Florida Vital Records Search

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What are Florida Vital Records?

The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics is the government agency in the state that handles all vital records. These records include birth, death, fetal death, divorce, and marriage certificates. That agency also handles amendments and corrections to vital records and other health-related issues such as licensing and regulation, statistics and data, and publication of wellness brochures. Some popular uses for a certified copy of a vital record are applying for a passport, entering school, employment, verifying your identity, and applying for a government job or insurance reasons.  Florida has some vital records dating back to 1865, but most of the state has been routinely keeping vital records since 1899.

Florida Birth Records

The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics is the entity which collects, stores, maintains, and issues vital records. Local county health offices can also issue vital records. They have birth records dating back to 1917 to present and can print one for you upon request. They also have Commemorative birth certificates for parents of newborns. Birth records in Florida are confidential for 100 years, and only certain close family members and legal representatives can get a copy of yours. A certified copy of your birth certificate comes in handy when you need to apply to get your driver's license, attend college, go for a government job or try to get a specialized license or permit or just validating your identity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Birth Records

How do I find birth records in Florida?

Florida's Department of Health maintains all vital records, so if you are searching for a specific record, they are the ones to contact. They have been keeping birth records since 1899.

How do I get a certified copy of my birth certificate in Florida?

You can contact your local county health department or the Florida State Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics for copies. You can order through them by mail or walk-in service. You can also use the VitalChek system to order online or by phone.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a birth certificate in Florida?

It costs $9 per certified copy of your birth certificate in Florida. However, if you only need a photocopy certification, that costs only $4. Other fees apply, for example, if you need to search for additional years, you must pay more. You can also pay an additional $10 if you want it quicker than the normal 3-5 days.

Who can request birth records?

Birth records in Florida are confidential. Therefore, only certain people can get a copy of yours. That list includes:

  1. "The registrant (name on the record) if of legal age (18).
  2. Parent(s) listed on the Birth Record.
  3. Legal guardian (must provide guardianship papers).
  4. Legal representative of one of the above persons (must provide documentation).
  5. By Court Order (must provide a copy of court order).
  6. Upon receipt of registrant's death record, a birth certificate marked "Deceased" may be issued to the spouse, child, grandchild, or sibling, if of legal age."

What birth records are available in Florida?

The state of Florida has been keeping vital records since 1899. However, some areas like Key West have records dating back to 1865.

What information do I need when getting a copy of my Florida birth certificate?

When requesting a copy of your own or someone else's birth records, you need to supply the following information:

  1. "Full name on the birth record.
  2. Sex.
  3. Date of birth (if unknown, specify a range of years to be searched and provide an additional fee of $2.00 per calendar year).
  4. City or County of birth.
  5. Parent(s) full name(s) prior to first marriage."

In addition, you need to supply your own information as well, such as:

  1. "Full Name.
  2. Relationship to the person named on the record.
  3. Mailing address.
  4. Phone number.
  5. Signature of Applicant."

Where can I find historical vital records in Florida for genealogy research?

The Florida Department of Health has records going all the way back to1899 and further. They maintain the state's full records database. Some county health departments can also supply more current records upon demand.

How can I correct an error on my birth record?

Contact the Florida Department of Health. They have the authority to make changes and correct errors. You must download the proper form, pay the $20 fee, and follow their specific process for amending records.

Can I get a refund if my Florida birth record is not available?

No. Birth certificate search fees are not refundable.

Florida Death Records

Florida has been keeping death records since 1899. Some areas have older records. The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics is the government agency in charge of maintaining and issues death records. Death records are kept private for 50 years; then they become public record. The deceased's cause of death and full social security number will be redacted unless provided to a close family member or legal representative. Death records are often needed when you apply for a marriage license to get married after your spouse dies. They also come in handy when applying for insurance benefits and other situations where you need to prove someone's passing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Death Records

How do I find death records in Florida?

The Florida Department of Health keeps all death records, and they are kept private until they reach 50 years of age. The Department of Health can search for multiple years to find one you are searching for. You can also check other public records databases to find death records for Florida.

Are death records public in Florida?

Not until after 50 years. The person's cause of death and full social security number will be redacted from any records provided to anyone outside the allowable list of recipients.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a death certificate in Florida?

It costs only $5 for searching one calendar year and a certified copy of a death record. Each additional copy is another $4. If you need to search for additional years, that cost is $2 per year. You can also order rush service for another $10. 

How long does it take to get a copy of a Florida death record?

If you order by mail through the Florida Department of Health, it usually takes between 3-5 business days. You can also visit a local county health office if you need one sooner.

Who can request death records?

Death records are kept confidential for 50 years. Therefore, only the list of persons below can get a copy:

  1. "Decedent's spouse or parent.
  2. Decedent's child, grandchild or sibling, if of legal age.
  3. Any person who provides a will, insurance policy, or other documents that demonstrate his or her interest in the estate.
  4. Any person who provides documentation that he or she is acting on behalf of any of the above-named persons.
  5. By Court Order."

