Brevard County death records are official papers that prove someone died in this part of Florida. The Florida Department of Health keeps these records at two local offices.
One office sits in Cocoa. The other sits in Viera. People need these papers for many reasons. They need them for bank accounts, life insurance, property transfers, pension claims, and family history. This page covers how to order Brevard County death records, who can get them, what they cost, and how long the process takes from start to finish.
How to Order Brevard County Death Records
You can order a death certificate from Brevard County in three ways. You can visit an office in person. You can mail in a paper request. You can place an order online through VitalChek. Each method works for different needs. The right choice depends on how fast you need the document and where you live today. All three methods issue the same legal certificate at the end.
In-Person Visits to the Cocoa Office
The Cocoa office serves people who live in northern Brevard County. It sits on Dixon Boulevard near State Road 520. The address is 801 Dixon Blvd Suite 1147 B, Cocoa, FL 32922. The office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can walk in without an appointment. Bring your photo ID and the death information you know. Most people get their certified copy the same day. The whole visit takes about 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish.
The image above shows the main health department building where Brevard County residents order death records in person.
In-Person Visits to the Viera Office
The Viera office serves the central part of Brevard County. The address is 2565 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940. The hours match the Cocoa office. You can stop in for the same service. This office helps people who live near Melbourne, Palm Bay, Rockledge, Satellite Beach, and Indian Harbour Beach. Parking is free at the Viera government center lot.
Mail-In Requests by Post
Mail requests work well for people who live far from Brevard County. You fill out a paper form. You add a photocopy of your photo ID. You write a check or money order for the fee. You include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the reply. Mail everything to either office address. The office sends your certificate back by regular mail. Allow 7 to 14 business days for the full process from mailing to arrival.
Online Orders Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the official online service for Florida death certificates. The website works all day and night, including weekends and holidays. You fill out the same form online. You pay with a credit or debit card. The website charges extra service fees on top of the state price. Most online orders process in 3 to 5 business days. You can pick faster shipping for an extra cost when you check out.
The image above shows the death certificates section of the Brevard County health department website where online orders begin.
Office Locations and Contact Details for Brevard County
Both Brevard County offices belong to the Florida Department of Health. You can call them with any questions about death records. The main phone number for both offices is (321) 690-3436. The fax line is (321) 634-6307. The official website has full details at brevard.floridahealth.gov. Staff answer phones during office hours. They can tell you what to bring and what fees to expect.
Cocoa Office Full Address and Details
The Cocoa office sits on the east side of the county near the Indian River. The building has plenty of free parking. It serves people from Titusville, Cocoa, Cape Canaveral, Merritt Island, and Port St. John. The office shares a campus with other county health services.
| Cocoa Office Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Florida Department of Health in Brevard County |
| Street Address | 801 Dixon Blvd Suite 1147 B, Cocoa, FL 32922 |
| Phone Number | (321) 690-3436 |
| Fax Number | (321) 634-6307 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Records Available | Brevard County deaths from 2002 to present |
| Walk-In Service | Yes, no appointment needed |
Viera Office Full Address and Details
The Viera office is part of the Viera government center. It sits near the Space Coast Stadium area. It serves people from Melbourne, Palm Bay, West Melbourne, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, and Melbourne Beach. The office is easy to reach from I-95.
| Viera Office Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Florida Department of Health in Brevard County |
| Street Address | 2565 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940 |
| Phone Number | (321) 690-3436 |
| Fax Number | (321) 634-6307 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Records Available | Brevard County deaths from 2002 to present |
| Walk-In Service | Yes, no appointment needed |
Holiday Closures and Weather Delays
Both offices close on state and federal holidays. This list includes New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The offices may also close during severe weather events like hurricanes. Call ahead during storm season to check hours before you drive to the office.
Who Can Get Brevard County Death Records
Florida law limits who can get a death certificate. This rule protects families from unwanted access to private records. Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes sets these rules. You must show you have a legal right to the record. The office checks all papers before releasing the certificate.
