How To Get a Death Certificate in Florida: Complete 2025 Guide

When you unexpectedly lose a loved one in an accident, your world is turned upside down. During these difficult times, a Florida death certificate can help you quickly cut through the frustrating bureaucracy.

Our Florida wrongful death attorneys at Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, assist grieving clients in navigating estate matters every day. 

In this guide, our lawyers will explain how to get a death certificate in Florida when you need one.

Understanding Florida Death Certificates: What You Need To Know

A death certificate is a government document that confirms to the state that someone has passed away. They are vital statistics maintained by the Florida Department of Health.

There are two types of Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics death records. Certified death certificates are public records that don’t list a cause of death. Informational copies list the cause of death but can only be accessed by specific individuals. The cause of death becomes public information only after 50 years.

The information on a certified death certificate is legally required to settle estate and probate claims. A probate death certificate in Florida can be used as evidence that you are a rightful heir when the deceased didn’t have a will. 

When filing a life insurance claim, you may also need an informational document.

Who Can Get a Death Certificate in Florida?

So, who can obtain a death certificate in Florida? According to Florida Statute 382, if you aren’t seeking the cause of death, Florida Department of Health death certificates are public records available to any person over 18. 

Otherwise, you must be a spouse, parent, child, grandchild, or sibling who is over 18, and you must have identification that proves that.

For legal purposes, other parties who don’t meet the death certificate requirements in Florida may need access to a Florida death certificate with the cause of death. In this case, you fill out form DH1959 and get it notarized to give that party access to the cause of death information.

Estate representatives may also need this documentation to perform their duties. They can petition a judge for a court order to be granted access.

A Florida attorney can provide assistance with any part of this process.

Step-By-Step: How To Get a Death Certificate in Florida

There are three methods to get a certified death certificate in Florida.

Online Through VitalChek

To get a death certificate online in Florida, you must request one from the VitalChek website. VitalChek will confirm that you meet the death certificate requirements in Florida by first verifying your identity. You must then upload the appropriate documents and pay the processing fee.

The Florida death certificate processing time at VitalChek is typically three to five days. This option usually provides the most convenient access and excellent security.

In Person at the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or the County Health Department

The County Health Department has an office in Jacksonville at 1217 N. Pearl Street. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can order a death certificate in Tampa in person if you bring proper identification and documentation.

By Mail Application Process

To file a death certificate application in Florida by mail, you must submit Form DH727 to the Florida Department of Health. To prove that you are eligible, you must identify your relation to the deceased and your age. The fee is $5, and you may only pay by check or money order.

Florida Death Certificate Fees and Costs Breakdown

Thankfully, you won’t be overwhelmed by the cost of a death certificate. In Florida, the following fees apply:

• $5 for a first copy and $4 for additional copies from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.
• $12 and an optional UPS shipping fee from VitalChek.
• Costs vary at County Health Departments (Tampa costs $10).
• Rush processing is $10.
• $2 per year to search for records when the death year is unknown.

The search fee is non-refundable, and you will be charged an additional $15 if your check bounces. Consider calling the Florida death certificate phone number before mailing a check or paying online.

How Long Does It Take To Receive a Death Certificate in Florida?

You may be wondering, “How long does it take to get a death certificate?” In most cases, the processing time is three to five business days. When the date of the death is before 2009, additional processing time is required. You can request expedited processing by spending an additional $10. Also, you can pay for expedited shipping options from VitalChek.

Some County Health Departments may offer same-day service to walk-ins. Contact your local health department in advance to see if this service is available.

If the agency is unable to determine where the record is, processing will be delayed. This typically happens when it can’t verify your eligibility or you provide incomplete information.

Required Information and Documentation for Florida Death Certificates

When requesting Florida public death records, you must provide the following information about the deceased:

• Their full name
• Date of death
• County of death
• Social Security Number

If you are interested in the death information, you also need to provide your:

• Full name
• Mailing address
• Phone number
• Relationship to the deceased

This information must be supported with one of the following forms of valid photo identification:

• Driver’s license
• State ID
• Passport
• Military ID

If appropriate, also provide information from a will, insurance policy, or estate documents. You may also need a notarized Form DH1959 if you are otherwise not eligible. Regardless, accuracy is critical. Providing false information is a felony.

Death Certificates for Tampa and Major Florida Counties

The process to obtain a death certificate in Hillsborough County may be slightly different from the process to request a death certificate in Pinellas County.

The Tampa death certificate office is at 13601 N. 22nd St., open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. A certificate costs $10, and a protective plastic cover is $3.

At the Pinellas office, walk-ins are not accepted after 4:00 p.m. However, the certificate is only $9, and the office offers optional notary services for $10 and rush orders for $5.

The offices in Miami are at 1350 NW 14th St., 18680 NW 67th Ave., and 18255 Homestead Ave. Miami charges $20 for the first copy and $16 for additional copies.

An in-person request in Orange County can be made at 832 W. Central Blvd. The cost is $10 per copy.

The County Health Department is typically more convenient than a state office and may offer same-day services.

Legal Uses for Death Certificates: Why You Need Multiple Copies

How can you prove that you qualify for probate or the proceeds of an estate? When can you file a life insurance claim? How can you get financial accounts, or a real estate transfer, or a deceased’s government benefits? Who can sue for wrongful death in Florida?

These questions are all relevant to the legal uses of death certificates. With the help of the right attorney, you will learn how to file a wrongful death lawsuit or handle business affairs with certified death certificates. 

For many legal issues, you will want at least 10 copies to provide to interested parties.

When You Need Legal Help With Death Certificates and Estate Matters

Death certificates are essential for complex legal matters. For example, it can be difficult to know what to do after a car accident with injuries that prove to be fatal for a loved one. Our attorneys can help you understand what is considered bodily injury in a car accident, and how you can pursue damages for the death of a loved one who suffered fatal harm due to someone else’s negligence.

The experienced lawyers at Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, know how to handle all types of personal injury cases, estate situations, probate procedures, and other disputes involving death certificates.

When you need compassionate assistance from a skilled attorney, contact our law firm right away to discuss your legal options.