Union County death records are official papers from the Florida Department of Health. They show that a person died in Union County, Florida.
The papers list the name, date of death, and cause of death. They also show the county where the death took place. People need these records for many legal and personal reasons. Banks, courts, and insurance companies ask for them. This page explains how to get Union County death records in 2026. It covers the office address, fees, order steps, and who can order copies. The office is open Monday through Friday for walk-in service.
What Are Union County Death Records
Union County death records are certified papers that show a person died. They come from the Florida Department of Health in Union County. The office sits in Lake Butler, Florida. People call these papers death certificates. Each certificate carries an official state seal. The seal makes the paper legal in all 50 states. Death certificates help families settle legal matters after a loved one dies.
Legal Purpose of Death Certificates
A death certificate has many legal uses. Banks ask for one to close accounts. Insurance companies need one to pay out policies. Courts ask for one to settle estates. The Social Security office needs one too. Land sales and property moves often need a death certificate. Some employers ask for one to fix payroll records. Without a certified copy, most agencies will not take your word. You need the paper for almost every legal step after a death.
Who Keeps the Records
The Florida Department of Health keeps all death records for Union County. The local office handles records from 2009 to today. The Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville handles statewide records. The State Archives in Tallahassee keeps older death files. Each office has different rules and fees. Records stay under state law for a set time. After that time, they move to archives for the public to see.
What the Certificate Shows
A Florida death certificate shows the full legal name of the person. It lists the date of birth and date of death. It shows the place of death and the county. It states the cause of death and the way of death. It lists the father’s name and mother’s name. It shows the Social Security Number. It has the funeral home name and burial place. The certificate also shows the date the record was filed with the state.
Where to Order Union County Death Records
You can order Union County death records from three main places. The local Florida Department of Health office in Lake Butler handles most orders. The Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville handles statewide records. VitalChek is the state’s official online vendor. Each choice has its own steps and fees. Pick the one that fits your needs best.
Florida Department of Health in Union County
The local office is the main place to order records. It sits at 495 East Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida. The zip code is 32054. The phone number is (386) 496-1051. Walk-in orders are accepted during business hours. Staff can help you fill out the application. They check your ID and finish your order the same day. The office handles death records from 2009 to today for Union County.
Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville
The state Bureau of Vital Statistics office sits in Jacksonville. The address is 1217 North Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The phone number is (904) 359-6900. This office keeps statewide death records. It can help with records that the local office cannot find. You can visit in person or call ahead. The office handles mail-in orders too. Service is slower than the local office but covers more records.
VitalChek Online Ordering
VitalChek is the official online vendor for Florida death records. You can order through their website anytime. The website is vitalchek.com. You fill out the form online and pay with a credit card. A small service fee applies on top of the state fee. Orders ship in 3 to 5 business days. Rush shipping is available for an extra charge. This choice works well for people who live out of state.
Here is a quick look at the three ordering ways:
| Office | Location | Phone | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Union County Health Department | 495 E. Main St., Lake Butler | (386) 496-1051 | Local records and same-day service |
| Bureau of Vital Statistics | 1217 N. Pearl St., Jacksonville | (904) 359-6900 | Statewide records and older files |
| VitalChek Online | vitalchek.com | Online only | Online orders and out-of-state residents |
Who Can Request Death Records
Florida law says only certain people can get a death certificate. This rule protects family privacy. The rule applies to deaths less than 50 years old. Older records are open to the public. You must prove your tie to the person who died. The state wants to keep family data safe from the public eye.
Eligible Applicants
You can order a death certificate if you are the surviving spouse. A parent, child, or grandchild can also apply. Brothers, sisters, and other close relatives qualify. A legal guardian or personal representative can apply. Lawyers and doctors who need the record for work can apply. Government agencies can apply for official business. Genealogists can apply for records older than 50 years.
Required Identification
You must show a valid photo ID to get a death certificate. The ID must be current and not expired. Bring the original ID for in-person orders. Send a clear copy if you order by mail. If someone else orders for you, they need your ID copy and a signed letter. The letter must say they have permission to get the record.
The local office accepts these ID types:
- Driver license (current and not expired)
- State-issued ID card
- Passport
- Military ID
- Federal government employee ID
Privacy Restrictions and the 50-Year Rule
Florida law blocks public access to death records less than 50 years old. Only eligible applicants can get these records. After 50 years, the records become public. Anyone can order a copy at that point. This rule started in 2009 with state law changes. Records from 2009 to today are still under the privacy rule. Records from 1976 and earlier are open to the public in 2026.
