Florida ranks 1st out of 51 (the 50 states and D.C.) for how easy, fast and affordable it is to get certified birth, marriage, divorce and death records.
Cost#1of 51
Speed#2of 51
Ease of ordering#13of 51
Birth certificates #3 of 51
Cost
$9 first copy, $4 each extra copy
Processing time
Mail: 3–5 business days; in person: same day
Time until the copy is in hand
About 1.5–2 weeks by mail (estimate)
Where to order
State office or any county health department
Order online
Yes, through the state’s approved vendor, for an extra fee
Records available
Statewide records from 1917; some records from 1850
Marriage records #1 of 51
Cost
$5 first copy, $4 each extra copy
Processing time
Mail: 3–5 business days; in person: same day
Time until the copy is in hand
About 1.5–2 weeks by mail (estimate)
Where to order
State office or the county Clerk of Court
Order online
Yes, through the state’s approved vendor, for an extra fee
Records available
State records from June 6, 1927; also from the county Clerk of Court (marriages from the last 60 days only from the clerk)
Divorce records #1 of 51
Cost
$5 first copy, $4 each extra copy
Processing time
Mail: 3–5 business days; in person: same day
Time until the copy is in hand
About 1.5–2 weeks by mail (estimate)
Where to order
State office or the county Clerk of Court
Order online
Yes, through the state’s approved vendor, for an extra fee
Records available
State divorce certificates from June 6, 1927; the full judgment from the county Clerk of Court
Death certificates #2 of 51
Cost
$5 first copy, $4 each extra copy
Processing time
Mail: 3–5 business days; in person: same day
Time until the copy is in hand
About 1.5–2 weeks by mail (estimate)
Where to order
State office or a county health department (deaths from 2009 on)
Order online
Yes, through the state’s approved vendor, for an extra fee
Records available
Statewide records from 1917; some records from 1877
Note: These rankings were done on . Prices, processing times and ordering rules may have changed since then, so check with the issuing office before you order. Times marked “estimate” add typical mail delivery to the office’s posted processing time. “Not published” means the office does not post that detail.
How to order Florida birth, death, marriage and divorce records
How do I get a Florida birth certificate?
A certified Florida birth certificate costs $9 for the first copy and $4 for each extra copy ordered at the same time, from the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Mail orders take 3–5 business days to process. You can also order online through VitalChek ($19 plus a $7 VitalChek fee), walk in, or use a county health department.
Florida birth records: ordering details
Who can order
Florida births less than 125 years old are confidential. They can be issued only to the person named (if 18 or older), a parent listed on the record, a legal guardian (with guardianship papers), a legal representative of one of them (with documentation), or by court order. Anyone else needs a notarized Affidavit to Release a Birth Certificate (DH1958) signed by an eligible person. If the person named has died, an adult spouse, child, grandchild or sibling can get a copy marked “Deceased” by sending a copy of the death certificate.
Fee
$9 for the first computer-generated certification (this includes the non-refundable $9 search fee) and $4 for each extra copy. Manually produced photocopy certificate: $14 for the first, $4 each extra. Rush: $10. Shipping and handling: $1. If you don’t know the date of birth, add $2 for each year searched. Through VitalChek, the first copy is $19 (including the $9 search and $10 rush fees), plus a $7 VitalChek fee and $4 for each extra copy. Fees aren’t refundable, except the fee for extra copies when no record is found (refunded on written request). A returned check costs an extra $15.
How to order
Online or by phone:VitalChek, the Bureau’s only contracted vendor (877-550-7330; from outside the U.S., 615-372-6800). VitalChek orders include the $10 rush fee. Regular mail return is included; UPS costs extra and needs a signature. Photocopy certificates can’t be ordered through VitalChek. By mail: the Application for a Florida Birth Record (DH726) (Spanish: DH726S) (or a written request with the same information), payment and a copy of your photo ID to Florida Department of Health, Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. Pay by check or money order payable to “Vital Statistics”; no cash. International payments must be a cashier’s check or money order in U.S. dollars from a U.S. bank. For rush service, add $10 and mark the envelope RUSH. In person: Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1217 N. Pearl St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 (lobby open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). Pay by cash, check, money order, Visa or Mastercard; contactless and tap-to-pay aren’t accepted. Same-day photocopy certificates need the $10 rush fee, when available. County health departments: births from 1917 to the present by mail or walk-in at a county health department. Fees vary by county.
ID needed
A copy of your valid photo ID: driver’s license, state ID card, passport or military ID. If you use the affidavit, include photo ID for both the person authorizing release and the applicant.
