>Port St Lucie City Florida Genealogy Records
Port St Lucie City Florida genealogy records help you trace family roots in St. Lucie County and across the Treasure Coast region of Florida. These records include birth certificates, marriage licenses, property deeds, census files, cemetery markers, and church books held by local and state offices. Most records are open to the public, though some have age rules. This page explains where to find each record type, who keeps them, and how to order copies in 2026.
Port St Lucie History and Background
Port St. Lucie sits on the south end of St. Lucie County along the St. Lucie River. The city was founded in 1961 by the General Development Corporation as a planned community for retirees. Before that date, the land held cattle ranches, citrus groves, and small fishing settlements tied to the river. The 2020 U.S. Census counted 223,107 residents. By 2025 city estimates, the population passed 245,000, making Port St. Lucie the seventh largest city in Florida.
Early Settlement and Land Grants
The first non-native families arrived in the 1830s after the Second Seminole War. Spain issued land grants along the St. Lucie River before Florida became a U.S. territory in 1821. Many early settlers appear in Spanish land records, U.S. homestead files, and the 1840 federal census for St. Lucie County. St. Lucie County itself was carved from Brevard County in 1905. County-level records for genealogy begin around that year.
Census Records and Population Growth
Federal census records start in 1790 and run through 1950 for public use. The 1940 and 1950 censuses are the most useful for Port St. Lucie research because the community was still small. The 1960 census shows the first boom after the city was founded. The 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020 censuses show fast growth. Each census lists the head of household, family members, ages, birthplaces, and occupations.
| Census Year | Status for Research | Population Recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1940 | Public record | 2,893 (county) |
| 1950 | Public record | 3,939 (county) |
| 1960 | Public record | 6,024 (county) |
| 1970 | Public record | 50,836 (county) |
| 1980 | Public record | 87,182 (county) |
St. Lucie County Official Records
The St. Lucie County Clerk of Courts keeps most official documents. This office records marriage licenses, deeds, mortgages, probate files, and court papers. The Clerk also issues certified copies of these records. Records are open to the public once they meet Florida’s age rules.
Marriage and Divorce Records
Marriage licenses from 1905 to the present are on file at the Clerk of Courts. Each license lists the full names of the bride and groom, their ages, residence, and the date the license was issued. The county also holds a marriage index from 1905 onward. Divorce decrees are sealed for 20 years after the final judgment. After that period, anyone can view them.
Property Deeds and Land Records
Property deed records start in 1905 when the county formed. Older Spanish land grants from the 1700s and 1800s are kept at the St. Lucie County Historical Society and the Florida State Archives. Deed records show the chain of title for each parcel of land. You can search them online through the Clerk’s Official Records search tool or visit the recording office in person.
Probate and Estate Files
Probate files hold wills, estate inventories, and final distributions. These files name heirs and family members. Most probate records from 1905 to 1977 have been microfilmed and are open for research. Files from 1978 to the present are kept in the Clerk’s office. You must give the full name of the deceased and the year of death to start a search.
Criminal and Civil Court Records
Civil and criminal court files date back to 1905. They can confirm family relationships, neighborhood moves, and disputes between relatives. Some files are sealed by court order. Most older files are open for public view.
Florida State and Federal Resources
State and federal offices hold records that supplement local files. These sources help when county records are missing or incomplete.
Florida State Archives
The Florida State Archives sit in Tallahassee at 500 South Bronough Street. The Archives hold state census records from 1885, 1935, and 1945. They also keep territorial records, military service files, and Confederate pension applications. Many records are scanned and posted online. The reading room is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The phone number is 850-245-6719.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Bureau of Vital Statistics holds all Florida birth and death certificates from 1917 to the present. Birth records less than 100 years old are sealed. Death records less than 50 years old are sealed. Older records are open to any researcher. You can order certified copies online, by mail, or in person. The state office address is 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32231. The phone number is 904-359-6900.
U.S. National Archives
The National Archives in Washington, D.C. holds federal census records, military service files, immigration records, and passenger lists. The Southeast Region branch in Atlanta, Georgia serves Florida researchers. It is open by appointment only and can be reached at 770-968-2100.
Library and Local Archives
Local libraries and historical groups hold rare books, family papers, and local history files that are not found online.