Fees and Payment Methods
Florida sets the fees for all death records. The fees are the same at every county office. The local office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Online orders through VitalChek need a credit card. All fees help fund death records work across the state. The fees have stayed the same for many years.
Standard Cost for Certified Copies
The first certified copy of a death certificate costs $12. Each extra copy in the same order costs $8. If you need three copies, the total is $12 plus $8 plus $8, which is $28. Most people only need one copy. Some estate cases need several copies. Order all copies at once to save money. Extra copies cost less per copy than the first.
Accepted Payment Methods
In person, the office accepts several payment ways. The office does not bill later. Full payment must come with your order. Wrong payments delay your order. Contact the office if you have questions about payment ways.
The local office accepts these payment types:
- Cash
- Checks (payable to Florida Department of Health)
- Money orders
Online orders through VitalChek need a credit card. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Debit cards with a Visa or MasterCard logo work too. PayPal is not accepted by VitalChek for Florida orders. Prepaid cards may not work for online orders.
Extra Service Fees
VitalChek adds a service fee on top of the state fee. The fee is small, around $4 to $6 per order. Rush shipping costs extra. Standard shipping is part of the service fee. The State Archives in Tallahassee charge their own fees for older records. Contact each office for exact fees before you send payment. Fees can change with state law updates.
Order Steps for Death Certificates
The steps to get a Union County death certificate are simple. You can do it in person, by mail, or online. Each way has clear steps. Pick the way that fits your needs and schedule. Most people finish the order in less than 30 minutes at the local office.
In-Person Order Steps
Visit the Florida Department of Health in Union County. The office sits at 495 East Main Street in Lake Butler. Bring a valid photo ID. Fill out the death certificate application form. Staff can help you fill out the form. Show your ID to the clerk. Pay the fee with cash, check, or money order. The clerk prints your certificate while you wait. Walk-in orders finish the same day.
Mail-In Order Steps
Download the death certificate application from the Florida Department of Health website. Print the form and fill it out. Make a copy of your photo ID. Put the form, ID copy, and payment in an envelope. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return. Mail everything to the local office address. Mail handling takes 7 to 10 business days.
Online Order Steps
Go to the VitalChek website at vitalchek.com. Pick Florida as the state. Pick death certificate as the record type. Fill out the form with the person’s full name. Fill out the date of death and county. Pay with a credit card. Pick a shipping way. Most orders ship within 3 to 5 business days. Online orders work 24 hours a day.
Timeline and Delivery Choices
How fast you get your certificate depends on the order way. Walk-in orders finish the same day. Mail orders take up to 10 business days. Online orders take 3 to 5 business days. Each way has its own shipping steps. Plan ahead based on your deadline.
Standard Timeline
Walk-in orders at the Lake Butler office finish the same day. Mail orders take 7 to 10 business days. Online orders through VitalChek take 3 to 5 business days. The Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville takes 2 to 4 weeks for mail orders. Plan ahead if you need the record by a certain date. Rush choices cut down the wait time for an extra fee.
Rush and Expedited Choices
VitalChek offers rush shipping for online orders. The rush fee is around $20 extra. The package arrives in 1 to 2 business days. FedEx is the main rush shipping carrier. Some rush orders arrive the next day. The local office does not offer rush service for walk-in orders. Mail-in orders have no rush choice through the state office.
Shipping Ways
VitalChek ships through the U.S. Postal Service for standard orders. Standard orders arrive in 3 to 5 business days. FedEx handles rush orders. FedEx orders arrive in 1 to 2 business days. FedEx Priority Overnight arrives the next day. All shipments need a signature for delivery. Make sure someone is home to sign for the package.
Historical and Genealogical Records
Older death records can help with family history research. Florida keeps old records at the State Archives. FamilySearch has many Florida death records online for free. These records help people trace their family tree. Researchers and family members use them often for genealogy work.
Older Death Records Before 2009
The Union County office only has records from 2009 to today. Older records moved to the State Archives in Tallahassee. The State Archives sit at 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. The phone number is (850) 245-6717. Records older than 50 years are open to the public. You do not need to prove a family tie for older records. The archives charge a small fee per copy.
FamilySearch Online Records
FamilySearch.org has many Florida death records online. The website is free to use. You need to create a free account. Florida death records from 1900 to 1959 are on FamilySearch. Some records from 1960 to the present are also online. Images of the original certificates are on the site. You can print copies for personal use. Certified copies still need to come from the state office.
