Pinellas County Florida genealogy records cover over 100 years of family history on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The county formed in 1912 when it separated from Hillsborough County.
Clearwater serves as the county seat. St. Petersburg stands as the largest city. The county covers a narrow peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Millions of people live in the county today. Many families trace their roots back to the early 1900s. Others came during the 1920s land boom. Some arrived after World War II for retirement. Researchers can find birth records, death records, marriage records, divorce records, census records, land deeds, probate files, cemetery records, church records, military records, and naturalization papers. State archives, county clerk offices, public libraries, and online databases all hold valuable materials. This page explains where to find each type of record. It covers phone numbers, addresses, websites, and search tips. Anyone with Pinellas County ancestors can use this information to build a complete family tree.
Pinellas County Clerk of Court Records
The Pinellas County Clerk of Court holds official records under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. The office started when the county formed in 1912. It maintains marriage licenses, probate files, court cases, land deeds, and adoption records. Most records stay at the county level. Researchers can visit the office in person. They can also search the online records system from home.
Marriage License Records
Marriage license records from 1912 to 1927 stay at the Pinellas County Clerk’s office. State law only required marriage reporting to Tallahassee starting June 6, 1927. Older marriage licenses remain in the county files. Each record lists the bride’s name, the groom’s name, the marriage date, the officiant, and the witnesses. Some older files also show parents’ names and birthplaces. The clerk offers an online search for these records. Researchers can search by name or date range. Certified copies cost a small fee.
Probate and Estate Records
Probate records show how families settled estates after someone died. These files include wills, inventories of property, debt lists, and final distributions to heirs. Pinellas County probate records go back to 1912. They name spouses, children, siblings, and other relatives. Researchers use these files to prove family relationships. They also reveal property values and household goods from past eras. The clerk stores older probate files on microfilm. Newer files exist as digital images.
Land Deeds and Property Records
Land deed records trace property ownership from one owner to the next. The Pinellas County recording office holds deeds, mortgages, liens, and plat maps. These records start from 1912. Early deeds show how settlers bought land from the state, from railroads, or from other private owners. Researchers can track ancestors through chains of property transfers. Deed indexes sort records by grantor name and grantee name. The online system allows searches by name, parcel number, or recording date.
Court and Adoption Records
Court records at the clerk’s office include civil suits, divorce cases, criminal cases, and juvenile matters. Adoption files stay sealed under Florida law. However, older adoption files may be open for adult adoptees with proper documentation. Divorce decrees from 1912 forward list marriage dates, grounds for divorce, custody arrangements, and property settlements. Criminal case files show charges, witness names, and court outcomes. Researchers use these to find family disputes, neighbor conflicts, and social history details.
Clerk Contact Details and Location
The Pinellas County Clerk of Court main office sits at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. The phone number is (727) 464-3341. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The official website is pinellasclerk.org. Researchers can access the online records search system through this website. The site shows official records, recording services, and view records tools. Staff members answer phone questions during business hours.
Florida State Archives and State Library
The State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee holds records useful for Pinellas County researchers. Because the county formed in 1912, earlier records appear in Hillsborough County files at the state archives level. The archives collect documents from all 67 Florida counties. They also hold state-level records that cover the whole state. Researchers can visit the archives research room. They can also search online catalogs before traveling.
Confederate Pension Applications
Confederate pension files list Florida veterans who served in the Civil War. The state of Florida paid pensions to veterans and their widows starting in 1885. Many ex-Confederates later moved to the Pinellas region for the warm climate. Pension applications include the veteran’s birth date, birthplace, unit served, marriage date, wife’s name, children’s names, and death date. Widows’ applications also appear in the archives. These files name parents, siblings, and other relatives. They sometimes include letters from family members asking for aid.
Spanish Land Grants
Spanish land grants date from 1821 when Florida became a U.S. territory. Earlier Spanish and British colonial grants also exist in the archives. These records show the first property owners in the region. Few settlers lived in the Pinellas area during Spanish times. Most grants concentrated in northern Florida. Researchers looking for early land claims should check the archives land grant index.
