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Okaloosa County, Florida
Genealogy, History & Facts

Okaloosa County, Florida Facts

When was Okaloosa County, FL Created?
Okaloosa County was created on June 3, 1915 from Santa Rosa County and Walton County. This county was named for the native word meaning “a pleasant place,” “black water”, or “beautiful place”.

What is the County Seat of Okaloosa County, FL?
The County Seat is located in Crestview also, the county government website is www.co.okaloosa.fl.us/.

What counties are adjacent to Okaloosas County, FL?
Bordering Counties are Covington County, Alabama, Walton CountySanta Rosa CountyEscambia County, Alabama.

What cities and towns are in Okaloosa County, FL?
Cities and towns located in the County include Cinco Bayou, Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Laurel Hill, Mary Esther, Niceville, Shalimar, Valparaiso.

Okaloosa County, FL Vital Records

Where can find Okaloosa County Birth, marriage, Divorce and Death Records?
Okaloosa County vital records can be found at the Florida Office of Vital Records which has copies of Birth & Deaths reported 1917 to present and Divorce & Marriages since June 6, 1927. There is a fee for each copy requested. Please refer to the information to the Statewide Vital Records in Florida for current fees and application process.

You can search online for Okaloosa County Birth, Marriage, Divorce or Death Records. You can also Order Electronically Online or can download an application for Florida Birth CertificateMarriage CertificateDivorce CertificateDeath Certificate Applications to mail.

Vital Records can also be found in the Okaloosa County Health Department has copies of Birth & Death certificates. Also has computer access from 1917 to present for birth records for the entire state as well as births that occurred in this county.

Okaloosa County, FL Census Records


What Okaloosa County, FL census records are available?
There are many types of census records for Okaloosa County guide you in researching your family tree. Federal Population Schedules are available for 192019301940.

There are Florida State censuses from 1867, 1875, 1885, 1935, 1945. You can get free downloadable and also printable census forms to help you with your research. See Also Florida Census Records Research Guide

Okaloosa County, FL Courthouse and Government Records

Okaloosa County Courthouse

What genealogical records can I find in the Okaloosa County Courthouse?
The below facts shows exactly what death, marriage, birth, property, wills, and court records are typically in Okaloosa County. The years listed below are the first noted records with this county. See Also Florida Corthouse Records Research Guide.

  • Okaloosa County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted)
    • Address: 101 E. James Lee Blvd., Suite 105, Crestview FL 32536
  • Okaloosa County Clerk of the Circuit Court / County Clerk is custodian of all records of all predecessor courts, whether justice of the peace, city, county, probate, civil, or criminal.
    • Phone: (850) 689-5000
    • Marriage Records: 1915
    • Land Records: 1915
    • Probate Records: 1915
    • Court Records: 1915
  • Okaloosa County Tax Collector collects all real estate taxes including postponed and delinquent, all county revenues in addition to the research and issue tax deed applications. Our department is the holder of tax records and assessed values.
  • Florida Land Records
  • BLM Land Records

Okaloosa County, FL Societies and Family History Resources

What genealogical and historical societies, archives, museums, associations and libraries are available for Okaloosa County, FL?
A list of Okaloosa County Historical  and Genealogical Societies, Libraries, Archives. See also list of Statewide Florida Archives, Historical & Genealogical Societies.

Where can I connect with other Okaloosa County, FL Researchers through message boards and forums?

What other genealogical resources are available in Okaloosa County, FL?
The following are web links to Genealogy, Records and Resources pertaining to Okaloosa County. A lot of these genealogy links fall into 3 categories: Business oriented Sites, Private Sites or Organization Sites. Some have free access some require a fee. This is just a directory which has been collected or submitted. I do not endorse or promote one genealogy site over another.

Okaloosa Co. FL Books, Newspapers & Publications

Okaloosa Co. FL Cemeteries & Church Records

Okaloosa Co. FL Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Okaloosa Co. FL General and History Websites

Okaloosa Co. FL Immigration & Naturalization

Okaloosa Co. FL Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Okaloosa Co. FL Military Records

Okaloosa Co. FL Schools & Directories