Sumter County Death Records Search

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

Sumter County Health Department Vital Records

The Florida Department of Health in Sumter County maintains death records for central Florida. Their main office is at 415 East Noble Ave. in Bushnell. The mailing address is P.O. Box 98, Bushnell, FL 33513. A satellite office is located at 104 Rutland Street in Wildwood. These offices serve all residents of Sumter County.

Office hours are Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Walk-in service is available at both locations. Call (352) 569-3131 for general information. For Vital Statistics, call (352) 793-6979 at the main office or (352) 330-1313 ext. 245 at the Wildwood satellite.

The health department serves the Sumter County community, including The Villages retirement community. The Wildwood satellite office provides convenient access for residents in that area.

Sumter County Death Certificates Available

The Sumter County office issues two types of death certificates. Each type serves different purposes.

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. Others need proof of interest in the estate. Valid photo ID is required.

Death records before 2009 must be requested from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville.

How to Request Sumter County Death Records

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

In-person visits offer the fastest service. Visit either the Bushnell office or the Wildwood satellite. Bring valid photo identification. Same-day service is often available.

Mail requests work well for those who cannot visit. Send your request to the Bushnell mailing 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.

Sumter County Death Certificate Fees

The Sumter 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 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.

Note: Sumter County offers two office locations to better serve residents including the large retirement community at The Villages.

Information Needed for Sumter County Death Records

To obtain a death certificate in Sumter 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.

Sumter County Death Records for Family History

Death records are valuable for genealogy research in Sumter 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.

Nearby County Death Records

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