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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Death Certificates

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The Florida Department of Health in Polk County's Office of Vital Statistics can issue certificates for deaths that occurred in the state of Florida from 2009 to present.

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

If the death occurred in a state other than Florida, please visit the National Center for Health Statistics.

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)
  • The 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.

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

Obtaining a Death Certificate

You may acquire a death certificate online at VitalChek.com, in person, or by mail.

  • ORDER ONLINE THROUGH VITALCHEK
  • IN-PERSON
  • BY MAIL

VitalChek® 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.

We have two Offices of Vital Statistics, one in Lake Alfred 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
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Lakeland Office of Vital Statistics*
Lakeland Health Clinic
3241 Lakeland Hills Blvd
Lakeland, FL 33805
863-519-8446
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

*Please note: This office may close unexpectedly, so please call before visiting

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 Ave.
Bartow, Florida 33830

What to include:

  • Death Certificate Application
  • 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.)