Vital Records Online is a safe and secure U.S.-based service for ordering FL vital records online, including birth, marriage, and death certificates. Rest assured that your documents will arrive securely, and your private information will remain confidential.
Summary:
- Find more information about how to order Florida vital records.
- Search for Florida health department locations.
- Learn about the requirements for requesting Florida vital records.
- Calculate the costs and fees associated with requesting replacements.
- Confirm that you are legally authorized to request the replacement for someone else.
- Check current processing and wait times for orders.
- How to track your order for a vital record replacement.
- Get answers to other frequently asked questions about Florida vital records.
- Find free Florida public records online.
Find your county’s vital record office: 
History of Vital Records in Florida
Florida Government-Issued Vital RecordsFlorida, the Sunshine State, is projected to reach 24.5 million residents by 2030. Birth, death, fetal death, marriage, and divorce information is available through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics (VR), a division of the Florida Department of Health (FDH).
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics records is responsible for maintaining all Florida vital records. The Bureau has all birth and death records from 1917, as well as some older records dating back to 1865. Florida birth records are confidential for 100 years and are issued only to authorized individuals. Death certificates are a matter of public record. A cause of death is confidential under Florida law and may only be issued to “the decedent’s spouse, parent, child, grandchild, or sibling (if 18 years of age or older)”. A decedent’s cause of death becomes public after 50 years. In addition, marriage records are public Florida vital records.
If you’re doing ancestral research in Florida, the Family History Library (FamilySearch), operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, contains copies of original birth and death records for various counties of Florida and an extensive collection of delayed birth records dating to the 1860s.
Florida Birth Certificate
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Florida Marriage Certificate
Obtain marriage records for yourself or a family member.
Florida Death Certificate
Get an original copy of a death certificate replacement for a lost record.Why Do I Need Certified Copies of My Florida Vital Records?
Certified copies of vital records are some of the most critical documents a person can have. They’re often used to prove identity and citizenship and can help settle legal disputes, claim an inheritance, and investigate family history. Certified copies of vital records can provide key details about your ancestors, such as their full names, dates of birth and death, and physical locations. You can find other beneficial uses for vital records in our vital records FAQS section.
If you have lost or misplaced a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or death certificate, file a police report and request a certified duplicate replacement as soon as possible.
Where to Get Florida Vital Records
All certified vital records are issued by the state that recorded the event. The fastest and easiest option is to order your Florida vital records online through us. You can also visit one of the FL Bureau of Vital Statistics office locations.
In the United States, all vital records are maintained at the county and state levels, with each life event recorded within local jurisdictions. We provide a safe and secure service for ordering FL vital records online, including birth, marriage, and death certificates. Rest assured that your Florida vital records will be delivered safely and securely, and your sensitive information will be safeguarded with the utmost confidentiality.
❗️If you’re seeking historical records for ancestry or genealogy research in Florida, they’re freely available from various public archives.
Local Vital Records Office
- Long Waiting Lines
- Complex & Tedious Application Process
- Strict Business Hours & Closed During Holidays
- Extremely Busy Phone Lines
- No Trackable Application
- Only Accept Checks & Money Orders
Vital Records Online
- No Waiting in Long Lines
- Simplified & Streamlined Application Process
- Open 24 Hours/Day — 365 Days/Year
- Online Assistance By Specialists
- Verification And Error-Checking
- Custom Trackable Application Interface
- Convenient Credit Card Fee Payments
- Additional Service Fee
- Remote Processing Time
How to Order Florida Vital Records
There are several ways to acquire vital records in person, via mail, or online, which is the easiest option. The Florida Department of Health (FDH) Bureau of Vital Statistics can produce certified copies if you meet the requirements and follow the instructions for birth, death, and marriage certificates. The certificate you require and the method you use to order will determine the associated costs, required documentation, and processing time until the certificate is in your possession. We advise that you understand the requirements before requesting a certified copy of FL vital records from the FDH Bureau of Vital Statistics.
You can apply for Florida vital records in person if you live near where the vital record was initially issued. You can also rely on the convenience of mail or online ordering, which allows you to avoid long lines at the office.
Below, you’ll find answers to questions about ordering replacement Florida vital records online, through the mail, or in person. It’s crucial to prepare before applying by checking the requirements, fees, processing times, and county Health Department locations to ensure your documents, application, and payment are all mailed to the correct vital records location that produces a certified copy of the original record.
