Quick Answer: To get a Florida birth certificate, contact the Florida Department of Health Vital Statistics office or the county health department where the birth was registered. The first certified copy costs $15; each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $8. You can apply in person, by mail, or online through VitalChek (the only authorized online vendor). Pre-1930 records are handled by the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville.
Key Takeaways
- Florida birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $8 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- VitalChek is the only authorized online vendor for Florida birth certificates; other third-party sites are not authorized.
- Pre-1930 birth records must be requested from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville.
- Processing by mail takes 3 to 5 weeks; in person at a county health department is typically same-day or next-day.
- Florida restricts access to records less than 125 years old to eligible requesters.
- Parents, the registrant, siblings, spouses, children, and grandchildren are among those who can order an authorized copy.
Who Can Get a Florida Birth Certificate?
Florida divides birth records into two access categories based on age.
Records less than 125 years old: Access is restricted to:
- The registrant (the person named on the certificate), if 18 or older
- A parent listed on the certificate
- A legal guardian with documentation
- A sibling, spouse, child, or grandchild of the registrant
- A legal representative of the registrant (attorney, executor)
- A government agency acting in an official capacity
- Anyone with a court order establishing a right to the record
Records 125 years old or older: These are considered historical public records and are available to anyone.
Florida does not issue a separate “informational” or “non-certified” category the way California does. Either you qualify for a certified copy, or you do not. If you are not an eligible requester, you will need a court order or must work through someone who does qualify.
How Much Does a Florida Birth Certificate Cost?
| Copies Ordered | Fee |
|---|---|
| First certified copy | $15 |
| Each additional copy (ordered at the same time) | $8 |
| Example: 3 copies ordered together | $15 + $8 + $8 = $31 |
Fees are non-refundable, even if no record is found. Payment methods vary by how you apply: check, money order, or credit card online. Do not send cash by mail.
If you order one copy now and come back later for a second copy, you pay $15 again. Ordering multiple copies at once is more cost-effective.
Where to Order a Florida Birth Certificate
Option 1: County Health Department (Fastest)
Florida county health departments accept in-person requests and often process same-day or next-day. You must go to the county health department in the county where the birth was registered, not just any county.
Find your county health department at floridahealth.gov. Look for the vital statistics section.
Option 2: Florida Department of Health Vital Statistics (By Mail)
The state-level office processes mail applications. Processing time is approximately 3 to 5 weeks.
Mail to: Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics P.O. Box 210 Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
Note: The Bureau of Vital Statistics is located in Jacksonville, not Tallahassee (the state capital). All state-level mail applications go to Jacksonville.
Option 3: VitalChek Online (Authorized Online Vendor Only)
VitalChek is the only vendor authorized by the Florida Department of Health to process online birth certificate orders. Do not use other third-party sites that claim to process Florida vital records; they are not authorized and may charge excessive fees without guarantees of delivery.
Order at VitalChek.com or through the link on the Florida DOH website. VitalChek adds a service fee (typically $7 to $14) plus shipping on top of the state’s $15 fee. Your order is processed by the state and mailed to you.
Step-by-Step: How to Order by Mail
Step 1: Obtain the Application Form
Download the Florida Application for Birth Certificate from the Florida Department of Health website. The form asks for:
- The registrant’s full name at birth
- Date of birth
- County of birth
- Parents’ full names (including mother’s maiden name before marriage)
- Your name, address, and relationship to the registrant
- Number of copies requested
Step 2: Complete and Sign the Form
Fill out the form completely. Sign it. Unlike Texas, Florida does not require notarization for mail applications. However, you must include a copy of your valid photo ID.
Step 3: Include a Copy of Your ID
Make a clear photocopy of your government-issued photo ID. A driver’s license, state ID card, or U.S. passport is acceptable. The copy must be legible.
Step 4: Prepare Payment
Write a check or money order made out to the Florida Department of Health (or FLDOH). Include $15 for the first copy and $8 for each additional copy. Do not send cash.
Step 5: Mail Everything to Jacksonville
Send your completed application, ID copy, and payment to:
Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics P.O. Box 210 Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
Use a trackable mailing method if you want delivery confirmation.
Step 6: Wait for Processing
Standard mail processing takes 3 to 5 weeks. Florida does not offer a statewide expedited mail option through the state office. For faster service, visit a county health department in person.
In-Person Applications at a County Health Department
In-person applications are processed at the county health department in the county where the birth occurred. Most county health departments process vital records requests the same day or next business day.
What to bring:
- Completed birth certificate application (available at the office or downloaded ahead of time)
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Payment ($15 first copy, $8 each additional)
For the most current hours and procedures, contact your specific county health department directly. County health departments can be found through floridahealth.gov.
Pre-1930 Florida Birth Records
Birth records from before 1930 are handled differently in Florida. These older records are maintained by the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville and may require additional steps because Florida’s early vital records registration was incomplete in some areas.
