Broward County death records are official documents that prove a person died in Broward County, Florida. They are managed by the Florida Department of Health in Broward County, with the main office located in Fort Lauderdale.
Anyone who needs to settle an estate, claim life insurance, transfer property, or research family history will likely need a copy of this paperwork. This page explains who can request a death certificate, what the paperwork costs, how long it takes, and which office you need to contact.
What Are Broward County Death Records?
A Broward County death record is a state-issued certificate that lists the date, place, and cause of a person’s death. The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics creates the original record within days of the death. Local funeral homes, hospitals, and medical examiners all send their data to the state system. Once a record is filed, certified copies can be issued to eligible requesters across Florida and beyond.
What Details Appear on a Florida Death Certificate?
A Florida death certificate shows the full legal name of the deceased, the date of birth, the date of death, and the county where the death took place. It also lists the cause of death, the disposition of the body, and the funeral home that handled the arrangements. Social Security data is kept private and is not shown on the public copy. The original signature of the Florida vital statistics registrar is printed on every certified copy.
Legal Status of Certified vs. Non-Certified Copies
A certified death certificate has a raised state seal and a registrar’s signature. Banks, courts, insurance companies, and federal agencies only accept this version. A non-certified copy has the same data but no official seal. It works for genealogy research, family records, and personal use. Non-certified copies cannot be used for legal or financial transactions of any kind.
Where to Get Broward County Death Records
All Broward County death certificates are handled through the Florida Department of Health in Broward County. The main office is in Fort Lauderdale, and it serves every city, town, and unincorporated community in the county. You can also order through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville for older records. The statewide office can fill requests for any Florida county.
Florida Department of Health in Broward County Main Office
The main office sits at 2421-A S.W. 6th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315. The phone number is (954) 467-4839. The office accepts walk-in requests during business hours. It also processes mail applications sent to the same address. The clerks at this office can answer questions about eligibility, fees, and turnaround times for every request type.
Office Hours and Best Times to Visit
Normal business hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On the third Thursday of each month, the office closes at 3 p.m. for staff training. A second location at the Paul Hughes Health Center opens on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Most people wait less than 30 minutes when they arrive before noon.
Other Florida Vital Records Offices
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville also issues death certificates for any county in the state. The bigger office can sometimes have shorter lines than the local branch. You can also order through the state office by mail. The statewide office is helpful when you need records from many counties at once.
Who Can Request a Death Certificate in Florida
Florida law limits who can receive a certified death certificate. The state wants to protect the privacy of the family during a hard time. The rules are spelled out in Florida Statute Chapter 382. You must prove both your identity and your relationship to the person who died.
Eligible Family Members
Surviving spouses, parents, children, grandchildren, and siblings can request a death certificate. You must show a government-issued photo ID and a document that proves your relationship. A birth certificate, marriage certificate, or court order is usually accepted. If you are adopted, your updated birth certificate works as proof of lineage.
Legal Representatives and Estate Administrators
Attorneys, estate administrators, and court-appointed guardians can request copies on behalf of a family. You must provide a copy of the court order, letters of administration, or a notarized authorization letter. The clerk will keep a copy of your legal paperwork in the file. The office follows strict rules before releasing any record.
People With a Documented Legal or Financial Interest
People who have a real financial or legal interest may also qualify. This category includes life insurance beneficiaries, creditors, and people who need the record for a court case. You must submit paperwork that explains your claim. The vital records office reviews each case on its own before approval.
Three Ways to Order Broward County Death Records
You can order a Broward County death certificate in person, by mail, or online. Each approach has its own fees, processing times, and document rules. Pick the one that fits your schedule and urgency level.
Order in Person in Fort Lauderdale
Walk-in requests are the fastest way to get a death certificate. Bring a valid photo ID, proof of your relationship, and the correct fee. Most walk-in requests are processed the same day. You can pay with cash, check, or money order at the counter.
Order by Mail
Mail orders take longer but work well if you live out of state. Download the Florida death record request form from the Department of Health website. Fill it out completely and sign it. Mail the form, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order to the Fort Lauderdale office. Allow two to three weeks for processing and return mailing.
Order Online Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the official online partner of the Florida Department of Health. The site is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You fill out the same request form online and pay with a credit or debit card. VitalChek adds a service fee on top of the state fee. Online orders are shipped by USPS or UPS within 5 to 7 business days.
Death Certificate Fees and Payment Methods
The state of Florida sets a flat fee for each death certificate. The clerk’s office does not charge extra for processing. You only pay the state fee plus shipping and any service fees from third-party vendors.
Standard State Fees
The first certified copy of a death certificate costs $12 in 2026. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $8. Non-certified copies cost $8 each. The fees are set by Florida law and do not change unless the state legislature updates them.
Service Fees Added by VitalChek
VitalChek charges a service fee for every online order. The fee ranges from $8 to $15 depending on the shipping speed. You will see the full total before you complete payment. The service fee covers credit card processing and order handling.
Accepted Payment Methods
In-person orders accept cash, personal checks, money orders, and cashier’s checks. Make checks payable to the Florida Department of Health. Mail orders only accept checks and money orders. Online orders only accept credit cards and debit cards through VitalChek. The office does not accept phone payments of any kind.
