Death Certificates

The Office of Vital Statistics is responsible for the recording and issuance of Certified Copies of Death Certificates.

To protect the privacy of sensitive information and to prevent identity theft, the cause of death on a death certificate is not public record. As required by state law, we restrict access to these certificates, but they are readily available to individuals, family members, guardians, or beneficiaries. We require individuals to produce photo identification and/or other documentation before releasing these confidential records or portions of the records.

Death Certificates Availability

• Florida death records from 2009 to present are available in any Vital Statistics office in Florida.
• Death records prior to 2009 must be obtained from the State Vital Statistics office in Jacksonville.

Who Can Obtain a Certified Copy of a Death Certificate?

• Without the cause of death listed: Anyone may request a copy.
• With the cause of death listed: Only immediate family members (spouse, sibling, child, grandparent, grandchild), beneficiaries of a deceased person’s life insurance policy (with documentation), or estate administrators (with documentation).

Required Information

• A valid form of photo identification (driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID).
• For mailed or faxed requests, provide readable photocopies.
• Full name of the person on the certificate.
• Date of death.
• A completed Death Certificate Application Form.

Processing Time

Mailed requests: Processed within 2 business days from receipt.

In-person requests: Processed immediately, typically within 15 minutes.

Death Certificate Fees

• $15 for each certified copy.
• Appplication for a Florida Death Record.

Additional Information

• Accepted payment methods: cash, checks, money orders, or major credit cards (except Discover cards). Do NOT send cash by mail.
• Faxed requests must be paid by credit card (include a legible copy of the credit card and a valid photo ID).
• For overnight delivery, include a paid overnight envelope with your request or send additional money to cover the overnight fees.

How to Obtain a Copy of a Death Certificate

1. Visit our main office: 1620 Nectarine St., Fernandina Beach, FL, 32034. Open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
2. Mail a request to:
   • Office of Vital Statistics
     Florida Department of Health in Nassau County
     1620 Nectarine St.
     Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
3. Fax a request to: 904-428-5632

Death Certificates for Other States

For information on obtaining vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce) for other states, visit the National Center for Health Statistics website.