Contact us for Florida death records through the right state office. The Florida Department of Health keeps all death certificates for deaths that happened in Florida from 1940 to today.
This page lists every direct phone number, mailing address, online portal, and every step you need to order a certified Florida death certificate.
Who Handles Florida Death Records in Florida
Florida death certificates come from one main state source. The Florida Department of Health serves as the official record keeper for every death registered in the state. No other private company can issue a certified copy that courts, banks, or federal agencies will accept.
Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Bureau of Vital Statistics is the central office for all Florida death record orders. It records, stores, and issues certified copies for deaths registered in Florida from 1940 to the present day. You can place an order by mail, by phone, or online through the state’s official partner.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042 |
| Street Address | 1217 N. Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 |
| Main Phone | (904) 359-6900 |
| Automated Phone Orders | (877) 550-7330 |
| Fax | (904) 359-6991 |
| Office Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST |
| Official Website | www.floridahealth.gov |
Local County Health Departments
Many Florida counties let you walk in and order a death certificate at the county health department. This route often works faster than mailing a request to the state office. Each county office sets its own hours and fees, so call the local number before you drive there.
How to Order a Florida Death Certificate
You have three ways to order a Florida death certificate: online, by mail, or in person. Each method has its own processing time and fee. Pick the one that fits your deadline and budget.
Online Orders Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the only official online ordering service for Florida death certificates. You place the order on their secure website, pay by credit card, and they ship the certificate to you by mail. Online orders add a small processing fee on top of the state fee.
- Go to the Florida Department of Health website at www.floridahealth.gov.
- Click on the “Certificates” link at the top of the page.
- Choose “Death Certificate” from the list.
- Click the link to VitalChek to start your order.
- Enter the name of the person who died, date of death, and county of death.
- Upload or enter your ID and proof of relationship.
- Pay the state fee plus the VitalChek service fee.
- Track your order through the confirmation email.
Mail-In Requests
Mail-in requests work for people who do not need the certificate right away. You fill out the Florida death certificate application, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order and a copy of your ID. The state office mails the certificate back to you.
- Download the Florida death certificate application form from the state website.
- Print it and fill out all sections in black ink.
- Sign the form in front of a notary public.
- Make a copy of your valid photo ID.
- Include a check or money order for the correct fee.
- Mail the packet to the Jacksonville P.O. Box listed above.
- Wait for the certificate to arrive by mail in 3 to 5 weeks.
In-Person Requests
You can walk into the Jacksonville office or a local county health department to order in person. Bring your photo ID, the required fee, and any proof of your relationship to the person who died. In-person orders often finish the same day or within one week.
Florida Death Records by County
Florida has 67 counties, and each one keeps its own death records for deaths that happened there. The state office stores the master copy, but you can often order faster through the county where the death happened. Below are the most requested counties.
Miami-Dade County Death Records
Miami-Dade County has its own Office of the Clerk of Court that issues death certificates for deaths that happened in the county. You can order by mail, online, or in person. The county clerk is the fastest way to get a death certificate for a death that happened in Miami-Dade.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 73 W. Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130 |
| Phone | (305) 375-5125 |
| Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Online Portal | www.miamidadeclerk.gov |
| Standard Fee | $15 per certified copy |
Hillsborough County Death Certificates
Hillsborough County covers Tampa and the surrounding areas. The county health department handles death certificate orders for deaths registered in the county. You can order online through the state portal or visit the local office in person.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1105 E. Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33602 |
| Phone | (813) 307-8000 |
| Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Online Portal | www.floridahealth.gov (select Hillsborough) |
| Standard Fee | $15 per certified copy |
Orange County Florida Death Records
Orange County covers Orlando and most of the central Florida tourist area. The Orange County Clerk of Court issues death certificates for deaths registered in the county. Their online portal lets you search and order from home.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 425 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801 |
| Phone | (407) 836-2000 |
| Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Online Portal | www.myorangeclerk.com |
| Standard Fee | $15 per certified copy |
Duval County Death Records
Duval County covers Jacksonville and northeast Florida. The Duval County Clerk of Court keeps death records for deaths in the county. You can order in person, by mail, or through their online service.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 |
| Phone | (904) 255-2000 |
| Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Online Portal | www.duvalclerk.com |
| Standard Fee | $15 per certified copy |
Florida Death Certificate Fees and Processing Times
Florida charges a set fee for each certified copy of a death certificate. The cost covers the search, the copy, and the state seal. Extra fees apply for rush service or online ordering through the third-party vendor.
