St Johns County death records are official papers that prove a person died in St Johns County, Florida. The Florida Department of Health keeps these records safe.
The main office sits at 200 San Sebastian View in Saint Augustine. You can get a certified copy of a death certificate from this office. You can also order one online or by mail. Florida law says only certain people can order these records. This page explains how to get St Johns County death records, who can order them, what they cost, and how long the process takes.
What Are St Johns County Death Records
St Johns County death records are legal documents that show when and where someone died. Each record has the full name of the person, the date of death, the place of death, and the cause of death. The record also shows the person’s date of birth, parents’ names, and Social Security number. Funeral directors file these records with the state within a few days of the death. The state then stores them in a secure system.
Types of Death Records Available
Two main types of death records exist in St Johns County. The first type is a certified copy. A certified copy has a raised state seal. Banks, courts, and government offices accept this type. The second type is a plain copy. A plain copy has no seal. People use plain copies for family history or personal records. Most legal matters require a certified copy with the seal.
Legal Authority Behind These Records
Florida Statute Chapter 382 controls all death records in the state. This law says death records stay private for 50 years after the death. After 50 years, the records become public. This rule protects family privacy. It also keeps the records safe for legal use. St Johns County follows this state law exactly.
Where to Get St Johns County Death Records
Three main places offer St Johns County death records. The first place is the local health department in Saint Augustine. The second place is the state vital records office in Jacksonville. The third place is the online service called VitalChek. Each option works well for different needs. Your choice depends on how fast you need the record and how you want to order it.
Local Health Department Office
The Florida Department of Health in St Johns County handles all death record requests for the area. The office is at 200 San Sebastian View, Saint Augustine, FL 32084. The office holds records from 2009 to the present day. You can visit the office Monday through Friday during business hours. The staff will help you in person. Walk-in service gives you same-day results in most cases.
State Vital Records Office
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville handles statewide records. You can order records from this office if the local office cannot help you. The state office also handles older records. The state office accepts mail orders and walk-in requests. The address is 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. You can call the state office at (904) 359-6900 for more details.
Online Ordering Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the official online service for Florida death records. The website is www.vitalchek.com. You can order records any time of day or night. The site accepts credit cards and debit cards. Most online orders process in 3 to 5 business days. You can also pay extra for rush service. VitalChek adds a small service fee to each order.
How to Order Death Certificates in St Johns County
You have three ways to order death certificates in St Johns County. You can visit the office in person. You can send your order by mail. Or you can order online through VitalChek. Each method has its own steps and rules. Pick the method that works best for your situation.
In-Person Requests
Walk into the Florida Department of Health office at 200 San Sebastian View. Bring a valid photo ID with you. Bring proof of your relationship to the person on the record. Tell the staff member the full name of the deceased and the date of death. Pay the fee with cash, check, or money order. The staff will print your certified copy while you wait. Most visits take less than 30 minutes.
Mail-In Requests
Download the Florida death record application form from the state health department website. Fill out the form completely. Make a copy of your photo ID. Include a check or money order for the fee. Mail the form, ID copy, and payment to the office address. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return mail. Mail orders take 7 to 10 business days to process.
Online Requests
Go to the VitalChek website at www.vitalchek.com. Select Florida as the state. Choose death certificate as the record type. Enter the deceased person’s full name and date of death. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. The system will guide you through each step. You will get the record by mail in 3 to 5 business days.
Fees and Payment Methods
The cost of a St Johns County death certificate follows state rules. The fees pay for printing, staff time, and record storage. Knowing the fees ahead of time helps you plan your order. The fees have not changed in many years.
Standard Fees
The first certified copy of a death certificate costs $12. Each extra copy in the same order costs $8. Most people only need one copy. Some legal matters require multiple certified copies. You can order as many copies as you need in one request. The fee is the same whether you order in person, by mail, or online.
Accepted Payment Types
The local health department office accepts cash, checks, and money orders for in-person orders. Make checks payable to the Florida Department of Health. Mail orders only accept checks and money orders. Do not send cash in the mail. Online orders through VitalChek accept credit cards and debit cards. VitalChek adds a service fee for online orders.
