Columbia County Death Records Services

Columbia County death records are issued by the Florida Department of Health office in Lake City. This North Central Florida location provides certified death certificates for any death that occurred in Florida from 2009 to the present. Residents of Lake City, Fort White, and surrounding rural areas can obtain records from this office. The health department follows all Florida laws regarding vital records confidentiality and access restrictions.

Where to Get Columbia County Death Records

Need death records? The Florida Department of Health in Columbia County operates from Northeast Franklin Street in Lake City. This office serves as the central vital records location for the county. Staff can issue certified copies of Florida death certificates from 2009 forward. Deaths occurring before 2009 must be requested from Jacksonville.

The Lake City office provides in-person service for death records requests. Staff can help you complete the application process. Same-day service is available for most records. You must bring valid photo identification. Payment is required at the time of request.

Office hours are Monday through Friday during regular business times. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. Call ahead to confirm current hours before visiting. Staff can answer questions about required documents and fees.

Note: Call 386-758-1068 to verify current procedures before visiting the Columbia County office.

How to Request Death Records in Columbia County

Three methods exist. Pick one.

In-person requests provide the fastest service. Visit the Lake City office during business hours. Complete the DH727 application form. Show your valid photo ID to staff. Pay the required fee. Most requests are processed while you wait.

Mail requests are accepted for those who cannot visit. Download form DH727 from the state health department website. Complete all required fields. Include a copy of your government-issued photo ID. Mail your application with payment to the Columbia County address. Allow ten to fifteen business days for processing.

Online ordering is available through VitalChek. This is Florida's only authorized vendor for online death certificates. Visit vitalchek.com to place your order. Additional processing fees apply. Rush shipping is available for urgent requests.

Cause of death information has special access rules. Florida Statute 382.025 restricts this data for fifty years. Only eligible family members may request cause of death. Spouse, parent, child, grandchild, and sibling qualify. Legal representatives with proper documentation may also request this information. The general public can only obtain records without cause of death.

Fees for Death Records in Columbia County

Death certificate fees in Columbia County follow Florida state guidelines. The Florida Department of Health sets these fees. Local offices charge within state-approved ranges.

The standard fee includes the search and first certified copy. Additional copies ordered together cost less per copy. Rush processing is available for records before 2009. Contact the office to verify current fees.

The Columbia County office accepts cash, check, and money order. Make checks payable to the Florida Department of Health. Credit cards are not accepted for in-person requests. Online credit card payments are available only through VitalChek. A fifteen dollar fee applies to returned checks.

Types of Death Records Available

Two types exist. Know the difference.

Death certificates without cause of death are public records. Any person of legal age may obtain these. They contain identifying information about the deceased. Social security numbers are partially redacted. The first five digits are hidden. These certificates meet most legal requirements.

Death certificates with cause of death include medical information. This data is confidential under Florida Statute 382.025. Access is restricted for fifty years from the date of death. Only specific relatives may request this type. Eligible persons include spouse, parent, child, grandchild, and sibling. Legal representatives with proper documentation may also qualify.

Florida death certificates typically include:

• Full legal name of the decedent
• Date and place of death
• Date and place of birth
• Social security number (partially redacted)
• Medical cause of death (if authorized)
• Funeral home and burial information

Note: Florida law requires death certificates to be filed within five days per Statute 382.008.

Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics

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

The Bureau's mailing address is P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. The physical address is 1217 N Pearl St., Jacksonville, FL 32202. Phone support is available at (904) 359-6900.

Bureau fees follow a specific structure. Five dollars covers a search of one year and includes one certified copy. Additional copies cost four dollars each. Searching additional years costs two dollars per year. The maximum search fee is fifty dollars. Rush service for older records costs ten dollars extra.

Fifty-year confidentiality rules protect cause of death information. After this period, death records become fully public. Anyone may then obtain complete certificates with all information.

Cities in Columbia County

Several communities make up Columbia County in North Central Florida. All residents can obtain death records from the Lake City office. Cities include:

Additional communities include Watertown, Five Points, and Lulu. The Florida Department of Health in Columbia County serves all areas of the county.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Columbia County. Residents near county lines may also consider offices in these locations.