World War I Service Cards
World War I service cards document Florida men who served in the military from 1917 to 1918. Each card lists the soldier’s name, birth date, race, address, next of kin, and physical description. The cards cover men who registered for the draft. They include those who served overseas and those who stayed stateside. Many Pinellas County families appear in these records because soldiers listed their home addresses.
Voter Registration Rolls
Voter registration rolls from 1867 to 1868 include the names of newly registered voters after the Civil War. These rolls cover freedmen who gained voting rights. They also cover white men who registered under the new rules. Researchers find early Black family names in these rolls. The 1867 rolls include Pinellas-area residents who lived in what was then Hillsborough County.
Archives Contact Information
The State Archives of Florida sits at 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. The phone number is (850) 245-6700. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Researchers must show photo ID to use materials. The online catalog can be searched at dos.fl.gov/library-archives/archives. Staff members answer reference questions by phone and email.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps statewide birth and death records. The bureau operates under Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes. Statewide birth recording started in 1917. Death records go back further in some counties. Pinellas County birth and death records from 1917 forward exist at the bureau level. Researchers order certified copies through VitalChek. The bureau office in Jacksonville processes all requests.
Birth Certificate Access
Birth records less than 125 years old stay confidential under Florida law. Only specific people can order copies. Eligible applicants include the person named on the record, parents listed on the record, adult children, legal guardians, and spouses. Each applicant must show proof of identity. Valid ID includes a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card. The Bureau of Vital Statistics verifies identity before releasing records.
Death Certificate Access
Death records have fewer restrictions than birth records. The fact of death is public after the record reaches a certain age. However, the cause of death stays private for 50 years. Researchers can order death certificates without showing a family relationship. They still need to provide the deceased person’s name, date of death, and place of death. The bureau searches statewide records when the exact county is unknown.
Marriage Records Since 1927
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds marriage records from June 6, 1927 to the present. Earlier marriage records stay at the county clerk’s office where the license was issued. Marriage records show both parties’ full names, ages at marriage, birthplaces, and parents’ names. Some records also list the officiant’s name and witnesses. Researchers can request a statewide search if they do not know the marriage county.
Ordering Copies Through VitalChek
Researchers order certified copies through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. VitalChek handles credit card payments. It processes orders for all Florida vital records. Phone orders go through VitalChek at 877-550-7330. Mail orders go directly to the Jacksonville office. Mail orders require a signed application, a copy of valid ID, and payment by check or money order. Turnaround times vary with order volume. Rush service costs extra.
Bureau Contact Details
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics sits at 1217 North Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The office phone is 877-550-7330. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The mailing address for vital record requests is P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231. Researchers can check order status online through VitalChek.
Pinellas County Libraries and Archives
Local libraries in Pinellas County hold genealogy collections. The Clearwater Main Library and the St. Petersburg Main Library both have local history rooms. These rooms hold city directories, phone books, high school yearbooks, local newspapers on microfilm, cemetery transcripts, and family history files. Library staff help visitors search local indexes. Many materials can only be viewed in person.
Clearwater Main Library
The Clearwater Main Library sits at 100 North Osceola Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33755. The phone number is (727) 562-4970. The genealogy room holds Clearwater city directories from the 1910s forward. It also has obituary clipping files, funeral home records, and funeral programs. Visitors can search indexes by surname. Library staff can pull microfilm reels for viewing.
St. Petersburg Main Library
The St. Petersburg Main Library sits at 3745 Ninth Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33713. The phone number is (727) 893-7724. The local history room holds St. Petersburg city directories, high school yearbooks, and historical maps. The room also holds scrapbooks donated by local families. Researchers can search vertical files by surname or topic.
Local Historical Societies
The Pinellas County Historical Society and the Clearwater Historical Society both maintain archives. The Pinellas County Historical Society sits at 101 South Fort Harrison Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33756. Phone number is (727) 442-4406. The society holds photos, postcards, business records, and family papers donated by local families. Researchers must schedule appointments to view materials.