Processing time
Mail: 3–5 business days for computer-generated certificates, not counting shipping. Photocopy certificates and amended records take longer. Rush orders get priority. All orders, including rush orders, are mailed by standard USPS unless you include a prepaid delivery envelope. In person in Jacksonville: same day, when available. Estimate: about 1.5 to 2 weeks by mail, including mail time both ways.
Older and local records
Florida recorded only some births between 1850 and 1917; statewide records are complete from 1917, and county health departments can issue births from 1917 on.
Tip: Order online only through VitalChek. The Department of Health warns against other online vendors because it can’t guarantee your privacy with them.
A certified Florida death certificate costs $5 for the first copy and $4 for each extra copy ordered at the same time, from the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Anyone 18 or older can get a copy without the cause of death. Order by mail (3–5 business days for deaths since 2009), in person in Jacksonville, at a county health department, or online through VitalChek.
Florida death records: ordering details
Who can order
Anyone 18 or older can get a copy without the cause of death; the first five digits of the Social Security number are blacked out. Copies with the cause of death and full Social Security number, for deaths less than 50 years ago, go only to the spouse or parent; an adult child, grandchild or sibling; someone with a will, insurance policy or other document showing an interest in the estate; someone acting for one of them; or by court order. Others need a notarized Affidavit to Release Cause of Death Information (DH1959).
Fee
$5 for one certified copy (this includes the non-refundable search of one calendar year) and $4 for each extra copy. If you don’t know the year, add $2 for each year searched (maximum $50). Rush: $10 (required for same-day walk-in service for deaths before 2009). Shipping and handling: $1. Through VitalChek, the first copy is $15 (including the $5 search and $10 rush fees), plus a $7 VitalChek fee and $4 for each extra copy. Fees aren’t refundable, except the fee for extra copies when no record is found (refunded on written request). A returned check costs an extra $15.
How to order
Online or by phone:VitalChek, the Bureau’s only contracted vendor (877-550-7330; from outside the U.S., 615-372-6800). VitalChek orders include the $10 rush fee. Regular mail return is included; UPS costs extra and needs a signature. By mail: the Application for a Death Record (DH727) (Spanish: DH727S) (or a written request with the same information), payment and a copy of your photo ID if you want the cause of death to Florida Department of Health, Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. Pay by check or money order payable to “Vital Statistics”; no cash. International payments must be a cashier’s check or money order in U.S. dollars from a U.S. bank. For rush service, add $10 and mark the envelope RUSH. Funeral directors and attorneys list the person they represent and their license number. In person: Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1217 N. Pearl St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 (lobby open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). Pay by cash, check, money order, Visa or Mastercard; contactless and tap-to-pay aren’t accepted. County health departments: deaths from 2009 to the present only, by mail or walk-in at a county health department. Fees vary.
ID needed
A copy of your valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID card, passport or military ID) is required for a copy with the cause of death. If you use the affidavit, include photo ID for both people.
Processing time
Mail: 3–5 business days for deaths from 2009 to the present, not counting shipping. Earlier records take longer. Rush orders get priority. In person: same day, when available. Estimate: about 1.5 to 2 weeks by mail, including mail time both ways.
Older and local records
Florida recorded only some deaths between 1877 and 1917. County health departments issue only deaths from 2009 on; for earlier deaths, order from the state Bureau.
Tip: Narrow down the year before you order. If you don’t know it, each year searched costs another $2, up to $50.
A certified Florida marriage certificate for a marriage since June 6, 1927 costs $5 for the first copy and $4 for each extra copy from the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Order by mail, in person in Jacksonville, or online through VitalChek. For earlier marriages, or ones in the last 60 days, contact the clerk of court in the county that issued the license.
Florida marriage records: ordering details
Certified copy vs. clerk record
Since June 6, 1927, Florida marriages recorded by a county clerk of court have also been filed with the state. The Bureau of Vital Statistics issues a certificate that is an abstract of the marriage license and is accepted as evidence that the marriage was finalized and recorded. If you need details such as the number of previous marriages, note that on the application. The county clerk of court keeps the recorded license itself.
Who can order
The Department of Health doesn’t list eligibility limits for marriage certificates. The request asks for your relationship to the people named.
Fee
$5 for one certified copy (this includes the non-refundable search of one calendar year) and $4 for each extra copy. If you don’t know the year, add $2 for each year searched (maximum $50). Rush: $10 (required for same-day walk-in service for records before 1970). Shipping and handling: $1. Through VitalChek, the first copy is $15 (including the $5 search and $10 rush fees), plus a $7 VitalChek fee and $4 for each extra copy. Fees aren’t refundable, except the fee for extra copies when no record is found (refunded on written request). A returned check costs an extra $15.