Immediate Family Members With Automatic Access
Close family members can get copies without a court order. This list includes the spouse, parents, adult children, and grandchildren of the person who died. Brothers and sisters count as immediate family too. You need to show your relationship to the person. A birth certificate or marriage license works as proof. A government photo ID also helps confirm your identity.
Legal Representatives and Attorneys
Lawyers and estate representatives can request records for their work. This includes executors named in a will. It includes attorneys working on behalf of the family. Court papers must prove the legal authority. A letter of administration or a probate court order usually works. The office reviews these papers before releasing the certificate.
People With Financial or Legal Interest
Some people need death records for money or legal reasons. Insurance companies may need them for life insurance payouts. Banks may need them to close accounts. Pension offices may need them to stop payments. Government agencies may need them for benefit programs. These groups must show why they need the record. A claim number or policy number helps the office process the request faster.
Fees and Payment for Death Records in Brevard County
Florida sets the fees for all death certificates in the state. The price is the same in every county. Extra fees come from online services or shipping choices. The base fee has not changed in many years and stays the same across all 67 Florida counties.
Cost of a Certified Death Certificate Copy
The first certified copy costs $12. Each extra certified copy in the same order costs $8. A certified copy has the raised Florida state seal. Banks, courts, insurance companies, and federal agencies accept this type. The seal proves the document is real for legal use. Most people order one or two certified copies for their needs.
Cost of a Non-Certified Informational Copy
Non-certified copies cost $5 each. These copies do not have the state seal. They work for genealogy research. They help with personal family history. They do not work for legal claims, insurance, or property matters. Many genealogy researchers order these cheaper copies because they only need the data, not the legal proof.
Payment Methods Accepted by the Office
In-person payments can be cash, check, or money order. Checks must be made out to the Florida Department of Health. Credit and debit cards work for online orders through VitalChek. Mail requests need a check or money order only. Do not send cash in the mail because cash can be lost or stolen. Pay the exact fee to avoid processing delays.
Types of Death Certificates You Can Order
Florida offers two main types of death certificates. The type you need depends on your reason for ordering. Pick the right one before you place your order to save money and time.
Certified Death Certificates With the State Seal
Certified copies have the raised Florida state seal. They show the signature of the State Registrar. The certificate shows the full name of the person who died, the date of death, the place of death, and the cause of death. Banks, courts, and federal agencies accept this type. Most legal matters need this type because the seal proves the document is real.
Non-Certified Informational Copies
Non-certified copies show the same facts about the death. They do not have the official seal. They work for personal records at home. They help with family history research projects. They do not work for legal claims or financial transactions. The office marks these copies with a stamp that says “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity.”
Processing Times and Shipping Options
Processing time changes by request method. In-person visits give same-day service. Mail and online orders take longer. Plan ahead when you need the certificate for a deadline or court date.
Same-Day In-Person Service at Both Offices
Walk-in visitors get their copies before they leave the office. The office prints the certificate on site with the state seal. The whole visit takes about 15 to 30 minutes from check-in to leaving. This works for urgent needs. Same-day service is the fastest way to get a Brevard County death certificate.
Mail Request Time From Door to Door
Mail requests take 7 to 14 business days from start to finish. The office needs time to process the form after they receive it. Mail delivery adds more time on both ends. Add three days each way for safe timing. Mail delays can happen during holidays or bad weather, so plan ahead when possible.
Online Order Time Through VitalChek
VitalChek orders process in 3 to 5 business days after you place the order. You can choose faster shipping at checkout for an extra fee. Overnight shipping costs extra and gets the certificate to you the next day. Standard shipping uses the United States Postal Service. The total cost shows on the screen before you pay.
Required Documents and Identification for Ordering
You must show who you are when you order a death certificate. You must also show your link to the person who died. The office checks all papers before releasing the certificate. Missing paperwork causes delays.
Photo ID Requirements for All Requests
A government photo ID is required for every request. This includes a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport. The name on the ID must match the name on the request form. Out-of-state IDs work too. A military ID or federal ID also counts as valid photo proof.
