Obtaining a death certificate is often a necessary step after the passing of a loved one. This vital record serves multiple legal and administrative purposes, from settling estates to claiming life insurance benefits. If you need to acquire a death certificate in Florida, understanding the process and requirements is crucial. This guide will explain where to get a death certificate in Florida and who is eligible to request one.
Who Can Request a Death Certificate in Florida?
The rules regarding who can access a death certificate in Florida depend on whether you need the cause of death information included. Florida law distinguishes between death certificates with and without the cause of death for privacy reasons.
Death Certificates Without Cause of Death: Public Record
For death certificates without the cause of death, access is quite open. Any person of legal age (18 or older) can request a certified copy. It’s important to note that while these certificates are publicly accessible, the first five digits of the deceased’s social security number will be redacted to protect privacy.
Death Certificates With Cause of Death: Confidential Records
Access to death certificates with the cause of death and the full social security number is more restricted. These are considered confidential records for 50 years from the date of death. According to Florida law, only specific individuals are eligible to obtain these records:
- Decedent’s spouse or parent: The surviving spouse or parents of the deceased are eligible.
- Decedent’s child, grandchild, or sibling (of legal age): Adult children, grandchildren, and siblings of the deceased can also request these records.
- Beneficiaries with legal documentation: Anyone who can provide a will, insurance policy, or other legal document demonstrating a legitimate interest in the deceased’s estate. This could include executors, legal representatives, or beneficiaries named in relevant documents.
- Authorized Representatives: Individuals acting on behalf of any of the above-named eligible persons, provided they have proper documentation.
- By Court Order: Access can also be granted by a court order in specific legal situations.
Important Requirement: Valid Photo Identification
When requesting a death certificate with the cause of death, you must present valid photo identification. This is essential for verifying your identity and eligibility to access confidential information.
Affidavit to Release Cause of Death Information
If you are not among the individuals listed above but need to obtain the cause of death information, you must provide a notarized Affidavit to Release Cause of Death Information (DH Form 1959). This affidavit must be signed by one of the eligible individuals (spouse, parent, child, grandchild, or sibling). The application must include:
- The notarized affidavit (DH Form 1959) signed by an eligible party.
- Supporting documentation that justifies the eligible party’s relationship to the deceased (if not immediately obvious).
- A copy of the valid photo ID of both the person authorizing the release (the eligible party) and the applicant.
Ordering a Florida Death Certificate
The original article does not explicitly detail where to order a death certificate, but generally, in Florida, death certificates are obtained from the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. You can typically order death certificates through the following methods:
- By Mail: You can download an application form from the Florida Department of Health website, complete it, and mail it in with the required fee and documentation.
- In Person: You can visit the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville or a local county health department to request a death certificate in person. Check the specific locations and hours of operation beforehand.
- Online (Potentially via third-party vendors): While the Florida Department of Health may not offer direct online ordering, authorized third-party vendors might provide this service for a fee. Be sure to use reputable vendors if choosing this option.
Important Legal Notice
It is crucial to understand that providing false information on any application or affidavit for a death certificate in Florida is a felony of the third degree. This also applies to obtaining confidential information from vital records under false pretenses. Such actions are punishable under Chapter 775, Florida Statutes.
Historical Death Records
Please be aware that death records in Florida were limited between 1877 and 1917. Records may be incomplete for this period. For deaths before or during this time, additional research into historical records might be necessary.
By understanding who can request a death certificate and the necessary procedures, you can navigate the process of obtaining this important document in Florida effectively. For the most up-to-date information and specific ordering instructions, always refer to the official website of the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics.