Rush Processing Costs
Rush service costs extra for both mail and online orders. Same-day service at the office costs no extra fee. Mail rush service costs an additional $10 fee. Online rush service through VitalChek costs more than standard online orders. The exact rush fee depends on the delivery speed you choose. Call the office to confirm rush fees before you order.
Who Can Request Death Records
Florida law limits who can order death records in St Johns County. The rules protect family privacy and prevent fraud. You must prove you qualify to get the record. The staff will check your proof before giving you a copy.
Eligible Family Members
Spouses, parents, children, and grandchildren of the deceased can order death records. Brothers and sisters can also order records. You must show proof of your family tie. A birth certificate, marriage license, or other family record works as proof. Bring the original document or a certified copy. The staff will make a copy for their files.
Legal Representatives
Attorneys and estate representatives can order death records for legal matters. You need court papers that show your role. A power of attorney document also works in some cases. The health department staff will review your legal papers. They may keep a copy of your documents for their records.
Genealogists and Researchers
Genealogists can order death records that are more than 50 years old. After 50 years, the records become public. You do not need to show proof of family ties for older records. The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee holds older records. The archives help people who do family history research.
Documents Needed to Request Records
You must bring certain documents when you order a death record. The required documents depend on your relationship to the deceased. Bring all required papers to avoid delays. The staff will return your original documents after they make copies.
Identification Requirements
A valid photo ID is required for all requests. A driver’s license, state ID card, or passport works as proof. The ID must show your full name and photo. Military ID and student ID cards also work in most cases. The name on your ID must match the name on your order form.
Proof of Relationship
Family members must show proof of their relationship to the deceased. A birth certificate works for parents and children. A marriage license works for spouses. A death certificate of a parent works for adult children. The proof must list the deceased person’s name exactly as it appears on the death record.
Supporting Legal Documents
Legal representatives must show court papers. A letter from a lawyer is not enough. You need official court documents. Estate representatives need letters of administration or letters testamentary. Attorneys need a bar membership card and a letter from their firm. The staff will verify all legal documents before releasing records.
Processing Times and Delivery Options
The time it takes to get your record depends on how you order. Walk-in service is the fastest option. Mail service takes the longest. Online service falls in the middle. Plan ahead if you need the record for a specific date.
Walk-In Service Times
In-person orders at the local office take about 15 to 30 minutes. You wait while the staff prints your copy. You leave the office with the record the same day. Walk-in service is the best choice when you need the record quickly. The office can help most people during one visit.
Mail Processing Times
Mail orders take 7 to 10 business days to process. Add 3 to 5 days for the return mail. The total time for mail orders is 2 to 3 weeks. Mail orders work well when you have plenty of time. Rush mail service can speed up the return delivery.
Online Delivery Estimates
Standard online orders through VitalChek take 3 to 5 business days. Rush online orders take 1 to 2 business days. The records ship by regular mail unless you pay for express shipping. You can track your order through the VitalChek website.
Pre-2009 Death Records in St Johns County
Death records before 2009 in St Johns County go through different offices. The local health department only holds records from 2009 forward. Older records sit with the state. Several places help you find older death records in St Johns County.
State Archives Access
The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee holds older death records. The archives have records from all Florida counties. You can visit the archives in person or order copies by mail. The archives charge a small fee for copies. The address is 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. You can call the archives at (850) 245-6719.
FamilySearch and Ancestry Resources
FamilySearch and Ancestry are online genealogy sites. They have indexed many Florida death records. You can search for free on FamilySearch. Ancestry requires a paid subscription. These sites work well for family history research. The records on these sites may not be accepted for legal use.
Florida State Library Resources
The Florida State Library in Tallahassee also has older death records. The library has microfilm copies of old records. You can visit the library to look at the microfilm. The library staff can help you find the records you need. The library is free to use for research purposes.
Common Uses for Death Certificates
People order death certificates for many reasons. The record serves as legal proof of death. Banks, courts, and government offices all need this proof. Knowing the common uses helps you decide how many copies to order.
