Kendall City death records are official documents that prove someone died in Kendall, Florida or nearby areas. These records are kept by the Miami-Dade County Health Department and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.
They list the person’s name, date of death, place of death, and other facts. People need these records to settle estates, claim insurance, close bank accounts, and handle legal matters.
What Are Kendall City Death Records
Kendall City death records are legal papers that confirm a death took place. The State of Florida issues these records through local health departments and the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. Each record shows the full name of the person who died. It shows the date they died. It shows the county and state where they died. Some records also show cause of death, but only for approved family members.
Florida started keeping statewide death records in 1877. Older records from 1877 to 1977 are stored at the Florida State Archives. Records from 1977 to 2009 are kept by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Records from 2009 to now are kept by the Miami-Dade County Health Department for deaths that happened in this county.
Who Files Death Records in Kendall
A funeral director or doctor files the death record with the state. They must file it within five days of the death. The record then becomes part of the state death registry. Once filed, family members or legal representatives can order certified copies.
What Information Is on a Death Record
A Florida death certificate contains specific data points required by state law. The record includes the full legal name of the deceased person. It shows the date and time of death. It lists the county and city where the death occurred. It shows the person’s date of birth, age at death, sex, race, and marital status. It shows the Social Security number. It also lists parents’ names and the funeral home that handled the body.
- Full legal name of the person who died
- Date of birth and date of death
- City and county where the death happened
- Social Security Number (last four digits on public records)
- Parents’ full names
- Funeral home name and address
- Method of disposition (burial, cremation, etc.)
Who Can Order Kendall Death Records
Florida law controls who can get a certified death certificate. The law is Florida Statute 382.025. This law protects the privacy of people who have died. Only certain people can order a death certificate with cause of death listed. Anyone can order a public death certificate that does not show the medical cause of death.
Authorized People Under Florida Law
People who can order a death certificate with cause of death include immediate family members. This includes the spouse, parent, child, or sibling of the person who died. Legal representatives, lawyers, and estate administrators can also order one. Government agencies can order them for official business. Funeral directors and doctors can order them for medical reasons.
What Counts as Proof of Relationship
You must show proof that you are related to the person who died. A birth certificate proves you are a child. A marriage certificate proves you are a spouse. A death certificate of a parent proves you are an orphan. Court papers prove you are a legal representative. You also need a valid photo ID like a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
Where to Get Kendall City Death Records
Kendall residents can get death records from three main places. The Miami-Dade County Health Department is the closest office. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville handles older records. Online ordering through VitalChek is also available for fast service.
Miami-Dade County Health Department Office
The Miami-Dade County Health Department office serves Kendall and the rest of the county. This office handles death records for deaths that happened from 2009 to today in Miami-Dade County. You can walk in, mail a request, or use their online system.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County |
| Address | 1350 N.W. 14th Street, Miami, FL 33125 |
| Phone Number | (305) 324-2405 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Website | miamidade.floridahealth.gov/certificates/ |
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The state Bureau of Vital Statistics is in Jacksonville, Florida. This office keeps all Florida death records from 1977 to 2009. It also keeps pre-1977 records on file. You can order from this office by mail or online. The Bureau charges the same fees as local offices for standard records.
Online Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the official online partner of the Florida Department of Health. You can use VitalChek 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The system accepts orders for records from all Florida counties. It charges extra fees for the convenience of online ordering and shipping.
How to Order Kendall City Death Records In Person
Walking into the Miami-Dade County Health Department is the fastest way to get a death certificate. Most in-person requests are processed the same day. You get the certificate before you leave the building.
What to Bring for an In-Person Visit
You need to bring specific items to the office. Without these items, the office cannot give you a death certificate. Plan ahead so you do not waste a trip.
