About Florida Vital Statistics
Vital Statistics consists of official records of birth, death, fetal
death, marriage,
and dissolution of marriage. These records are essential for just administration
of our law and for the protection of individual rights. In addition, the statistical
data from these records are of great value to public health and other agencies.
You may need certified copies of these records for:
- passports
- school entrance
- employment
- proof of citizenship
- governmental benefits
- insurance
The need for accurate statistical data on epidemics and the causes of death was
instrumental in establishing our present day vital statistics registration system.
Before 1899, some cities enacted city ordinances requiring the recording of vital
events and provided their own system for vital statistics. The City of Key
West has the oldest known records, dating back to 1865. A law was enacted
in 1927 providing for the centralization of marriage and divorce records. Currently,
the Office of Vital Statistics maintains more than 25 million vital records
If the event you are requesting took place in Florida, you may get certifications
from the following specified locations:
Florida State Office of Vital Statistics
All Vital Events Recorded in Florida
To order your record through the state
office,
please see our applications and
forms page. You may complete the state forms online using
your computer, print the forms and
mail or fax them to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville for processing.
The Bureau of Vital Statistics is open for walk-in service Monday through Friday from 8:00
a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (eastern time) and phone service until 5:00p.m., excluding holidays. Voice: (904)
359-6900, Fax: (904) 359-6993.
Most Florida Local County Public Health Units
You may order a copy of a birth, death or fetal death record through your local
County Health Department.
Most counties have computer access from 1917 to present for birth records for the entire state as well as births that occurred in their county.
Florida County Clerk of Court
You may also order a copy
or your Marriage or Dissolution of Marriage Record through your County Clerk of
Court. Please see the
Florida Clerks and Comptrollers web site. The site will give you addresses and telephone numbers for the individual
Clerk of Court office.
This information is provided to help you determine where to
locate your records
and how to submit your request in the most efficient manner.
Questions? Please see our frequently
asked questions, or
contact us.
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