How Many Death Certificates Do I Need in Florida?

This is one of the most common practical questions after a death. Florida sets no required number, but it does set the price, which makes the count worth deciding before you order.

Is there a set number required by Florida?

No. The right number depends on how many banks, insurance companies, and government agencies in your situation each need their own certified copy, not on Florida law.

What will the copies cost in Florida?

At the state Bureau of Vital Statistics, a search for one calendar year costs $5, and orders placed online through VitalChek, the only vendor the state contracts with, are processed as rush orders at $15 for the first certificate ($5 search plus a $10 rush fee). County health departments set their own fees, which vary. Several list $10 per copy (Baker, Bradford, Hardee, Pasco, and Washington), and Bradford lists $8 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. At those rates, ten certified copies would cost $100 in state or agency fees, before any online-vendor or shipping charges.

Does it matter when I order in Florida?

Fees vary by county, so ask the office you plan to use whether additional copies in the same order cost less. Bradford County, for example, lists $10 for the first copy and $8 for each additional copy.

Which institutions typically require one?

Banks and credit unions, life insurers, retirement account administrators, the Social Security Administration, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (if applicable) are common examples, though your own list depends on your accounts and assets. See our general guide on getting death certificates.

Can I use photocopies instead?

Generally no. Most institutions require an original certified copy, though it’s worth asking each one, since policies occasionally vary.

Where can I order more in Florida?

A quick call to nearby county health departments can save money, because the state itself notes that county fees vary. Details on each option are in our guide to getting a death certificate in Florida.

Fees and rules change - confirm current details with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or your county health department before you send payment.