Ordering Florida Vital Records Online
Ordering through Vital Records Online is fast and easy with our three-step process.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload your documents.
- Receive your documents by mail.
You can choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.
If you‘re authorized to request a replacement, you can start the secure online application process to order a Florida birth, death, or marriage certificate. Vital Records Online offers a user-friendly step-by-step ordering system that assists with gathering the required documents. You can complete the application process on any device in as little as five minutes. Our convenient online Florida vital records application also helps to prevent errors or missing documents that could cause your application to be rejected.
✔︎ First-class mail tracking is included with every online FL vital records application, ensuring that you know exactly when to accept the delivery.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save on future costs.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning, printing, and finding a notary for your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and premium handling process works.
Ordering Florida Vital Records In Person or By Mail
You may consider applying in person if you reside within a reasonable distance of the Health Department, which issues the certified copy of the vital record you need. However, we recommend that you order Florida vital records online if you prefer to avoid long lines and waits or live too far away or in another state. Ordering online is the most convenient method if you live overseas.
The requirements are generally the same whether you apply for vital records in person or by mail. However, if you choose to apply in person at the vital records office, prepare to complete the following tasks:
- Gather documents required to request Florida vital records.
- Get photocopies of your documents.
- Complete the correct form(s).
- Present everything to the Health Department during regular business hours.
To request FL vital records by mail, you’ll also have to perform the following tasks:
- Purchase an envelope.
- Include a physical check or a money order.
- Obtain a notarized sworn statement (if required).
- Issue it to the Florida Department of Health – Bureau of Vital Statistics.
To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the necessary criteria for each required document before mailing it.
❗️ Ensure that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct Health Department that issues certified copies of the preserved original record.
❗️ Before receiving approval for Florida vital records, confirm if you must also have your documents and application notarized with a sworn statement for identity verification.
Learn more about our services for replacing Florida vital records online for you or a family member. Each certificate type has unique requirements for who can request a certified replacement. Vital Records Online can help simplify the process and reduce mistakes, leading to quicker processing times.
Requirements
It’s important to understand the requirements before gathering the documents for your vital records application.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization
The Florida Department of Health (FDH) Bureau of Vital Statistics requires all applicants to prove their identity in order to obtain Florida vital records. People commonly use a driver’s license or a state photo ID. Under certain circumstances, including a photocopy of their ID with a notarized sworn statement is required to attest that they are authorized to obtain the record.
What Documents Are Required to Order FL Vital Records?
The Florida DOH-BVS stipulates that an individual seeking a certified vital record must present the following information to authenticate their request:
- Full legal name
- Proof of identity of the person requesting the birth certificate, such as a government-issued ID (driver’s license, permanent resident card, or passport)
- A phone number
- Relationship to the person listed on the Florida vital records
- The city where the Health Department recorded the event
- The county where the Health Department recorded the event
- A method of payment for the fees
The Florida DOH-BVS defines unique conditions for each type of certificate and personal circumstance. Check the details of eligibility conditions and requirements for Florida birth, death, and marriage replacements.
| Certificate | Required Information | ID Requirements Options | Secondary ID Options | Notary Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Date of Birth, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Parent Names Before Marriage, Phone Number, Place of Birth, Sex, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature | Driver's License, Passport, State ID, US Military ID | College ID, Consular Card, Foreign Driver's License, Health Insurance Card, ID Card, Matricula Card, Tax Documents, Vehicle Registration | Notary for Affidavit if not Authorized |
| Death Certificate | Date of Birth, Date of Death, Email, Full Name of Person of Record, Funeral Home Name, Mailing Address, Phone Number, Place of Death, SSN, Sex, Surviving Spouse, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature | Driver's License, Passport, State ID, US Military ID | College ID, Consular Card, Foreign Driver's License, Health Insurance Card, ID Card, Matricula Card, Tax Documents, Vehicle Registration, Work ID | Notary for Affidavit if not Authorized |
| Marriage Certificate | Bride's Date of Birth, Bride's Name Before Marriage, County of Marriage, Date of Marriage, Email, Groom Name Before Marriage, Groom's Date of Birth, Mailing Address, Phone Number, Place of Marriage, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature | 3 - 5 business days, Same day (walk-in) |
❗️ The Florida Vital Records Processing Department of the Florida DOH-BVS can produce an informational copy if your application is not entirely approved. You cannot get a refund in this scenario. Avoiding a rejection can save you from accumulating additional costs and an extended wait time.
