Miramar Death Records - Certificate Lookup
The Broward County Health Department issues all Miramar 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.
Miramar Quick Facts
Where to Get Death Records in Miramar
Death certificates come from the Broward County Health Department, not Miramar 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 Broward County Health Department provides same-day service for most in-person death certificate requests.
| Office | Florida Department of Health in Broward County |
|---|---|
| Address | 2421-A S.W. 6th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 |
| Phone | (954) 467-4839 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Website | broward.floridahealth.gov/certificates/ |
Broward County Health Department Services
The Broward County Health Department offers several vital records services for Miramar residents. Death certificates top the list of requested records. The office also provides birth certificates and other vital documents. Staff members help you complete application forms.
Services available at the Broward County office include certified death certificate copies. They also offer informational copies for genealogy research. Staff can explain the difference between these types. They will tell you which type fits your needs.
The health department follows Florida Statute 382.025. This law controls who can access death records with cause of death information. Public records without cause of death are available to anyone. Cause of death records remain confidential for 50 years.
Additional services include help with ordering records for deaths before 2009. These older records need special handling. The county office can guide you on requesting them from the state Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville.
How to Request Death Records in Miramar
Requesting death certificates in Miramar is straightforward. The Broward 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 Miramar
The Broward County Health Department charges state-set fees for death certificates. These fees apply to all requests from Miramar residents. Payment methods vary by how you submit your request.
The base fee for a certified death certificate is $10. This covers the first copy. Additional copies ordered at the same time cost $10 each. Order all copies together to save money. Separate requests require full payment each time.
For in-person visits, the Broward County office accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards. Some locations accept debit cards too. Call (954) 467-4839 to confirm accepted payment methods. For mail requests, send check or money order only. Make checks payable to the Florida Department of Health.
VitalChek adds processing fees to online orders. These fees vary based on shipping speed selected. Rush delivery costs more than standard shipping. Review all charges before completing your online order.
Records prior to 2009 require an extra $10 rush fee if ordered through the state Bureau. This fee applies to archive searches. The Broward County office cannot waive this fee for older records.
Note: All fees are non-refundable, even if no record is found during the search.
Online Ordering Options for Miramar Residents
Online ordering offers convenience for busy Miramar 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 Broward County office does not control VitalChek processing times.
Types of Death Certificates Available in Miramar
Two certificate types are available in Miramar. 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.
Broward County Death Records
Broward County encompasses Miramar 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.