How to order
Online or by phone:VitalChek, the Bureau’s only contracted vendor (877-550-7330; from outside the U.S., 615-372-6800). VitalChek orders include the $10 rush fee. Regular mail return is included; UPS costs extra and needs a signature. By mail: the Application for Marriage Certificate (DH261) (or a written request with the same information), payment and both spouses’ names, dates of birth, the date and place of marriage and the county where the license was issued, to Florida Department of Health, Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. Pay by check or money order payable to “Vital Statistics”; no cash. International payments must be a cashier’s check or money order in U.S. dollars from a U.S. bank. For rush service, add $10 and mark the envelope RUSH. In person: Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1217 N. Pearl St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 (lobby open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). Pay by cash, check, money order, Visa or Mastercard; contactless and tap-to-pay aren’t accepted. County: the clerk of court in the county where the license was issued, for marriages before June 6, 1927 or in the last 60 days.
ID needed
The Bureau’s marriage page doesn’t require photo ID for a mail request.
Processing time
Mail: 3–5 business days for computer certificates (1970 to the present), not counting shipping. Records before 1970 take longer. In person: same day, when available. Estimate: about 1.5 to 2 weeks by mail, including mail time both ways.
Older records
The state has marriages from June 6, 1927. Earlier marriages are kept by the clerk of court in the county where the license was issued. New marriages take about 60 days to reach the state.
Tip: Just married and need proof right away? The license takes about 60 days to reach the state, so ask the county clerk of court in the meantime.
A certified Florida dissolution of marriage certificate for a divorce or annulment since June 6, 1927 costs $5 for the first copy and $4 for each extra copy from the Bureau of Vital Statistics. For the actual final judgment, contact the clerk of court in the county where the divorce was granted.
Florida divorce records: ordering details
Certified copy vs. clerk record
Since June 6, 1927, Florida divorces and annulments recorded by a county clerk of court have also been filed with the state. The Bureau of Vital Statistics issues a certificate that is an abstract of the judgment and is accepted as evidence that the dissolution was finalized and granted. The full judgment comes only from the clerk of court in the county where the dissolution was granted.
Who can order
The Department of Health doesn’t list eligibility limits for dissolution certificates. The request asks for your relationship to the people named. For the judgment, ask the county clerk of court.
Fee
$5 for one certified copy (this includes the non-refundable search of one calendar year) and $4 for each extra copy. If you don’t know the year, add $2 for each year searched (maximum $50). Rush: $10 (required for same-day walk-in service for records before 1970). Shipping and handling: $1. Through VitalChek, the first copy is $15 (including the $5 search and $10 rush fees), plus a $7 VitalChek fee and $4 for each extra copy. Judgment copies: set by the clerk of court.
How to order
Online or by phone:VitalChek, the Bureau’s only contracted vendor (877-550-7330; from outside the U.S., 615-372-6800). VitalChek orders include the $10 rush fee. Regular mail return is included; UPS costs extra and needs a signature. By mail: the Application for Dissolution of Marriage (DH260) (or a written request with the same information), payment and both spouses’ names, the date of the dissolution and the county where it was granted, to Florida Department of Health, Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. Pay by check or money order payable to “Vital Statistics”; no cash. International payments must be a cashier’s check or money order in U.S. dollars from a U.S. bank. For rush service, add $10 and mark the envelope RUSH. In person: Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1217 N. Pearl St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 (lobby open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). Pay by cash, check, money order, Visa or Mastercard; contactless and tap-to-pay aren’t accepted. Judgment: the clerk of court in the county where the divorce was granted.
ID needed
The Bureau’s dissolution page doesn’t require photo ID for a mail request. For the judgment, ask the clerk of court.
Processing time
Mail: 3–5 business days for computer certificates (1970 to the present), not counting shipping. Records before 1970 take longer. In person: same day, when available. Estimate: about 1.5 to 2 weeks by mail, including mail time both ways.
Older records
The state has dissolution records from June 6, 1927. Earlier divorces, and divorces from the last 60 days, are available from the clerk of court in the county where the divorce was granted.
Tip: The state certificate is only an abstract showing the divorce was granted. If you need the terms of the divorce, get the judgment from the county clerk of court.
Note: Fees, processing times and rules are set by the issuing offices and can change. Times are estimates. Check with the office before you order. PublicLibraries.com is not a government agency.
