Death certificate · Florida
How to get a death certificate in Florida
In Florida, certified death certificates are issued by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics — or a county health department. The first certified copy costs $5 (includes the search), with additional copies at $4 each (same order). Order in person, by mail to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville, or online through VitalChek. County health departments also issue copies (fees vary).
Last verified July 2, 2026 · Sources: Florida DOH — Death Certificates, Florida DOH — Amendments and Corrections
- Where to order
- Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics — or a county health department — official site
- Cost
- $5 (includes the search) first copy; $4 each (same order).
- How to order
- Order in person, by mail to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville, or online through VitalChek. County health departments also issue copies (fees vary).
- Good to know
- A copy without cause of death is public record; the cause-of-death version is restricted for the first 50 years.
With or without cause of death — Florida's 50-year rule
Death certificates without cause of death are public record in Florida. The version with cause of death is confidential for 50 years from the death, available only to the spouse or parent; an adult child, grandchild, or sibling; anyone who documents an interest in the estate (a will or insurance policy); an authorized representative with a notarized affidavit; or by court order. A valid photo ID is required either way.
Ordering channels and speed
Order by mail from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville, walk in at 1217 N. Pearl Street, or order online or by phone through VitalChek (adds a $7 vendor fee). County health departments can issue copies for deaths from 2009 onward. Standard processing for 2009+ records is about 3–5 business days plus shipping; older records take longer, and each extra year searched adds $2.
Fixing an error on a Florida death certificate
Demographic corrections use application DH524 with a notarized affidavit (DH433); changes to the cause of death must come from the certifying physician or medical examiner. The amendment fee is $20 and includes one certified copy of the corrected record; medical amendments are free. Allow roughly 2–3 weeks, or add $10 for rush handling.
Common questions about death certificates in Florida
- How much is a death certificate in Florida?
- The first certified copy is $5 (includes the search), and additional copies ordered at the same time are $4 each (same order). Third-party online vendors add a service fee.
- How many death certificates do I need?
- Most families order 10 or more certified copies. Each bank, insurer, brokerage, and government agency typically wants its own certified original, not a photocopy, so it's better to over-order than to wait for more later.
- Who can order a death certificate?
- Usually the next of kin, the executor, or someone with a documented legal or financial interest. The funeral home can order certified copies on the family's behalf when it files the death certificate.
General guidance, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change — confirm with the Florida vital-records office.