Free Florida Birth Certificate Form

To obtain a Florida birth certificate, you need to complete the application form provided by the Florida Department of Health. If you are the registrant (the person named on the birth certificate), a parent, guardian, or legal representative, you must fill out the application and provide valid photo identification. If you are applying by mail, include a copy of your identification. If you do not fall into one of these categories, an authorized person must complete an Affidavit to Release a Birth Certificate and submit it along with the application.

Acceptable forms of identification include a Driver’s License, State Identification Card, Passport, or Military Identification Card. If you are applying as a legal guardian, you must also include guardianship papers. For legal representatives, you need to provide your attorney bar number and specify your relationship to the registrant.

Only certain individuals can request a birth certificate. These include the registrant if they are 18 or older, the parents listed on the record, legal guardians, legal representatives, and individuals with a court order. In cases where the registrant is deceased, a spouse, child, grandchild, sibling, or legal representative can request the certificate if they provide the death certificate of the decedent.

The cost for the first certified copy of a birth certificate is $13.00. If you need additional copies on the same day, they are available for $8.00 each. There is also a $5.00 fee for rush orders and a $17.00 fee for FedEx delivery. Optional notary services for amendment forms are available for $10.00. Please note that all fees are non-refundable.

Yes, you can obtain a birth certificate for someone else if you meet the eligibility criteria. If you are not a parent, guardian, or legal representative, you must have a notarized Affidavit to Release a Birth Certificate completed by an authorized person. Additionally, you will need to provide valid identification for both the registrant and yourself.

If the birth record is sealed due to adoption, paternity determination, or a court order, you cannot request it through the usual application process. Instead, you must write to the Bureau of Vital Statistics, specifically to the Records Amendment Section, to obtain the record. Be prepared to provide any necessary documentation as required by the Bureau.

Not Reading Instructions Carefully: Many applicants skip the important instructions on the front and back of the application. This can lead to errors that delay the process.

Incorrect Identification: Failing to provide valid photo identification is a common mistake. Ensure you include a copy if sending the application by mail.

Missing Information: Leaving out required details, such as the child’s full name or date of birth, can result in rejection of the application. Double-check all fields before submitting.

Wrong Relationship Designation: Some applicants do not clearly state their relationship to the registrant. If you are ordering your own certificate, write "SELF." Otherwise, clarify your relationship.

Not Including Additional Documentation: If you are a legal guardian or representative, you must include the necessary documents, such as guardianship papers or attorney bar numbers. Missing these can cause delays.

Ignoring Nonrefundable Fees: Applicants often overlook that the fees for vital records are nonrefundable. Make sure you understand the costs before submitting your application.