How to Get a Death Certificate in Florida

Florida's death certificate process is one of the simpler ones in the country, and at $10 for the first copy plus $4 for each additional, one of the cheapest. This guide covers how to order certified copies, who can ask for them, and how many to get.

Which Agency Handles Vital Records in Florida?

Florida death certificates are issued by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, located in Jacksonville. Phone: (877) 550-7330 (VitalChek, the department's contracted ordering vendor).

Florida also allows county health departments to issue certified copies, which can be faster if the death occurred locally.

How to Order a Death Certificate in Florida

• Online: Order through VitalChek, the only contracted vendor for Florida's Bureau of Vital Statistics. Normal processing for deaths from 2009 to present is 3 to 5 business days plus shipping; records prior to 2009 take longer.
• By mail: Mail a completed application with payment (check or money order payable to Florida Department of Health) to: Bureau of Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. Allow 4 to 8 weeks.
• In person: Walk-in service is available at the Jacksonville Bureau of Vital Statistics office. Bring ID and payment. Same-day service is often available.
• Through the funeral home: The funeral home can order certified copies while filing the death registration. In the first week, this is usually the easiest option.
• County health departments: Many Florida counties can also issue certified copies, often with shorter wait times than the state office.

How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in Florida?

Florida charges $10 for the first certified copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, which is among the lowest in the country. A rush order through VitalChek adds a $10 fee.

Who Is Eligible to Request a Death Certificate in Florida?

Florida's eligibility rules are fairly broad. You may request a certified copy if you are:

• The spouse, parent, child, sibling, or grandparent of the deceased
• A grandchild, great-grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew
• The executor or administrator of the estate
• A licensed attorney representing the estate
• Any person with a "direct and tangible interest" (documented in writing)

You'll need to provide a copy of your government-issued photo ID and state your relationship.

How Many Copies Should You Order?

Plan for 10 to 12 certified copies. Florida estates often include real estate, joint accounts, and insurance policies, and each one needs its own original. If your loved one owned a business, property in multiple counties, or had several financial accounts, order 12 to 15.

What If There's an Error on the Certificate?

File a Request for Amendment form with the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Minor factual errors (name, date, county) require supporting documentation. Cause of death changes require the certifying physician or medical examiner to initiate the correction. Florida's amendment process can take 4 to 8 weeks.

What to Do After You Receive Your Death Certificates

Once you have your certified copies, these are the next steps:

1. Notify financial institutions. Bring a certified copy to each bank, brokerage, and credit union where the deceased held accounts.
2. File life insurance claims. Each insurer needs an original certified copy.
3. Contact Social Security. Report the death at (800) 772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
4. Begin probate if the estate requires it. Not every estate does.
5. Update property titles. Real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets each need a certified copy.
6. Send notifications. Omuna's free notification templates help you draft letters to banks, insurers, and government agencies.
7. Create a memorial page. Omuna's memorial editor lets you build a page your family can share.