St Lucie County death records are official papers that prove a person died in this part of Florida. The Florida Department of Health keeps these records at the county office in Port St Lucie.
People need these papers for many reasons. Banks ask for them. Insurance firms want them. Lawyers need them in court. Family members use them to settle estates. This page explains how to get a copy, who can ask for one, what the cost is, and where to go for help. It also covers records from past years and records for family history work.
What St Lucie County Death Records Show
A death record in Florida is a legal document. It lists the full name of the person who died. It shows the date of death. It lists the place of death. It has the date of birth. It has the cause of death. It shows the parent’s names. It has a state seal. This seal proves the paper is real. Banks, courts, and government offices only accept copies with this seal.
Who Keeps These Records in St Lucie County
The Florida Department of Health runs the local office. This office sits on NW Milner Drive in Port St Lucie. The state health department in Jacksonville keeps the main files for all Florida counties. The state archives in Tallahassee hold older papers that go back many years. Each office has a different role. The county office handles recent records. The state office handles statewide records. The archives handle old records.
What the Death Certificate Looks Like
The paper has a state seal in the corner. It shows the name of the person. It shows the date of birth. It shows the date of death. It shows the county where the death took place. It shows the cause of death. It has the signature of the local registrar. Each paper has a unique number. This number helps the state track the record.
Florida Laws That Control Death Records
Florida has strict rules about who can see death records. These rules protect families. They stop strangers from getting private facts. The main law is Florida Statute Chapter 382. This law says death records are not open to the public for the first 50 years. After 50 years, the records become open for family history work. During those 50 years, only certain people can get a copy.
The 50-Year Privacy Rule
For 50 years after a death, only certain people can order a copy. After 50 years pass, the records become public. Family historians and researchers can then look at them. This rule covers all Florida counties. It covers St Lucie County too. Records from 1976 or earlier are now open to the public.
Who Can Request a Death Certificate in Florida
Florida law lists who can ask for a copy of a death record. The list of allowed people includes a spouse, parent, child, grandchild, or sibling. It also includes a legal representative, lawyer, or executor of the will. It includes a person with a court order. It includes a person with a documented legal need. Anyone else cannot get a copy. The office checks the ID and proof of relationship for every request.
What Papers You Need to Show
You must bring a valid photo ID. A driver’s license works. A state ID works. A passport works. You must also bring proof of your relationship to the person who died. A birth certificate can show you are a child. A marriage certificate can show you are a spouse. A court paper can show you are a legal representative. The office staff will check all papers before they give you a copy.
Where to Get St Lucie County Death Records
You can get St Lucie County death records at the county health department office. You can also order them from the state office in Jacksonville. You can also use an online service called VitalChek. The county office is the best choice for fast service. The state office is good for older records. VitalChek is good for people who live far away.
County Health Department Office in Port St Lucie
The Florida Department of Health in St Lucie County handles local death records. The office is on NW Milner Drive. The staff can help you in person. They can take your order over the phone. They can process a mail request. The office has forms you can pick up. The staff can answer your questions about the process.
Office Address, Phone, and Hours
The county health department office sits at 5150 NW Milner Drive, Port St Lucie, FL 34983. The phone number is (772) 462-3800. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office closes for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. The office does not take walk-in orders after 4:00 p.m. You should plan to arrive early in the day.
State Vital Records Office in Jacksonville
The state office in Jacksonville keeps all Florida death records. The address is 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The phone number is (904) 359-6900. This office can help with records from any Florida county. It also handles records before 2009. Many people use this office for older records that the county office does not have.
How to Order a Death Certificate in St Lucie County
You can order a death record in three ways. You can go to the office in person. You can send your order by mail. You can order online through VitalChek. Each way has its own cost. Each way has its own timeline. Pick the way that fits your needs best.
Ordering In Person at the County Office
Going in person is the fastest way. You will get your copy the same day. Bring your photo ID. Bring proof of your relationship. Bring cash, check, or money order. The staff will check your papers. They will print your copy. You can leave the office with the paper in your hand. Most visits take less than 30 minutes.
Ordering by Mail Using Form VS-1
You can mail your order to the county office. You need the Florida form VS-1. This form is a death certificate application. You can get this form online. You can also pick one up at the office. Fill out the form fully. Sign the form. Include a copy of your photo ID. Include a check or money order. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail all of this to the office address. Mail takes 7 to 10 days. Add time for the post office.
