Boca Raton Death Records - Local Access Guide
Looking for Boca Raton death records? Start at the Palm Beach County Health Department. The city itself does not issue death certificates. Florida law directs all vital records through county health departments. Death certificates provide legal proof of passing. Families need them to settle estates and close accounts. The Palm Beach County office handles all requests from Boca Raton residents. Records date back to 2009. Need older records? Contact the state Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville directly. Staff at both locations can help you navigate the process and find what you need for legal matters.
Boca Raton Quick Facts
Where to Get Death Records in Boca Raton
Death certificates come from the Palm Beach County Health Department, not Boca Raton city offices. Florida law mandates county-level processing for all death records. This ensures consistent handling and security across the state. You have several ways to request records. Visit in person for fastest service. Mail requests work for distant residents. Phone orders are not accepted by the health department.
Identification is required. Bring a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. The office verifies your identity before releasing any documents. Most walk-in requests receive same-day service. Busy days happen, so call ahead when possible.
Note: The Palm Beach County Health Department provides same-day service for most in-person death certificate requests.
| Office | Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County |
|---|---|
| Address | 800 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 |
| Phone | (561) 671-4013 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Website | palmbeach.floridahealth.gov/certificates/ |
Palm Beach County Health Department Services
Beyond death certificates, the Palm Beach County Health Department offers many vital records services. Boca Raton residents also request birth certificates and other documents. Staff help complete forms and answer questions. Their expertise guides you through the process.
Two types of death certificates exist. One includes cause of death. The other does not. Florida Statute 382.025 governs access rules. Public versions without medical details are available to anyone. Confidential versions with cause of death have restrictions.
Need records from before 2009? The county office can direct you. Older records are stored at the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. Staff will explain how to request these archived documents.
How to Request Death Records in Boca Raton
Requesting death certificates in Boca Raton is straightforward. The Palm Beach County Health Department accepts in-person visits, mail requests, and online orders through VitalChek. Each method has different processing times and requirements.
Walking into the office remains the quickest way to get records. Bring government-issued photo identification and the correct payment amount. Staff will assist you with the application form. Most requests are completed while you wait. Mail requests require downloading the form from the state website, completing it fully, attaching ID copies, and including payment. Send everything to the county office address. Expect approximately two weeks for processing.
Online ordering through VitalChek offers the convenience of home access. The service adds processing fees to the state certificate cost. Standard shipping takes several business days. Express options are available for urgent needs. Have the deceased's full name, death date, and location ready before starting your order.
Fees for Death Records in Boca Raton
Death certificate fees are set by Florida law. Boca Raton residents pay the same rates across all request methods. The Palm Beach County Health Department collects payment at time of service.
A certified copy costs $10 for the first document. Order multiple copies at once and pay $10 for each additional certificate. This saves money compared to separate requests. In-person visitors can pay with cash, check, money order, or credit card. Contact the office at (561) 671-4013 to confirm current payment options.
Mailed requests must include check or money order payable to the Florida Department of Health. Cash is not accepted through mail for obvious security reasons. Online orders via VitalChek incur additional processing fees that vary by delivery speed selected.
Historical records from before 2009 carry an extra $10 state search fee. This charge funds the archive retrieval process. No fee waivers are available.
Note: All fees are non-refundable, even if no record is found during the search.
Online Ordering Options for Boca Raton Residents
Skip the office visit. Boca Raton residents can order death certificates online through VitalChek. The state-approved service operates 24 hours a day. No appointment needed.
Start at the VitalChek website. Select Florida death certificates. The secure form asks for deceased person's full name, death date, and location. Records from 2009 forward are searchable through this system.
Provide your shipping address and contact information. Email notifications update you on order status. The tracking feature shows where your request stands.
Payment is secure and immediate. Major cards accepted. Your total combines the state fee with VitalChek's processing charge. Select standard or express shipping based on your urgency.
Delivery typically occurs within 3 to 5 business days for standard orders. Express shipping reduces this timeframe. The county office cannot expedite VitalChek orders.
Types of Death Certificates Available in Boca Raton
Florida issues two types of death certificates. Boca Raton residents can request either type through Palm Beach County. Each type serves different purposes. Choose the right type for your needs.
Death Certificate Without Cause of Death is a public record. Anyone can request this type. You do not need to prove a relationship. This certificate shows the name of the deceased. It lists the date and place of death. It does not include medical information. This type works for most legal purposes. Banks accept it for account closure. Insurance companies use it for claims. Title companies need it for property transfers.
Death Certificate With Cause of Death contains medical information. Florida law protects this data for 50 years. Only eligible people can get this type. Eligible parties include the spouse, parents, children, and siblings. Legal representatives of the estate may also request it. A court order grants access too.
The cause of death section shows what led to the passing. It lists diseases or conditions. It may show accident details. Medical examiners provide this information. Not everyone needs this level of detail.
Both types carry the same legal weight for proving death. The difference is the medical information included. Most Boca Raton residents need the public version without cause of death. Choose the confidential version only if you have a specific need for medical details.
Note: Requesting a certificate with cause of death requires proof of eligibility and valid photo identification.
Palm Beach County Death Records
Palm Beach County encompasses Boca Raton and neighboring communities. The county health department serves all residents within its boundaries. Learn more about area-wide services and resources on the county death records page.