How to Get a Death Certificate in Florida

Getting a death certificate is one of the first practical steps after a death in Florida, and the details of who issues it and what it costs are specific to Florida.

Who issues death certificates in Florida?

Certified copies come from the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville and the county health departments. In practice, the funeral home usually files the certificate and orders an initial batch of certified copies for you.

How much does a certified copy 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.

Who can order a copy in Florida?

Any person 18 or older can get a certified copy without the cause of death (the first five digits of the Social Security number are redacted). A copy that shows the cause of death is confidential for 50 years and goes only to the spouse, parent, child, grandchild, or sibling, someone who documents an interest in the estate (such as a will or insurance policy) or acts on their behalf, or by court order. Valid photo ID is required for that version.

How do I order more copies in Florida?

• At a county health department: county offices issue death certificates for deaths from 2009 on, and many offer same-day walk-in service. Fees vary by county, so ask before you go.
• At the state office: the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville offers walk-in or mail service. By mail, send the application with a check or money order payable to “Vital Statistics.” Phone (904) 359-6900.
• Online: through VitalChek, the only vendor the state contracts with.

What else should I know before I order?

For deaths before 2009, use the state office, which does not research death information: have the correct month and year of death.

Cause of death stays confidential for 50 years. If an institution asks for it, bring photo ID and, if you are not a close relative, documents showing your interest.

What should I do next?

Confirm with the funeral home how many copies it is ordering for you, then decide how many more you need; see how many death certificates you need in Florida and our general guide to death certificates.

Add this to your Final Day Plan: your Social Security number, birthplace, and parents’ full names - the death certificate application asks for these, and they’re often surprisingly hard for a family to track down under pressure.

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