Death Records Access in Charlotte County

Charlotte County death records are maintained by the Florida Department of Health office in Port Charlotte. This Southwest Florida location serves residents from Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and Englewood. The office provides certified copies of death certificates for deaths occurring anywhere in Florida from 2009 forward. You can request records in person, through the mail, or via the VitalChek online system. Florida law restricts access to cause of death information for fifty years following the date of death.

Where to Get Charlotte County Death Records

The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County operates from Loveland Boulevard in Port Charlotte. This office provides death certificate services for all Florida deaths from 2009 to present. Older records must come from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. The location is convenient for residents throughout Charlotte County and surrounding areas.

Office hours are Monday through Friday. Staff can assist with walk-in requests during business hours. Same-day service is typically available for records from 2009 forward. Bring valid identification and payment when you visit. The office accepts multiple payment methods for your convenience.

Visit the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County website for current information about services and hours of operation.

How to Request Death Records in Charlotte County

Obtaining death records in Charlotte County is straightforward. Three methods are available to request certified copies. Choose the option that works best for your situation and timeframe.

Visit the Port Charlotte office for in-person service. This is the fastest way to get death records. Staff can process your request while you wait. Bring the completed application and your photo ID. Payment is required at the time of service.

Mail your request if you cannot visit the office. Complete form DH727 from the Florida Department of Health website. Include a copy of your valid photo identification. Send the form with payment to the Charlotte County office address. Processing takes ten to fifteen business days.

Order online through VitalChek for convenience. This is Florida's only authorized online vendor. Visit vitalchek.com to start your order. Processing fees are added to the state fees. Expedited shipping options are available.

Cause of death requests require proof of relationship. Eligible requesters include immediate family members. Legal representatives may also access this information. You must provide documentation with your request. General requesters receive certificates without cause of death details.

Note: Valid photo ID is required for all in-person and mail requests at the Charlotte County office.

Fees for Death Records in Charlotte County

Charlotte County follows Florida's standard fee schedule for death certificates. Fees are set by state law and apply statewide. Local offices may adjust specific amounts within allowed ranges.

The search fee covers one year and includes one certified copy. Additional copies cost extra when ordered together. Rush processing is available for older records. Always confirm current fees before submitting your request.

The Charlotte County office accepts cash, check, and money order. Make checks payable to the Florida Department of Health. Credit card payments are only available through VitalChek online. Returned checks incur a fifteen dollar penalty fee.

Types of Death Records Available

Florida provides two types of death certificates. Each serves different purposes. Understanding these types ensures you request the correct document.

Certificates without cause of death are public records. Florida law allows any adult to request these documents. They contain personal information about the deceased. Social security numbers appear in redacted form. The first five digits are concealed. These certificates satisfy most legal requirements.

Certificates with cause of death include medical information. Florida Statute 382.025 restricts access to this data. The cause remains confidential for fifty years. Only specific relatives and representatives may request this information. Proof of relationship is required.

Florida death certificates contain:

• Full name of the decedent
• Date and location of death
• Birth date and birthplace
• Social security number (redacted)
• Medical cause of death (restricted)
• Disposition information

Note: Funeral homes must file death certificates within five days per Florida Statute 382.008.

Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics

The Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains Florida's death records archive. Their office in Jacksonville holds records from 1877 to present. Most records are complete from 1917 onward. You must contact this office for deaths before 2009.

Mail requests to P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. The physical location is 1217 N Pearl St., Jacksonville, FL 32202. Phone assistance is available at (904) 359-6900.

Bureau fees differ from county office fees. The search fee is five dollars for one year. One certified copy is included if found. Additional copies cost four dollars each. Extra year searches cost two dollars per year with a fifty dollar maximum. Ten dollar rush fees apply to older records.

Fifty-year confidentiality rules protect cause of death information. After this period, records become completely public. The Bureau will release full information to any requester.

Cities in Charlotte County

Charlotte County includes several communities along Florida's Gulf Coast. All residents can obtain death records from the Port Charlotte office. The following cities are within Charlotte County:

Other communities in Charlotte County include Rotonda West and Deep Creek. The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County serves all areas of the county.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Charlotte County. Residents in border areas may find these offices convenient for death records services.