Pinellas County Death Records Search

Pinellas County death records are maintained by the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County. Their office in Largo provides certified copies of death certificates for deaths occurring from 2009 to the present. Residents of Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and surrounding communities can obtain these vital records locally. This county office works with funeral homes and families to ensure accurate death registration.

Pinellas County Health Department Vital Records

The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County maintains death records for the Tampa Bay area. Their Vital Statistics office is located at 8751 Ulmerton Road, Suite 2000 in Largo. This office serves all residents of Pinellas County who need certified copies of death certificates. The staff processes requests for deaths that occurred anywhere in Florida from 2009 forward.

The office operates Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Walk-in service is available for death certificate requests. Most requests can be processed the same day if submitted with complete information. Call the office at (727) 507-4336 to confirm current hours and wait times.

The health department serves the densely populated Pinellas County area. St. Petersburg and Clearwater residents can access death records locally. The office location is accessible from major highways in the county.

Pinellas County Death Certificates Available

The Pinellas County office issues two types of death certificates. Each type serves different legal and personal purposes. Understanding the difference helps you request the correct document.

Death certificates without cause of death are public records in Florida. 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 for privacy. This type satisfies most legal and financial requirements. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies accept this certificate type for processing claims.

Death certificates with cause of death contain confidential medical information. Florida law restricts access to this information for 50 years after death. Only specific family members can obtain this type. Eligible persons include the spouse, parents, children, grandchildren, and siblings of the deceased. Others may obtain it with documented proof of interest in the estate. A court order also grants access to cause of death information.

Death records before 2009 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. Note: Valid photo ID is required for all requests involving cause of death.

How to Request Pinellas County Death Records

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

In-person visits offer the fastest service. Visit the Pinellas County Health Department at 8751 Ulmerton Road in Largo. Bring valid photo identification. Same-day service is often available during business hours. The office accepts various payment methods for death certificate fees.

Mail requests work well if you cannot visit in person. Send your request to the Largo address. 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.

Pinellas County Death Certificate Fees

The Pinellas 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.

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 on per-copy fees. Most estate matters require several certified copies. Consider your total 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. Payment methods at the Pinellas office typically include cash, check, and money order. Call ahead to confirm accepted payment types before your visit.

Information Needed for Pinellas County Death Records

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

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.

Pinellas County Death Records for Genealogy Research

Death records are valuable for genealogy research in Pinellas County. These documents confirm names, dates, and places of death. They help build family trees and trace ancestry through multiple generations. 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 in scope.

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. The Bureau staff can assist with historical searches for Pinellas County deaths.

Nearby County Death Records

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