Digital and Online Resources
Several online databases hold Pinellas County records. These databases include free and paid services. Many databases offer searchable indexes. Some databases also include digital images of original records. Researchers can search from home using a computer or mobile device.
FamilySearch Florida Records
FamilySearch.org holds free Florida genealogy records. The site includes Florida birth indexes, death indexes, marriage indexes, census images, and church records. FamilySearch also has a large collection of Florida county records on microfilm that volunteers have digitized. Researchers can create a free account and search the records. Images can be viewed from home.
Ancestry.com Florida Databases
Ancestry.com holds the largest collection of Florida genealogy records online. The site includes Florida birth records, death records, marriage records, census records, military records, immigration records, and newspaper archives. A paid subscription is required for full access. Ancestry.com partners with the State Archives of Florida to host many state-level records.
Florida Memory Collection
The Florida Memory project at floridamemory.com holds photos, documents, and oral history recordings. The site focuses on Florida history from the 1800s forward. Many photos show early Pinellas County scenes. Researchers can search by keyword, place name, or date range. The site is free to use.
Florida Digital Newspaper Library
The Florida Digital Newspaper Library at news.florida.edu holds searchable newspaper pages from across the state. The collection includes the St. Petersburg Times and other local papers. Researchers can search by name, date, or keyword. The site is free to use. New content is added regularly.
Florida GenWeb Project
The Florida GenWeb project at flgenweb.org holds county-level genealogy resources. Volunteer county coordinators maintain pages with cemetery lists, Bible records, family group sheets, and research tips. The Pinellas County GenWeb page links to local resources and contact information for researchers.
Cemetery and Church Records
Cemetery and church records fill gaps when vital records are missing. Florida did not require statewide birth and death registration until 1917. Before that date, churches and cemeteries kept their own records. Researchers should check both sources for early Pinellas County families.
Cemetery Burial Records
Pinellas County cemeteries include historic sites like Memorial Park Cemetery in St. Petersburg and Clearwater Cemetery. Cemetery office records show burial dates, plot owners, and next of kin. Many cemeteries also keep burial registers and grave ledgers. The Pinellas County Cemetery Records project on the GenWeb site lists known burials from local cemeteries.
Church and Baptism Records
Church records document baptisms, marriages, and burials. Early Pinellas County churches include Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, and Episcopal congregations. Church records often predate civil records. Researchers should contact local churches directly to ask about record access. Some churches hold records at denominational archives.
Federal Census Records for Pinellas County
Federal census records cover Pinellas County starting with the 1910 census. Because the county formed in 1912, no federal census covers Pinellas County as a separate entity before 1920. Researchers should check Hillsborough County census records from 1900 and 1910 for pre-county ancestors.
1910 to 1950 Census Coverage
The 1920 federal census is the first to list Pinellas County residents separately. The 1930 census covers the land boom era. The 1940 census covers the Depression and World War II years. The 1950 census was released to the public in 2022. All federal census records from 1910 to 1950 are searchable on Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.
Specialized Records
Several record types go beyond basic vital records. These records hold unique details for specific family history questions.
Naturalization Records
Naturalization records document immigrants who became U.S. citizens. Federal courts handled naturalizations in Florida. The Pinellas County Clerk of Court holds naturalization records from 1912 forward. Earlier records appear in Hillsborough County files. Naturalization papers include birth country, arrival date, ship name, and witness names.
Military and Pension Records
Military records cover Pinellas County veterans from the Civil War forward. The State Archives holds Confederate pension files and World War I service cards. Federal military records sit at the National Archives. Pinellas County veterans also appear in local discharge records at the clerk’s office.
WPA Records
Works Progress Administration workers created cemetery surveys, Bible records, and local history indexes during the 1930s. Many WPA records sit at the State Archives. These surveys list tombstone inscriptions from Florida cemeteries. They include names, birth dates, death dates, and epitaphs.