If the birth you are researching predates 1930:
- Contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville directly
- Be prepared for the possibility that no record exists, since registration of births was not uniformly enforced before the 1930s in many Florida counties
- For genealogical research, the Florida State Archives in Tallahassee and local libraries may have alternative documentation such as church records, census records, or hospital records
The Bureau of Vital Statistics mailing address is the same as above (P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042).
Ordering Multiple Copies: What You Should Know
Ordering multiple copies at the same time is significantly more cost-effective than ordering them separately. The $8 rate for additional copies applies only when ordered together in a single transaction.
How many copies do you need? Consider:
- Passport application: typically 1 copy (and they return it)
- Social Security application: 1 copy
- School enrollment: 1 copy
- Legal proceedings: depends on the matter
- Personal records: 1 to 2 copies
For most people, ordering 2 to 3 copies at once ($15 + $8 + $8 = $31) covers typical needs and saves having to reorder later.
Correcting or Amending a Florida Birth Certificate
If there is an error on a Florida birth certificate, the amendment process depends on the type of correction needed.
Minor clerical errors (such as a misspelled name): File an amendment through the county health department where the birth was registered, with supporting documentation. Processing times vary.
Parentage changes: These require specific forms and legal documentation. Contact the Florida Department of Health for guidance.
Name changes: After a legal name change through a court order, submit the court order with an amendment request.
Sex/gender changes: Contact the Florida Department of Health at (904) 359-6900 for current requirements, as these procedures have changed in recent years.
Amendments generally take several weeks to process. Once approved, the state issues an amended certificate.
Florida Apostille for International Use
If you need a Florida birth certificate recognized internationally, you may need an apostille. An apostille certifies the authenticity of the document for use in countries that are party to the Hague Apostille Convention.
To obtain an apostille on a Florida birth certificate:
- Obtain a certified copy from FLDOH
- Submit the certified copy to the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations in Tallahassee with the apostille request form and fee
More information is available at dos.myflorida.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a birth certificate in Florida?
Apply through the Florida Department of Health. In person at a county health department is the fastest option. By mail to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville takes 3 to 5 weeks. Online through VitalChek.com (the only authorized online vendor) takes a similar amount of time as mail. The first copy costs $15 and each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $8.
How much does a Florida birth certificate cost?
The first certified copy costs $15. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $8. For example, 3 copies ordered together cost $31. Fees are non-refundable.
How long does it take to get a birth certificate in Florida?
In person at a county health department: same day or next business day. By mail to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville: 3 to 5 weeks. Online through VitalChek: similar to mail processing times.
Where do I send a mail application for a Florida birth certificate?
Mail your application to the Bureau of Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. Note that the Bureau of Vital Statistics is in Jacksonville, not Tallahassee.
Can I get a Florida birth certificate online?
Yes, but only through VitalChek, which is the only vendor authorized by the Florida Department of Health. Visit VitalChek.com to order. Avoid other third-party sites that are not authorized by the state. VitalChek adds a service fee and shipping on top of the state’s $15 fee.
Do I need a notary to get a Florida birth certificate?
No. Unlike Texas, Florida does not require notarization for mail applications. You do need to include a copy of your government-issued photo ID with your application.
Who can get a Florida birth certificate?
For records less than 125 years old, access is restricted to the registrant (if 18 or older), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, and immediate family members (siblings, spouse, children, grandchildren). Attorneys and government representatives may also qualify. Records 125 years or older are public.
How do I get a pre-1930 Florida birth certificate?
Contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville directly. Keep in mind that pre-1930 birth registration in Florida was inconsistent, and no record may exist. The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee may have alternative records for genealogical research.
Can I get a Florida birth certificate for genealogy research?
For births within the past 125 years, you must qualify as an eligible requester. For births 125 or more years ago, the records are public and anyone can request them. The Florida State Archives may also have early vital records and alternative documentation for genealogical research.
How do I correct a mistake on a Florida birth certificate?
Contact the county health department in the county where the birth was registered for minor corrections. For more complex amendments, contact the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics at (904) 359-6900 to confirm the process and required documentation.
Summary
Getting a Florida birth certificate is a manageable process. The county health department in the county of birth is the fastest route. Mail applications to Jacksonville’s Bureau of Vital Statistics take 3 to 5 weeks and do not require notarization. Online ordering through VitalChek is convenient but takes similar time to mail.
Order multiple copies at once to take advantage of the $8 rate for additional copies, which is more economical than returning for a second copy later.
For information on vital records in other states, see our guides on how to get a birth certificate in California and how to get a birth certificate in Texas.
Last updated: October 2026. Fees and processing times are subject to change. Always verify current information directly with the Florida Department of Health before submitting your application. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.