Tamarac City death records are official documents that prove a person died in Tamarac, Florida, or that a Tamarac resident passed away in another location. These records include the death certificate, which is filed with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Anyone can request these records for legal, family, or personal reasons. This page explains how to get, use, and verify Tamarac death records in 2026.
What Tamarac City Death Records Include and Who Keeps Them
Death records are legal papers that confirm a person has died. In Florida, every death that happens in the state must be registered with the government. The state then keeps a permanent file of these records. The main office that holds these files is called the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. It is part of the Florida Department of Health.
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics is the main office for all vital records in the state. This includes birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. The office started keeping death records in 1877. Since that year, the state has kept a record of every death reported in Florida. The main office is located in Jacksonville, Florida. It handles all mail and online requests for the whole state.
What a Florida Death Certificate Shows
A Florida death certificate has key facts about the person who died. It lists the full name, date of birth, date of death, and the city or county where the death happened. It also shows the cause of death and the way the death occurred. The certificate has the signature of a doctor or medical examiner. It also has an official state seal and a registration number. Each certificate is a legal paper that courts and government offices accept.
Who Can Get a Certified Copy
Florida law says only certain people can get a certified copy of a death certificate. These people include the spouse, parent, child, grandchild, or sibling of the person who died. Lawyers, doctors, and funeral homes can also request records for their work. Government agencies can get copies for official reasons. If you are not on this list, you cannot get a certified copy. You may still be able to see public indexes that show basic facts.
How to Order a Death Certificate in Tamarac, Florida
You have three main ways to order a death certificate in Tamarac. You can order online, by mail, or in person. Each method has its own steps, costs, and wait times. The method you pick depends on how fast you need the record and how you want to send your request.
Order a Death Certificate Online Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the only official online service Florida uses for vital records. To order online, go to the VitalChek website and pick Florida. You will need to enter facts about the person who died, such as their full name, date of death, and city of death. You will also need to enter your own details and upload a copy of your ID. The cost is higher online because of the service fee. Most online orders arrive in 5 to 10 business days.
Order a Death Certificate by Mail
To order by mail, you must fill out a form called the FL DH 1961. This is the official Florida death certificate application. You can download this form from the Florida Department of Health website. Print it, fill it out, and sign it. Mail the form with a copy of your ID and a check or money order to the Jacksonville office. Mail orders usually take 2 to 4 weeks to arrive.
Order a Death Certificate in Person
You can also visit a local vital records office in person. In Tamarac, the closest office is the Broward County Health Department. The main state office is in Jacksonville. When you go in person, bring a valid photo ID and the FL DH 1961 form. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or card at most locations. In-person requests are often ready the same day or within a few days.
Florida Death Certificate Fees in 2026
The state fee for each certified copy of a death certificate is set by Florida law. The cost is the same whether you order online, by mail, or in person. The state fee covers the cost of searching the records and printing the certificate. Extra fees may apply for online services or rush shipping.
| Service Type | State Fee | Extra Fees | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Order (VitalChek) | $10 | $13.50 service fee + shipping | $23.50 + shipping |
| Mail Order | $10 | None | $10 |
| In-Person Order | $10 | None | $10 |
| Rush Processing (Mail) | $10 | $10 rush fee | $20 |
Required Documents and Information for All Requests
No matter which method you pick, you must give the right facts and documents. Missing or wrong information can delay your order. The state checks every application to make sure the person asking has a legal right to the record.
Information You Need About the Person Who Died
You must give the full legal name of the person who died. You also need the date of death or a close guess. The city or county where the death happened is also required. If you know the social security number, it can help the search. The more facts you give, the faster the office can find the right record.
Information You Need About Yourself
You must give your full name, address, phone number, and email. You also need to state your relationship to the person who died. You must sign the form and swear that the facts are true. If you lie on the form, you can face fines or criminal charges under Florida law.
Proof of Identity You Must Provide
You must send a clear copy of a valid photo ID. Accepted IDs include a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID. The name on the ID must match the name on the form. If your name is different, you must send proof of the name change, like a marriage certificate or court order.
Florida Death Records by County and City
Tamarac is in Broward County, Florida. Death records for Tamarac residents are filed under both the city and the county. You can search for these records at the state level or the county level. Each level has its own rules and search tools.
Broward County Death Records
The Broward County Clerk of Courts keeps records of deaths that happened in the county. The Broward County Health Department also offers death certificate services for local residents. The county office can help you order records faster than the state office in many cases. You can visit the county office in Fort Lauderdale, which is near Tamarac.
Florida Death Records by Other Counties
If the death happened in another Florida county, you must contact that county or the state office. Each county has its own health department that handles local records. The state office in Jacksonville can search for any death in Florida, no matter the county. For deaths outside Florida, you must contact the vital records office in the state where the death happened.
Historical Florida Death Records and Genealogy Research
Many people look for old death records to research their family history. Florida has kept death records since 1877, but the early years have gaps. The state did not require all deaths to be reported until 1917. Even so, many old records still exist and can help with family research.