- A completed Florida death certificate application form
- Valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
- Proof of relationship to the person who died (if you want cause of death)
- Payment for the certificate fee ($12 for first copy, $16 per extra copy)
- The full name of the person who died
- The date of death or approximate date
- The county where the death happened
Steps for an In-Person Order
When you arrive at the health department office, go to the vital records counter. Tell the clerk you want to order a death certificate. Show your photo ID. Tell them the name of the person who died and the date of death. Pay the fee. Wait while the clerk processes your order. Most orders take 15 to 30 minutes.
- Get the application form from the counter or fill it out online before you go
- Write the full name of the person who died on the form
- Write the date of death, place of death, and your contact information
- Take the form to the clerk along with your photo ID
- Pay the fee with cash, check, money order, or credit card
- Wait for the clerk to print your certified copy
How to Order Kendall City Death Records by Mail
Mail requests work well if you have time to wait. Mail requests take about 7 to 14 business days to process. You can order from the Miami-Dade County office or the state Bureau in Jacksonville.
Steps for a Mail Request
Download the Florida death certificate application from the Florida Department of Health website. Print the form. Fill it out completely. Sign the form. Make a copy of your valid photo ID. Include a check or money order for the total fee. Make the payment to the Florida Department of Health. Mail the form, ID copy, and payment to the correct address.
Mail Order Address for the County Office
Mail your request to the Miami-Dade County office at this address: Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County, Office of Vital Records, 1350 N.W. 14th Street, Miami, FL 33125. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so they can mail your certificate back to you.
Mail Order Address for the State Bureau
Mail your request to the state Bureau at this address: Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. Use this office for deaths that happened before 2009 in Kendall or anywhere else in Florida.
How to Order Kendall City Death Records Online
Online ordering through VitalChek is available 24 hours a day. You can order from your phone, tablet, or computer. The system processes orders in about 5 to 7 business days. Shipping takes extra time based on the speed you choose.
Steps to Order Online
Go to the VitalChek website. Click on Florida. Select death certificate. Enter the name of the person who died. Enter the date of death and county of death. Enter your contact information. Choose how many copies you want. Pay the fee and the shipping charge. Wait for the certificate to arrive in the mail.
Extra Costs for Online Orders
VitalChek charges extra fees on top of the state certificate fee. These fees cover processing and shipping. Standard shipping is cheapest but takes the longest. Rush shipping costs more but arrives faster. Same-day delivery is available in some areas. The total cost depends on how fast you need the certificate.
Death Certificate Fees in Kendall
The Florida Department of Health sets the fees for all death certificates. These fees are the same at every county office in the state. The fees change from time to time based on state rules.
Current Fee Structure for 2026
The base fee for the first certified copy of a death certificate is $12. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $16. This means if you order three copies at once, you pay $12 for the first one and $16 for each of the other two. The total would be $44.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| First certified copy | $12 |
| Each additional copy (same order) | $16 |
| Expedited processing (state Bureau only) | $10 extra |
| Apostille service for international use | $10 extra per document |
| VitalChek processing fee | Starts at $8.50 per order |
| Rush shipping (USPS Priority) | $17.50 and up |
Payment Methods Accepted
Payment methods depend on how you place your order. In-person orders accept cash, checks, money orders, and most credit cards. Some offices also accept debit cards. Mail orders only accept checks and money orders. Online orders through VitalChek only accept credit and debit cards.
Processing Times for Kendall Death Records
Processing time depends on how you order and where the record is stored. Some records arrive in hours. Others take weeks. Plan ahead when you can.
Processing Times by Order Method
In-person requests at the Miami-Dade County office are usually processed the same day. You walk out with your certificate in hand. Mail requests take 7 to 14 business days from when the office receives your form. Online orders through VitalChek take 5 to 7 business days for processing plus shipping time. Old records from the state Archives can take 4 to 6 weeks.
Expedited Service Options
Florida offers expedited service for an extra fee. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics offers rush processing for $10 extra. This cuts the wait time by several days. VitalChek offers overnight and same-day shipping for an extra cost. Same-day service is only available for in-person orders at the Miami-Dade County office.
