HERNANDO COUNTY, FL HISTORY AND LOOKUP (FORMERLY BENTON COUNTY)

County History Books

*None Listed

Hernando County, Florida: A Genealogical Overview

Located on the central-western coast of Florida, Hernando County is a key part of the state’s “Nature Coast,” celebrated for its natural springs, outdoor recreation, and coastal communities. Its history is shaped by early Spanish exploration, the turmoil of the Seminole Wars, pioneer settlement through land grants, and economic waves of citrus farming, phosphate mining, and modern development. For genealogists, its role as a “mother county” to its neighbors is of paramount importance.

I. County Formation and Evolution

Understanding Hernando County’s formation from a much larger parent county and its subsequent division is critical for locating the correct records for ancestors who lived in the region before 1887.

  • 1843: County Formed: Hernando County was established on February 24, 1843, by an act of the Florida Territorial Legislature. It was briefly renamed Benton County from 1844 to 1850 in honor of Senator Thomas Hart Benton, before its original name was restored.
  • Parent County: It was created primarily from the southern portion of Alachua County, with some land also coming from Mosquito County (now Orange County). Records prior to 1843 for this area would be located in Alachua County records.
  • Subsequent County Formations: Hernando County was later partitioned itself. In 1887, it was divided into three parts: the northern portion was used to create Citrus County, and the southern portion was used to create Pasco County, with the central part remaining as Hernando. Researchers with ancestors in Citrus or Pasco counties prior to 1887 must search Hernando County records.
  • Name Origin: The county is named for Hernando de Soto, the Spanish explorer who led an expedition through the area in the 16th century.
  • County Seat History: The first county seat was the now-extinct town of DeSoto. After several changes and disruptions, Brooksville was officially established as the permanent county seat in 1877.

II. Settlement and Early History

  • Early Inhabitants: The region was originally inhabited by the Tocobaga people. By the 18th and 19th centuries, it became a significant area for the Seminole people, and the county was the site of key events during the Second Seminole War.
  • Pioneer Settlement and Economy: The Armed Occupation Act of 1842 spurred the first significant non-native settlement, offering land to pioneers willing to settle and defend the territory. The economy was built on agriculture, particularly citrus groves (a staple of the region until the “Great Freeze” of 1894-95), cattle ranching, and timber. The discovery of phosphate in the late 19th century created a mining boom that drove the economy for decades.

III. Genealogical Records and Resources

This section provides practical information for locating ancestral records specific to Hernando County.

  • Courthouse:
    • Hernando County Clerk of the Circuit Court: Located at 20 N. Main Street, Brooksville, FL 34601. This office is the primary repository for county records, including probate (wills and estates), civil and criminal court cases, marriage licenses from 1843, and land records (deeds).
  • Vital Records:
    • Birth and Death Records: Statewide registration in Florida began consistently in 1917. These records are held by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. For deaths prior to this date, some limited records may be found at the county level. Researchers should also consult church records, funeral home records, and newspapers.
    • Marriage Records: Marriage records from 1843 to the present are held by the Hernando County Clerk of the Circuit Court.
  • Libraries with Genealogy Collections:
    • Hernando County Public Library System: The main library branch in Brooksville maintains a local history and genealogy collection with resources for family researchers.
    • Hernando County Historical Society & Museum: Located in Brooksville, this is a crucial resource for local history, photographs, and family files.
    • State Archives of Florida: (Located in Tallahassee) This is the central repository for Florida history and genealogy, holding microfilmed county records, Confederate pension applications, state census records, and other vital collections.
  • Bordering Jurisdictions:
    • Citrus County, FL
    • Sumter County, FL
    • Pasco County, FL

Please share any resources you have and will do lookups or links to resources you are aware of. Thanks