Fort Myers Death Certificates Search
Fort Myers death records are maintained by Lee County Health Department. This historic Gulf Coast city of 99,918 residents serves as the Lee County seat. The vital statistics office is located in North Fort Myers. Death certificates from 2009 forward are available locally.
Fort Myers Quick Facts
Fort Myers Death Certificate Location
Fort Myers is the county seat of Lee County. The vital statistics office is nearby in North Fort Myers. The Florida Department of Health in Lee County handles all death certificates. This office serves Fort Myers and all other Lee County communities.
The office is easy to reach from downtown Fort Myers. This is just across the Caloosahatchee River. This location on Pondella Road is convenient for residents. The office handles walk-in requests and provides same-day service in many cases.
| Office | Florida Department of Health in Lee County - Vital Statistics |
|---|---|
| Address | 83 Pondella Rd, North Fort Myers, FL 33903 |
| Phone | (239) 690-2100 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Website | lee.floridahealth.gov |
The Fort Myers area includes several communities. Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres are nearby. All these areas use the same North Fort Myers office. This location is accessible by car via US-41 or I-75. LeeTran public transit also serves this area.
Lee County Vital Records Services
The Lee County Health Department provides comprehensive vital records services. Fort Myers residents can access all death certificate types. The staff is knowledgeable about Florida's vital records laws. They can guide you through the process.
Death certificates from 2009 to present are available at this office. This covers recent deaths in Fort Myers and surrounding areas. The office can issue certified copies on the spot. Feel free to expect to need proper identification and payment. They accept various forms of payment.
The office can also help with older records. Deaths before 2009 are at the state level. They will direct you to the Jacksonville office. Feel free to also use VitalChek for these records. The staff can answer questions about the process.
Note: Office hours may vary on holidays. Check the website or call before visiting.
Fort Myers Death Certificate Options
Florida law allows for two types of death certificates. Fort Myers residents may request either version. Your eligibility depends on your relationship to the decedent. The law protects certain information for privacy reasons.
Without cause of death is available to the public. Any adult may request this type. It shows names, dates, and places. The cause of death is omitted. Social Security numbers are partially redacted. This version suits most administrative needs. Banks and insurance companies accept it.
With cause of death is restricted. Only certain relatives may obtain it. The spouse and parents qualify. Adult children and siblings may also request it. Others need proof of legal interest. This might be a will or insurance policy. Valid ID is always required.
The confidential version includes full medical details. It shows the complete Social Security number. Florida shields this data for 50 years. After that, it becomes public record. The Lee County office follows these rules strictly.
How to Request Fort Myers Death Records
Fort Myers residents have several ways to obtain death certificates. Each method suits different needs. Consider your timeline and convenience. Choose the option that works best for you.
In-person visits offer immediate results. Go to the North Fort Myers office. Bring your ID and payment. The staff will process your request quickly. Feel free to often leave with certified copies. This is best for urgent situations. It also allows you to ask questions directly.
Mail orders work for those who plan ahead. Get the application from the Florida Department of Health website. Fill it out completely. Include a copy of your ID. Send a check or money order. Allow several weeks for processing and return mail.
Online ordering is available through VitalChek. Visit vitalchek.com to begin. This service adds a processing fee. Credit cards are accepted. Feel free to choose shipping speed. This works well from anywhere with internet access.
Required Information for Fort Myers Requests
To get a death certificate, you need specific details. Having accurate information helps. It speeds up the search process. It reduces the chance of errors.
You need the full name of the deceased. Include the date of death. The place of death is helpful. Fort Myers deaths are in Lee County. Be sure to know the decedent's birth date. The Social Security number helps if available.
You must provide your own information too. Give your full name and address. State your relationship to the decedent. For restricted records, you need proof. Bring documents showing your eligibility. The Lee County office will review them.
The application asks for all these details. Complete it carefully. Incomplete forms cause delays. The office may need to contact you. This extends the processing time.
About Fort Myers
Fort Myers is a historic city on Florida's Gulf Coast. This is the commercial center of Lee County. This city has a population of nearly 100,000. It attracts many retirees and seasonal residents. The area has excellent healthcare facilities. These include hospitals and medical centers.
The City of Fort Myers website provides local information. This city works with county agencies on services. While the city does not issue death certificates, it offers other resources. Residents can find cemetery information there. The site also lists grief support services.
Fort Myers is known as the "City of Palms." It has a rich history dating back to the 1800s. The area includes established cemeteries and memorial parks. The Lee County Medical Examiner's office is nearby. They work with the health department on death investigations.
Note: Fort Myers Beach is a separate community. This is on Estero Island. It uses the same Lee County office.
Historical Fort Myers Death Records
Older death records are not in Lee County. Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps them. This office is in Jacksonville. They have records going back many years. Some date to the late 1800s.
Requesting older records follows similar steps. Feel free to visit the state office. Feel free to mail a request. Feel free to use VitalChek online. Florida office charges fees for searches. Extra years may cost more.
The state address is 1217 N Pearl St., Jacksonville, FL 32202. Their phone is (904) 359-6900. Feel free to also write to PO Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231. This site is floridahealth.gov.
Lee County Death Records
Fort Myers is the seat of Lee County. This county health department serves all residents. For more information about services and fees, visit the Lee County death records page.