Obtaining Death Certificates in St. Johns County Florida

St. Johns County death records are kept by the Florida Department of Health in Saint Augustine. This office serves residents on the First Coast. Death certificates prove that someone has died. Families need them for legal matters. The state keeps these records safe. Florida law sets the rules for who can get copies.

Where to Get St. Johns County Death Records

On San Sebastian View in Saint Augustine, the Florida Department of Health handles all death record requests. Staff can help you in person. They also take mail and online orders. The office keeps records from 2009 to now.

You can visit the office in Saint Augustine. The staff will check your ID. They will print copies for you. This is the fastest way to get records. Most visits take less than an hour. St. Johns County follows Florida Statute Chapter 382. This law says death records are not public for 50 years. Only family and legal reps can get copies. You must prove who you are. You must also show why you need the record.

How to Request Death Records in St. Johns County

Three ways exist to get death records in St. Johns County. Each way works well. Pick the one that fits your needs. Some ways are faster than others.

In-person visits get you same-day service. Bring your ID and proof that you can get the record. The staff will check your papers. They print copies right there. This is the fastest way to get St. Johns County death records.

Mail orders work well if you live far from Saint Augustine. Send your form, ID copy, and payment to the address above. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail takes about 7 to 10 days to process. Allow extra time for the post office. Online orders go through VitalChek. Visit their website to start. You need a credit card for this. The site guides you through each step. Most online orders ship in 3 to 5 days. Rush service costs more.

Note: All orders need proof of your right to the death record.

Fees for Death Records in St. Johns County

St. Johns County follows state fee rules for death records. The first copy costs $12. Each extra copy in the same order costs $8. These fees pay for printing and staff time. They also cover the cost of keeping records safe.

The health department takes cash, check, or money order in person. Make checks payable to the Florida Department of Health. Online orders use credit cards through VitalChek. VitalChek adds a service fee for online orders.

You must pay before getting any death records. No bills or invoices are sent. Wrong payment types delay your order. Call the office if you have fee questions. Staff can explain costs for special cases.

Types of Death Records Available

Two kinds of death certificates are offered in St. Johns County. Each type serves a different need. Pick the right one for your task. The health department can help you choose.

A certified copy has the state seal. This proves it is real. You need this for legal tasks. Banks ask for it. So do insurance firms. Lawyers use it in court. Most official needs require this type. A plain copy costs less but has no seal. It works for family history. Some groups accept it for records. But it is not legal proof. You cannot use it to claim benefits. Make sure you know which type you need.

Visit the St. Johns County Health Department to view their office and services.

The image shows the main health department building where death records are issued in St. Johns County.

Note: Always ask what type of death record you need before you order.

Who Can Get St. Johns County Death Records

Florida law limits who can get death records. This protects family privacy. The rules come from Chapter 382 of Florida Statutes. St. Johns County follows these rules strictly. You must prove you qualify before getting a copy.

Immediate family can always get death records. This means spouses, parents, and kids. Grandkids can also request them. You must show your ID. You must also prove your family tie. A birth cert or marriage license works.

Legal reps can get death records too. This covers lawyers and execs of wills. You need court papers to prove your role. The health dept checks these docs. Agents with signed forms from family can also apply. People with a court interest may get death records. This means those named in wills. It also covers those with legal claims. You need proof of your stake. Call the office to learn what you need.

State Resources for St. Johns County Death Records

The Florida Department of Health in Tallahassee keeps older death records. They have records from many years ago. You can contact them if St. Johns County does not have what you need. The state office can help with records from before 2009.

You can also use the state vital records system online. This lets you order from anywhere. The state website has forms and info. Visit floridahealth.gov/certificates for state-level help.

Genealogy researchers can find help at the State Archives. They have old death records on file. Some records go back many decades. The archives are good for family history work. They are in Tallahassee.

Cities in St. Johns County

St. Johns County includes several cities and towns. All residents use the Saint Augustine office for death records. The county seat is Saint Augustine.

Other areas in St. Johns County include Ponte Vedra Beach, Fruit Cove, St. Augustine Beach, and Elkton. All death records go through the main office at 200 San Sebastian View.

Nearby Counties

These counties border St. Johns County. If you need death records from these areas, contact their health departments directly.