How to Get Copy of a Death Certificate in Pasco County, Florida

A death certificate is a common document used for genealogy.

Certificates for deaths that occurred in Pasco County after 1970 may be obtained from the Pasco County Health Department. Any person age 18 or older may obtain a death certificate that does not include the cause of death. If you are the decedent's spouse, parent, child, grandchild or sibling of legal age, have a legal interest in the decedent's estate or are acting on behalf of one of these persons, you may receive a death certificate stating the cause of death.

Things You'll Need

• Details of deceased person's death
• Pasco County death certificate application
• Valid photo ID
• $10

Instructions

1. Download an application form from the Pasco County Health Department website or pick up a form from the department office in person. If you are not a member of the decedent's immediate family and you want a certificate stating the cause of death, you must provide a will, insurance policy or other document that demonstrates your interest in the estate of the decedent. Alternatively, you may provide documentation showing that you are acting on behalf of an immediate family member or person with a legal interest in the estate.

2. Complete the application form. You will need to include the decedent's date and place of death and his or her full name at the time of death. You will also have to include your own details and a copy of a valid driver's license, state photo ID card, passport or military ID.

3. Sign the application form.

4. Decide how you want to submit the application form. You may submit forms by mail or in person. A $10 fee is required.

5. To submit the form in person, take it to the department office and pay the $10 fee in cash, by money order or cashier's check. Money orders and cashier's checks should be made payable to Pasco County Health Department. If you mail the form, the fee is payable by money order or cashier's check only.

Tips & Warnings

• Cause of death information does not become public record until 50 years after the death occurs. If you are searching for the certificate of a person who died before 1970, you can order that from the Office of Vital Statistics.

• Do not send cash by mail to the department.

References

• Pasco County Health Department: How to Request a Pasco County Death Certificate
• Pasco County Health Department: Death Certificate Information

Resources

• Florida Department of Health (Vital Statistics): How to Order a Florida Death Certificate