Standard State Fees
The base fee for a Florida death certificate is set by state law. One certified copy costs a set amount, and each extra copy ordered at the same time costs less. These prices have stayed the same for many years.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| First certified copy | $5 |
| Each additional copy at the same time | $4 |
| Online VitalChek service fee | $8.50 + $0.50 per copy |
| Phone order service fee | $9.50 + $0.50 per copy |
| Notary fee (if you need one) | Varies by location |
| Rush processing fee | $10 |
Rush and Expedited Processing
You can pay extra to get your Florida death certificate faster. Rush service cuts the wait time down to a few business days. The rush fee is in addition to the standard fee and any service fee from the ordering method.
Standard Processing Times
Standard mail orders take 3 to 5 weeks to arrive. In-person orders at the Jacksonville office often finish the same day. County clerk orders usually take 1 to 2 weeks by mail or same day in person. Online VitalChek orders ship within 5 to 10 business days.
Florida Death Records From 1940 to Present
All Florida deaths registered from 1940 forward are on file with the Florida Department of Health. You can request a certified copy through the state office or the county where the death happened. The state keeps these records for the full duration of the law.
Florida Death Index Search
The Florida death index is a searchable list of every death registered in the state from 1970 to today. You can search the index online through the state website to confirm a death before you order a certified copy. The index shows the name, date of death, county, and certificate number.
Florida Death Verification Service
The state offers a death verification service for people who only need to confirm a death happened. The verification letter costs less than a full certified copy. You can use a verification letter for some legal and financial matters.
Historical Florida Death Records Before 1940
Florida did not start statewide death registration until 1917, and many early records were lost. Records from 1877 to 1939 are scattered across county courthouses and the Florida State Archives. These older records are not on the state vital records system.
Florida State Archives
The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee holds many pre-1940 death records. You can visit the archives in person or order copies by mail. The archives charge a separate fee and have their own search rules.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 500 S. Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399 |
| Phone | (850) 245-6711 |
| barchives@dos.myflorida.com | |
| Hours | Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Website | dos.myflorida.com/library-archives |
FamilySearch Florida Death Index 1877-1939
FamilySearch.org hosts a free index of Florida deaths from 1877 to 1939. You can search the index for free at any FamilySearch center. The records link to scanned images of the original death certificates held by the Florida State Archives.
Apostille and Authentication of Florida Death Certificates
You need an apostille when you use a Florida death certificate in a foreign country. The Florida Department of State handles apostilles, not the Florida Department of Health. You must order the certified copy first, then send it to the Secretary of State for the apostille stamp.
Florida Department of State Authentication Office
The Authentication Office in Tallahassee issues apostilles for Florida public documents. They charge a fee per document and process requests in about 5 to 10 business days. You can order by mail or in person.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | R.A. Gray Building, 500 S. Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399 |
| Phone | (850) 245-6941 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314 |
| Fee | $10 per apostille |
| Processing Time | 5 to 10 business days |
| Website | dos.myflorida.com |
Florida Death Records for Genealogy Research
Genealogy researchers use Florida death records to trace family lines, prove relationships, and find parents. Death certificates show full name, date of birth, date of death, parents’ names, and the cause of death. Older records may list less detail.
Ancestry.com Florida Death Records
Ancestry.com hosts a large collection of Florida death indexes and images. A paid subscription gives you full access to scan and search the records. You can also visit a public library that offers free Ancestry access through their library card.
Florida Funeral Home and Cemetery Records
Local funeral homes and cemeteries keep their own records that can fill in missing details. Many funeral home records from the early 1900s are now on file at the Florida State Archives. Cemetery records show burial location, dates, and family plots.
