Death Certificate General Information

General Death Certificate Information

Death certificates are public record without cause of death. Anyone may obtain certified copies without the cause of death information. The cause of death becomes public information after 50 years from the date of death. By Florida law, the cause of death is considered confidential prior to that time. 

Death certificates which includes the cause of death may only be issued to the decedent's spouse, parent, and (if of legal age) child, grandchild, or sibling, or anyone who provides a will, insurance policy or other document that demonstrates their interest in the estate of the decedent or anyone who provides documentation that he or she is acting on the behalf of any of the previously mentioned persons, or by court order.

If the death occurred before 2009, please visit: Florida Department of Health Certificates and Registries

If the death occurred in another county in Florida, please visit: Florida Department of Health County Listing

If the death occurred in another state, please go to the Center for Disease Control Vital Records to obtain information regarding that state.