Types of Death Certificates in Florida
Florida issues two main types of death certificates. The type you need depends on why you need the document. Some legal matters require one type. Other matters accept either type.
Public Death Certificate
A public death certificate shows basic facts about the death. It shows the person’s name, date of death, and place of death. It does not show the medical cause of death. Anyone can order a public death certificate. There are no eligibility rules. Most banks, insurance companies, and government agencies accept this type.
Confidential Death Certificate
A confidential death certificate shows the medical cause of death. It includes information about how the person died. Only authorized people can order this type. You must prove you are a family member, legal representative, or have another legal reason. This type costs the same as the public version.
Death Records for Genealogy Research in Kendall
Genealogy researchers often want old death records. Florida has records going back to 1877. Some records are open to the public. Others have access rules.
Florida State Archives Death Records
The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee holds old death records. Records from 1877 to 1977 are stored here. Some are open to the public for genealogy work. Records less than 50 years old may have access rules. Researchers can visit the archives in person or order copies through the mail.
Florida Statewide Death Index
The Florida Statewide Death Index lists deaths across the state. It is available online through the Florida State Archives website. The index shows the name, year of death, and county of death. It does not show the full death certificate. The index is free to search. Copies of the full record cost the regular fee.
Ordering Records for Deaths Before 1977 in Kendall
Older death records in Kendall require special steps. Florida did not start statewide record keeping until 1877. Records from that time are kept at the State Archives.
How to Order Old Records
Mail a written request to the Florida State Archives. The request must include the person’s name, approximate date of death, and county of death. Include your contact information. Include a check or money order for the search fee. The current search fee is $10 per name. If a record is found, you can order a copy for the regular $12 fee plus $16 for each extra copy.
Mail Old Records Requests to This Address
Send old record requests to: Florida State Archives, R.A. Gray Building, 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250. You can call the Archives at (850) 245-6719 for help with old records.
Death Record Verification and Apostille Services
Sometimes you need to prove a death record is real. This is called verification. You may also need an apostille for use in another country.
Verification of Death Records
The Florida Department of Health can verify a death certificate. The verification stamp shows the record is real. Banks, courts, and federal agencies may ask for verification. You can request verification when you order the certificate or at a later time. The fee for verification is the same as the regular certificate fee.
Apostille for International Use
An apostille is a stamp that makes a document legal in another country. You need an apostille if you use a Florida death certificate in a foreign country. The Florida Department of State issues apostilles. Send your certified death certificate to the Department of State with a $10 fee per document. The address is: Florida Department of State, Bureau of Notary Commissions and Apostilles, P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314-6327.
Kendall Area County Death Records Resources
Kendall sits inside Miami-Dade County. People in Kendall also use other nearby county offices. The state system makes it easy to order from any county office in Florida.
Surrounding County Health Departments
People in Kendall may order records from nearby counties. Each county has its own health department office. The Broward County office serves Fort Lauderdale. The Palm Beach County office serves West Palm Beach. The Monroe County office serves the Florida Keys. All these offices follow the same state rules and fees.
Statewide Death Record Database
Florida keeps a statewide database of death records. County offices, the state Bureau, and online systems all search the same database. If the record exists, you can find it through any of these channels. The database has records from 2009 to today for all 67 Florida counties.
Common Problems When Ordering Kendall Death Records
Some orders have problems. Knowing the common issues helps you avoid them. Here are the most frequent problems and how to fix them.
Name Spelling Issues
The name on the death certificate must match the name on your ID. If the name is spelled wrong, the clerk cannot process your order. Bring several forms of ID in case one does not match. Marriage certificates can show name changes.
No Record Found
Sometimes a record does not show up in the system. This can happen if the death was very recent. It can also happen if the record was not filed yet. Wait a few days and try again. If the record still does not appear, contact the funeral home for help.
Wrong County on the Form
You must list the county where the death happened. Not the county where the person lived. Kendall is in Miami-Dade County. But the death may have happened in another county. The state Bureau has records for all Florida deaths. Local offices only have records for deaths in their county.
