Port St. Lucie Death Records - Certificate Lookup

The St. Lucie County Health Department issues all Port St. Lucie 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.

Where to Get Death Records in Port St. Lucie

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

St. Lucie County Health Department Services

The St. Lucie County Health Department serves Port St. Lucie with comprehensive vital records services. Certified copies of death certificates are the most requested item. Staff also assist with birth certificates and genealogy requests. They follow strict privacy laws under Florida Statute 382.025. This statute determines who can access records with cause of death information.

Older records require special handling. Deaths before 2009 are archived at the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. The county office will guide you through requesting these historical documents. Both locations work together to serve families.

How to Request Death Records in Port St. Lucie

Requesting death certificates in Port St. Lucie is straightforward. The St. Lucie 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 Port St. Lucie

Death certificate fees are set by Florida law. Port St. Lucie residents pay the same rates across all request methods. The St. Lucie 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 (772) 873-4933 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 Port St. Lucie Residents

VitalChek provides online death certificate ordering for Port St. Lucie residents. Skip the trip to the health department. Complete your request from any computer or mobile device.

The secure system needs deceased person's information. Full legal name. Date and place of death. Florida location required. System covers 2009 to present.

Enter your delivery address and contact details. Email updates keep you informed. Track progress online anytime.

Pay with major credit or debit cards. Certificate fee plus processing charges apply. Pick your shipping speed. Standard delivery takes several days. Express options cost more but arrive faster.

Note: Processing times are controlled by VitalChek, not the local health department.

Types of Death Certificates Available in Port St. Lucie

Two certificate types are available in Port St. Lucie. 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.

St. Lucie County Death Records

St. Lucie County encompasses Port St. Lucie 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 St. Lucie County Death Records