The Florida Office of Vital Statistics manages over 21 million vital records.
In Florida, the Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains official birth records. The city of Key West has the oldest known vital records, which date back to 1865. When obtaining a copy of a birth certificate, the cheapest standard form is computer-generated with an embossed state seal. This form meets all national requirements established by Homeland Security and other agencies.
Ordering
You can order birth certificates in person or by mail. If you visit one of the 67 county offices, you may pay with cash, a check, money order or credit card. To get a birth certificate by mail, send a readable copy of your current photo ID, which can be a driver's license, state ID card, passport or military ID card with the application available from the Florida Office of Vital Statistics. Don't send original documents. If you are a legal guardian requesting a birth certificate, include notarized guardianship papers.
Fees
As of September 2010, the birth certificate fees at state offices are $9 for a computer-generated form, $14 for a certified copy and $34 for a copy certified by the state registrar and signed by the current governor. Charges vary at county offices and range from $10 to $15.50.
Birth certificates ordered directly from the state have no charge for standard delivery. Delivery takes three to four business days for a computer copy and approximately 10 business days for a photocopy. Rush deliveries are processed first. The cost is $10 for delivery in one to two business days.
Regulations
To receive a birth certificate, you must be the parent, guardian or legal representative for the person named on the certificate. You may order one for yourself if you are at least 18 year old. In addition, you may request a birth certificate if you have a court order naming you as recipient of a birth record. The court order would include the full name of the person named on the certificate, his date of birth and a judge's signature. You will need the full name of both parents, using the mother's maiden name, date, month and year of birth and state, city or county of birth to receive a birth certificate. You will also be asked why you are ordering the form.
Tags: birth certificate, business days, Vital Statistics, county offices, court order, Florida Office