Where to Request a Death Certificate in Florida
You can request a death certificate from the Florida Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. This is the state office that holds all death records filed in Florida. You do not have to visit in person — you can request by mail, phone, or online through their website.
If the death occurred in a specific county, you can also contact that county's vital records office directly. County offices often process requests faster than the state office, especially if the death happened recently. However, the state office handles all records, so either route will work.
The fastest option for most people is the state office's online portal, where you can submit your request and pay the fee without leaving home. Requests by mail take longer because of processing time, and phone requests require you to pay by credit card during the call.
Key Takeaways
- The Florida Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville is the official source for all Florida death certificates.
- You can request online, by mail, by phone, or in person, and the online method is usually fastest.
- Each certified copy costs a specific fee set by the state, and you must pay at the time of request.
- You will need to provide the full name of the deceased, the date of death, and the county where the death occurred.
- Processing times vary by method: online requests typically take one to two weeks, while mail requests may take longer.
What Information You Need Before You Request
Gather these details before you contact the vital records office: the full name of the deceased, the date of death, the county where the death occurred, and the deceased's date of birth. If you do not know the exact date of death, you can provide an approximate date and the office will search within a range.
If the deceased's name changed during their lifetime — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — provide both the name on the death certificate and any other names they used. This helps the office locate the correct record if multiple people with similar names died around the same time.
You will also need to know your relationship to the deceased or your reason for requesting the certificate. Florida law restricts who can order death certificates. Generally, when ready family members, legal representatives, and people with a documented need can request. The office will ask you to state your relationship or reason when you submit your request.
Requesting Online Through the State Office
Visit the Florida Department of Health's vital records website and select the option to request a death certificate. You will fill out a form with the deceased's information and your contact details. The form will ask for your relationship to the deceased and your reason for requesting the certificate.
After you submit the form, you will be directed to pay the fee by credit card. The current fee for a certified copy is set by the state; check the website for the exact amount, as fees can change. Some requests may cost more if you need expedited processing or multiple copies.
Once your payment is processed, the office will mail the certificate to the address you provided. Most online requests are processed within one to two weeks. You will receive a confirmation number when you submit your request; keep this for your records in case you need to follow up.
Requesting by Mail or Phone
To request by mail, write a letter to the Florida Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics with the deceased's full name, date of death, county of death, and your relationship to the deceased. Include a check or money order for the fee payable to the Florida Department of Health. Mail your letter to the address listed on the vital records website.
Mail requests typically take longer than online requests because of postal delivery time and processing backlogs. Allow three to four weeks for a mailed request to be processed and returned to you. If you need the certificate urgently, the phone or online method is faster.
To request by phone, call the Office of Vital Statistics during business hours. Have your credit card ready, as you will pay the fee during the call. The staff member will ask the same questions as the online form and will provide you with a confirmation number. Phone requests are processed the same way as online requests once payment is received.
Requesting in Person at a County Office
If you live in or near the county where the death occurred, you can visit the county vital records office in person. County offices are usually located in the county courthouse or health department building. Call ahead to confirm the office's location, hours, and whether you need an appointment.
Bring a photo ID and payment for the fee. Some county offices accept cash, checks, or cards; call to confirm what payment methods they take. If you request in person, you may be able to receive the certificate the same day or within a few days, depending on how busy the office is.
County offices can only issue certificates for deaths that occurred in their county. If the death happened in a different county, you will need to contact that county's office or use the state office instead.
What to Expect After You Request
Once the office processes your request, they will mail the certificate to the address you provided. The envelope will contain the certified copy or copies you requested. A certified copy has an official seal and signature, which is what most organizations — banks, insurance companies, courts — require as proof of death.
If the office cannot locate the death record, they will contact you to let you know. This can happen if the name or date of death was recorded differently than you provided, or if the record has not yet been filed. The office will ask you to provide additional information or clarify the details so they can search again.
Keep your certified copies in a safe place. You may need them for probate, insurance claims, changing titles or deeds, or other legal matters. It is common to order multiple copies at once because different organizations may each require an original certified copy.
How Many Copies to Order and Cost Considerations
Order at least two or three certified copies when you first request. Banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, and courts often each require an original certified copy. Ordering multiple copies at once is cheaper than ordering them separately later, since you only pay one processing fee plus the per-copy fee.
The fee per certified copy is set by the state and is the same whether you request one copy or ten. However, some requests may have additional charges — for example, if you need the certificate within a few days instead of the standard processing time, expedited processing may cost more. Check the vital records website for current fees before you submit your request.
If you are on a tight budget, start by ordering two copies. You can always request more later if you need them, though it will cost more to do so separately. Most people find that two or three copies cover the when ready needs after a death.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a death certificate in Florida?
Online and phone requests usually take one to two weeks from the time you submit. Mail requests take longer because of postal delivery time — allow three to four weeks total. County offices may be faster if you request in person, sometimes providing the certificate within a few days.
Can I request a death certificate if I am not a family member?
Florida law allows certain people who are not family members to request death certificates, including legal representatives, funeral directors, and people with a documented legal interest in the death. You will need to explain your relationship or reason when you submit your request. The office will tell you whether your reason qualifies.
What if the death certificate has an error on it?
If you notice a mistake on the certificate after you receive it, contact the vital records office and explain the error. You may need to provide documentation to support the correction, such as a birth certificate or marriage license. The office will guide you through the process to amend the record.
Do I need an original certified copy or will a photocopy work?
Most organizations require an original certified copy with the official seal and signature. A photocopy is usually not accepted for legal or financial matters. Order certified copies from the vital records office rather than photocopying a copy you already have.
What if I do not know the exact date of death?
You can provide an approximate date or a date range, and the vital records office will search within that timeframe. Give them the best information you have — the month and year, or even just the year — and they will do their best to locate the record. If multiple records match your description, they may ask you for more details to narrow it down.