Apostille of a Florida death certificate
We coordinate the apostille of Florida death certificates for use abroad, including for inheritance and estate matters. The certificate must come from the Bureau of Vital Statistics and be signed by the State Registrar, not a local printout. Free initial review.
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Only the Bureau of Vital Statistics version is eligible for apostille
Unlike some other Florida civil records, a death certificate must be requested from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics and signed by the State Registrar to be eligible for apostille. A local printout or a county health department record isn't the version Florida's apostille authority will accept.
Death records less than 50 years old that include the cause of death are confidential and can generally only be requested by eligible parties: the next of kin, spouse, parent, child, or the executor or administrator of the estate, or someone who can show an interest in the estate (for example, with a will or insurance policy). Anyone 18 or older can generally request a version without the cause of death.
What to confirm before requesting the certificate
Confirm your eligibility to request it
If the version with cause of death is needed, confirm you qualify as an eligible party (next of kin, executor, administrator, or someone with a demonstrated interest in the estate).
It's a two-step process
First request the certified copy from the Bureau of Vital Statistics, then that certificate is forwarded for the apostille before the Florida Department of State. The steps can't be skipped or combined.
Certified copy, not a photocopy
An original certified copy is required. A photocopy is not eligible for apostille.
Confirm what the destination requires
Some receiving authorities require a maximum document age, a specific translation, or additional documents (such as a will or probate order) alongside the death certificate.
Three steps for your death certificate
Send us the details
The full name and date of death, your relationship to the deceased, the destination country, and whether this is for an inheritance or another purpose.
We confirm eligibility and requirements
We confirm whether you qualify to request the certificate and what version and accompanying documents the destination requires.
We coordinate the certificate and apostille
We coordinate the request with the Bureau of Vital Statistics and then the apostille before the Florida Department of State, or consular legalization if your destination requires it instead.
Questions about the Florida death certificate apostille
Send us your case and we'll tell you exactly what's needed.
Who is eligible to request a Florida death certificate?+
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Let's start with your document review
Send us the details and the destination country. The initial review is free.