Florida Death Records from 1877 to the Present
Records from 1877 to 1900 are not complete. Some counties lost records in fires or floods. Records from 1917 forward are more complete because the state made reporting a law. You can search for old records through the state office or through genealogy websites that have copies. The Florida State Archives also keeps older records that the Bureau of Vital Statistics does not have.
Florida Death Index Database
The Florida death index is a search tool that lists basic facts about each death. It shows the name, date of death, county of death, and certificate number. The index is open to the public. You can search it for free on the Florida Department of Health website. The index helps you find the right record before you order a copy.
Genealogy Resources for Florida Death Records
Several websites help people search for Florida death records. FamilySearch, Ancestry, and Find A Grave are popular tools. These sites have indexes and scans of old records. They can help you build a family tree or find missing relatives. Some records are free, and others require a paid subscription.
Special Cases for Florida Death Certificates
Some requests for death certificates fall into special cases. These include replacing a lost certificate, getting an apostille, or checking the cause of death. Each case has its own rules and steps.
Replacing a Lost or Damaged Death Certificate
If you lost your death certificate or it got damaged, you can order a new copy. The process is the same as ordering a new one. You must fill out the FL DH 1961 form and send your ID. The state fee is the same. You can order as many copies as you need at any time.
Florida Death Certificate Apostille
An apostille is a stamp that makes a document legal in another country. If you need to use a Florida death certificate in a foreign country, you may need an apostille. The Florida Department of State handles apostille requests. You must send a certified copy of the death certificate with your apostille request. The apostille does not change the death certificate; it just adds a stamp to the back.
Cause of Death Records and Public Access
Cause of death facts are private in Florida. Only certain people can see the medical cause of death. This includes family members, lawyers, and government agencies. The public can see the fact that someone died, but not the medical reason. If you need the cause of death for a legal case, you must get a court order or prove you have a legal right to the information.
Funeral Home Records in Florida
Funeral homes keep their own records about the people they help. These records often have more detail than the death certificate. They can include family contacts, service dates, and burial facts. Funeral home records are private, but you can ask the funeral home for copies if you are a family member.
Checking the Status of a Death Certificate Order
You can check the status of your order online or by phone. If you ordered through VitalChek, you can log into your account to see updates. If you ordered by mail, you can call the Jacksonville office. Give your order number and your name to the clerk. They can tell you if your order is pending, shipped, or delayed.
Official Contact Details for Florida Death Records
For all mail and general questions about death records in Tamarac, contact the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. This office handles every death record in the state, including those filed in Tamarac. You can call, fax, or mail your request to the addresses and numbers below. The office is open during normal business hours from Monday to Friday. Always call before visiting to confirm hours and accepted payment methods.
Office: Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
Address: 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: 904-359-6900
Fax: 904-359-6931
Website: www.floridahealth.gov
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Frequently Asked Questions About Tamarac City Death Records
These questions cover the most common issues people have when looking for Tamarac City death records. The answers give clear steps based on Florida law in 2026. If your question is not here, call the Bureau of Vital Statistics for direct help.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Death Certificate in Florida?
Standard mail orders take 2 to 4 weeks. Online orders through VitalChek take 5 to 10 business days. In-person orders at the county health department are often ready the same day. Rush service is available for an extra fee. The processing time starts when the office receives your form and payment. Weekends and holidays are not counted as business days.
Can I Get a Death Certificate if I Am Not a Family Member?
Florida law limits who can get a certified copy. You must be a family member, legal representative, or government agency. If you do not fit these rules, you cannot get a certified copy. You may still search public indexes for basic facts. Some genealogy sites have older records that anyone can view. For legal cases, a court can order the state to release a record.
What Is the Difference Between a Certified Copy and an Informational Copy?
A certified copy has the state seal and a raised stamp. It is accepted by courts, banks, and government agencies. An informational copy says “For Genealogical Purposes Only” across the front. It is not valid for legal use. Informational copies are cheaper and easier to get. Always order a certified copy if you need the record for legal work.
Can I Get a Florida Death Certificate for a Death That Happened in Another State?
No. You must get the death certificate from the state where the death happened. If a Tamarac resident died in Georgia, you must order the certificate from Georgia. Each state has its own rules and forms. The federal government cannot issue death certificates. You can ask the funeral home in the other state for help with the paperwork.
Are Florida Death Records Public After 50 Years?
Florida law makes older death records open to the public after a set time. Records more than 50 years old are open for genealogy searches. You can search these records through the State Archives. The vital records office still charges for copies of these old records. The index for older deaths is free to search online.
What Should I Do if the Death Certificate Has a Mistake?
You can ask for a correction if the death certificate has wrong facts. You must fill out an amendment form and send proof of the correct fact. A small fee may apply. The vital records office reviews every amendment request. Some changes, like the cause of death, need a doctor’s signature. The amended certificate replaces the old one and has a new seal.
Can I Use a Florida Death Certificate in Another Country?
Yes, but you may need an apostille. An apostille is a stamp that makes the document legal in countries that joined the Hague Convention. You can get an apostille from the Florida Department of State. The process takes a few weeks. Not all countries need an apostille. Check with the embassy of the country where you need the document.