Processing Times and Delivery Options
How fast you get your death certificate depends on how you order it. In-person and online orders are faster than mail orders. Each order type has its own timeline and rules.
Same-Day Walk-In Service
Walk-in requests are usually finished within 30 minutes. The clerk prints the certificate, adds the state seal, and hands it to you before you leave. This works best for urgent needs like insurance claims or funeral planning. Arrive early in the day to avoid the longest lines.
Standard Mail-Order Timeline
Mail orders take 7 to 10 business days once the office receives your paperwork. Add another 3 to 5 days for return shipping. Total turnaround is usually 2 to 3 weeks. Mail orders are not a good choice if you need the certificate right away.
Expedited Shipping Options
Online orders through VitalChek offer expedited shipping. You can pay for UPS next-day or 2-day delivery. The shipping cost depends on your zip code. Expedited shipping cuts the wait time for online orders from 7 days to 1 or 2 days.
Records Before 2009 vs. 2009 to Present
The state of Florida stores death records based on when the death occurred. Older records are kept at the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Newer records are kept at the county health department where the person died.
Where to Find Records Before 2009
Florida death records from 2009 and earlier are stored at the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. You can order them online, by mail, or by phone. The statewide office gives you the same certified copies as the county office. There is no extra fee for ordering older records.
Where to Find Records From 2009 Onward
Death records from 2009 to the present are kept at the Broward County Health Department. The Fort Lauderdale office has the original files and can issue copies right away. Online orders through VitalChek also pull from the local county office. You will get the same certificate regardless of which path you take.
Death Certificate Replacement, Corrections, and Amendments
Sometimes you need a new copy of a death certificate, or you need to fix a mistake. The Florida Department of Health handles both replacement copies and legal amendments. You may also need an apostille for use in a foreign country.
How to Request a Replacement Copy
If you lost your copy or need another one, just order a new certified copy through the same channels. The fee is the same as the first copy. There is no limit on how many replacement copies you can order. You can also order copies from a family member who already has a certified copy on file.
Correcting Errors on a Death Certificate
If you find a spelling mistake or wrong date, you must file a legal amendment. The amendment form is called the Florida Certificate of Death Amendment. You must provide proof of the correct data, such as a birth certificate or hospital record. The office charges a small fee to file the amendment. The corrected certificate is mailed to you once the change is approved.
Adding an Apostille for International Use
A Florida death certificate must carry an apostille for use in countries that signed the Hague Convention. The Florida Department of State issues the apostille. You must send the original certified copy, a notarized request form, and the apostille fee to Tallahassee. The process takes 5 to 10 business days.
Using Broward County Death Records for Genealogy Research
Genealogy researchers can use Broward County death records to trace family history. These records are public after 50 years in Florida. Older records are also available at libraries and online archives for family tree research.
Florida Death Index and Historical Records
The Florida Death Index covers deaths from 1917 to the present. It is searchable on the Florida Department of Health website and on genealogy sites like FamilySearch and Ancestry. The index lists the name, year of death, county, and certificate number. You can use the certificate number to order a full copy.
Local Libraries, Archives, and Cemetery Records
The Broward County Library System has genealogy collections at the Main Library in Fort Lauderdale. The library also has access to newspapers, census records, and cemetery indexes. Local funeral homes and cemeteries keep their own records too. These records can fill in gaps when the state record is missing or incomplete.
Florida Death Records for Insurance, Legal, and Estate Use
Most people need a death certificate for legal or financial reasons. Banks, insurance companies, courts, and government agencies all require a certified copy. The type of transaction you are completing will decide how many copies you need.
Insurance Claims and Benefit Payouts
Life insurance companies ask for a certified death certificate to release the payout. Each policy may need its own certified copy. Many families order 5 to 10 copies at once to avoid delays. The first copy is $12 and each extra copy is $8.
Estate Settlement and Probate Court
The probate court in Broward County requires a certified death certificate to start the estate process. Banks, investment firms, and retirement plan administrators also ask for it. The estate attorney usually orders extra certified copies for the executor to use.
Property Title Transfers and Bank Account Closures
Transferring property titles and closing bank accounts also need certified copies. The Department of Motor Vehicles needs one to remove the deceased’s name from a vehicle title. The Social Security Administration needs one to stop benefits. Having multiple certified copies speeds up the whole process.
Broward County Cities Served by the Fort Lauderdale Office
The Fort Lauderdale office serves every city and unincorporated area in Broward County. Each city has the same access to records and the same fees. You can order a death certificate from any of these cities through the same office.
Largest Cities in Broward County
The biggest cities in Broward County are Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Miramar, Coral Springs, and Pompano Beach. Each city has its own zip code, but the vital records office is the same for all of them. Most residents can reach the Fort Lauderdale office in under 30 minutes.
Smaller Cities and Unincorporated Areas
Smaller cities include Davie, Plantation, Sunrise, Deerfield Beach, Tamarac, Lauderhill, Weston, Coconut Creek, and Margate. The county also includes unincorporated neighborhoods that fall outside city limits. All of these areas use the same Fort Lauderdale office for death records.