Ordering Online Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the official online service. Go to the VitalChek website. Search for Florida death records. Pick St Lucie County. Fill out the form online. Pay with a credit card. VitalChek charges a service fee on top of the state fee. Your copy will be mailed to you. Online orders take 3 to 5 business days. Rush service costs more.
Fees and Payment for Death Records
St Lucie County charges set fees for each copy. The fee for the first copy is $17. The fee for each extra copy on the same order is $17 as well. Rush processing costs $10 more. A protective plastic cover costs $5. A notary stamp costs $10. Search fees are $2 per year looked up, with a $50 max. The post office charges extra for return shipping.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| First certified copy | $17 |
| Each extra copy on same order | $17 |
| Rush processing | $10 |
| Protective plastic cover | $5 |
| Notary service | $10 |
| Search fee per year | $2 (max $50) |
The county office takes cash, check, or money order. Make the check out to the Florida Department of Health. VitalChek only takes credit cards. VitalChek adds a service fee for every online order. This fee is on top of the state fee. Ask about the total cost before you place your order.
How Long It Takes to Get Your Copy
The time it takes depends on how you order. In-person orders give you the copy the same day. Mail orders take 7 to 10 business days plus mail time. Online orders through VitalChek take 3 to 5 business days. Rush service is faster. Rush service costs an extra fee. Plan ahead for mail and online orders.
Same-Day Service at the Counter
The county office offers same-day service for in-person orders. You walk in with your ID. You fill out the form. The staff checks your papers. They print your copy. You walk out with the paper. This is the fastest option. Plan to arrive before 3:30 p.m. to leave time for processing.
Rush Service and Express Shipping
Rush service speeds up the order. Rush orders at the counter take about 30 minutes. Rush mail orders take 3 to 5 business days. Express shipping through VitalChek costs more. The cost depends on the shipping speed. Overnight shipping is the most expensive option.
Apostille for Out-of-State or Foreign Use
You may need an apostille if you use the death certificate in another country. An apostille is a state stamp that makes the paper valid in other countries. The Florida Department of State in Tallahassee handles apostilles. You send your death certificate to them. They add the apostille. They mail it back to you. This process takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Records Before 2009 in St Lucie County
The county office in Port St Lucie only holds records from 2009 to the present. Records before 2009 are kept at the state office in Jacksonville. Records from many years ago are at the state archives in Tallahassee. The archives have death records from 1877 to the present. You can look at some of these records online through FamilySearch.
Florida State Archives in Tallahassee
The state archives are at 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. The phone number is (850) 245-6719. The archives are open Monday through Friday. They hold old death records on paper and microfilm. You can visit in person. You can also order copies by mail. The archives also have an online search tool on their website.
Free Florida Death Records Through FamilySearch
FamilySearch is a free website. It has a large collection of Florida death records. The collection covers 1877 to 1939. You can search by name. You can search by year. You can search by county. The records are free to view. You can save images to your computer. FamilySearch is run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a nonprofit service.
Death Records on Ancestry.com
Ancestry.com has a Florida death index. This index covers many years. It covers 1877 to 1969. It also covers 1973 to 2011. You can search the index for free. To see the full record, you need an account. Ancestry charges a monthly fee. Many public libraries offer free access to Ancestry.com. You can use a library computer to search for free.
Who Needs a Death Certificate and Why
Many people need a death certificate. Family members need it to settle the estate. They need it to claim life insurance. They need it to close bank accounts. They need it to sell property. Lawyers need it for court cases. Accountants need it for tax matters. Genealogists need it for family history work.
Insurance and Financial Claims
Life insurance firms require a certified death certificate. They will not pay a claim without it. Banks ask for a certified copy to close accounts. Brokerage firms ask for one to transfer stocks. The Social Security Administration asks for a copy to stop payments. Pension plans ask for one to release funds to survivors.
Real Estate and Property Matters
Property must transfer to the right people after a death. The court asks for a death certificate. The county property appraiser asks for a copy. The title company asks for a copy. Without a death certificate, the property cannot pass to the heirs. The deed cannot be changed.
Genealogy and Family History
People who trace their family tree use death records. These records show the mother’s name. They show the father’s name. They show the date of birth. They show the place of birth. They show the cause of death. This data helps build a family tree. It helps confirm family stories. It helps connect different branches of a family.
Death Records in Nearby Counties
St Lucie County borders other Florida counties. Each county has its own health department office. Each office handles death records for that county. If you need records from another county, contact that county’s office. The address and phone for each office is listed below.
Indian River County Death Records
The Florida Department of Health in Indian River County handles records for that county. The office is at 1900 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960. The phone number is (772) 794-7410. The office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office holds records from 2009 to the present.
Martin County Death Records
The Florida Department of Health in Martin County handles records there. The office is at 3441 SE Willoughby Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994. The phone number is (772) 221-4000. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office holds records from 2009 to the present.
Okeechobee County Death Records
The Florida Department of Health in Okeechobee County serves that county. The office is at 1728 NW 9th Avenue, Okeechobee, FL 34972. The phone number is (863) 462-5800. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office holds records from 2009 to the present.
Palm Beach County Death Records
The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County handles records for that area. The office is at 800 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. The phone number is (561) 671-4000. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office holds records from 2009 to the present.
Contact for St Lucie County Death Records
St Lucie County death records are handled by the Florida Department of Health. The main office is on the Treasure Coast. You can visit in person for same-day service. You can call for help with your order. You can mail in your request. You can order online through VitalChek. The office staff is ready to help with your request.
Office: Florida Department of Health in St Lucie County
Address: 5150 NW Milner Drive, Port St Lucie, FL 34983
Phone: (772) 462-3800
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed for lunch 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Website: stlucie.floridahealth.gov/certificates
Frequently Asked Questions About St Lucie County Death Records
This FAQ section answers common questions about St Lucie County death records. The questions cover who can get a copy, how much it costs, how long it takes, and where to find old records. The answers give clear and direct facts. The answers are based on Florida law and current office rules.
Who Can Get a Death Certificate in St Lucie County?
Florida law allows certain people to order a certified death certificate. The list includes a spouse, parent, child, grandchild, or sibling of the person who died. The list also includes a legal representative, executor of the will, or attorney working on the estate. A person with a court order can also get a copy. A person with a documented legal or personal need may also qualify. The county office checks your ID and proof of your relationship before they release any record. Strangers and the general public cannot get a copy during the 50-year privacy period.
How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in St Lucie County?
The cost for the first certified copy is $17 in St Lucie County. Each extra copy on the same order is $17. Rush processing costs $10 more. A protective plastic cover costs $5. A notary stamp costs $10. Search fees for hard-to-find records are $2 per year, with a $50 max. VitalChek adds a service fee for online orders. The post office charges extra for return shipping. Ask about the total cost before you place your order so there are no surprises.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Death Certificate?
In-person orders at the county office take 30 minutes or less. You walk out with the copy the same day. Mail orders take 7 to 10 business days plus the time for the post office. Online orders through VitalChek take 3 to 5 business days. Rush service is faster but costs more. Overnight shipping is the fastest mail option. Plan ahead for mail orders so you have the paper when you need it.
Can I Get a Free Death Record in Florida?
Florida does not give away certified death records for free. The state charges $17 per copy. This fee pays for the staff and the printing. You can find free indexes on FamilySearch and Ancestry. These indexes show the name, year, and county. You can use these to find the record you need. You then pay the fee for a certified copy from the state or county office.
What Is the Florida VS-1 Form?
The VS-1 form is the Florida Application for a Death Certificate. You use this form to order a copy by mail. You can get this form on the Florida Department of Health website. You can also pick one up at the county office. Fill out the form fully. Sign the form. Include your photo ID copy. Include your payment. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail the form to the county office address.
How Do I Get a Death Certificate With an Apostille?
You need an apostille if you use the death certificate in another country. First, get a certified copy from the county office. Then send the certified copy to the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee. They will add the apostille. They will mail the paper back to you. The apostille is a stamp that makes the document legal in countries that follow the Hague Convention. The process takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Can I Search Florida Death Records Before 2009?
Yes. Records before 2009 are at the state office in Jacksonville. Records from many years ago are at the Florida State Archives in Tallahassee. FamilySearch has a free collection of Florida death records from 1877 to 1939. Ancestry.com has an index from 1877 to 1969 and 1973 to 2011. These sites let you search by name and year. They help you find the record you need without paying the state fee.