How to Get a Death Certificate in Florida
How to Get a Death Certificate in Florida
You can order a Florida death certificate online through VitalChek, by mail from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville, in person at the Jacksonville office, or from your local county health department. The process takes anywhere from same-day (in person) to 4-6 weeks (by mail), and fees range from $5 to $15 per copy depending on the type and method.
Two Types of Death Certificates in Florida
Florida issues two distinct versions of the death certificate, and which one you can get depends on your relationship to the deceased.
Informational Copy (Without Cause of Death)
This version lists the deceased's name, date of death, and place of death but does not include the cause of death. Anyone can request this copy - no relationship required.
Confidential Copy (With Cause of Death)
This version includes the full medical certification and cause of death. Under Fla. Stat. Section 382.025(2)(a), the cause of death is confidential for 50 years after the date of death. Only certain people can request this version.
Who qualifies for a confidential copy:
- The surviving spouse
- A parent or legal guardian
- A child, grandchild, or sibling of the deceased
- Any person who demonstrates a tangible interest (e.g., the Personal Representative of the estate, a beneficiary named in the will, an insurer, or an attorney representing one of these parties)
Most banks, insurance companies, and government agencies require the confidential version with cause of death. Order this type unless you have a specific reason not to.
How the Death Certificate Gets Filed
Understanding the filing process helps explain why there can be delays in getting your copies.
- The funeral director initiates the death certificate and files the demographic information with the local registrar (county health department).
- The attending physician completes the medical certification (cause of death) within 72 hours of death.
- The Medical Examiner handles the medical certification instead of a physician when the death falls under Section 406.11 (unexpected, violent, suspicious, unattended, in custody, or involving a child under 18).
- The local registrar registers the completed certificate.
- The state Bureau of Vital Statistics receives the registration and makes copies available.
The entire death certificate must be filed within 5 days after death and prior to final disposition of the body (Fla. Stat. Section 382.008).
Four Ways to Order
1. Online Through VitalChek
The Florida Department of Health partners with VitalChek for online orders.
- Go to floridahealth.gov and follow the link to order vital records
- Available for both informational and confidential copies
- Fee: State fee ($5-$15 depending on type) plus VitalChek processing fee (approximately $7)
- Processing time: 2-4 weeks for standard delivery
- Expedited shipping available for an additional fee
- You will need to verify your identity and relationship to the deceased
2. In Person at Jacksonville Office
Visit the Bureau of Vital Statistics at:
1217 N Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
- Same-day service is often available
- Bring a valid photo ID and documentation proving your relationship
- Cash, check, or money order accepted
- Fee: $5-$15 per copy depending on type
3. By Mail
Send your request to:
Bureau of Vital Statistics P.O. Box 210 Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
Include:
- Completed DH Form 727 (Application for Florida Death Record)
- A copy of your photo ID
- Documentation of your relationship to the deceased
- Check or money order payable to "Vital Statistics" (do not send cash)
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Processing time: 3-5 business days for processing (for 2009-present records), plus mail transit time
4. County Health Department
Your local county health department can issue death certificates for deaths that occurred from 2009 forward. For deaths before 2009, you must order from the state Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville.
- Walk-in service available at most county offices
- Fees vary by county
- Processing is typically faster than mail orders to Jacksonville
- Find your county health department at floridahealth.gov
How Many Copies Do You Need?
Order more than you think you will need. Each institution typically requires an original certified copy, not a photocopy.
| Purpose | Copies Needed |
|---|---|
| Probate court | 1-2 |
| Social Security Administration | 1 |
| Each bank or financial institution | 1 each |
| Each life insurance policy | 1 each |
| Each retirement/pension account | 1 each |
| Mortgage company | 1 |
| Vehicle title transfer (FL DHSMV) | 1 |
| Veterans Affairs (if applicable) | 1 |
| Recommended total | 8-12 |
Some institutions will return the original after review, but many will not. Starting with 8-12 copies saves you from having to reorder later and waiting another 2-6 weeks.
