A certified death certificate is the document banks, insurers, government agencies and courts ask for when a person dies. In Florida, the funeral home usually files the death certificate and can order certified copies for the family.
How a Florida death certificate is filed
- The funeral director collects the personal information about the person who died (from the family) and files the death certificate electronically with the state.
- The physician, or the medical examiner when the death falls under that office’s jurisdiction, certifies the cause of death.
- Florida law (section 382.008, Florida Statutes) requires the death certificate to be filed within a set number of days after death and before final disposition. Your funeral director handles this timeline.
Because the funeral home files the certificate, the most useful thing the family can do is give accurate information. Errors are much easier to prevent than to correct later. See documents a funeral home may need.
How many certified copies do you need?
It depends on the person’s affairs. Organizations that commonly ask for a certified copy include:
- life insurance companies (one per policy),
- banks and investment firms,
- pension and annuity providers,
- the Department of Veterans Affairs,
- the county property appraiser, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (vehicle titles),
- the probate court.
Many families order several copies at the start. You can order more later, but it takes time.
Copies with and without the cause of death
Florida issues death certificates with or without the cause of death. Under section 382.025, Florida Statutes, copies showing the cause of death are restricted for 50 years to certain people, generally including:
- the surviving spouse, parents, children, grandchildren and siblings (of legal age),
- a person who can show an interest in the estate, such as a beneficiary under a will or insurance policy,
- others as allowed by law, such as an attorney acting for an eligible person.
Anyone can order a copy without the cause of death. Most insurers require the cause of death, so eligible family members usually order that version.
Where to order in Orlando
- Through the funeral home, at the time of arrangements. This is usually the simplest option.
- Florida Department of Health in Orange County, Office of Vital Statistics.
- Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics (state office in Jacksonville), by mail or through the state’s approved online vendor.
Fees are set by the Florida Department of Health and may change, and online vendors add their own charges. Check current fees on the Florida Department of Health vital statistics page before ordering.
If there is a mistake on the certificate
Contact the funeral director first. Corrections (amendments) are made through the Bureau of Vital Statistics and may require documents that prove the correct information.
This article is general information about Florida funeral practices, not legal advice. Florida law regulates the handling, transportation, cremation and disposition of human remains, and requirements can depend on the circumstances. For advice about a specific situation, speak with a licensed Florida funeral director or an attorney. Editorial policy.