Florida Death Certificate Authorized Person Rules
Florida has strict rules about who can get a death certificate. The rules protect the privacy of the dead. They also protect families from identity theft.
Who Counts as an Authorized Person
An authorized person is a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or grandparent of the person who died. Legal representatives, lawyers, and estate administrators count. Government agencies and law enforcement officers also count. Funeral directors and doctors can get records for work reasons.
What Counts as Proof of Authorization
You must show documents that prove you are authorized. A marriage certificate shows you are a spouse. A birth certificate shows you are a child or sibling. Court papers show you are a legal representative. A death certificate of a parent shows you are an orphan.
Kendall City Death Records Quick Reference
Below is a quick reference for the most important details. Keep this information handy when you need to order a record.
Phone Numbers and Office Hours
Miami-Dade County Health Department Vital Records Office phone is (305) 324-2405. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics phone is (904) 359-6900. The State Archives phone is (850) 245-6719.
Official Website
Visit the Florida Department of Health website at www.floridahealth.gov for forms, fees, and office locations. For Miami-Dade County services, go to miamidade.floridahealth.gov. For online ordering, go to www.vitalchek.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kendall City Death Records
Below are answers to the most common questions about Kendall death records. These answers cover costs, timing, eligibility, and special situations. Each answer gives you the facts you need to order a record without problems.
How long does it take to get a death certificate in Kendall?
In-person orders at the Miami-Dade County Health Department are usually completed the same day. Most walk-in customers get their certificate in 15 to 30 minutes. Mail orders take 7 to 14 business days from when the office receives your form. Online orders through VitalChek take 5 to 7 business days for processing plus shipping time. Old records from the state Archives can take 4 to 6 weeks. Same-day expedited service is available in person for an extra $10 fee.
Can anyone get a death certificate in Florida?
Anyone can get a public death certificate that does not show the medical cause of death. You only need a valid photo ID. To get a confidential death certificate that shows the cause of death, you must be an authorized person under Florida law. Authorized people include immediate family members, legal representatives, lawyers, and government agencies. You must show proof of your relationship or legal authority.
How much does a death certificate cost in Florida in 2026?
The base fee for the first certified copy of a Florida death certificate is $12. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $16. Online orders through VitalChek add an extra processing fee starting at $8.50. Rush shipping costs extra and starts at $17.50 for USPS Priority Mail. Expedited processing through the state Bureau costs $10 extra per order. All fees are non-refundable even if no record is found.
What is the difference between a public and confidential death certificate?
A public death certificate shows basic facts like the person’s name, date of death, and place of death. It does not show the medical cause of death. Anyone can order a public certificate. A confidential death certificate shows the medical cause of death and other private medical details. Only authorized family members, legal representatives, and government agencies can order a confidential certificate. The fees are the same for both types.
Can I order a death certificate for someone who died many years ago?
Yes, you can order old death certificates from the Florida State Archives. Records from 1877 to 1977 are stored there. The search fee is $10 per name. If a record is found, you can order a copy for $12 plus $16 for each extra copy. Records from 1977 to 2009 are at the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Records from 2009 to today are at the local county health department office where the death happened.
What if the death happened in another Florida county but the person lived in Kendall?
You can order the death record from the county where the death happened. Each county office only has records for deaths in that county. You can also order from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. The state Bureau has records for all Florida deaths from 1977 to 2009. Online ordering through VitalChek also works for any Florida county death record. Use the county where the death happened, not the county where the person lived.
Do I need an apostille on a Florida death certificate for use in another country?
You may need an apostille if you use a Florida death certificate in a foreign country. An apostille is a stamp that proves the document is real. The Florida Department of State issues apostilles. The fee is $10 per document. Mail your certified death certificate to the Florida Department of State, Bureau of Notary Commissions and Apostilles, P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314-6327. Processing takes about 3 to 5 business days.