Homestead City birth records are official papers that prove a person was born in Homestead, Florida. These records are kept by the Miami-Dade County Health Department’s Office of Vital Records.
Homestead sits in the south part of Miami-Dade County, about 35 miles from downtown Miami. The city has more than 85,000 people. Birth records are needed for school, jobs, travel, and many legal matters.
This page covers where to get Homestead City birth records, who can ask for them, what they cost, and how to order them. The details below come from Florida state law and the 2026 rules of the Miami-Dade County Health Department.
Where to Get Homestead City Birth Records
Homestead City birth records are handled by the Miami-Dade County Health Department. This office keeps vital records for all 34 cities in the county, including Homestead. The statewide birth registration system in Florida started in 1917. Miami-Dade has local records that go back to the late 1800s for some cities.
You can get a Homestead birth record in three ways. You can visit an office in person. You can mail a request. You can order online through VitalChek. Each way has its own cost, wait time, and steps.
Homestead is at the south end of Miami-Dade County. The closest vital records offices are 25 to 45 minutes away. Many people in Homestead use the mail or online method to save the drive.
Homestead City Birth Certificate Office Locations
The Miami-Dade County Health Department runs three vital records offices that serve Homestead. The offices are spread across the county. The West Perrine office is the closest to most homes in Homestead.
Downtown Miami Office
The main vital records office sits at 1350 NW 14th Street in Miami, FL 33125. This office handles all types of birth record requests. The drive from Homestead is about 45 minutes without traffic. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays.
West Perrine Office
The West Perrine office sits at 18255 Homestead Avenue in Perrine, FL 33157. This is the closest Miami-Dade Health Department office to Homestead. It serves the southern part of the county. The drive from most parts of Homestead is about 25 minutes. Office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays.
North Dade Office
The North Dade office is at 18680 NW 67th Avenue in Hialeah, FL 33015. It sits in the north part of the county. The drive from Homestead is about one hour. Office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. This office is too far for most Homestead residents.
How to Order a Homestead City Birth Certificate
You have three ways to order a birth certificate for someone born in Homestead. Pick the way that fits your time and travel plans.
Order In Person
Going in person gives you the record the same day. Walk into any Miami-Dade vital records office. Bring a valid photo ID. Fill out the application form. Pay the fee. The clerk prints your certified copy before you leave. The wait time depends on how busy the office is that day. Most people wait 15 to 45 minutes.
The West Perrine office is the closest one to Homestead. Arrive early in the morning for the shortest line. The office opens at 8:00 a.m. on weekdays.
Order by Mail
Mail orders work well for people who cannot go to an office. Download the application form from the Miami-Dade Health Department website. Fill out the form. Make a copy of your photo ID. Send the form, ID copy, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Mail requests to: Miami-Dade County Health Department, Office of Vital Records, PO Box 512096, Miami, FL 33151.
Mail orders take 2 to 4 weeks to arrive. The wait time depends on mail delivery and office workload.
Order Online with VitalChek
Online orders go through VitalChek, the official Florida online service. Go to vitalchek.com. Pick Florida. Pick birth certificate. Fill out the form. Pay with a credit or debit card. VitalChek charges a service fee on top of the state fee. The record ships by mail after the state office processes it.
Online orders take 5 to 7 business days for processing. Add shipping time of 3 to 5 business days for standard mail. Rush shipping is available for an extra fee.
Homestead City Birth Certificate Fees in 2026
The first certified copy of a Homestead birth record costs $20. Each extra copy at the same time costs $16. These fees come from Florida state law and apply at all Miami-Dade County vital records offices.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| First certified copy | $20 |
| Each extra copy at the same time | $16 |
| Rush processing (1 to 2 business days) | $10 extra |
| Protective plastic sleeve | $3 |
| VitalChek online service fee | Starts at $8.50 |
Payment at the office can be cash, check, or money order. Many offices do not take credit cards in person. Online orders through VitalChek take credit and debit cards.
Florida has not raised the $20 fee since 2023. The fee is set by state law. Any fee change must go through the Florida Legislature.
Who Can Request a Homestead Birth Certificate
Florida law says only certain people can get a certified copy of a Homestead birth record. The person named on the record can ask for one when they turn 18. Parents, legal guardians, spouses, children, siblings, and grandparents can also ask. An attorney who acts for one of these people can make the request too.