Other records
Other Florida records people search for
Official Florida sites for other common lookups. Some records are kept by counties or carry fees; the note on each line says so.
Note: Links go to official state sites or services the state designates. Access rules, fees and coverage are set by each office and can change. PublicLibraries.com is not a government agency.
About Florida public records
Journalists, writers, genealogists, history students and academics are some of the people who need regular access to public records as part of their job. Most of us, regardless of our profession, have at one point or another needed to get a certified copy of some kind of government document, so it’s safe to say that most of us are or will be users of a public records system. Since there is no federal centralized legislation or organization managing public records access in the US, it is essential to familiarize yourself as much as possible with how access to public records is regulated in each state, county and city.
Birth, Death, Marriage and Divorce Records
If you need a copy of a birth certificate, marriage license, divorce decree or death certificate you will most likely be working with the Florida Department of Health (DOH). The DOH is one of the most valuable resources in the state for official public records. Records requests can be made online, in person or via mail. Here are some of the most common questions and answers about the type of records the DOH is responsible for:
Are marriage records public in Florida?
Marriage and divorce records are public information in the state of Florida and are available to anyone that requests them at the DOH website, in person or by mail.
Are birth records public in Florida?
Birth records are available to parents, legal guardians and to people that have been granted access by a court order in Florida. You can fill out an online application form requesting a birth certificate copy at the DOH website providing proof of eligibility, such as being the registrant on the certificate (for birth records), being the parent, guardian or legal representative of the registrant, or supplying a court order that makes you eligible for access to the record.
Are death records public in Florida?
Anyone can request a death certificate in Florida without the "cause of death" at the DOH website. To get a certificate that includes the "cause of death" requires meeting eligibility requirements (spouse, relative, legal representative, etc.). After 50 years have passed from the date the death was recorded, the "cause of death" becomes public record and is available to anyone.
State Records
For a driver’s license check you can visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and just type in the number of the license you need to check. For a criminal record check, you need the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. On their website, you can access a criminal history database that you don’t need to prove your eligibility for. The fee for this search is automatically deducted from your credit card and the results do not include certified criminal history records. This means you can check the criminal background of a family member or an employee, for instance, without needing anything else but your name, address and credit card information.
The Division of Corporations at the Florida Department of State is the place to go to make a check on liens, business entity records, fictitious names, and UCC information. For access to records of mortgage brokers, lenders and other financial services providers, you need the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. Since a lot of the information contained in these records is confidential, when requested, it could be either redacted to withhold the confidential details or withheld as a whole. The records that are freely available on the website include lists of financial services firms, final orders, and non-sensitive information about loan originators.
If you need information about offenders, you need the Florida Department of Corrections website. There you can find records about inmate population, escapees, inmate release, and offenders under release. For records concerning stolen vehicles, boats, vehicle and boat parts and number plates, as well as lists of missing and wanted persons, you should visit the Florida Crime Information Center at the Department of Law Enforcement website. The Center warns that not all information on these subjects is available to the public and that you will need to contact the local law enforcement agency if you suspect there are inaccuracies in the information you have received on the website.
County Records
Official records are available at local offices across the state. It’s very useful to start at the local county office which is where you can find all sorts of records such as property tax and ownership records, and GIS/mapping; civil, criminal and probate dockets; vital records, including birth certificates and marriage and divorce records; court records; traffic records; corrections records, as well as missing persons/vehicles lists; and any other type of information that has been made available to the general public or eligible individuals.
Historical Records
The custodian of historical records in the state of Florida is the State Archives at the Department of State. This is the record repository that aids the work of historians and other researchers, providing an extensive database of local government records, private manuscripts, genealogies, photographs, etc. The documents can be copied on site, except in cases when copying threatens to damage the original.
Florida Public Records Laws
Florida has a long history of having an open records policy. This started back in 1909, when the state adopted Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, also called the Public Records Law. It ensures that any records that a government agency receives or produces during the course of its work are public records, unless they are specifically exempted by the state legislature. A Government-in-the-Sunshine Law was passed in 1967, making most meetings of government agencies at the state and local level available to anyone that makes a request. The Attorney General’s office regularly releases a Government-in-the-Sunshine manual, updated annually, that provides comprehensive guidelines for working with public information in the state.
Florida is pretty dedicated to maintaining its reputation of being a very open state when it comes to public information, making sure anyone needing access to such records has, in some cases, more than one access route. This access is as convenient as possible, and the records available are well maintained and are usually up to date.
