Florida State Census, 1867-1945

Source Information

This database contains the following Florida state censuses:

• 1867 – Hernando, Madison, Orange, and Santa Rosa counties only


• 1875 – Alachua county only


• 1885 – all counties that existed at the time except for Alachua, Clay, Columbia, and Nassau


• 1935 – all counties


• 1945 – all counties

Information available for an individual will vary according to the census year and the information requested on the census form. For the 1867 census, only the heads of households were listed, with other members of the household indicated in age and gender categories. Separate listings were kept for “colored” and white inhabitants. More information was recorded in other census years, including:

• Enumeration place


• Name


• Age


• Gender


• Race


• Relationship to head of household


• Birthplace


• Birth date or estimated birth year


• Marital status


• Father’s birthplace


• Mother’s birthplace

Some census entries may also contain information regarding an individual’s occupation, real estate or property value, or agricultural information.

About the 1885 Census:

The 1885 state census was partially funded by the Federal government. Questions asked were to reflect the individual’s status as of 1 June 1885. While the 1885 census included population, agriculture, manufactures, and mortality schedules, this database contains only the population schedules.

Why use State Censuses:

State censuses are great sources to use for pinpointing and tracking individuals in between federal census years. The 1885 census is especially important because the 1890 U.S. federal census was damaged and destroyed by fire in 1921. Less than 1% of the 1890 schedules are available for research today. Because of this problem, the 1885 census can be used to gather information that would otherwise have been available from the 1890 census.