Broward County Death Records Access

Broward County death records are maintained by the Florida Department of Health in Broward County. Their Fort Lauderdale office provides certified copies of Florida death certificates for deaths from 2009 to present. These vital records serve families throughout the county for estate settlement, genealogy, and legal needs. The health department operates multiple service locations to better serve Broward County residents.

Broward County Health Department Vital Statistics Offices

Florida Department of Health in Broward County operates vital records services from their Fort Lauderdale location. Their main Vital Statistics office sits at 2421 SW 6th Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Staff there serve all residents of Broward County seeking certified death certificates.

Regular office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. However, every third Thursday of the month, offices close at 3 p.m. Plan your visit accordingly. The Paul Hughes location offers extended hours on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Fort Lauderdale office provides comprehensive vital records services. Staff are trained to handle death certificate requests efficiently. This office is accessible and offers parking for visitors.

Broward County Death Certificate Services

Broward County provides death certificates for all deaths that occurred in Florida from 2009 to the present. This county offers multiple ways to request these vital records. Services are designed to meet diverse needs and schedules.

Death certificates without cause of death are public records. Any person aged 18 or older may obtain them. These certificates contain the decedent's name, date of death, and place of death. The Social Security number is partially redacted. This type satisfies most legal and administrative requirements.

Death certificates with cause of death are confidential. Florida law restricts access for 50 years following the death. Only specific relatives may request this type. These include the spouse, parent, child, grandchild, and sibling. Estate representatives and court-ordered parties may also obtain them. Photo ID is required for all confidential requests.

Records for deaths before 2009 are not kept at the county office. The Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville maintains older records. Contact them at (904) 359-6900 for assistance with historical death certificates.

How to Obtain Broward County Death Records

Broward County offers three methods for obtaining death certificates. Each method suits different circumstances and urgency levels.

In-person requests provide same-day service. Visit the Fort Lauderdale office at 2421 SW 6th Ave. Valid photo ID is required. Most requests are processed while you wait. Remember that offices close at 3 p.m. every third Thursday. The Paul Hughes location offers evening hours on Wednesday.

Mail requests work well for those who prefer not to visit. Send your request to the Fort Lauderdale address. Include complete information about the decedent. Add your contact details and relationship to the deceased. Enclose payment for the certificates. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days.

Online ordering is available through VitalChek. This is the authorized vendor for Florida death certificates. Visit vitalchek.com to order. Or call 1-877-550-7330 to order by phone. A $7 processing fee applies. Most orders complete within 3 to 5 business days.

Broward County Death Certificate Fees

The Broward County Health Department charges fees for death certificates. Contact the office directly for current fee information. Typical fees follow Florida county health department standards.

Certified copies of death certificates generally cost between $10 and $15 each. Additional copies of the same record typically cost $4 to $10 each. Most legal matters require multiple certified copies. Consider ordering all needed copies at once to save on fees.

Rush service is not typically available at the county level. For expedited processing of older records, contact the Jacksonville Bureau of Vital Statistics. They offer rush service for pre-2009 records with an additional $10 fee. Accepted payment methods vary by office. Call ahead to confirm payment options.

Information Needed for Broward County Death Records

To request a death certificate in Broward County, you must provide specific information. Accurate details ensure prompt processing.

Include the following with your request:

• Full legal name of the deceased as shown on the certificate
• Sex of the decedent
• Date of death or approximate time period
• Date of birth of the deceased
• City and county where death occurred
• Social Security number if known
• Your full name and relationship to the decedent and Current mailing address and phone number

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.

Genealogy Research with Broward County Death Records

Death certificates are valuable resources for family history research. They provide verified information about ancestors. Genealogists use these records to confirm dates and relationships.

Death records over 50 years old are fully public. The cause of death is included on these records. No restrictions apply to access. The Bureau of Vital Statistics holds records from 1917 to 2009. Earlier records from 1877 to 1916 are limited in availability.

Detailed information improves search success. Specific dates and locations help locate records. Florida organizes records by date and geography. Bureau staff can assist with historical searches.

Adjacent County Death Record Resources

These counties border Broward County. Check these offices if you need records from other areas. Death certificates are filed where the death occurred.