Sarasota County Death Records Lookup

Sarasota County death records are maintained by the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County. Their offices provide certified copies of death certificates for deaths occurring from 2009 to the present. Residents of Sarasota, Venice, and surrounding communities can obtain these vital records locally. This county serves a large retiree population with professional death registration services.

Sarasota County Health Department Vital Records

The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County maintains death records for southwest Florida. Their main office is at 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd. in Sarasota. The Vital Statistics office is at 2200 Ringling Blvd., Suite 131 in Sarasota. These offices serve all residents of Sarasota County who need certified copies of death certificates.

Office hours are Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Walk-in service is available at both locations. Call (941) 861-6133 for general information or (941) 861-2900 for Vital Statistics. Staff can answer questions about death record availability.

The health department serves the Sarasota County community on the Gulf Coast. The offices are accessible from major roads throughout the county. Sarasota and Venice residents can access death records locally.

Sarasota County Death Certificates Available

The Sarasota County office issues two types of death certificates. 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. 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.

Death records before 2009 must be requested from the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Contact them at (904) 359-6900 for older records.

How to Request Sarasota County Death Records

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

In-person visits offer the fastest service. Visit the Vital Statistics office at 2200 Ringling Blvd. in Sarasota. Bring valid photo identification. Same-day service is often available.

Mail requests work well for those who cannot visit. Send your request to the Ringling Blvd. address. Include complete information about the decedent. Mail orders typically process within 10 to 15 business days.

Online ordering is available through VitalChek. This is the only authorized online vendor. Visit vitalchek.com to place an order. The service charges a $7 processing fee plus state fees.

Sarasota County Death Certificate Fees

The Sarasota 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.

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

Information Needed for Sarasota County Death Records

To obtain a death certificate in Sarasota 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.

Sarasota County Death Records for Family History

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

Death records older than 50 years are fully public. The Bureau of Vital Statistics has records from 1917 to 2009.

When searching for old death records, provide as much detail as possible. The Bureau staff can assist with historical searches for Sarasota County deaths.

Nearby County Death Records

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