Nearby Florida Counties and Their Death Record Offices
If you need a death certificate from a different county, you must contact that county’s health department. The Broward County office cannot issue records from Miami-Dade or Palm Beach. Each county has its own rules and fees, but the process is similar.
Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Other Neighboring Counties
Miami-Dade County death records are handled by the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade. Palm Beach County has its own office in West Palm Beach. Collier County, Hendry County, and other nearby counties also have local offices. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics can fill orders for any county in the state.
Common Mistakes That Delay a Death Record Request
Many requests get delayed because of small mistakes. The most common problems are missing signatures, wrong fees, and unreadable ID copies. Take a few minutes to check your paperwork before you submit it.
Missing or Wrong Identification
The most common reason a request is denied is bad identification. The clerk must see a clear copy of your photo ID. The name on the ID must match the name on the application. If you changed your name, include the legal paperwork that shows the change.
Unsigned Applications or Wrong Payment Amounts
You must sign and date the Florida death record request form. A missing signature will get the application sent back. The check or money order must cover the full amount. Short payments are another common reason for delays.
Office Contact Details and Location
The main Broward County vital records office is at 2421-A S.W. 6th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315. The phone number is (954) 467-4839. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office closes at 3 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month for staff training. The Paul Hughes Health Center location opens on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for added convenience.
Official website: https://broward.floridahealth.gov/certificates/
View location on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=2421-A+SW+6th+Avenue+Fort+Lauderdale+FL+33315
Frequently Asked Questions About Broward County Death Records
These are the most common questions people ask about death records in Broward County. The answers reflect the current 2026 rules, fees, and processing times set by the Florida Department of Health. If your question is not covered here, call the Fort Lauderdale office at (954) 467-4839 during business hours for direct help.
How long does it take to get a death certificate from Broward County?
Walk-in requests at the Fort Lauderdale office are usually finished the same day. Most people walk out with their certified copy within 30 minutes of arriving at the counter. Mail orders take 7 to 10 business days for processing, plus 3 to 5 days for return shipping through USPS. Online orders through VitalChek take 5 to 7 business days with standard shipping, or 1 to 2 days with expedited UPS shipping. The exact time depends on the workload at the office and the accuracy of your paperwork. Requests with missing signatures or wrong fees will sit in the queue until the issue is fixed. For urgent cases like pending funeral arrangements or insurance deadlines, walk-in service is the safest choice.
Can anyone get a copy of a death certificate in Florida?
No. Florida law restricts who can receive a certified death certificate. Eligible requesters include immediate family members, legal representatives, and people with a documented legal or financial interest in the record. You must show a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship or legal standing at the time of request. After 50 years, death records become public and any adult can order a copy. The 50-year rule is set by Florida Statute Chapter 382. Funeral directors, physicians, and law enforcement officers can also request records as part of their official duties. Each request is checked against the state database before approval.
What is the difference between a certified and an informational copy?
A certified copy has a raised state seal and the registrar’s signature printed on it. Banks, courts, insurance companies, and federal agencies only accept this version for legal paperwork. An informational copy has the same data printed on it but no official seal and no registrar signature. Informational copies work for genealogy research, family history, and personal use. They cannot be used for legal or financial transactions like property transfers or benefit claims. The price is usually lower for informational copies. Always check with the agency that needs the document before placing an order to make sure you get the right version.
How much does a death certificate cost in Broward County in 2026?
The first certified copy costs $12. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $8. Non-certified informational copies cost $8 each. VitalChek adds a service fee that ranges from $8 to $15 depending on the shipping speed you choose. The Florida Department of Health sets the state fees, and they do not change unless the state legislature updates them. There are no fee waivers for hardship cases at this time. Many families order 5 to 10 copies at once to save money on additional copies for banks, insurers, and courts.
Can I get a death certificate for a family member who died 30 years ago?
Yes, you can still order a copy. Florida preserves death records from 1917 to the present. Records from 2009 and earlier are kept at the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Records from 2009 to the present are at the county health department. If the death is more than 50 years old, the record is public and any adult can order a copy. Newer records still require proof of relationship or legal interest. The fee is the same regardless of how old the record is. Mail orders often work best for older records since you have time to wait for processing.
How do I correct a mistake on a Florida death certificate?
You must file a legal amendment through the Florida Department of Health. The form is called the Florida Certificate of Death Amendment. You must include proof of the correct data, such as a birth certificate, hospital record, or court order. The processing fee is set by the state and payable to the Florida Department of Health. Once the amendment is approved, the corrected certificate is mailed to you. Corrections can take 4 to 6 weeks to process through the state office. Simple spelling fixes are usually faster than cause of death changes.
Do I need an apostille on a Florida death certificate for use abroad?
Yes, if you are sending the certificate to a country that signed the Hague Convention. The Florida Department of State in Tallahassee issues apostilles for vital records. You must send the original certified copy, a notarized request form, and the apostille fee to the state office. The apostille certifies the document for international legal use. Without an apostille, many foreign governments will not accept the death certificate as valid proof. The process takes 5 to 10 business days once the request is received. Some countries require a translated version in addition to the apostille.