Find Lee County Death Records

Lee County death records are available through the Florida Department of Health in Lee County. This county serves Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and surrounding communities along Florida's Gulf Coast. Death certificates from 2009 to present can be obtained locally. Older death records must be requested from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Families search Lee County death records for estate settlement, genealogy research, and legal needs.

Lee County Health Department Vital Records

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County maintains death records for the county. Their main office is in Fort Myers. This office handles death certificate requests for deaths occurring from 2009 forward. Staff can assist with ordering copies and answering questions about death records.

The Vital Statistics Office operates from a separate location in North Fort Myers. This office is at 83 Pondella Road. This is dedicated to vital records services including death certificates. Many residents find this location convenient for obtaining death records in Lee County.

The image shows the health department facility where Lee County death records are processed. This office serves the public with certified copies of death certificates and other vital records.

Note: Call ahead to confirm current hours and any requirements for obtaining death records in Lee County.

Death Certificates Available in Lee County

Lee County issues two types of death certificates. The first type is without cause of death. This is a public record. Anyone aged 18 or older may obtain this type. It shows the decedent's name and date of death. Social Security numbers are partially redacted on this death record type.

The second type includes cause of death information. This is restricted by Florida law. Only eligible persons may obtain this death certificate. Eligible persons include the spouse, parents, children, and siblings of the deceased. Others must show proof of interest in the estate. Cause of death becomes public after 50 years from the date of death.

Death records from 2009 to present are available at the Lee County Vital Statistics Office. Deaths before 2009 must be requested from the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. This office is in Jacksonville. They maintain all Florida death records from earlier years.

How to Request Lee County Death Records

You can request death certificates from Lee County in several ways. In-person visits offer same-day service in many cases. Walk-in hours are Monday through Friday at both office locations. Bring valid photo identification. Payment is due at the time of service.

Mail requests are another option for Lee County death records. Send your request to the main office address. Include all required information about the death. Provide your contact details and relationship to the decedent. Include payment by check or money order. Mail orders take longer to process than in-person requests.

Online ordering is available through VitalChek. This is the only authorized vendor for Florida death records. VitalChek charges a processing fee in addition to state fees. This service is available 24 hours a day. Most orders process within 3 to 5 business days.

Information Needed for Lee County Death Records

To obtain a death certificate from Lee County, provide specific details. Accurate information speeds up the search process. Missing details may cause delays or extra fees.

Include the following when requesting a Lee County death record:

• Full name of the decedent as shown on the death record
• Sex of the person on the death certificate
• Date of death or range of years to search
• Date of birth if known
• City or county where the death occurred
• Your full name and relationship to the decedent
• Valid photo ID for cause of death requests

Valid photo identification is required for all requests involving cause of death. Acceptable IDs include driver's license, state ID, or passport. The ID must be current and unexpired.

Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics

For Lee County deaths before 2009, contact the state office. The Bureau of Vital Statistics is in Jacksonville. They maintain all Florida death records from 2009 and earlier. Some records date back to 1877. Most historical records begin in 1917.

The Bureau address is 1217 N Pearl St., Jacksonville, FL 32202. Their mailing address is P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. Phone is (904) 359-6900. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Fees at the state office start at $5 for a search and one certified copy. Additional copies cost $4 each. Rush service costs $10 extra for same-day walk-in requests. Visit the Florida Department of Health death certificates page for more information.

Death Records in Lee County Cities

Lee County includes several cities and communities. All use the same county health department for death records. Cape Coral is the largest city. Fort Myers is the county seat. Other communities include Bonita Springs, Estero, and Sanibel.

Residents of any Lee County city can obtain death certificates at the county offices. The Fort Myers and North Fort Myers locations serve all areas. You do not need to visit the city where the death occurred. This county maintains all death records for its jurisdiction.

Nearby County Death Records

These counties border Lee County. If you cannot find a death record in Lee County, try these neighboring counties. Deaths may have occurred across county lines.