Miami Death Records - Certificate Lookup

Looking for Miami death records? Start at the Miami-Dade 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 Miami-Dade County office handles all requests from Miami 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.

Where to Get Death Records in Miami

Death certificates come from the Miami-Dade County Health Department, not Miami 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 Miami-Dade County Health Department provides same-day service for most in-person death certificate requests.

Miami-Dade County Health Department Services

Beyond death certificates, the Miami-Dade County Health Department offers many vital records services. Miami 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 Miami

Miami residents have three ways to request death certificates. Each method suits different needs and timeframes. Choose the option that works best for your situation.

In-person visits provide the fastest results. Go to the Miami-Dade County Health Department during business hours. Bring your photo ID and payment. Fill out the application form at the office. Most requests finish while you wait. This method works best if you need records quickly.

Mail requests work for those who cannot visit in person. Download the application form from the Florida Health website. Complete all required fields. Include a copy of your photo ID. Add payment by check or money order. Mail your packet to the Miami-Dade County office address. Allow two weeks for processing.

Online ordering goes through VitalChek. This is the only state-approved online service. Visit VitalChek to place your order. You will pay the state fee plus a processing fee. Most online orders ship within 3 to 5 business days. This works well for Miami residents who prefer convenience.

You need specific information to request a death record. Have the full name of the deceased ready. Include the date of death and city or county where death occurred. Social Security numbers help narrow the search. Your relationship to the deceased may be required for some record types.

Fees for Death Records in Miami

Expect to pay state-mandated fees for death certificates in Miami. 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 Miami Residents

Skip the office visit. Miami 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 Miami

Two certificate types are available in Miami. Pick the one that matches your needs. The public version works for most situations. The confidential version includes medical details.

The public certificate excludes cause of death. Anyone can order it. No relationship proof required. Shows name, date, and place of death. Banks and insurance companies accept this version. It handles most legal requirements.

The confidential certificate includes cause of death. Florida restricts access for 50 years. Spouses, parents, children, siblings, and estate representatives qualify. Court orders also grant access.

Both versions prove death legally. Most people need the public type. Medical details are rarely necessary for standard transactions.

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 Miami 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.

View Miami-Dade County Death Records