St. Lucie County Library System
The St. Lucie County Library System has 7 branches. The main branch sits at 101 Melody Lane in Fort Pierce. Library staff can help with genealogy questions and provide free access to Ancestry.com, Fold3, and Newspapers.com from any library computer. The phone number is 772-462-1615. Library hours run Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The library holds a strong collection of St. Lucie County history books and oral history tapes.
St. Lucie County Historical Society
The St. Lucie County Historical Society runs the History Center at 414 Seaway Drive in Fort Pierce. It is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The society holds family papers, farm ledgers, church records, and photos from the 1800s and 1900s. Members of the staff speak Spanish and English. The phone number is 772-462-1795.
Church Records
Church records cover baptisms, marriages, burials, and member lists. The oldest churches in the area are First United Methodist Church of Fort Pierce (1894), St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (1896), and First Baptist Church of Fort Pierce (1900). Records from these churches are held on site or by the church archives. Many are now on microfilm at the St. Lucie County Library.
Cemetery and Burial Records
The main public cemetery in the area is Pine Grove Cemetery in Fort Pierce. It opened in 1895 and has over 8,000 marked graves. Other historic burial sites include White City Cemetery and the 1923 Indian River Cemetery. A full list of graves is on Find A Grave and Billion Graves.
Digital Genealogy Tools
Online databases let you search records from home. Many tools are free. Some require a paid subscription.
FamilySearch.org
FamilySearch is a free site run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It holds indexed census records, Florida marriage files, death indexes, and the Florida State Census of 1935 and 1945. The site also has free how-to courses on genealogy research. A free account is required.
Ancestry.com
Ancestry.com is a paid subscription site. It holds the largest set of U.S. census records, U.S. immigration files, city directories, and Florida newspapers. Many U.S. libraries offer free in-library access. St. Lucie County Library provides free access to all library visitors.
Find A Grave and Billion Graves
Find A Grave and Billion Graves are free sites for cemetery research. They hold photos and transcriptions of tombstones. Volunteers across Florida add new graves each week. Both sites let you search by name, cemetery, or location.
Vital Records Access Rules
Florida law sets rules for who can see birth and death certificates. These rules help protect privacy and prevent identity theft.
Birth Certificate Rules
Florida birth certificates less than 100 years old are sealed. Only the person named on the certificate, a parent, a legal guardian, or a court order can get a copy. After 100 years, birth records open to the public. Birth records from 1917 to 1926 are open now. Records from 1927 will open in 2027.
Death Certificate Rules
Florida death certificates less than 50 years old are sealed. The same people who can order birth certificates can order death certificates. After 50 years, death records open to the public. Records from 1917 to 1975 are open now. Records from 1976 will open in 2026.
Ordering Methods and Fees
The state fee for a certified birth or death certificate is 12 dollars. Local registrar offices charge the same fee. You can order records online at FloridaHealth.gov, by mail, or in person. Walk-in service is offered at the Jacksonville office and at most county health departments.
Newspaper and Obituary Records
Local newspapers printed obituaries, wedding notices, and family news. These stories often name parents, siblings, and neighbors.
Treasure Coast Newspapers
The main local paper is TCPalm, printed since 1915 as the Fort Pierce News. Older issues are on microfilm at the St. Lucie County Library. Issues from 2000 to the present are on Newspapers.com. Issues from 2015 to the present are on the TCPalm website. A library card gives free access to both sites.
Local Obituary Indexes
The St. Lucie County Library has a printed obituary index covering 1915 to 2000. The State Archives holds a Florida obituary index from 1877 to 2002. Both indexes list names, dates, and page numbers for follow-up.
Military Records and Service Files
Port St. Lucie has many veterans and active service members. Military records can add names, ranks, and service dates to a family tree.
World War I and World War II Records
The National Archives holds draft registration cards from both World Wars. The cards list the registrant’s full name, date of birth, address, and a physical description. Florida World War II bonus case files are on file with the State Archives in Tallahassee. Many files list the soldier’s parents and next of kin.
Spanish-American War and Earlier Files
The State Archives holds Spanish-American War service files and pension applications. Florida Confederate pension files from 1885 to 1950 are also on file. Pension files list dependents, marriage dates, and death dates. Many have scanned copies online.