Florida State Archives
The State Archives of Florida keep the oldest death records. They sit in Tallahassee. They have death records going back to the 1800s. Some records are on microfilm. Some records are digital. You can visit the archives in person. You can also order copies by mail. Fees vary by record type. The archives are open Tuesday through Saturday.
Union County Office Contact Details
The local office is open five days a week. The staff help with all death record orders. Call ahead to confirm hours before you visit. The office is a small brick building in Lake Butler. Free parking sits in front of the building. The building is easy to find in downtown Lake Butler.
Office Address and Location
The Florida Department of Health in Union County sits at 495 East Main Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054. The office is in the town of Lake Butler. Lake Butler is the county seat of Union County. The office sits in a small brick building. Free parking is available in front of the building. The office has a wheelchair-accessible entrance.
Phone Number and Business Hours
The main phone number is (386) 496-1051. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes for state holidays. Walk-in orders are accepted until 4:30 PM. Staff answer the phone during business hours. Voicemail is checked daily. Call the Jacksonville office at (904) 359-6900 for statewide records.
Official Website
The official website is union.floridahealth.gov. The site has office hours, fees, and forms. You can download the death certificate application form. The site lists accepted payment ways. The site links to the VitalChek online ordering page. The state vital records website is floridahealth.gov/certificates. Both sites are free to use. No login is needed to see the basic pages.
The Florida Department of Health building in Union County sits in Lake Butler. The small office serves the entire county. Walk-in orders are welcome during business hours. Free parking is in front of the building.
Nearby County Records
Union County borders four other Florida counties. Each county has its own death records office. Contact the right county office if the death happened there. The offices follow the same state rules and fees. You cannot order Union County records from a different county office.
Bradford County Death Records
Bradford County sits east of Union County. The Florida Department of Health in Bradford County handles its records. The office is in Starke, Florida. The address is 1801 North Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091. The phone number is (904) 964-7732. Bradford County has records from 2009 to today. The same state fees apply.
Columbia County Death Records
Columbia County sits north of Union County. The death records office is in Lake City, Florida. The address is 217 North East Franklin Street, Lake City, FL 32055. The phone number is (386) 758-1058. The office handles records from 2009 to today. Older records go to the State Archives in Tallahassee.
Alachua County Death Records
Alachua County sits south of Union County. The death records office is in Gainesville, Florida. The address is 224 Southeast 24th Street, Gainesville, FL 32641. The phone number is (352) 334-7900. Alachua County is one of the larger counties in north central Florida. The office handles a high volume of orders each year.
Baker County Death Records
Baker County sits northeast of Union County. The death records office is in Macclenny, Florida. The address is 480 West Macclenny Avenue, Macclenny, FL 32063. The phone number is (904) 259-6291. The office handles records from 2009 to today. Baker County is a small rural county.
Cities in Union County
Union County has a few small towns. All death record orders go through the Lake Butler office. The towns are quiet rural communities in north central Florida. Each town has its own post office but shares county services like death records.
Lake Butler
Lake Butler is the county seat of Union County. The city has a population of about 2,000 people. The Florida Department of Health office sits in Lake Butler. All death records for Union County are processed here. The Union County Courthouse is also in Lake Butler. Most county offices are in the town.
Raiford
Raiford is a small town in Union County. The Florida State Prison sits near Raiford. The prison brings many families to the county. Death records for people from the area go through the Lake Butler office. Raiford has a small population of about 300 people. The town sits along U.S. Highway 301.
Worthington Springs
Worthington Springs is a small town in southern Union County. The town has a population of about 400 people. It sits near the Santa Fe River. Death records for Worthington Springs residents go through the Lake Butler office. The town is mostly residential with a post office and a few small shops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about Union County death records. These answers cover the rules, fees, and steps for getting a death certificate. Each answer gives clear facts you can use right away. The questions cover request times, who can order, costs, online ordering, old records, paperwork, and public access. Each answer helps families settle legal matters after a death.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Death Certificate in Union County?
Walk-in orders at the Lake Butler office finish the same day. Mail-in orders take 7 to 10 business days after the office gets your paperwork. Online orders through VitalChek take 3 to 5 business days for standard shipping. Rush shipping through VitalChek arrives in 1 to 2 business days. The Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville takes 2 to 4 weeks for mail-in orders. Plan ahead based on the date you need the certificate. Most agencies ask for a certified copy within 30 days of the death. Order as soon as you can after the death. The same-day service at the Lake Butler office is the fastest choice for local families. Bring a valid photo ID and the death facts to your visit. The clerk will print your certificate before you leave the building. Mail orders work best for people who do not live near the office. Online orders work 24 hours a day for out-of-state families. Rush shipping costs extra but saves time when you have a deadline. Always track your online order through the VitalChek website.
