The Bureau for Vital Statistics, a division of the Florida Department of Health, maintains and makes certified copies of all birth certificates for the state of Florida. Making changes to a birth certificate is not something the bureau does lightly, and all such changes must follow strict rules.
One Year Old
Until a child reaches age 1, his given name or surname on his birth certificate is subject to change if both of his parents or his legal guardian sign an affidavit requesting the change. If both of the child's parents are named on the certificate but one will not sign an affidavit, then a court order is required to change the name. (see reference 1)
Wedlock
A child born out of wedlock whose parents marry at a later date may have her original birth certificate replaced with a new one that shows the parents' relationship as if they were married at the time of the birth. From that time forward, all certified copies of the birth certificate will reflect the new certificate. A court order will be needed to issue a copy of the old certificate. (see references1)
Father
If an individual is named as the father on a birth certificate, only a court order can remove his name or replace his name with that of another, according to Florida statute 382.016. A court order is also required for changing the surname in connection with changing the individual named as the father. (see references 1)
Paternity Established Elsewhere
If a child is born in Florida but his paternity is established in another state, then the Department of Health will change the child's birth certificate and list the newly established father if the department receives a certified copy of an acknowledgment of paternity or a judgment or judicial order from another state that proves the child's paternity. However, the department will not change the birth certificate if the paternity was established by adoption and the father would not be eligible to adopt in the state of Florida. (see refrences1)
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