Franklin County Florida Death Records Access
The Florida Department of Health in Apalachicola maintains Franklin County death records. This office serves all residents of the Florida Panhandle county. Death certificates provide legal proof of death. Florida Statute Chapter 382 governs access. The law balances privacy with legitimate access needs.
Where to Get Franklin County Death Records
Visit the Florida Department of Health in Franklin County. Their Apalachicola office handles all requests. Staff issue certified copies. They handle walk-in visitors and mail orders. State rules govern their work.
Order online through VitalChek. This service partners with Florida's vital records system. It helps those who cannot visit. Extra fees apply. Visit franklin.floridahealth.gov to learn more.
Florida law keeps death records confidential for 50 years. Only certain people can access them. Eligible parties include family members and legal reps. After 50 years, anyone can view them.
| Office | Florida Department of Health in Franklin County |
|---|---|
| Address | 139 12th Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320 |
| Phone | (850) 653-2111 |
| Website | franklin.floridahealth.gov |
| Records Available | Death certificates per state guidelines |
How to Request Death Records in Franklin County
Franklin County offers three ways to request death records. Each method gives the same official document. Pick what works best. Processing times vary.
In-person visits provide same-day service. Bring your ID and proof you can get the record. Staff check your papers. They print copies right away. This is fastest. Most visits take under 30 minutes.
Mailing works if you live far from Apalachicola. Fill out the form. Include ID copies and payment. Add a stamped envelope. Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days. Mail time adds to the wait.
Online orders use VitalChek. Go to their website and follow the steps. You need a credit card. Orders ship in 3 to 5 days. Rush service costs more. You can order anytime.
All orders require proof that you can get the death record.
Fees for Death Records in Franklin County
Franklin County follows state fee rules. The first certified copy costs $5. This includes the search fee. Each extra copy costs $4. These fees pay for staff time and record keeping. The health department takes cash, check, or money order.
VitalChek charges extra for online orders. This fee is on top of state costs. The amount depends on your order type. Rush shipping costs more. Regular mail has no extra fee. Check the total before you pay.
You must pay before getting records. The office does not send bills. Make checks payable to the Florida Department of Health. Wrong payment types will delay your order.
Types of Death Records Available
Franklin County offers two kinds of death certificates. Each type serves a different need. Pick the right one. Staff can help you choose. Both are official state documents.
Certified copies have the state seal. This proves they are real. You need this for legal tasks. Banks ask for it. So do insurance companies. Lawyers use it in court. Most official needs require this type. The seal makes it valid everywhere.
Plain copies cost less but have no seal. They work for family history. Some groups accept them for records. But they are not legal proof. You cannot use them to claim benefits.
See the Franklin County Health Department for more details.
The image shows the main health department building where death records are issued.
Always ask what type you need before ordering.
Florida State Resources for Franklin County
Franklin County residents can use state resources. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville maintains all state death records. This office has records from 2009 to present. Some go back to 1877.
The Bureau is at 1217 N Pearl St., Jacksonville, FL 32202. Their phone is (904) 359-6900. They are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit in person or order by mail.
For online orders, Florida uses VitalChek. Visit www.vitalchek.com to order. This is Florida's only authorized online vendor.
Florida Statute 382.025 keeps cause of death confidential for 50 years. Death records must be filed within 5 days per Statute 382.008. Learn more at the Florida death certificates page.
This state resource provides comprehensive information about death records across Florida.
Cities in Franklin County
Franklin County includes several coastal communities. All residents use the Apalachicola office. The county seat is Apalachicola.
Other areas include Eastpoint and Carrabelle. All death records go through the main office at 139 12th Street.