Homestead Records
Federal homestead records document settlers who claimed land under the Homestead Act of 1862. These records sit at the National Archives. They include patent applications, final certificates, and land entry papers. Pinellas County homesteaders claimed land in the 1870s and 1880s.
Research Tips for Beginners
Beginning genealogy researchers should start with known family information. Building a family tree takes time. A clear plan saves hours of searching. The tips below help new researchers get organized.
Starting Your Search
Start by writing down every name, date, and place you already know. Ask family members for full names, birth dates, marriage dates, death dates, and locations. Check family Bibles, birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, obituaries, photos with names on the back, and old letters. Build a family group sheet for each ancestor. List parents, spouses, children, siblings, and grandparents.
Interviewing Family Members
Schedule interviews with older relatives before their memories fade. Record the conversations with permission. Ask about parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Ask about places they lived, schools they attended, jobs they held, churches they joined, and neighbors they remember. Capture old addresses, maiden names, and immigration details.
Organizing Your Documents
Keep paper records in acid-free folders. Store digital records on a backup drive. Use a genealogy software program like RootsMagic, Legacy Family Tree, or Gramps. Cite every source you use. Write down where you found each fact. Citation records prove your work to other researchers.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about Pinellas County Florida genealogy records. Researchers often ask about vital records, court records, archives access, online databases, and research fees. The questions below cover the most asked topics. Each answer points to specific records, offices, and websites. Researchers can use these answers to plan their next steps.
Where can I order a Pinellas County birth certificate?
Researchers can order a Pinellas County birth certificate from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Statewide birth records begin in 1917. Birth records less than 125 years old stay confidential. Only eligible applicants can order copies. Eligible applicants include the person named on the record, parents, adult children, legal guardians, and spouses. Order online through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. Order by phone at 877-550-7330. Mail orders go to P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231. Include a signed application, a copy of valid ID, and payment by check or money order.
How do I find Pinellas County marriage records before 1927?
Marriage records from 1912 to June 5, 1927 stay at the Pinellas County Clerk of Court. State law only required statewide marriage reporting starting June 6, 1927. Visit the clerk’s office at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. Search the online records system at pinellasclerk.org. Each record lists both parties’ names, the marriage date, the officiant, and the witnesses. Call the clerk at (727) 464-3341 with research questions.
Are Pinellas County death records public?
The fact of death becomes public after a certain period. The cause of death stays private for 50 years under Florida law. Researchers can order death certificates without showing a family relationship. They must provide the deceased person’s name, date of death, and place of death. Order through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. The bureau office sits at 1217 North Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202.
What Confederate pension records exist for Pinellas County?
The State Archives of Florida holds Confederate pension applications for Florida veterans. Many ex-Confederates moved to the Pinellas region after the Civil War for the warm climate. Pension files list the veteran’s birth date, birthplace, unit served, marriage date, wife’s name, children’s names, and death date. Widows’ pension applications also exist. Visit the archives at 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399.
Can I search Pinellas County records online for free?
Several free databases hold Pinellas County records. FamilySearch.org holds free Florida birth indexes, death indexes, marriage indexes, and census images. The Florida Memory project at floridamemory.com holds free photos and documents. The Florida Digital Newspaper Library at news.florida.edu holds free searchable newspapers. The Florida GenWeb project at flgenweb.org holds free county-level resources.
Where are Pinellas County probate records stored?
Probate records stay at the Pinellas County Clerk of Court. The office holds wills, inventories, debt lists, and estate distribution papers from 1912 forward. Older files sit on microfilm. Newer files exist as digital images. Search the online records system at pinellasclerk.org. Visit the clerk at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. Call (727) 464-3341 for record searches.
How do I find my Pinellas County ancestor in the census?
Search federal census records from 1920 forward for Pinellas County. The 1920 census is the first to list Pinellas County separately. Search Ancestry.com or FamilySearch for the ancestor’s name and Pinellas County. For ancestors before 1920, search Hillsborough County census records from 1900 and 1910. Census records show household members, ages, birthplaces, occupations, and home addresses.