Proof of Relationship Documents Needed
Family members must show their link to the person who died. A birth certificate shows a parent or child link. A marriage certificate shows a spouse link. A court order shows a legal representative link. The document must show the full name of the person who died to match the death certificate.
Death Records Before 2002 in Brevard County
Brevard County keeps death records from 2002 to today. Older records need other sources. The state office in Tallahassee has older Florida records. Family history websites also have older Florida death data.
Florida State Vital Records Office in Jacksonville
The state office keeps Florida death records from 1917 to today. You can order older Brevard County deaths from this office. The website is floridahealth.gov. The main phone number is (904) 359-6900. The office is in Jacksonville. You can order online, by mail, or in person for older records.
Florida State Archives for Older Records
The Florida State Archives has the oldest death records. They keep records from 1877 to 1998. The Archives sit in Tallahassee at the R.A. Gray Building. You can visit in person for research. You can also search their online catalog for free from home.
Online Genealogy and Family History Resources
Family historians can search for free records online. Several websites have Florida death data. These sites help with family tree research at no cost.
FamilySearch Florida Death Index
FamilySearch has a free Florida death index. The website is familysearch.org. The index covers deaths from 1877 to 1998. You can search by name and year of death. You do not need a paid account. FamilySearch is run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Ancestry Florida Death Records
Ancestry.com has Florida death records too. You need a paid subscription to view most records. The records include scanned images of death certificates. Ancestry covers similar years as FamilySearch. The site adds new records each year as they scan more old files.
Apostille and Out-of-State Use of Death Certificates
Some countries need an apostille on a Florida death certificate. An apostille proves the document is real for use in another country. The apostille goes on the back of the certificate.
When You Need an Apostille for a Death Certificate
You need an apostille when sending the certificate to another country that joined the Hague Apostille Treaty. Many European, Asian, and South American countries need this stamp. The apostille proves the Florida seal is real without further paperwork. Check with the country that needs the certificate first.
How to Get an Apostille From the Florida Secretary of State
First, order the certified death certificate from Brevard County. Then send it to the Florida Secretary of State in Tallahassee. The Secretary of State office adds the apostille. There is a fee for this service. The office address is 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399.
Florida Death Records by Other Counties
Florida has 67 counties. Each county has its own vital records office. The Brevard County system works like most other counties. The fees are the same statewide.
Miami-Dade County Death Records
Miami-Dade County has its own vital records office. The office is in Miami at 1350 NW 14th Street. You can order Miami-Dade death certificates through the county system. The fees match state rates for certified copies.
Broward County Death Certificates
Broward County vital records are in Fort Lauderdale. The office is at 115 S. Andrews Avenue. The office serves all of Broward County. The fees match state rates for both certified and non-certified copies.
Hillsborough and Pinellas County Records
Hillsborough County vital records are in Tampa at 1101 East 131st Avenue. Pinellas County vital records are in Clearwater at 8751 Ulmerton Road. Both follow the same state fee structure and accept the same payment methods as Brevard County.
Palm Beach, Orange, and Duval County Records
Palm Beach County vital records are in West Palm Beach at 345 South Congress Avenue. Orange County vital records are in Orlando at 832 East Colonial Drive. Duval County vital records are in Jacksonville at 515 West 6th Street. These offices serve their home counties only for recent deaths.
How to Correct Errors on a Florida Death Certificate
Mistakes happen on death certificates. Florida allows corrections for some types of errors. The process depends on the type of error and how long ago the person died.
Correcting Minor Errors Like Spelling Mistakes
Spelling errors in the name can be fixed. Wrong middle names can be fixed. Wrong address details can be fixed. The funeral home that filed the original certificate often handles these corrections. There is a fee for each change. The process takes about 4 to 6 weeks.
Correcting Major Errors Like Wrong Cause of Death
Wrong cause of death needs a different process. Wrong date of death needs court action in some cases. These changes take longer than minor fixes. They may need a court order from a Florida judge. The vital records office can tell you what papers you need for major corrections.
