In 2006, Florida's governor signed into law legislation that allows for the issuance of a certification for a Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth. This law, section 382.0085, Florida Statutes, is known as Katherine's Law. Florida is the 14th state to implement such a law.

The Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth is not proof of live birth and may not be used to establish identity. Gestation must be 20 weeks or more, and there must be a fetal death certificate on file with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in order for a stillbirth certificate to be prepared. The information included on the stillbirth certificate comes from the fetal death certificate.

Issuance is from the State Bureau of Vital Statistics only; county offices cannot issue this certificate, but should refer applicants to the state office. The birth resulting in stillbirth application can be found on our State Applications and Forms page.

An informational brochure (pdf 3.58mb) is available for the funeral director, physician, medical examiner, and hospital to provide to parents. For questions, families should be referred to Kathy Stephens at the state office, (904) 359-6900 ext 1004.