Franklin County Death Certificates

Searching for Franklin County death records starts at the local health department in Apalachicola. The Florida Department of Health in Franklin County maintains death certificates for deaths that occurred from 2009 to the present. Families can obtain copies of death records for legal matters, estate settlement, and genealogy research. Older death records from before 2009 are available through the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. This office serves all of Franklin County including Apalachicola, Carrabelle, and Eastpoint communities along the Gulf Coast.

Franklin County Health Department Vital Records

The Florida Department of Health in Franklin County operates the vital records office at 137 12th St. in Apalachicola. Feel free to reach them by phone at (850) 323-6018 for death certificate questions. The office provides certified copies of death records for all deaths in Florida from 2009 forward. This location serves residents throughout the Forgotten Coast region.

Visit the Franklin County Health Department website to learn more about their services. The staff can help you obtain death certificates quickly and efficiently. Office hours follow the standard state schedule for vital records requests.

The health department building houses all vital statistics services for Franklin County residents. Death records are processed with care and attention to privacy laws. Note: Call ahead to confirm current hours and any requirements before visiting the Franklin County office.

Franklin County Death Record Types

Two types of death certificates are available in Franklin County. The first type shows death facts without cause of death information. Anyone aged 18 or older may obtain this public death record. The second type includes cause of death details. This confidential death record has restrictions under Florida law.

Cause of death remains private for 50 years after the death occurs. Only immediate family members may obtain this death certificate type. Eligible persons include spouses, parents, children, grandchildren, and adult siblings of the deceased. Others must show legal interest in the estate to access restricted death records.

How to Get Franklin County Death Certificates

You have several options for obtaining Franklin County death records. Visit the health department in person for same-day service. The office accepts walk-in requests during business hours. Bring valid photo identification when requesting death certificates. Accepted forms include driver's license, state ID, or passport.

Mail requests take longer but work well for those who cannot visit in person. Send your death certificate request to the Franklin County Health Department mailing address. Include all required death record information and payment. Allow extra time for processing and return mail.

Online ordering is available through VitalChek, the authorized vendor for Florida death records. This service charges an additional processing fee. Most online death record orders process within days. This option works well for out-of-town family members who need Franklin County death certificates.

Historical Franklin County Death Records

Death records before 2009 are not stored at the Franklin County office. These older death certificates are held by the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Florida office maintains Florida death records dating back to 1917. Some limited records exist from as early as 1877.

Request historical death records directly from the state Bureau. Their address is 1217 N Pearl St., Jacksonville, FL 32202. Feel free to call them at (904) 359-6900 for assistance. The Bureau charges $5 for a death record search covering one year. Additional years cost $2 each up to a $50 maximum.

Details Needed for Franklin County Death Records

Provide accurate information when requesting death certificates. The health department needs specific facts to locate the correct death record. Include the full legal name of the deceased person. State their sex and date of death. Include the date of birth if known.

Also provide the city or county where the death took place. The Social Security number helps narrow the search. State your relationship to the person on the death certificate. Include your current contact information for the death record office.

Photo ID is required for all death certificate requests involving cause of death. Make sure your identification is current and valid. The Franklin County office follows strict ID rules for restricted death records.

Franklin County Death Records for Family History

Genealogists find value in Franklin County death records. Death certificates confirm family relationships and dates. They help build accurate family trees. Researchers can access death records over 50 years old without restrictions.

Coastal Franklin County has a rich history dating back centuries. Death records help trace families in the Apalachicola Bay region. The area's maritime and timber history created many local families. Death certificates document these Franklin County roots.