You must show a valid photo ID to prove who you are. You must also show proof of your relationship to the person on the record. This can be a marriage record, a court order, or another birth record.
Anyone who is not on the list can buy an informational copy. This copy shows the same facts but has a stamp that says it is not valid for legal use. It works for family history and personal records. It does not work for passports, school enrollment, or name changes.
Same Day Birth Certificate Service in Homestead
Same day service is only for in-person visits. Walk into any Miami-Dade vital records office. Bring your ID and payment. The clerk prints your copy before you leave. This is the fastest way to get a Homestead birth certificate.
The West Perrine office is the closest one to Homestead for same day service. It opens at 8:00 a.m. The office is busiest from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The shortest lines are right when the office opens or after 2:00 p.m.
For same day service, you must go before 3:30 p.m. at the West Perrine office. The Downtown office accepts walk-ins until 3:30 p.m. for same day service.
Correcting Errors on a Homestead Birth Certificate
Errors on a Homestead birth certificate can be fixed through the Florida Department of Health. Small errors like a misspelled name can be fixed with a simple form. You will need to show proof, like a hospital record, school record, or passport.
Bigger changes need more steps. Adding a father’s name needs a paternity form or court order. Adoption changes need a court order. After the state updates the record, you can order a new certified copy from the Miami-Dade office.
Amendment fees are separate from copy fees. A simple name fix costs $20. A paternity change costs $50. A court-ordered change costs $50 plus court fees.
Simple amendments take 4 to 6 weeks. Court-ordered changes take 8 to 12 weeks. The state office in Jacksonville handles all amendments for Miami-Dade County.
Historical and Genealogy Records for Homestead
Florida started statewide birth registration in 1917. Records before 1917 exist for some counties but not all. Miami-Dade County has birth records from 1909 for the southern part of the county. Homestead was a small town in 1909, so few records exist from that year.
For genealogy searches, you can use the Florida State Archives, the FamilySearch website, and Ancestry.com. Each site has records from different years. The State Archives office in Tallahassee keeps microfilm copies of all Florida birth records from 1917 to 1930.
Older records are open to the public. You do not need to be a relative to view them. You do need to be a relative to get a certified copy. Genealogy searches of old records are free at the State Archives.
Apostille Service for Homestead Birth Certificates
An apostille is a stamp that makes a Florida birth certificate valid in other countries. Homestead City birth records can get an apostille from the Florida Department of State. Apostilles are needed for dual citizenship, marriage abroad, and some foreign adoptions.
Send the certified copy to the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee. The address is 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Include the apostille request form. Pay the $10 fee by check or money order. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days.
You can also use a registered agent for same-day apostille service in Miami. The agent’s fee is set by the agent. The state fee is still $10.
Expedited Service for Homestead Birth Records
Expedited service is for people who need a birth record fast. Miami-Dade offers rush processing for $10 extra. The record is ready in 1 to 2 business days. You can pay for faster shipping through UPS or FedEx.
Online orders through VitalChek can be rushed. The rush fee is set by VitalChek. The shipping can be upgraded to overnight or 2-day delivery. Overnight shipping from VitalChek costs an extra $30 to $50.
For the fastest service, go to the West Perrine office in person before 2:00 p.m. The clerk can print your copy in 15 to 30 minutes.
Homestead Birth Certificate Application Form
The application form is on the Miami-Dade Health Department website. The form is a one-page PDF. The form needs the full name on the record, the date of birth, the place of birth, the parents’ full names, the requester’s name, address, phone number, and reason for the request.
Forms come in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. These three languages cover most of the people who live in Homestead and the rest of Miami-Dade County. You can pick up a paper form at any vital records office.
Fill out the form with black ink. Sign and date the form. The signature on the form must match the signature on your photo ID.
Homestead City Hall Birth Records
Homestead City Hall does not issue birth certificates. The City Clerk’s office sits at 100 Civic Court in Homestead. The City Clerk handles city council records, business licenses, and local laws. For birth records, you must go to the Miami-Dade County Health Department.
This is a common mistake. Many people think the city hall can help with birth records. The city hall cannot. The city clerk can point you to the right county office when you call.
