St. Petersburg Death Records - Certificate Lookup
St. Petersburg death records are issued through the Pinellas County Health Department. St. Petersburg residents who need certified copies of death certificates must visit or contact this county office. The Florida Department of Health manages all vital records for the state. Death records serve as legal proof of death. They help settle estates and process insurance claims. St. Petersburg families use these records for many purposes. The county health department maintains records for deaths occurring in Florida from 2009 to present. Older records require requests to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville.
St. Petersburg Quick Facts
Where to Get Death Records in St. Petersburg
Need a death certificate in St. Petersburg? Visit the Pinellas County Health Department. City offices cannot help with these requests. Florida channels all vital records through county health departments. The law requires this process.
The Pinellas County office provides certified copies to St. Petersburg residents. Walk-in service is available during business hours. Phone orders are not an option. Mail works well for those who plan ahead. Allow processing time.
Bring proper identification. A driver's license works. State ID cards are accepted. Passports and military ID also qualify. Staff verify your identity before releasing records. This protects sensitive information.
Most in-person requests receive same-day service. Call first to check wait times. Busy periods happen. Preparation saves time.
Note: The Pinellas County Health Department provides same-day service for most in-person death certificate requests.
| Office | Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County |
|---|---|
| Address | 8751 Ulmerton Rd., Suite 1700, Largo, FL 33771 |
| Phone | (727) 524-4412 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Website | pinellas.floridahealth.gov/certificates/ |
Pinellas County Health Department Services
Beyond death certificates, the Pinellas County Health Department offers many vital records services. St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg
Requesting death certificates in St. Petersburg is straightforward. The Pinellas 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 St. Petersburg
Death certificate fees are set by Florida law. St. Petersburg residents pay the same rates across all request methods. The Pinellas 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 (727) 524-4412 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 St. Petersburg Residents
Online ordering offers convenience for busy St. Petersburg 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 Pinellas County office does not control VitalChek processing times.
Types of Death Certificates Available in St. Petersburg
Understanding certificate types helps St. Petersburg residents choose correctly. Florida offers public and confidential death certificates. The difference lies in medical information inclusion.
Public certificates display the deceased's name, death date, and location. They omit cause of death details. Anyone may purchase these documents. No special eligibility requirements apply. Most legal purposes accept this version.
Confidential certificates add medical information. Florida Statute 382.025 restricts distribution. Immediate family members and legal representatives qualify. Fifty years must pass before public access is granted.
Choose based on your specific situation. Banks, insurers, and government agencies typically need only the public version. Medical history is relevant for certain insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Note: Requesting a certificate with cause of death requires proof of eligibility and valid photo identification.
Pinellas County Death Records
St. Petersburg is located in Pinellas County, Florida. The county health department maintains death records for all cities within the county. This includes St. Petersburg and surrounding communities. For more information about services, fees, and resources throughout the county, visit the Pinellas County death records page.