Can Anyone Get a Death Certificate in Florida?
Florida law blocks public access to death records less than 50 years old. Only eligible applicants can get these records. Eligible applicants include the spouse, parents, children, and siblings of the person who died. Lawyers and doctors can apply for work purposes. Government agencies can apply for official business. Records older than 50 years are open to anyone. Genealogists often work with the older records at the State Archives. The 50-year rule protects family privacy. The rule started under Florida Statute 382. The State Archives check ID before giving out older records too. You must show ID even for public records at the archives. The Bureau of Vital Statistics follows the same 50-year rule for mail orders. Records from 1976 and earlier are open to the public in 2026. The rule helps keep family data safe.
What Is the Cost of a Death Certificate in Florida?
The first certified copy costs $12 at the local office. Each extra copy in the same order costs $8. Online orders through VitalChek add a service fee of about $4 to $6 per order. Rush shipping through VitalChek costs about $20 extra. The Bureau of Vital Statistics uses the same fees as county offices. The State Archives charge their own fees for older records. State law sets all the fees. Fees can change over time with new laws. Check the latest fees before you send your payment. The fee structure is the same across all 67 Florida counties. Each county office follows the same state fee rules. The fees help pay for death records work across the state. All orders must pay the full fee upfront. Wrong payments delay your order by weeks. Make checks payable to the Florida Department of Health. Write the record number on the memo line of the check.
Can I Get a Death Certificate Online in Florida?
Yes, you can order death certificates online through VitalChek. The website is vitalchek.com. Pick Florida as the state. Fill out the death certificate application. Pay with a credit card. Most orders ship in 3 to 5 business days. Rush shipping is available for an extra fee. Online orders work 24 hours a day. The VitalChek service is the official state vendor. The state does not have its own online ordering system. VitalChek is the only official online vendor for Florida. Other websites that claim to offer Florida death records are not real. They may charge extra fees for the same service. Always use vitalchek.com for real Florida records. Online orders work for any Florida county. The same fees apply for online and in-person orders. VitalChek will email you a tracking number after your order ships.
How Do I Find Old Death Records in Union County?
Older death records sit at the Florida State Archives in Tallahassee. The archives have records from the 1800s to 2008. Records older than 50 years are open to the public. You do not need to prove a family tie. The State Archives address is 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. FamilySearch.org has many Florida death records online for free. The records cover 1900 to 1959 and some from 1960 to the present. The local office only has records from 2009 to today. The Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville can help with older records too. Call the archives at (850) 245-6717 before you visit. The archives are open Tuesday through Saturday. You can also order copies by mail from the archives. The archives charge their own fees for copies. Old records on microfilm can be read in person at the archives. FamilySearch has free indexes and images for many old records.
What Documents Do I Need to Get a Death Certificate?
You need a valid photo ID. A driver license, state ID, passport, or military ID all work. The ID must be current and not expired. You need to fill out the death certificate application form. The form asks for the full name of the person who died. The form asks for the date of death. The form asks for the county where the death took place. The form asks for your tie to the person. The form asks for your contact phone number. Bring a copy of your ID if you apply by mail. The clerk will check your ID before giving you the certificate. The state may ask for proof of your family tie in some cases. You may need a birth certificate or marriage certificate to show your tie. The clerk can tell you what extra papers you need for your case. All applicants must sign the form under penalty of perjury. Wrong data on the form can lead to delays or denied orders.
Are Florida Death Certificates Public Records?
Death certificates less than 50 years old are not public in Florida. Only eligible applicants can get them. This rule protects family privacy. Death certificates older than 50 years are public records. Anyone can get a copy. The State Archives keep the older records. FamilySearch.org has many older records online for free. The state updates the 50-year cutoff every year. Each year, more records become public. Records from 1976 and earlier are open to the public as of 2026. The 50-year rule applies to all Florida death certificates. Birth certificates have a longer 100-year privacy rule in Florida. Marriage records have shorter rules in most Florida counties. Always check the latest state rules before you apply. Public records have lower fees in some cases. The archives may charge less for public records than private ones. Death certificates that are part of court cases may have different access rules.