Putnam County Death Records Database

Putnam County death records are maintained by the Florida Department of Health in Putnam County. Their office in Palatka issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths occurring from 2009 to the present. Residents throughout the county can obtain these vital records locally. This county office works with families to provide accurate death registration services.

Putnam County Health Department Vital Records

The Florida Department of Health in Putnam County maintains death records for northeast Florida. Their office is located at 2801 Kennedy St. in Palatka. This office serves all residents of Putnam County who need certified copies of death certificates. The staff processes requests for deaths that occurred anywhere in Florida from 2009 forward.

Office hours are Monday through Friday during regular business hours. This office is closed on state and federal holidays. Walk-in service is available for death certificate requests. Most requests can be processed the same day if submitted before the close of business. Call (386) 326-7189 to confirm current wait times and office hours.

The health department serves the Putnam County community. Palatka residents can access death records locally. The office location is accessible from major roads in the county.

Putnam County Death Certificates Available

The Putnam County office issues two types of death certificates. Each type serves different purposes. Understanding the difference helps you request the right document.

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 hidden. This type meets most legal and financial needs.

Death certificates with cause of death are restricted by Florida law. Cause of death remains confidential for 50 years. Only specific people can obtain this type. Eligible persons include the spouse, parents, children, grandchildren, and siblings. Others may obtain it with proof of interest in the estate. A court order also allows access to this information. Valid photo ID is required for all requests involving cause of death.

Death records before 2009 are not available at the county office. These older records must be requested from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Florida office maintains all Florida death certificates from 2009 and earlier.

How to Request Putnam County Death Records

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

In-person visits offer the fastest service. Visit the Putnam County Health Department at 2801 Kennedy St. in Palatka. Bring valid photo identification. Same-day service is often available. Walk-in hours are Monday through Friday during business hours.

Mail requests take longer but work well if you cannot visit in person. Send your request to the Palatka address. Include the full name of the decedent, date of death, date of birth, and your relationship to the deceased. 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.

Putnam County Death Certificate Fees

The Putnam County Health Department charges fees for death certificates. 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. Most legal matters require three to five certified copies.

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

Note: Fees at county health departments may differ slightly from state office rates.

Information Needed for Putnam County Death Records

To obtain a death certificate in Putnam County, you must provide specific information. Accurate details speed up the search process.

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.

Putnam County Death Records for Genealogy

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

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 Putnam County deaths.

Nearby County Death Records

These counties border Putnam County. If you cannot find a death record in Putnam County, try searching in these neighboring counties.