Brevard County Death Certificate Contact Information
Below is the full contact information for both Brevard County vital records offices. You can call, fax, or visit the offices during business hours. Both offices serve walk-in customers without an appointment. Both take mail requests at the addresses below. Both offices belong to the Florida Department of Health system in Brevard County.
| Contact Method | Cocoa Office Details | Viera Office Details |
|---|---|---|
| Office Name | Florida Department of Health in Brevard County | Florida Department of Health in Brevard County |
| Street Address | 801 Dixon Blvd Suite 1147 B, Cocoa, FL 32922 | 2565 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940 |
| Main Phone | (321) 690-3436 | (321) 690-3436 |
| Fax Line | (321) 634-6307 | (321) 634-6307 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Official Website | brevard.floridahealth.gov | brevard.floridahealth.gov |
| Records Covered | Brevard County deaths from 2002 to present | Brevard County deaths from 2002 to present |
Frequently Asked Questions About Brevard County Death Records
The questions below cover the most common topics people ask about Brevard County death records. They address ordering, eligibility, fees, special situations, and corrections. Each answer gives clear steps and real numbers based on current state rules and office procedures. Read through the list to find quick answers to the questions you have right now.
How long does it take to get a death certificate in Brevard County?
The time depends on how you order the certificate. In-person visits to the Cocoa or Viera office give you the certificate the same day, often within 15 to 30 minutes. Mail requests take 7 to 14 business days from the day you mail the form. Online orders through VitalChek take 3 to 5 business days to process, plus shipping time. Expedited shipping is available online for an extra fee. The office does not rush mail requests, so choose in-person or online if you need the certificate quickly.
Who can request a Brevard County death record?
Florida law allows specific people to get death certificates. Immediate family members can request records. This list includes spouses, parents, adult children, adult grandchildren, and brothers or sisters. Legal representatives like attorneys and estate executors can also request records. People with a financial or legal interest like insurance companies and banks can request records with proof. Everyone must show a government photo ID and proof of their relationship or legal right.
What is the difference between certified and non-certified copies?
Certified copies have the raised Florida state seal. They serve as legal proof of death for banks, courts, insurance, and federal agencies. Each certified copy costs $12 for the first one and $8 for extra copies in the same order. Non-certified copies do not have the seal. They work for personal records and genealogy research. Each non-certified copy costs $5. The office marks non-certified copies with a stamp that says they cannot prove identity.
How far back do Brevard County death records go at the local office?
The Brevard County vital records offices in Cocoa and Viera keep death records from 2002 to today. Records before 2002 are kept by the Florida state office in Jacksonville. The state office has Florida death records from 1917 forward. The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee has older records going back to 1877. FamilySearch and Ancestry also have indexes for old Florida deaths that you can search for free or with a paid subscription.
Can I order a Brevard County death certificate online?
Yes. You can order through VitalChek, the official online service for Florida death certificates. The website works all day and night. You fill out the form, pay with a credit or debit card, and choose your shipping speed. VitalChek adds service fees on top of the state certificate fee. The certificate ships in 3 to 5 business days for standard orders. Overnight shipping costs extra but gets the certificate to you the next day.
What documents do I need to bring to get a death certificate in person?
Bring a government photo ID like a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. Bring proof of your relationship to the person who died if you are a family member. A birth certificate works for parents or children. A marriage certificate works for spouses. Court papers work for legal representatives. Bring cash, check, or money order for the $12 fee for the first certified copy. Each extra copy costs $8. Most visits take less than 30 minutes total.
How do I fix a mistake on a Florida death certificate?
Contact the funeral home that filed the original certificate for minor errors like spelling mistakes. They can file a correction form with the vital records office. The fee is set by state law and the process takes 4 to 6 weeks. For major errors like wrong cause of death or wrong date, contact the vital records office directly. Major errors may need a court order. The office staff can tell you what papers you need for any correction type.