Alachua County Death Records Lookup

Alachua County death records are available through the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County. Their office in Gainesville issues certified copies of Florida death certificates for deaths that occurred from 2009 to the present day. Families can obtain these vital records for estate settlement, genealogy research, and legal matters. This county office works with the state Bureau of Vital Statistics to maintain complete death records for Alachua County residents.

Alachua County Health Department Vital Statistics

The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County maintains death records for the county. Their Vital Statistics office is located at 224 SE 24th St. in Gainesville. This office serves all residents of Alachua County who need certified copies of death certificates. The staff processes requests for deaths that occurred anywhere in Florida from 2009 forward.

Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This office is closed on state and federal holidays. Walk-in service is available for death certificate requests. Most requests can be processed the same day if submitted before the close of business. Call ahead to confirm current wait times and any changes to office hours.

The health department building houses the vital records office on site. Visitors can park in the public lot and enter through the main entrance. This office is accessible to all visitors.

Alachua County Death Certificates Available

The Alachua County office issues two types of death certificates. Each type serves different purposes. Understanding the difference helps you request the right document for your needs.

Death certificates without cause of death are public records. Any person aged 18 or older may obtain this type. The certificate shows the decedent's name, date of death, and place of death. The first five digits of the Social Security number are redacted. This type meets most legal and financial needs. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies accept this certificate type.

Death certificates with cause of death are restricted by Florida law. Cause of death information remains confidential for 50 years. Only specific people can obtain this type. Eligible persons include the spouse, parents, children, grandchildren, and siblings of the deceased. Others may obtain it with proof of interest in the estate. A court order also allows access to this information. Valid photo ID is required for all requests involving cause of death.

Death records before 2009 are not available at the county office. These older records must be requested from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Florida office maintains all Florida death certificates from 2009 and earlier. Contact them at (904) 359-6900 for pre-2009 death records.

How to Request Alachua County Death Records

You have three ways to obtain death certificates in Alachua County. Each method has different processing times. Choose the option that works best for your situation.

In-person visits offer the fastest service. Visit the Alachua County Health Department at 224 SE 24th St. in Gainesville. Bring valid photo identification. Same-day service is often available. Walk-in hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Arrive early to ensure same-day processing. The office accepts cash, check, and money order for death certificate payments.

Mail requests take longer but work well if you cannot visit in person. Send your request to the address listed above. Include the full name of the decedent, date of death, date of birth, and your relationship to the deceased. Also include your contact information and payment. Mail orders typically process within 10 to 15 business days.

Online ordering is available through VitalChek. This is the only authorized online vendor for Florida death certificates. Visit vitalchek.com to place an order. Feel free to also call VitalChek at 1-877-550-7330. The service charges a $7 processing fee plus state fees. Online orders usually process within 3 to 5 business days.

Alachua County Death Certificate Fees

The Alachua County Health Department charges fees for death certificates. Fees vary based on the type and number of copies needed. Contact the office directly for current fee information. The rates below are typical for Florida county health departments.

A certified copy of a death certificate typically costs between $10 and $15. Additional copies of the same record usually cost $4 to $10 each. Ordering multiple copies at once saves money. Most legal matters require three to five certified copies. Consider your needs before placing your order.

Rush service is not typically offered at the county level. For expedited service on older records, contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. They offer rush processing for pre-2009 records with a $10 additional fee. Payment methods at the Alachua office typically include cash, check, and money order. Call ahead to confirm accepted payment types.

Note: Fees at county health departments may differ slightly from state office rates, so verify costs before placing your order for Alachua County death records.

Information Needed for Alachua County Death Records

To obtain a death certificate in Alachua County, you must provide specific information. Accurate details speed up the search process. Missing information may cause delays or extra fees.

Provide the following when requesting a death record:

• Full name of the decedent as shown on the death record
• Sex of the person listed on the death certificate
• Date of death or range of years to search
• Date of birth of the person on the death record
• City or county where the death occurred
• Social Security number if known
• Your full name and relationship to the decedent

Valid photo ID is required for all requests involving cause of death. Acceptable forms include driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. The ID must be current and unexpired. Florida strictly enforces this rule for restricted death records.

Alachua County Death Records for Family History

Death records are valuable for genealogy research in Alachua County. These documents confirm names, dates, and places of death. They help build family trees and trace ancestry. Researchers can find rich details in Florida death certificates.

Death records older than 50 years are fully public. Cause of death is visible on these older certificates. Genealogists can obtain copies without restrictions. The Bureau of Vital Statistics has records from 1917 to 2009. Earlier records from 1877 to 1916 are limited. Not all deaths were recorded in those early years.

When searching for old death records, provide as much detail as possible. Exact dates help narrow the search. Knowing the county of death is very helpful. Florida's death records are organized by date and location. The Bureau staff can assist with historical searches.

Nearby County Death Records

These counties border Alachua County. If you cannot find a death record in Alachua County, try searching in these neighboring counties. Death records are filed in the county where the death occurred.