Recent Veteran Records
Records from the Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are held by the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri. You can request military records through the eVetRecs system on the National Archives website.
Immigration and Naturalization Files
Many Port St. Lucie families came from other countries. Immigration records can confirm the exact arrival date and ship of travel.
Passenger Arrival Records
Records from 1820 to 1959 are at the National Archives. Many are indexed on Ancestry.com and MyHeritage. The records list age, occupation, and the name of a relative in the home country. Cuban and Bahamian arrivals are common in early Florida history.
Naturalization Records
Federal naturalization files from 1906 to 1956 are at the National Archives. Earlier files are held by county courts. The St. Lucie County Clerk of Courts has naturalization files from 1905 to 1929. Each file lists the country of birth, date of arrival, and witnesses.
Office Locations and Contact Details
The main offices for Port St Lucie City Florida genealogy records are listed below with current addresses, phone numbers, and hours as of September 2026.
St. Lucie County Clerk of Courts — 201 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950. Phone: 772-462-6900. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
St. Lucie County Library Main Branch — 101 Melody Lane, Fort Pierce, FL 34950. Phone: 772-462-1615. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
St. Lucie County Historical Society — 414 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34949. Phone: 772-462-1795. Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Florida State Archives — 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Phone: 850-245-6719. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics — 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32231. Phone: 904-359-6900. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
National Archives Southeast Region — 5780 Jonesboro Road, Morrow, GA 30260. Phone: 770-968-2100. Hours by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common Port St Lucie City Florida genealogy records requests. Each answer explains the steps you need, the rules you must follow, and where to find the files in 2026.
How do I start Port St Lucie genealogy research?
Begin with yourself and work backward. Write down the names, dates, and places you already know. Then look at the 1950 federal census on Ancestry.com or FamilySearch for Port St. Lucie or St. Lucie County. Most early residents of Port St. Lucie appear in the 1950 census under the county’s rural routes. Next, search the Florida marriage index from 1927 to the present on FamilySearch. Once you find a marriage record, you can link to parents and siblings. The St. Lucie County Library has free classes for new researchers.
Are Port St. Lucie birth records open to the public?
Florida birth records less than 100 years old are sealed by law. Only the person named, a parent, a legal guardian, or a court order can see a sealed record. Birth certificates from 1917 to 1926 are now open to the public. Each year, more files open. Records from 1927 will open in January 2027. You can order open files from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics for 12 dollars per copy.
Where can I find early settlers of Port St. Lucie?
Early settlers appear in three key records. First, the 1840 and 1850 federal census for St. Lucie County. Second, the Spanish land grant files held by the Florida State Archives. Third, the family files held by the St. Lucie County Historical Society. The History Center has files on the Peter Hewitt, Gomez, and Carlton families who settled the river area before 1900.
Can I view St. Lucie County probate records online?
You can search the St. Lucie County Clerk’s online index for probate files from 1905 to the present. The index lists the case number, the deceased’s name, and the year of the file. Older files from 1905 to 1977 are scanned. Newer files can be viewed in person at the Clerk’s office. The Clerk charges one dollar per page for printed copies.
What is the difference between the St. Lucie County Library and the Historical Society?
The library holds books, microfilm, and online databases for general research. The Historical Society holds family papers, farm records, photo albums, and oral history tapes. The library is open seven days a week. The History Center is open four days a week. Start at the library for census and newspaper research. Visit the History Center for family papers and rare records.
How much do genealogy records cost in Port St. Lucie?
Most genealogy searches at the library and the Historical Society are free. Certified copies of vital records cost 12 dollars each. Printed copies at the Clerk of Courts cost one dollar per page. Microfilm printouts at the library cost 25 cents per page. A paid subscription to Ancestry.com costs 25 dollars per month. FamilySearch and Find A Grave are free.
Can I research Port St. Lucie records from another state?
Yes. FamilySearch.org and Find A Grave are free for remote users. Ancestry.com can be accessed from any U.S. library branch. The Florida State Archives respond to mail and email research requests for a small fee. You can also order vital records online at FloridaHealth.gov. Local cemetery visits and old church record reviews must be done in person.