Florida Death Records < How To Find Death Records In Florida
How To Find Death Records In Florida.
Death records are official documents that provide information about a person’s death, including the date, location, cause, and personal details of the deceased. These records are essential for various purposes, such as settling estates, claiming pensions and insurance, and conducting genealogical research. In Florida, accessing death records is governed by state laws and regulations.
Understanding Death Records in Florida
Death records in Florida are part of the vital records maintained by the state. These documents offer crucial information about an individual’s passing, including:
- Full name of the deceased
- Date and place of death
- Cause of death
- Age at the time of death
- Names of parents
- Marital status
- Occupation
In Florida, death records are considered public records, but access to certain information may be restricted depending on the requester’s relationship to the deceased and the age of the record.
Florida Department of Health Vital Statistics
The Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics is the primary custodian of death records in the state. They maintain records dating back to 1877, with statewide registration becoming mandatory in 1917. To request a death record, you can visit the Florida Department of Health’s Vital Statistics website for detailed information on the process and requirements.
Types of Death Certificates Available
The Florida Department of Health offers two types of death certificates:
- Computer Certification: A computer-generated abstract of the death record.
- Photocopy Certification: A photocopy of the original death certificate.
The type of certificate you need may depend on the purpose of your request and the information required.
Online Government Portals for Death Records
Florida provides several online resources for accessing death records and certificates. These digital platforms offer convenience and efficiency in retrieving vital records.
VitalChek
VitalChek is an authorized service provider for the Florida Department of Health. Through this platform, you can order death certificates online, which is especially useful for those who are not in Florida or cannot visit a local office in person.
Florida Death Index
The Florida Death Index is available on FamilySearch.org and covers deaths from 1877 to 1998. While this index doesn’t provide full death certificates, it can be a valuable starting point for genealogical research.
State and Local Death Records Resources
State-Level Resources
The Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics is the primary state-level resource for death records. They offer various methods to request death certificates:
- Online through VitalChek
- By mail
- In person at their Jacksonville office
- At local county health departments
For more information on state-level resources, visit the Florida Department of Health’s Death Certificates page.
Local Resources
County health departments in Florida can also provide death certificates. Many counties offer online ordering systems or in-person services. For example:
These local offices can often process requests more quickly than the state office, especially for recent deaths.
Accessing National Archives for Old Death Records
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is an invaluable resource for historical death records, particularly for those researching genealogy or historical events. While NARA doesn’t hold state-level death records, it does maintain federal records that can be useful in death record searches:
- Military service records
- Social Security Applications and Claims Index
- Federal census records
To explore these resources, visit the National Archives Genealogy Research page.
University and Local Libraries for Death Record Access
Many universities and local libraries in Florida maintain extensive collections that can aid in death record searches:
University Libraries
- University of Florida Digital Collections: Offers various historical newspapers and documents.
- Florida State University Libraries: Provides access to genealogical databases and local history collections.
Public Libraries
- Orange County Library System: Offers genealogy resources and access to historical newspapers.
- Miami-Dade Public Library System: Provides access to genealogy databases and local history collections.
These institutions often provide free access to subscription-based genealogy websites and databases, which can be valuable for death record searches.
Genealogy Sites for Death Records
Several genealogy websites offer extensive databases that include Florida death recordsThese sites often require a subscription for full access, but they can be powerful tools for genealogical research and locating death records.
Utilizing the Social Security Death Index
The Social Security Death Index (SSDI) is a valuable resource for finding death information for individuals who had Social Security numbers and whose deaths were reported to the Social Security Administration. The SSDI can provide:
- Full name of the deceased
- Date of birth
- Date of death
- Last known residence
- Social Security number (in some cases)
While the SSDI is no longer updated as frequently as it once was, it remains a useful tool for deaths reported before 2014. You can access the SSDI through various genealogy websites or through the Social Security Administration’s website.
Access to Religious Death Records
Religious institutions often maintain their own records of deaths within their congregations. These records can be particularly valuable for deaths that occurred before official state recordkeeping began. To access religious death records in Florida:
- Identify the religious affiliation of the deceased.
- Locate the specific church, synagogue, or other religious institution they attended.
- Contact the institution directly to inquire about their records.
Many religious organizations have begun digitizing their historical records, making them more accessible to researchers. Some notable resources include:
- Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine Archives: Maintains records for the oldest Catholic diocese in Florida.
- Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives: Holds records for Southern Baptist churches across the southern United States, including Florida.
Third-Party Services for Finding Death Records
Several third-party services specialize in retrieving death records and certificates. While these services often charge a fee, they can simplify the process, especially for out-of-state requesters or complex searches.
When using third-party services, always verify their legitimacy and be cautious about sharing personal information.
How to Find Death Records with Funeral Homes
Funeral homes can be excellent sources of death record information, as they are often responsible for filing death certificates. To utilize funeral homes for death record searches:
- Identify the funeral home that handled the deceased’s arrangements.
- Contact the funeral home directly to inquire about their records.
- Be prepared to provide as much information as possible about the deceased.
Many funeral homes in Florida maintain extensive records and may be able to provide copies of death certificates or direct you to the appropriate government office.
Florida Laws and Statutes Regarding Death Records
Understanding Florida’s laws and statutes regarding death records is crucial for anyone seeking to access these documents. The primary legislation governing vital records in Florida is found in Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes.
Key points of Florida law regarding death records include:
- Death certificates become public records 50 years after the death.
- Before 50 years have passed, only certain individuals can obtain a death certificate with cause of death information.
- Anyone can obtain a death certificate without cause of death information, regardless of their relationship to the deceased.
It’s important to note that these laws are subject to change, and it’s advisable to consult the most current Florida Statutes or seek legal advice for the most up-to-date information.
Challenges in Finding Death Records
While Florida has made significant strides in digitizing and making death records accessible, researchers may still encounter challenges:
- Incomplete Records: Early records, especially those before 1917, may be incomplete or missing.
- Name Variations: Spelling inconsistencies or name changes can make finding records difficult.
- Privacy Restrictions: Recent records may have access limitations due to privacy laws.
- Destroyed Records: Natural disasters or other events may have resulted in the loss of some historical records.