Polk County Death Records Access

Polk County death records are maintained by the Florida Department of Health in Polk County. Their offices in Bartow provide certified copies of death certificates for deaths occurring from 2009 to the present. Residents of Lakeland, Winter Haven, and surrounding communities can obtain these vital records locally. This county maintains accurate death registration for all Polk County residents.

Polk County Health Department Vital Statistics

The Florida Department of Health in Polk County maintains death records for central Florida. Their main office is at 2090 E. Clower St. in Bartow. The Vital Statistics office is located at 200 Government Center Blvd in Bartow. These offices serve all residents of Polk County who need certified copies of death certificates.

Office hours are Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Walk-in service is available for death certificate requests at both locations. Call (863) 519-8330 for general information or (863) 519-7900 for Vital Statistics. Staff can answer questions about death record availability and requirements.

The health department serves the large geographic area of Polk County. Lakeland and Winter Haven residents can access death records in Bartow. The offices are accessible from major highways throughout the county.

Polk County Death Certificates Available

The Polk County office issues two types of death certificates. Understanding the difference helps you request the right document for your specific 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. Social Security numbers are partially redacted. This type meets most legal and financial needs.

Death certificates with cause of death are restricted records. Cause of death remains confidential for 50 years. Only certain family members can obtain this type. Eligible persons include the spouse, parents, children, grandchildren, and siblings. Others need proof of interest in the estate. A court order also grants access to this information.

Death records before 2009 must be requested from the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. The Jacksonville office maintains all pre-2009 death certificates. Contact them at (904) 359-6900 for older records.

How to Request Polk County Death Records

You have three ways to obtain death certificates in Polk County. Each method has different processing times.

In-person visits offer the fastest service. Visit the Vital Statistics office at 200 Government Center Blvd in Bartow. Bring valid photo identification. Same-day service is often available. The office accepts various payment methods for death certificate fees.

Mail requests work well for those who cannot visit in person. Send your request to the Bartow address. Include complete information about the decedent and your relationship. 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. The service charges a $7 processing fee plus state fees.

Note: Polk County provides a downloadable death certificate application form on their website. Using this form can speed up your request process.

Polk County Death Certificate Fees

The Polk County Health Department charges fees for death certificates. Contact the office directly for current fee information.

A certified copy typically costs between $10 and $15. Additional copies of the same record usually cost less. Ordering multiple copies at once saves money. Most legal matters require several certified copies.

Payment methods at the Polk office typically include cash, check, and money order. Call ahead to confirm accepted payment types before your visit.

Information Needed for Polk County Death Records

To obtain a death certificate in Polk County, provide specific information about the decedent.

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 requests involving cause of death. Acceptable forms include driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID.

Polk County Death Records for Family History

Death records help genealogists research family history in Polk County. These documents confirm names, dates, and places of death.

Death records older than 50 years are fully public. Cause of death is visible on these older certificates. The Bureau of Vital Statistics has records from 1917 to 2009.

When searching for old death records, provide as much detail as possible. Exact dates help narrow the search. The Bureau staff can assist with historical searches for Polk County deaths.

Nearby County Death Records

These counties border Polk County. Try searching in these neighboring counties if needed.