Legal and Financial Matters
Banks need a death certificate to close accounts. Courts need one to settle estates. Insurance companies need one to pay death benefits. The Social Security Administration needs one to stop benefits. Most legal matters require a certified copy with the state seal.
Insurance and Benefits Claims
Life insurance companies ask for a certified death certificate. Pension plans need one to release funds. Veteran benefits offices need one to pay survivor benefits. Each insurance company may need its own certified copy. Order multiple copies if you need to file claims with several companies.
Genealogy and Family History
Family historians use death records to build family trees. The records show parents’ names, birth dates, and places of birth. This helps trace family lines back many generations. Plain copies work fine for family history research. You do not need certified copies for personal use.
Office Location and Contact Details
The Florida Department of Health in St Johns County handles all local death record requests. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. Call the office before you visit to confirm hours and fees. The staff can answer questions about your specific order.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Florida Department of Health in St Johns County |
| Street Address | 200 San Sebastian View, Saint Augustine, FL 32084 |
| Phone Number | (904) 506-6081 |
| Website | stjohns.floridahealth.gov |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Records Available | 2009 to present |
| First Copy Fee | $12 |
| Additional Copy Fee | $8 each |
Use the map below to find the office location. The office sits on San Sebastian View in Saint Augustine. Free parking is available on site. The building is wheelchair accessible. Staff members can help you in English and Spanish.
The map shows the exact location of the Florida Department of Health office in St Johns County. The office is easy to find from major roads in Saint Augustine. Plan your visit during business hours for fastest service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the most common questions about St Johns County death records. These questions come from people who have ordered records before. The answers include the latest rules and fees. Read through this section to learn more about the process.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Death Certificate in St Johns County?
Walk-in orders at the local health department office take about 15 to 30 minutes. You leave the office with a certified copy the same day. Mail orders take 7 to 10 business days to process, plus 3 to 5 days for return mail. Online orders through VitalChek take 3 to 5 business days for standard shipping. Rush service is available for both mail and online orders at an extra cost. The total time depends on the method you choose and the shipping speed you select.
Can Anyone Get a Copy of a Death Certificate in Florida?
No, not anyone can get a death certificate in Florida. Florida law says only certain people can order death records within 50 years of the death. Eligible people include immediate family members, legal representatives, and people with a documented legal interest. After 50 years, the records become public. You must show proof of your eligibility when you order. The health department staff checks all proofs before giving you a copy.
What Is the Difference Between a Certified and a Plain Copy?
A certified copy has a raised state seal that proves it is real. Banks, courts, insurance companies, and government agencies accept certified copies. A plain copy has no seal and cannot be used for legal matters. Plain copies work for personal records, family history, and informal use. Most people need certified copies for official business. The cost is the same for both types at the local health department.
How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in St Johns County?
The first certified copy costs $12 in St Johns County. Each additional copy in the same order costs $8. Rush processing costs extra. VitalChek adds a service fee for online orders. The fees are set by Florida state law and are the same across all counties. No fee waivers exist for death certificates. You must pay the full fee before the office will release any records to you.
Can I Order a Death Certificate Online for St Johns County?
Yes, you can order a death certificate online through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com. VitalChek is the official online partner for Florida vital records. You need a credit or debit card to pay online. The site guides you through each step of the order. You will get the record by mail in 3 to 5 business days. Rush shipping is available for an extra fee.
What If I Need a Death Record From Before 2009 in St Johns County?
Death records from before 2009 are not at the local St Johns County office. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville holds these older records. The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee also has older records. You can order copies from either office. FamilySearch and Ancestry have indexed many older Florida death records for free or paid access. Local libraries also have microfilm copies of old records.
Do I Need an Appointment to Get a Death Certificate in St Johns County?
No, you do not need an appointment at the St Johns County health department office. The office takes walk-in requests during business hours. You can visit Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is busiest during the lunch hour and at the start of the day. Early morning or mid-afternoon visits are usually faster. Bring all required documents with you to avoid extra trips.