Authorized Parties
Who Is Authorized to Order FL Vital Records?
The person on record may request a certified copy of their vital records for themselves and family members.
If requesting a vital record on another individual’s behalf, you can check the eligibility requirements for each birth, death, and marriage certificate to verify that you’re authorized to request Florida vital records. As part of the process to request a vital record declared by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, the third party requesting the record on another individual’s behalf may or may not be eligible unless they’re a family member or legal representative for the individual on record.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Children (of deceased Spouse), Grandchildren (if person on record is deceased), Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, Other Person by Court Order, Parents, Person on Record, Siblings (of deceased) |
| Death Certificate | Attorneys, Children, Grandchildren, Interested Parties (personal or property rights legal need), Other Person by Court Order, Parents, Siblings, Spouse |
| Marriage Certificate | Not Restricted |
✔︎ If you have documentation of legitimate interest or a Power of Attorney (POA) from the person on record, you are eligible to request Florida vital records for that individual.
Notarized Sworn Statement
Do I need a notary with my application?
The Florida Health Department doesn’t generally require applicants to prove their identity with a notarized sworn statement with the application. Below is a list of common scenarios requiring a notary with your application. You can visit the Florida DOH-BVS website at www.floridahealth.gov to find more information about unique circumstances that may require a notary with your application.
❗️ A notarized sworn statement may be required under the following circumstances:
- When ordering a Florida Birth Certificate by mail if the applicant is not the registrant, parent(s) listed on the birth record, legal guardian, or legal representative of one of the above persons;
- When ordering a Florida Death Certificate online, if the requested Florida vital records include cause of death information;
- When ordering a Florida Death Certificate by mail under the circumstance that the applicant is not the decedent’s spouse or parent;
- When a third-party legal representative requests a Florida marriage certificate;
- When a third-party legal representative is requesting a Florida death or marriage certificate with an affidavit.
✔︎ Vital Records Online includes an online notary service as part of your FL vital records application packet. Otherwise, you must bring your ID when choosing to use a local public notary to create this document.
✔︎ The Florida Department of Health does not require a photocopy of your ID; the notarized application document will be enough proof of identity.
✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is not required when requesting informational copies of Florida vital records.
Costs and Fees
FDH-Bureau of Vital Statistics determines the costs for vital record replacements. Whether you submit your application for Florida vital records online or in person and whether a notary is required to prove your identity will affect the total cost.
The Bureau of Vital Statistics charges a $9.00 fee for each certified copy of a birth record, $5.00 for a marriage certificate certified copy, and $5.00 for a death certificate. Additional copies can be requested for $4.00 that occur during the same order.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy | Rush State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $9.00 | $4.00 | $10.00 |
| Death Certificate | $5.00 | $4.00 | $10.00 |
| Marriage Certificate | $5.00 | $4.00 | $10.00 |
✔︎ You can request additional copies of Florida vital records when ordering to have spares in case of an event when your vital records go missing, get damaged, or are stolen.
Vital Records Online processing fee is $29.
Processing and Delivery Times
How long will it take to receive my FL vital records?
Birth, death, and marriage certificate processing and replacement times can vary. Check the certificate type in the list below.
| Certificate | Processing Time | Rush Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 3 to 5 business days | 2 - 3 business days, Same day (walk-in) |
| Death Certificate | 3 to 5 business days | 2 - 3 business days, Same day (walk-in) |
| Marriage Certificate | 3 to 5 business days | 3 - 5 business days, Same day (walk-in) |
❗️ We also advise allowing 2-3 additional days to obtain a notary if you use a local notary.
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
How Do I Track My Florida Vital Records?
If you submit your application through Vital Records Online, you can check the order status and track your application packet to the Florida Department of Health with the prepaid postage included with your order. The FDH-Bureau of Vital Statistics ships all vital records via USPS first-class mail to protect your vital records but does not claim responsibility for any misdirected or lost certificates.
If you manually mail the application packet to the FL Bureau of Vital Statistics, remember to purchase first-class mail tracking to know when your application arrives at their office.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Florida counties office locations directory.
Florida Vital Records Office Locations
Search (A-Z) Florida vital records issuing agencies in your county.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Apostille
+ What is an apostille?
