Death Certificates
The loss of a loved one can be a very trying time in a person's life that can bring change and uncertainty. Difficult but important decisions often need to be made during this time. Some of these decisions involve matters of estate, taxes, wills, deeds, and insurance. Death certificates are used to help resolve some of these issues. The Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County offers certified copies of death records if the death occurred in the State of Florida after March 12, 2012. Prior to March 12, 2012 records are only available for deaths that occurred in Santa Rosa County.
Who Can Obtain a Death Certificate?
Death certificates that do not show
the cause of death are public record and can be obtained by anyone for the use
of probate, tax, title, deeds, etc.
To protect the privacy of sensitive information and to prevent identify theft, cause of death on a death
certificate is not public record. Access to these certificates is restricted by state law. Death certificates that show the cause of death can be used
for personal records, insurance purposes, or legal action and may be obtained
only by:
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Immediate family
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Lawyers representing the immediate family
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Banks
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Executors of estate
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Insurance companies or anyone requiring a certificate to pay a policy or death benefit on the decedent.
Requesting a Death Certificate
Death certificates may be obtained through the Vital Statistics office at the Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County in person or by mail. Requests for copies of death certificates by mail must include the following:
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Full name of the deceased
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Date of death
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City or county of death
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Your relationship to the deceased
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Purpose for which a copy is needed
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Signature of the person making the request
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Mailing address where the record is to be mailed
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Copy of a valid photo ID
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A fee of $8.00
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A fee of $1.00 for shipping and handling on mail orders
Click here for a Santa Rosa County Death Record Application (.pdf 26kb)
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Mail requests to:
Santa Rosa CHD
Office of Vital Statistics
PO Box 929
Milton FL 32572-0929