Florida Birth Records

Florida began recording births under state law in 1917. Although some older records dating back to the 1850s exist in limited form, statewide vital registration of births was mandated in 1917. Birth records in Florida are usually long-form, short-form, or commemorative certificates.

The "long-form" birth certificate is the full, official version of a birth record, usually printed on security paper with an embossed state seal. It is detailed and includes comprehensive information about the person named on the record. It contains the registrant's full name, date and time of birth, place of birth, full names of both parents, official signatures, the hospital where the birth occurred, and the state file number. The long-form version is crucial for legal purposes such as proving your identity or citizenship, applying for a legal name change, or applying for government benefits.

The "short-form" birth certificate is an abridged version of the birth record. It contains essential information, such as the full name, date, and place of birth. It omits detailed information such as parents' information and other administrative details, including the state registration number and the certificate filing date. It is used for less legal purposes like school enrollment or employment verification.

Commemorative birth certificates signed by the current governor of the state are birth records that serve as a keepsake. It is not official and cannot be used for legal or administrative purposes. Instead, it is mainly framed and displayed for sentimental purposes.

Birth records may also be authorized or informational copies. A long-form birth certificate is an authorized birth record. It is an official government-issued document containing an embossed or raised seal, the registrar's signature, and the filing date. Authorized birth certificates are accepted for legal purposes. Informational copies are the short form birth records. These copies are less detailed and lack the official security features found in authorized copies. They are meant for personal record-keeping rather than official purposes.

How To Order a Florida Birth Certificate?

Eligible persons may order a Florida birth certificate from 1917 to date from the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. To order from the Bureau of Vital Statistics, complete the Application for a Florida Birth Record form. It costs $9 for a computer-generated certified copy of a birth record. There is a $10 Rush order fee to expedite the processing of the document. The office accepts walk-in and mail requests. Walk-ins may visit the office at:

While mail requesters may send their completed application to:

Birth records are also accessible from your Local County Health Departments. They provide birth records from 1917 to date and may sometimes have additional local records for very old births. Lastly, birth records are accessible at the Florida State Archives. The state archives offer access to very old birth records dating as far back as 1865.

Are Birth Records Public in Florida?

No. Birth records in Florida are generally not public records. Birth records for persons born less than 125 years are considered confidential. This means the public cannot obtain a copy of someone else's birth certificate. Instead, only eligible persons, usually family members, may request birth records. The restriction is designed to protect personal privacy and limit public access to sensitive information.

Who Can Order A Birth Certificate in Florida?

Birth records under 125 years old are deemed confidential, and only individuals with a direct legal or familial interest may order a copy of the birth record. Per Section 382.025 of Florida Statutes, the following may order birth certificates in Florida:

• The individual named on the birth record
• The parents listed on the birth record
• Legal guardian with appropriate guardianship documentation
• Attorney or other authorized legal representatives with the necessary legal documentation
• Individuals with a court order
• Designated relative such as spouse, children, sibling, or grandchildren, in the event of death

How Long Does it Take to Get A Florida Birth Certificate?

The standard processing time for Florida birth certificates is typically around 3 to 5 business days from the time the application is received and verified. Expedited processing, called rush processing in Florida, can reduce the waiting time to 2 - 3 business days.

Where Can I Find Florida Birth Records Free?

While certified copies of Florida birth certificates are restricted to eligible individuals, non-eligible persons or the public may access informational or historical birth records by using the following free resources:

• The National Vital Records Archives: Older records, especially those over 125 years old, may be accessed through the national archives. These collections are available for in-person research.
• The Florida Department of Public Health: The state's Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains birth records from 1917 to date. Although certified copies require proof of eligibility, older records may be accessed for free.
• Genealogy Websites: Free genealogy sites like FamilySearch.org provide access to a searchable database that includes Florida's birth records.
• Third-Party Websites: Websites such as publicrecords.us sometimes offer free access to information on Florida birth records. These sources typically provide non-certified birth record data.

When Would I Need My Florida Birth Records?

Florida birth records prove an individual's identity, age, and citizenship. Generally, a person may need to present their birth record under the following situations:

• To establish your legal identity when applying for a U.S. passport or driver's license
• Applying for federal benefits, a social security card, or immigration-related purposes
• Applying for a marriage license or changing your legal name
• Legal proceedings in cases involving inheritance or court disputes
• Enrolling in colleges or universities
• For genealogical research
• Confirm your U.S. citizenship

How Much is A Replacement Birth Certificate in Florida?

Replacing your original Florida birth certificate is important if it gets lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed. Ordering a replacement record is similar to ordering a new copy, which involves filling out a form and mailing it to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. There is a $20 fee to amend and receive a copy of the birth certificate. In addition, there is a $10 optional fee for expedited processing of the replacement birth record.

When Can the Public Access Florida Birth Certificates?

Birth records for individuals born less than 125 years ago are considered confidential and not available to the public. However, once a birth record is over 125 years old, it becomes a public record that anyone may access per Section 382.025 of Florida Statutes. The law ensures that while recent records remain protected for privacy concerns, older historical records become freely available for research and genealogical purposes.

How To Correct an Error on a Florida Birth Certificate?

Florida law permits correction of a birth certificate if there are typographical, misspellings, or omissions on the registrant's name, parents name, or other details such as hospital name. Also, you may correct the gender, date of birth within one year of birth, place of birth, or name of the attendant.

The replacement process begins by completing the Application for Amendment to Florida Birth Certificate and the Affidavit of Amendment of Certificate of Live Birth form, which must be notarized. Gather supporting documents such as a medical record or vital record of parents. Include a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID with the application document. Also, if the correction is due to a legal name change or paternity dispute, include certified copies of the court order.

Pay the fees and mail the completed application to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. You may also submit the completed documents to your local county health department. The processing times vary but are often around two to three weeks.

Does Florida Provide Non-binary Birth Certificates?

Florida does not issue gender-neutral or non-binary birth certificates. In Florida, birth certificates must list a sex designation, either "male" or "female". The state does not include any provision to amend the birth record to include non-binary markers. Therefore, all birth documents in Florida reflect the recorded sex at birth.