Processing Times Summary
| Method | Typical Turnaround |
|---|---|
| In person (Jacksonville) | Same day |
| County health department | Same day to 1 week |
| Online (VitalChek) | 2-4 weeks |
| By mail (Bureau of Vital Statistics) | 4-6 weeks |
When the Medical Examiner Is Involved
The Medical Examiner handles the cause-of-death certification in specific situations listed in Fla. Stat. Section 406.11:
- Criminal violence or suspected criminal violence
- Accident
- Suicide
- Sudden death of a person in apparent good health
- Death unattended by a physician
- Death in a prison, jail, or police custody
- Death of a child under 18
- Death from a drug overdose or poisoning
- Death during or after a surgical procedure where the death was not expected
When the Medical Examiner is involved, the death certificate may take longer to finalize. The ME must complete their investigation before signing the medical certification. In some cases, the cause of death may initially be listed as "pending" and amended later.
Amending a Death Certificate
Errors happen. Florida law provides a process for corrections under Fla. Stat. Section 382.016.
What Can Be Amended and By Whom
| Change Needed | Who Can Request |
|---|---|
| Cause of death | Only the original certifier (physician or Medical Examiner) |
| Demographic information (name, date of birth, etc.) | Next of kin or legal representative, with supporting documentation |
| Surviving spouse name | Court order required |
| Adding or correcting father's information | Varies - may require court order |
Amendment Process
- Contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics or your county health department
- Complete the appropriate amendment form
- Provide supporting documentation (marriage certificate, court order, etc.)
- Pay the amendment fee
- Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks
If the cause of death needs to change, only the certifying physician or Medical Examiner can initiate that amendment. Family members cannot change the cause of death on their own.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: The death certificate says "pending" for cause of death. Solution: This happens when the Medical Examiner is waiting for toxicology or other test results. It can take 6-12 weeks. You can request an amended certificate once the cause is finalized. In the meantime, some institutions will accept the pending certificate for certain transactions.
Problem: You cannot get a confidential copy because you are not family. Solution: If you are the Personal Representative of the estate, an attorney representing the estate, or a beneficiary with a tangible interest, you qualify. Bring documentation of your role (letters of administration, the will naming you, etc.).
Problem: The death occurred before 2009 and your county cannot help. Solution: You must order from the state Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. County offices only have records from 2009 forward.
Problem: You need copies urgently for a financial institution. Solution: Order in person at the Jacksonville office for same-day service, or use VitalChek with expedited shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Florida death certificate cost?
State fees range from $5 to $15 per copy depending on the type (informational vs. confidential). If you order through VitalChek online, add approximately $7 for processing. County health departments may charge different fees.
Can I order a death certificate for someone who is not a relative?
You can order the informational copy (without cause of death) for anyone. For a confidential copy (with cause of death), you need to demonstrate a qualifying relationship or tangible interest under Fla. Stat. Section 382.025.
How long after death can I order a certificate?
You can order a death certificate as soon as it has been filed and registered, typically within 1-2 weeks of the death. For urgent needs, check with the funeral home or county health department about availability.
Do I need death certificates for probate?
Yes. The circuit court will require at least one certified copy when you file a probate petition. Order additional copies for financial institutions and government agencies. See how probate works in Florida for details on the probate process.
Can I get a death certificate from another state for someone who died in Florida?
No. Death certificates are issued by the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the person lived. If someone who lived in another state died in Florida, you order from Florida.
What to Do Next
Ordering death certificates is one of the earliest steps after a death, but it connects to everything else - probate, benefits claims, and financial account transfers. For the full timeline of what comes next, see what to do when someone dies in Florida.
Kaira organizes every step for your state — deadlines, forms, and next actions — so nothing gets missed. See how it works.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Fees and processing times are approximate and subject to change. Contact the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or your county health department for current information.
Sources: Florida Statutes Sections 382.008, 382.016, 382.025, 406.11; Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics.