Death Certificates

What death certificates can I order at DOH-Polk?

Our Offices of Vital Statistics in Polk County can issue certificates for deaths that occurred in the state of Florida from 2009 to present.

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

If the death occurred in a state other than Florida, please go to the following link to obtain address information to order the certificate:https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/index.htm (opens in new window)

Important note on cause of death:
On a Florida death certificate, the cause of death is not public record. Death certificates with the cause of death can only be issued to the spouse named on the record; a child or sibling of the deceased if of legal age (18); a parent of the deceased; the beneficiary of the deceased person's life insurance policy (must provide documentation); or estate administrator (must provide documentation).

Proof of identity is required to determine eligibility to receive a death certificate including the cause of death. Acceptable forms of identification are a state issued driver’s license, state issued ID card, U.S. passport, or military ID card. Expired forms of identification will not be accepted. Applications must include a copy of a valid form of identification.

Anyone of legal age may request a copy of a Death Certificate excluding cause of death.

Fees:

The fee for each certified copy of a Florida death record is $10.00 each.

Obtaining a Death Certificate:

You may use one of our secure, convenient, and fast ways to acquire a death certificate; online at VITALCHEK.com (opens in new window), in person at one of our two Offices of Vital Statistics, or by mail.

ORDER ONLINE THROUGH VITALCHEK

VitalChek® (opens in new window) is the only vendor recommended by the Florida Department of Health. VitalChek® is a 3rd party service, not affiliated with the Florida Department of Health. As such, fees charged by VitalChek® may be different than fees charged when ordering directly through your local health department office.

IN-PERSON

We have two Offices of Vital Statistics, one in Bartow and one in Lakeland. Same-day service is usually available from both locations. In most cases, you will only have to wait 10 to 15 minutes to receive your death certificate.

What to bring:

- Valid identification (Acceptable forms of identification are a state-issued driver’s license, state-issued ID card, U.S. passport, or military ID card. Expired forms of identification will not be accepted).

- Cash or credit for payment. (All major credit cards are accepted). The fee for each certified copy of a Florida death record is $10.00 each.

Lake Alfred Office of Vital Statistics
200 Government Center Blvd.
Lake Alfred, Fl 33850
863-519-8446

Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday (excluding holidays)
8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Lakeland Office of Vital Statistics (This office may close unexpectedly, so please call before visiting.)
Lakeland Health Clinic
3241 Lakeland Hills Blvd
Lakeland, FL 33805
863-519-8446

Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday (excluding holidays)
8:00 am to 4:00 pm. 

BY MAIL

You may use the application form provided below or write your own letter with all the information needed on the application. Make money orders or cashier's checks payable to FDHPC. Mail requests are processed and mailed within 2 business days. Mail your application as follows:

Attn: Vital Statistics
1290 Golfview Avenue
Bartow, Florida 33830

What to include:

- Death Certificate Application (PDF 258kb - opens in new window)
- A copy of your valid driver's license or ID card, front and back
- Payment (The fee for each certified copy of a Florida death record is $10.00 each.)

Download an Application
Death Certificate Application (PDF 258kb - opens in new window)

Order Online
VITALCHEK.com (opens in new window)