How much do death certificates cost in Florida?
Florida has the lowest death certificate costs in the country:
- First copy: $5 (includes a $5 non-refundable search fee)
- Each additional copy (same order): $4
Online orders through VitalChek include the state's $10 rush fee plus VitalChek's $7 processing fee, bringing the total closer to $22 for the first copy when ordering online.
County health departments may charge different rates. Some charge $10 per copy for in-person requests.
How to order
Through a funeral home (fastest)
Your funeral director orders the initial batch and adds the cost to their invoice. This is the simplest route.
Online
VitalChek is the only authorized online vendor for the Florida Department of Health. Orders are processed on a rush basis and typically ship within 3 to 5 days.
By mail
Download Form DH727 from the Florida DOH website. Include payment by check or money order (no cash) and a copy of your photo ID. Mail to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville.
Mail orders typically take 10 to 15 days.
In person
Visit the Bureau of Vital Statistics office in Jacksonville (1217 N Pearl St.) or your local county health department. Walk-in payments can be made with cash, check, money order, Visa, or Mastercard.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Online (VitalChek) | 3 to 5 days (plus shipping) |
| By mail | 10 to 15 days |
| In person | 3 to 5 business days |
| Rush (mail, +$10) | Prioritized processing |
Records from before 2009 require additional processing time.
The cause-of-death confidentiality rule
Florida treats cause-of-death information as confidential on death certificates less than 50 years old. This is an important distinction:
- Without cause of death: Anyone aged 18 or over can order a copy. No proof of relationship required.
- With cause of death: Only eligible individuals can order this version. You must provide a valid photo ID and may need to complete an Affidavit to Release Cause of Death Information (DH Form 1959).
Eligible individuals include the spouse, parent, child, grandchild, sibling, or anyone with a demonstrated legal interest in the estate.
Why this matters: Life insurance companies and pension administrators typically require the version with cause of death. Banks and property transfer offices usually accept the version without. Know which version you need before ordering.
What to know about Florida specifically
10-day will deposit rule. If you have the deceased person's original will, Florida law requires you to deposit it with the Clerk of the Court within 10 days of learning of the death. This is separate from ordering death certificates, but it is an early deadline that catches people off guard.
County variation. Florida has 67 counties, and county health departments set their own fees and processing times. The state office in Jacksonville is the fallback for any county.
No state estate or income tax. Florida families do not need death certificates for state tax purposes. Federal obligations still apply.
For a broader overview of the death certificate process, see our guide on how to get death certificates. If you are handling probate, see our guide on how probate works in Florida.
Managing a Florida estate?
Our free checklist walks you through every step, customized for your state.
Open the Checklist