If you’re requesting Florida vital records, you may require an apostille, which is a certification that verifies the authenticity of a document. It’s often used when documents need to be filed with a foreign government, as it provides assurance that the document is legitimate.
+ How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
The only way to obtain an apostille for FL vital records is through the Florida Secretary of State. Getting an apostille is a two-step process. The first step is obtaining a vital record event certification from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Once you have received the vital record certificate, you must forward it to the Florida Department of State for an apostille/notarial certificate. You can do this by completing the appropriate application on the floridahealth.gov website.
To get an apostille for Florida vital records, you’ll need to submit the following documents:
- The authorized copy of the original document
- A photocopy of the document
- Your proof of identification (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
- The apostille request form
The apostille application process is simple, and you can complete it online. To get an apostille, you’ll need to send all of the documents, payment, and the application to the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. You can go in person or use courier delivery if you prefer.
Mailing Address:
Department of State, Division of Corporations, Apostille Certificate,
P.O. Box 6800,
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6800
In the case that you want to go in person or use courier delivery, use the following address:
Walk-in/Courier Delivery:
Department of State, Division of Corporations, Apostille Certificate,
2415 N. Monroe Street, Suite 810,
Tallahassee, FL 32303.
You can reach the Secretary of State’s office at (904) 359-6900 or online at www.floridahealth.gov.
Corrections and Amendments
+ How can I correct or amend Florida Vital Records?
You can correct or amend FL vital records by filing a petition in the county’s circuit court where you were born or where your adoption papers were filed (if adopted). The court will then schedule a hearing and notify all parties named in the record. It’s important to note that certain countries may have specific requirements for apostilles, so it’s ideal to do thorough research beforehand. Contacting the nearest consulate or embassy for the country where the apostille or notarial certificate will be used can help ensure that all requirements are met for the vital record certificate.
The requirements for requesting the changes or amendments to Florida vital records vary depending on which vital record needs changing.
Typically, requests to correct or amend vital records will require:
- A completed amendment application
- Supporting documentation
- Appropriate fee(s)
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Searching Public Records
+ Are FL vital records open to the public?
Most state records are public in Florida. The access, however, will depend on the types of records you’re looking for and the year when the birth, death, or marriage occurred.
Some third-party websites make it easy to research specific types of vital records. Generally speaking, these sites are not limited based on geographical availability and can be a reference point when researching Florida’s vital records. However, the data on these third-party sites may differ from official government reports. To find a record on a third-party website, the person requesting must provide the following:
- The location of the record you’re looking for, including the city, county, or state where it was recorded.
- The name of the person on record, if they’re not a minor.
Floridians have the right under the Florida Statute Chapter 119 (Public Record Law) to inspect or obtain copies of public vital records.
+ Where can I search for free public vital records?
You can freely search public Florida vital records through the Florida Department of Health. Numerous websites also provide access to historic vital records. However, many websites may charge a fee for providing Florida vital records online. It’s important to note that these sites may not be official government websites, and significant fees could be associated with accessing their databases.
Other
+ How can I verify that my FL vital records are official?
Each state, county, and municipality creates unique vital record formats. Depending on which entity issued your birth, death, or marriage certificate, you can examine their appearance to ensure you have an authentic certified copy.
+ What are the differences between authorized copies of Florida vital records versus informational copies?
The difference between an authorized (certified) vital record and an informational copy is that an authorized record is the original, whereas an informational copy of a vital record is not. An authorized (certified) copy can be used for most legal purposes, with few exceptions.
Authorized Copy:
Authorized (certified) copies constitute legal documents that can be used for official identification, while parties cannot use informational copies to establish identity. As a result, certified copies of vital records are only issued to individuals with a “direct and tangible interest” in the document.
A notarized sworn statement may be required to obtain an authorized copy of Florida vital records to acknowledge your legal right to request a certified copy of a birth, death, or marriage certificate. The notarized sworn statement attests to eligibility to request the authorized copy (declaring under penalty of perjury that you are entitled by law to receive an authorized copy). Without the notarized Sworn Statement, the request for FL vital records will be rejected as incomplete and returned to you without processing, leading to further delays.
Informational Copy:
An informational copy is not official and can be used for personal purposes but not for legal or official purposes, such as proving age or citizenship.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Find More Online Resources and Information for Vital Records
Visit the official Florida government website at https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates/index.html