Florida Death Certificate Replacement
If you lost a death certificate or need a new copy, you can order a replacement through the same channels. There is no time limit on how long after the death you can order. The fees and processing times are the same as the original order.
Who Can Order a Replacement Death Certificate
Florida law limits who can order a certified death certificate. You must be a close family member, a legal representative, or someone with a court order. You must show proof of your relationship when you place the order.
- Spouse of the person who died
- Parent or adult child of the person who died
- Sibling, grandparent, or grandchild
- Legal guardian with court paperwork
- Attorney or agent with a signed authorization
- Government agency for official business
- Funeral home director handling the case
Documents Needed for a Death Certificate Order
You must send proof of your identity and your relationship to the person who died. The state accepts a valid driver’s license, passport, or state ID. You also need a signed application and the correct fee.
- Completed Florida death certificate application
- Copy of your valid photo ID
- Proof of your relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, court order)
- Signed authorization if you are an agent
- Payment by check, money order, or credit card
Florida Vital Statistics Office Hours and Holiday Closures
The Bureau of Vital Statistics follows the standard state holiday calendar. The office closes on New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Phone wait times are shortest on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
Common Problems With Florida Death Record Orders
Many orders get delayed because of small mistakes on the application. A wrong spelling, a missing signature, or no copy of the ID can stop the order. Check your packet twice before you mail it.
Missing or Wrong Information
If you do not know the exact date of death, the order can still go through. The state will search a range of years for a small extra fee. A missing middle name or wrong county can slow the search but will not block the order.
Payment Issues
Mail orders only accept checks or money orders. Do not send cash in the mail. Online and phone orders take credit cards but add a service fee. Make the check out to the Florida Department of Health, not the county office.
Official Contact Information Summary
Use the list below for the most common Florida death record contacts. Keep this page open when you place your order so you have all the right phone numbers and addresses in one place.
| Office | Phone | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Department of Health (State) | (904) 359-6900 | P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231 | Mon-Fri 8am-5pm |
| VitalChek Online Orders | (877) 550-7330 | www.vitalchek.com | Online 24/7 |
| Miami-Dade Clerk | (305) 375-5125 | 73 W. Flagler St, Miami, FL 33130 | Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm |
| Hillsborough County | (813) 307-8000 | 1105 E. Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602 | Mon-Fri 8am-5pm |
| Orange County Clerk | (407) 836-2000 | 425 N. Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801 | Mon-Fri 8am-5pm |
| Duval County Clerk | (904) 255-2000 | 501 W. Adams St, Jacksonville, FL 32202 | Mon-Fri 8am-5pm |
| Florida State Archives | (850) 245-6711 | 500 S. Bronough St, Tallahassee, FL 32399 | Tue-Sat 9am-4:30pm |
| Apostille Office | (850) 245-6941 | 500 S. Bronough St, Tallahassee, FL 32399 | Mon-Fri 8am-5pm |
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common asks about Florida death records, fees, and the ordering process. Each answer links back to the right office and gives you a clear next step. Save this page so you can come back when you need a new copy of a certificate.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Florida Death Certificate?
Standard mail orders take 3 to 5 weeks to arrive at your home. In-person orders at the Jacksonville state office often finish the same day you walk in. Online orders through VitalChek take 5 to 10 business days after the state finishes processing your payment. Rush service cuts the wait down to 3 to 5 business days for an extra $10 fee on top of the regular fee. County clerk offices also offer rush service in person for a higher fee. Phone orders through the (877) 550-7330 line add a $9.50 service charge plus $0.50 per copy. Plan ahead and place your order at least 6 weeks before you need the certificate for any legal deadline. If you need it faster, drive to the Jacksonville office at 1217 N. Pearl Street during business hours. Bring your photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person who died. The office accepts cash, check, money order, and credit card for in-person orders. Same-day service is not guaranteed during high-volume periods like January and February.
Can I Get a Florida Death Certificate Online?