The Homestead City Clerk’s phone number is 305-224-4400. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Staff there can answer general questions but cannot process birth record orders.
Homestead Vital Records Phone Number
The main phone number for the Miami-Dade County Health Department vital records office is 305-324-2400. You can call this number to check hours, ask about documents, and get help with your order. The phone line is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For the West Perrine office, the local number is 305-234-5400. For the North Dade office, the local number is 305-558-3200. All three offices route calls to the same main line when lines are busy.
Phone wait times can be long. The best time to call is between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. The worst time is between noon and 2:00 p.m.
Official Office Details
Main Office: Miami-Dade County Health Department, Office of Vital Records
Main Address: 1350 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL 33125
Main Phone: 305-324-2400
Website: miamidade.floridahealth.gov
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closest to Homestead: West Perrine Office, 18255 Homestead Avenue, Perrine, FL 33157
Forms Languages: English, Spanish, Haitian Creole
Mail Requests to the Vital Records Office
Mail requests go to the Miami-Dade County Health Department. The mailing address is PO Box 512096, Miami, FL 33151. Send a filled-out application form, a copy of your photo ID, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Payment for mail orders must be a check or money order. Make the check out to the Miami-Dade County Health Department. Do not send cash through the mail.
Mail orders take 2 to 4 weeks to arrive. The wait time depends on mail delivery and office workload. Add 1 to 2 weeks during the busy summer months when many people order birth records for school.
Birth Records from 1924 to Present
Florida has statewide birth records from 1924 to the present. Records from 1917 to 1923 are partial. Some counties have records going back to 1909. Miami-Dade County has records from 1909 for the southern part of the county.
For Homestead births, the records are complete from 1924 to the present day. Records from 1917 to 1923 may exist for some births in the Homestead area. The state office in Jacksonville holds the older records.
You can order copies of records from any year through the same process. The cost is the same for all years. Older records are sent on the same security paper as newer records.
Homestead Florida Certified Birth Certificate
A certified birth certificate from Homestead has the official raised seal of the State of Florida. It has the signature of the State Registrar. The paper is security paper with watermarks. The certificate shows the full name, date of birth, place of birth, and parents’ names.
Certified copies are valid for all legal purposes. Passports, school enrollment, jobs, and name changes all need a certified copy. An informational copy cannot be used for these things.
Each certified copy has a unique number. The number is registered in the state database. The number can be checked by employers and government agencies to confirm the record is real.
Replacing a Lost Birth Certificate in Homestead
You can replace a lost birth certificate through any of the three methods. The process is the same as a first-time order. You will need to fill out the form and show your ID.
The state keeps the original record. Your lost copy is just a paper copy of that record. The state will print a new certified copy for you when you order one. The new copy has a different number from the lost copy, but the record is the same.
Most people in Homestead who lose their birth certificate order a new one through VitalChek online. This avoids the drive to a Miami-Dade office. The new copy arrives in 5 to 7 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homestead City Birth Records
Here are answers to common questions from people in Homestead who need birth records. These questions come from real calls to the Miami-Dade County Health Department and online searches. The answers cover time frames, costs, and special requests. Each answer gives the exact steps you need to follow to get your record.
How long does it take to get a birth certificate in Homestead?
The time depends on the order method you pick. In-person visits at a Miami-Dade office give you the record the same day, often in under 30 minutes. The clerk prints your copy right after you fill out the form. Mail orders take 2 to 4 weeks to arrive at your Homestead address. The mail goes to the state office in Jacksonville first, then to your home. Online orders through VitalChek take 5 to 7 business days for processing, plus shipping time. Standard shipping adds 3 to 5 business days. Rush processing can cut the wait to 1 to 2 business days for an extra $10 fee. The office does the rush work at the state level. Summer is the busiest time for birth records. Many people order them for school enrollment. Mail orders can take 4 to 6 weeks during June, July, and August. The office adds 2 weeks to all mail orders during these months. You can avoid the wait by going in person to the West Perrine office. The drive from Homestead is about 25 minutes. The office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays. The shortest lines are right when the office opens.
Can I get a Homestead birth certificate when the person was born at home?
