Homestead Death Records - Certificate Lookup
The Miami-Dade County Health Department issues all Homestead death certificates. Local residents cannot get these documents from city offices. State law requires county-level processing for every death record. These vital documents serve many purposes. Banks need them to close accounts. Insurance companies require them for claims. Attorneys use them in estate proceedings. The health department maintains Florida death records from 2009 forward. Earlier deaths are stored at the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. Both offices provide certified copies to qualified requesters who follow proper procedures and provide required identification.
Homestead Quick Facts
Where to Get Death Records in Homestead
Homestead residents obtain death certificates from the Miami-Dade County Health Department. The city does not issue death certificates directly. State law requires county-level processing.
The health department serves all Homestead residents. Staff provide certified copies of Florida death records. Visit in person during business hours. Phone orders are not accepted. Mail requests work well with advance planning.
The office handles walk-in requests during open hours. Bring valid photo identification. Acceptable IDs include driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Call ahead to confirm wait times. Some days are busier than others at the Miami-Dade County office.
Note: The Miami-Dade County Health Department provides same-day service for most in-person death certificate requests.
| Office | Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County |
|---|---|
| Address | 1350 N.W. 14th Street, Miami, FL 33125 |
| Phone | (305) 324-2405 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Website | miamidade.floridahealth.gov/certificates/ |
Miami-Dade County Health Department Services
Beyond death certificates, the Miami-Dade County Health Department offers many vital records services. Homestead 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 Homestead
Three options exist for Homestead residents needing death certificates. Visit in person for fastest service. Mail your request if distance is an issue. Order online through VitalChek for convenience.
In-person requests usually finish same-day. Bring ID and payment. Fill out the form at the office. Mail takes about two weeks. Include a copy of your ID and payment. Online orders process in 3 to 5 business days. Additional fees apply.
Have key information ready before requesting. Full name of deceased. Date and place of death. Social Security number if known. Your relationship to the person. Some record types require proving eligibility.
Download forms from the Florida Health website. Complete all fields accurately. Incomplete requests cause delays.
Fees for Death Records in Homestead
Expect to pay state-mandated fees for death certificates in Homestead. The Miami-Dade County Health Department collects these charges. Payment options differ by request method.
First copy costs $12. Additional copies ordered together run $16 each. Bulk ordering saves money. In-person payments accept cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Call (305) 324-2405 to verify. Mail orders need checks or money orders made out to Florida Department of Health.
VitalChek online orders include extra processing fees. Speed determines the cost. Faster shipping means higher charges. Check totals before paying.
Pre-2009 records need a $10 state archive fee. This applies to all historical requests.
Note: All fees are non-refundable, even if no record is found during the search.
Online Ordering Options for Homestead Residents
Online ordering offers convenience for busy Homestead residents. You can request death certificates without leaving home. The process takes about 10 minutes to complete.
VitalChek operates the official online ordering system for Florida. This service partners directly with the state. Your information stays secure throughout the process. Visit VitalChek Florida Death Certificates to begin.
The online system asks for details about the deceased. Enter the full legal name as it appears on the record. Provide the date and place of death. The city or county of death must be in Florida. The system searches records from 2009 to present.
You will also enter your contact information. Provide your mailing address for certificate delivery. Include a phone number and email. VitalChek sends order updates by email. You can track your request status online.
Payment happens through secure online processing. Most major credit and debit cards are accepted. The total includes the state certificate fee. A VitalChek processing fee is added. Shipping costs depend on your selected delivery speed.
Processing time varies by order type. Standard orders take 3 to 5 business days. Express shipping speeds up delivery. The Miami-Dade County office does not control VitalChek processing times.
Types of Death Certificates Available in Homestead
Florida issues two types of death certificates. Homestead residents can request either type through Miami-Dade 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 Homestead 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.
Miami-Dade County Death Records
Miami-Dade County encompasses Homestead 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.