Yes. The state works with VitalChek as the only official online vendor for Florida death certificates. You place the order at www.vitalchek.com, pay the state fee plus a service fee, and they mail the certificate to your home. The site accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. The VitalChek fee is $8.50 per order plus $0.50 per copy. Online orders process Monday through Friday during business hours. You get a confirmation email with a tracking number once your order ships. Some third-party websites claim to offer Florida death certificates, but only VitalChek is approved by the Florida Department of Health. Avoid scam sites that charge higher fees for the same record. The state seal on every certified Florida death certificate comes from the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Watch out for sites that promise instant downloads, since certified paper copies require a physical state seal to be valid for legal use.
Are Florida Death Records Free to Search?
Yes, search indexes are free. No, certified copies cost money. The Florida Department of Health runs a free death index online where you can search by name and date range. The index shows the name, date of death, county, and certificate number. You can confirm a death happened in Florida without paying anything. The certified copy, which has the official state seal, costs $5 for the first copy and $4 for each extra copy ordered at the same time. Many genealogy sites like FamilySearch offer free indexes for older Florida deaths from 1877 to 1939. You can also search the Social Security Death Index at no cost. The free indexes help you find the right person before you pay for a certified copy. Some counties charge extra fees for in-person rush orders. Always check the fee schedule with the specific county before you place the order.
Who Can Order a Florida Death Certificate?
Florida law lists who can order a certified death certificate. You must be a close family member, a legal representative, or a government agency with a valid reason. Allowed requesters include the spouse, parent, adult child, sibling, grandparent, and grandchild of the person who died. Attorneys and licensed agents can order with a signed authorization from a family member. Funeral home directors who handled the burial can order copies for their records. Government agencies can order for official business like benefit claims and tax matters. You must show proof of your relationship with a birth certificate, marriage certificate, court order, or similar document. People who are not on the list need a court order from a Florida judge. The state rejects orders that do not include the right proof. This rule protects the privacy of the family and stops identity theft. Plan ahead and gather your documents before you place the order.
How Do I Order a Death Certificate From Before 1940?
Deaths registered before 1940 are not in the state vital records system. You must order them from the Florida State Archives in Tallahassee. The archives hold most of the old death certificates and related records from 1877 to 1939. You can order by mail, by email, or in person at the R.A. Gray Building at 500 S. Bronough Street. The archives charge a separate fee per copy and have their own search rules. FamilySearch.org hosts a free index of Florida deaths from 1877 to 1939 that you can search at home. The records link to scanned images of the original death certificates. Some county courthouses still hold old death records for deaths that happened in their county before 1940. Call the county clerk of court where the death happened to check. Pre-1900 records are spotty because Florida did not require statewide death registration until 1917. Many early records were lost in courthouse fires and floods.
What If the Death Happened in Another State?
You must order the certificate from the state where the death happened, not from Florida. Each state has its own vital records office with its own rules and fees. The National Center for Health Statistics keeps a directory of every state office at www.cdc.gov/nchs. You can also use VitalChek to order from most other states through the same website. The fees, processing times, and proof rules vary by state. Some states let any family member order, while others limit it to immediate relatives. Out-of-state orders take longer because of mail time. If you need the certificate for a Florida court case, you still order it from the state where the death happened. The Florida court accepts out-of-state certified copies the same way it accepts Florida copies. Apostille rules also differ by state. Check the foreign country requirements before you order. Some countries require a state apostille plus a federal authentication from the U.S. State Department.
Do I Need an Apostille for a Florida Death Certificate?
You only need an apostille for use in a foreign country that joined the Hague Convention. The Florida Department of State issues apostilles for a $10 fee per document. You must order the certified copy first from the Florida Department of Health, then send it to the apostille office in Tallahassee. The apostille office is at the R.A. Gray Building, 500 S. Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. You can also mail your request to P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314. Processing time is 5 to 10 business days. The apostille goes on a separate page that gets attached to your death certificate. Countries that did not join the Hague Convention may need a different process called consular legalization through the U.S. State Department and the foreign embassy. Always check the foreign country’s rules before you order. Some countries need a translation of the death certificate too.