- State Government Records
- Local Government Records
- Manuscript Collections
- Florida Photographic Collection
- Genealogical Collection
- Legislative Acts Committee Records
- Civil War Records
- Military Service & Pension Records
- Florida Folklife Collection
State Government Records
The core of the Archives' collection is the over 30,000 cubic feet of records documenting the activities of Florida's Territorial and State Government from 1821 to the present. Selected for retention in the Archives because of their enduring historical research value, these materials provide a record of the functions and activities of the various agencies of state government's executive, legislative, and judicial branches. State records in the Archives include gubernatorial records, legislative committee bill files, Supreme Court case files, military records, records of cabinet officers and their departments, and the Florida Folklife Collection.
Local Government Records
The Archives maintains a small collection of original public records generated by local government agencies throughout the State, including probate, tax, voting, and commission records of city, town, and county agencies. While the Archives does not actively collect such materials, it accepts historically significant local records that are in imminent danger of destruction or that complement other items already in the Archives. A large collection of microfilmed county tax, deed, marriage, probate, and some birth and naturalization records are of particular value to patrons engaged in genealogical research.
Manuscripts (Non-Governmental Records)
The State Archives maintains historically significant records of private individuals and organizations that have shaped and influenced the State. These materials trace the cultural, economic, military, religious and social development of Florida from an isolated sixteenth century Spanish outpost to one of the fastest growing states in the nation. Manuscript collections include correspondence, diaries, journals, maps, photographs, and the organizational papers of business, fraternal, professional, religious, and social organizations. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to contact the Archives if they have Florida-related materials they wish to donate.
Florida Photographic Collection
Approximately 850,000 still images and over 6,000 movies and video tapes comprise the Florida Photographic Collection, a nationally recognized component of the State Archives of Florida and the largest and most comprehensive grouping of Florida-related images in existence. The Photographic Collection visually documents the people, places, and events that have contributed to the State's history and development from the mid-15th century to the present. The earliest items in the collection are copies of colonial-era maps and prints, while photographic documentation begins from the middle of the nineteenth century. The earliest photograph dates back to 1845. In addition, the Photographic Collection's films and videos date from 1916 to the present. The Photographic Collection has the capability to make prints or negatives of most of the images in the collection and to reproduce many of the videos.
The Florida Photographic Collection strives to document Florida's history through a comprehensive array of still and moving images. This goal is being realized through an ongoing collection program that is dependent upon public awareness and participation for support. Most of the holdings in the collection have been obtained singly or in small groups. Together they form the most complete visual portrait of Florida--one that draws its strength from family photographs depicting the homes of Floridians, their work, and their pastimes. If you have a photograph, postcard, or other photographic image that depicts any facet of Florida history, please contact the Archives staff.