What information do I need when getting a copy of someone's Florida death certificate?

When you request a copy of someone's death certificate, you will need to provide some information such as:

  1. "Name of the deceased.
  2. Date of death.
  3. Spouse's name.
  4. Place of death.
  5. Social security number (if known).
  6. Funeral home name."

You must also supply your information, pay the fee, and provide documentation that you are eligible to receive a copy.

Where can I find historical death records in Florida?

The Florida Department of Health is the agency that keeps track of all death records for the state going back to 1899. They can search for multiple years at the cost of $2/year.

How can I correct an error on someone's death record?

The Florida Department of Health has a specific process to amend and correct vital records. First, visit their website and download the proper form. Fill it out and then make your request by mail or email or phone them as well.

Can I get a refund if my Florida death record is not available?

No, all death certificate searches are non-refundable.

Florida Marriage Records

Florida has been keeping track of marriage certificates from June 6, 1927, to the present. After a marriage ceremony and the license is filed with the Circuit Court, approximately 60 days later, a copy is sent to the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics for storing and issuing. Upon request, you can get a copy called an "abstract," which is the information in a government form rather than as it appeared originally on the court certificate. You can also contact the courts if you need a copy, especially if the marriage occurred less than 60 days prior. The Department of Health allows you to get copies through VitalChek online or by phone and from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics by mail or in person.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Marriage Records

Are Florida marriage records public?

Yes. Marriage records in Florida are public records, and as long as you have some information and pay the fee, you can get a copy of anyone's record.

What Florida marriage records are available?

Florida began keeping marriage records as of 1927, and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics has them all from June of that year until the present. The courts have copies as well.

How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in Florida?

If you visit them in person, you can get a copy while you wait. If you order through the mail or online using VitalChek, you will wait 3-5 days or longer to get a copy.

How much does a Florida marriage certificate cost?

A copy of a marriage certificate in Florida costs $5. That fee includes the search and the certified copy. If you need additional copies, they cost $4 each. If you need to search for other years, that cost is $2/year. You can also request a rush order for another $10.  

When requesting records, what information do I need?

When requesting a copy of someone's marriage records, you need the following information:

  1. Full name(s) of both spouses.
  2. Date of the marriage.
  3. Place of marriage.
  4. Place the marriage license was issued.

You will also have to pay the $10 fee when ordering.

How do I get a copy of a Florida marriage record?

You can contact the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics and get one in person or through the mail. You can also order one online or by phone through VitalChek.

What if I didn't get married in Florida?

The Bureau of Vital Statistics advises, "For marriages that occurred outside of Florida, visit the National Center of Health Statistics website at www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm."

Who can get a copy of my marriage certificate?

Anyone. Marriage records in Florida are open records without restriction.

How do I correct a marriage certificate in Florida?

The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Records has a specific process for making corrections. First, you have to download the proper form and then provide documentation along with paying a fee.

Florida Divorce Records

Florida began keeping divorce records as of June 6, 1927. They have all files from that date to the present. The Florida Department of Public Health Bureau of Vital Statistics is the agency in charge of divorce records. They make it very easy for anyone to get a copy through the mail, in person, or online and phone through VitalChek. When they supply a copy, it is in abstract form, not the original court-styled version of the certificate. You always have the option of consulting the Circuit court where the marriage dissolution took place for an exact copy of the original.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Divorce Records

Can I find divorce records online in Florida?

Yes. Quite easily through The Florida Department of Public Health Bureau of Vital Statistics. They have records going back to 1927.

How do I find old divorce records?

The Florida Department of Public Health Bureau of Vital Statistics has been keeping divorce records since 1927. For older records, you may have to contact the Circuit court where the divorce took place.

How do I get a copy of my divorce certificate?

The Florida Department of Public Health Bureau of Vital Statistics offers a few different ways to get copies. You can order a copy through the mail or in person. They also partner with VitalChek so you can get a copy easily online or by phone.

How much does it cost for a certified copy of my divorce certificate?

You must pay $5 for a search and certified copy. After that, any additional copies cost $4 each, and other search years require $2/each. You can also ask for a rush job, which will cost you another $10.

What information is needed to search for a Florida divorce record?

When you request a copy of someone's divorce records in Florida, you will need:

  1. The full names of both spouses (including maiden names).
  2. The date of dissolution.
  3. The place where the dissolution was granted (county or court).

If they can't find my divorce record, can I get a refund?

No, all search fees are non-refundable.

What if my divorce took place outside of Florida?

The Department of Public Health Bureau of Vital Statistics states that "For dissolutions that occurred outside of Florida, visit the National Center of Health Statistics website at www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm."

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