Yes. When the birth was registered with the state, you can get a copy. Home births in Florida must be filed with the county health department within five days of the birth. The midwife or doctor files the paperwork at the local office. The local office sends the record to the state office in Jacksonville. When the birth was never filed, you will need to file a delayed birth registration through the Florida Department of Health. This process takes longer and needs more documents. You will need a hospital record, baptismal record, school record, or other proof of the birth. You will also need a statement from the doctor or midwife. The form for a delayed birth is on the Florida Department of Health website. The form costs $20 to file. After the state approves the record, you can order a certified copy. The first copy costs $20. The state takes 4 to 6 weeks to approve a delayed birth. You can check the status on the state website.
What happens when my name is spelled wrong on my Homestead birth certificate?
You can fix small errors with a simple amendment form. Send the form, the wrong certificate, and proof of the correct spelling to the Florida Department of Health. Proof can be a hospital record, school record, passport, or other government record. The amendment form is on the Florida Department of Health website. The form is free to download. The form asks for the wrong name, the correct name, and the reason for the change. Sign and date the form. Mail the form with a copy of your photo ID. The fix takes 4 to 6 weeks. A new certified copy costs $20. The new copy has the correct name. The state keeps a record of the change. The wrong certificate is canceled. You can do the change in person at the state office in Jacksonville. The office is at 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. You will need to bring the same proof for in-person changes.
How do I get an apostille for a Homestead birth certificate?
Send the certified copy, the apostille request form, and a $10 check or money order to the Florida Department of State. The address is 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. The apostille request form is on the Department of State website. The form asks for the country where the certificate will be used. The form needs the name on the certificate and the date of birth. Make the check out to the Florida Department of State. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days. The office sends the apostille by mail. You can use a registered agent for same-day apostille service in Miami. The agent charges between $50 and $100 for the service. The state fee is still $10. The agent handles the form and the trip to Tallahassee. Apostilles are needed for dual citizenship, marriage abroad, foreign adoptions, and some business deals. The apostille is a stamp on the back of the certificate. The stamp has the state seal. The stamp is accepted in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Can I get a Homestead birth certificate at City Hall?
No. Homestead City Hall does not have birth records. The City Clerk’s office handles city business only. Birth records are kept by the Miami-Dade County Health Department. You can order online through VitalChek, by mail, or in person at any of the county offices. The closest county office to Homestead is in West Perrine. The address is 18255 Homestead Avenue, Perrine, FL 33157. The Homestead City Hall address is 100 Civic Court, Homestead, FL 33030. The City Clerk’s phone number is 305-224-4400. Staff at City Hall can answer general questions about where to go for vital records. They cannot process birth record orders. The City Clerk handles marriage licenses, business licenses, and city council records. For any birth record request, you must contact the county office. The county office has access to the state database. The state database has all Florida birth records from 1924 to the present day.
What documents do I need to order a Homestead birth certificate?
You need a valid photo ID. This can be a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID. The ID must be current. Expired IDs are not accepted at Miami-Dade vital records offices. You need to fill out the application form. The form is on the Miami-Dade Health Department website. The form needs the full name on the record, the date of birth, the place of birth, the parents’ full names, the requester’s name, address, phone number, and reason for the request. When you are not the person on the record, you must show proof of your relationship, like a birth record, marriage record, or court order. The proof must be a certified copy. Photocopies of certified copies are not accepted. You must sign the form. The signature on the form must match the signature on your photo ID. In-person orders take about 15 to 30 minutes to process. The clerk checks your ID and your right to the record before printing the copy.
How much does a Homestead birth certificate cost in 2026?
The first certified copy costs $20. Each extra copy at the same time costs $16. Rush processing is $10 extra. A plastic sleeve is $3. Online orders through VitalChek add a service fee that starts at $8.50. The state has not raised these fees since 2023. The fees are set by Florida Statute 382.0255. Any fee change must go through the Florida Legislature. The legislature can raise the fee by passing a new law. The fee can be lowered the same way. The current $20 fee is the same for all Florida counties. Some other states charge more for the same service. The fee covers the cost of the certified paper and the staff time. The state keeps $15 of the fee. The county keeps $5 of the fee. Online orders pay the VitalChek service fee. The fee is set by VitalChek. The fee covers the cost of the online system. The fee is added at checkout. The total for one certified copy online is $28.50 plus shipping costs.