Office of Vital Records
The Office of Vital Statistics is responsible for the recording and issuance of certified copies of Birth and
Death Certificates.
To protect the privacy of sensitive information and to prevent identify theft, Birth Certificates are not public records and
the cause of death on a Death Certificate is not public record. As required by state law, we restrict access to these certificates,
but they are readily available to the individuals, family members and guardians or beneficiaries. We require requesting individuals
to produce photo identification and/or other documentation before releasing these confidential records or portions of the records.
There are fees associated with obtaining these records. Please see the FAQ section below for the associated costs.
Death Certificates
Currently, our office can only provide Death Certificates for deaths that occurred in
Alachua County from 2010 to the present. Due to the recent upgrade to electronic death records, it may be possible to request a death certificate that occured anywhere in the State of Florida from 2012 to the present. Please call 352-334-7970 for verification.
Who can obtain a certified copy of a Death Certificate?
- Without the cause of death listed:
- Anyone may request a copy of a Death Certificate without the cause of
death showing on the certificate
- With the cause of death listed:
- To obtain a copy of a Death Certificate with the cause of death showing
on the certificate, you have to be a member of the immediate family. This
includes a spouse or parent, child, grandchild, or sibling if of legal age; or
- Beneficiary of a deceased person's life insurance policy (must provide documentation); or
- Estate administrator (must provide documentation).
What Information is needed for Death Certificates?
- To request a certificate with cause of death, a valid form of photo identification such as
a driver’s license, State ID issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, passport or military ID.
For mailed requests, please provide enlarged, lightened, readable photocopies.
- A completed Death Certificate Request Form
- You will also need to provide the person's:
- Full name
- Date of death
- County of death
Birth Certificates
A majority of the time, copies of birth certificates are requested for identification, to prove citizenship and for
other purposes. The State Office of Vital Statistics, located at 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL (904-359-6900),
maintains the original copies of the birth records from all counties within the State of Florida. Alachua County Health
Department provides you with a certified certificate that you can legally keep and use.
The Alachua County Health Department, Office of Vital Statistics, can access birth records for
anyone born within the State of Florida from 1930 to the present. All others prior to 1930 would need to be requested
from the State Office of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville.
Who can obtain a copy of a Birth Certificate?
- Individuals 18 years of age and older may obtain their own certificate.
- Parents or guardians (who present court documents showing legal custody).
- Attorneys representing children and adolescents under age 18 (documentation must also be provided).
What information is needed for Birth Certificates?
- A valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license, State ID issued by the Department
of Motor Vehicles, passport or military ID, for mailed requests please provide enlarged, lightened,
readable photocopies.
- A completed Birth Certificate Request Form
- You will also need to provide the person's:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- County of birth
- Mother's full name including maiden name (for Birth Certificates)
- Father's full name (if applicable on Birth Certificates)
FAQ
How soon can I expect a copy?
- Your request will be processed the same day it is received from you by mail.
- Your request will be processed immediately if you come to our office in person.
What is the cost to obtain a Birth or Death Certificate?
- Birth Certificates are $15.00 for one certified copy and $7.00 for each
additional copy requested at the same time as the original request and on the same person.
- Death Certificates are $10.00 for each certified copy.
- We accept cash (walk-in only), checks (walk-in only), money orders and credit cards.
DO NOT SEND CASH OR PERSONAL CHECKS BY MAIL.
- If faxing or mailing payment, please provide an enlarged, lightened, and readable photocopy of both your photo ID and credit card.
- For additional information contact us at (352) 334-7970.
How do I obtain a copy of a Birth or Death Certificate?
- Visit our Gainesville office:
Alachua County Health Department
224 SE 24th Street
Gainesville, FL 32641
Phone number: (352) 334-7970
We are open from 8:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday
- Visit our Alachua Office (for Birth Certificates ONLY):
15530 NW US HWY 441
Suite 10010
Alachua, FL 32615
Phone number: (386) 462-2542
- Mail a request to:
Office of Vital Statistics
Alachua County Health Department
PO Box 5849
Gainesville, FL 32627-5849
Please provide an enlarged, lightened, and readable photocopy of both your photo ID and credit card.
- Fax a request to:
Alachua County Health Department
(352) 955-6428
Please provide an enlarged, lightened, and readable photocopy of both your photo ID and credit card.
Birth Certificate Request Form
Death Certificate Request Form
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