War. The State Archives has these rolls.
World War II Draft Cards
The fourth draft registration of 1942 covered men aged 45 to 64. It often catches older relatives missed by earlier drafts. Draft cards show address, employer, and physical description. They are free on FamilySearch and Ancestry.
Naturalization and Passenger Lists
Nassau County sits near the Port of Fernandina Beach. Many immigrants entered Florida through this port. Passenger lists and naturalization papers trace their journey to America.
Fernandina Beach Port Records
The port operated from the 1800s through the early 1900s. Some passenger lists survive at the State Archives. They show ship name, arrival date, and passenger origin. Many names on these lists match local census records.
Federal Naturalization Records
Federal courts handled naturalization after 1906. Earlier papers sat at county or state courts. The Nassau County Clerk has older files. Federal records sit at the National Archives. They show the immigrant’s name, port of arrival, and witnesses.
Where to Search Passenger Lists
Castle Garden and Ellis Island records cover most East Coast arrivals. Many Florida-bound ships stopped at other ports first. Check the original port listed on the naturalization paper. Sites like Ancestry and FamilySearch have indexed these lists.
Florida State Genealogical Society and Local Groups
The Florida State Genealogical Society supports researchers across the state. They publish journals and hold yearly meetings. Their website has record indexes and research tips.
Nassau County Historical Society
The Nassau County Historical Society keeps old family files. They also run a museum in Fernandina Beach. Members can answer local research questions. Their library holds books, maps, and photos not found elsewhere.
Westside Genealogy Society and Regional Groups
The Westside Genealogy Society covers the Jacksonville area. Duval and Nassau counties often share family lines. Regional groups meet monthly to share tips and records. Joining a local society speeds up hard-to-find searches.
Florida Historical Society
The Florida Historical Society sits in Cocoa Beach. They publish a quarterly journal. They also hold a large library. Members can search their collection of rare books and papers.
Probate Records and Florida Court System
Probate records sit at the county level. They stay at the Nassau County Clerk’s office. The State Archives also has some early probate files. They handle estate settlement, guardianship, and wills.
Will Books and Estate Papers
Will books list who was named in each will. They also show executor names and witnesses. Estate papers list every item divided among heirs. They give a snapshot of household goods, slaves, and land.
Guardianship and Orphan Records
Guardianship records show who cared for children after a parent died. They list the guardian’s name and relationship. They also show the value of the child’s estate. These records help when a parent died young.
Searching Court Records Online
Many Florida court records are online through the clerk’s website. Old case indexes are scanned. You can search by name and year. Some images require a paid account.
Research Tips for Nassau County Families
Starting with the right sources saves time. Begin with family papers, photos, and Bibles. These often list full names and birthplaces. They also give clues for the next search step.
Start With What You Know
Write down every name, date, and place you have. Ask older relatives for memories. Old family Bibles often list births, marriages, and deaths. Photos can hold names written on the back.
Track Every Family Member
Trace siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles too. They may hold the missing link. Women are often harder to find. Always check marriage papers for maiden names.
Use Cluster Genealogy
Look at neighbors and friends on the census. People often migrated in groups. The same names may show up on later censuses in nearby counties. This helps break through brick walls.
Keep Clean Research Notes
Write down where you found each fact. Note the source, date, and page number. This prevents wasted repeat searches. It also helps you prove your lines to others.
Contact Information for Nassau County Offices
Use the details below to reach local offices for genealogy research. Always call before visiting to confirm hours and record availability.
Nassau County Clerk of Court
Address: 76347 Veteran’s Way, Yulee, FL 32097. Phone: (904) 548-4600. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The clerk handles marriage, probate, and land records.
State Archives of Florida
Address: 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Phone: (850) 245-6700. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed on state holidays.
Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics
Address: 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Phone: (904) 359-6900. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Jacksonville office handles Northeast Florida records.
Nassau County Public Library System
The Fernandina Beach Branch holds a strong genealogy section. It has microfilm readers and Ancestry access. Check the library website for current hours and digital tools.
Florida State Genealogical Society
Website: fsgso.org. Email contact is on the website. The society helps members across Florida. They can point you to record sets you may have missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers cover common questions about Nassau County Florida genealogy records. They give quick facts to help your search move forward. Each answer points to real records and offices you can contact today.
Where Can I Find Free Nassau County Genealogy Records?
Free records sit at FamilySearch.org, the Florida Memory project, Chronicling America, and Find a Grave. The USGenWeb Nassau County page also lists volunteer records. The State Archives of Florida offers free online catalogs. You can view many record images at no cost. You only need a free FamilySearch account for most scans. Library websites often give free access to Ancestry through a library card number.
How Far Back Do Nassau County Records Go?
Some records go back to the early 1800s. Spanish Land Grants date from 1790. County marriage records start in 1824. Federal census records for the area start in 1830. State birth records begin in 1917. Death records go back further at the county level. Church records may go back even earlier in some cases.
Are Birth Records Public in Florida?
No. Florida law keeps birth records private for 125 years. Only certain people can view them. These include the person named, immediate family, and legal representatives. Older records become public after 125 years. You must show ID and prove your direct interest to view restricted records today.
What Records Did the State Archives Save for Nassau County?
The State Archives saved Confederate pension files, Spanish land grants, voter rolls, and World War I service cards. They also kept territorial court records and school board minutes. Many of these have been scanned and posted online. You can search the State Archives catalog before visiting Tallahassee.
How Do I Order a Death Certificate From Nassau County?
You can order through the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics. Online orders are fastest. You will need the full name, date of death, and parent’s names. You must show valid photo ID. Fees apply and change each year. Check the current rate on the Florida Department of Health website.
Can I Search Nassau County Records for Free at the Library?
Yes. The Nassau County Public Library System gives free access to Ancestry.com, HeritageQuest, and other databases. You can use these tools on library computers. A library card is free to Nassau County residents. The Fernandina Beach branch has the strongest genealogy collection in the system.
What Is the Best Starting Point for Tracing Florida Ancestors?
Start with the federal census for 1850, 1860, and 1870. These give names, ages, birthplaces, and neighbors. Next, check the State Archives catalog for Nassau County-specific records. Then check the Nassau County Clerk for marriage, probate, and land records. End with church books and local newspapers for final details.