Broward County death records search gives you fast access to public death information for anyone who died in this South Florida county. These records are official government documents that show a person’s full legal name, date of death, place of death, and other key facts. Anyone can view basic death entry details online for free because Florida law says death records are public after 50 years. For certified copies that you can use for legal or family matters, you must request them from the right office and pay a small fee. This page shows you exactly where to go, what forms to use, how much it costs, and how long it takes to get your records.
Where to Find Broward County Death Records Online
You can start your Broward County death records search on official government websites or trusted third-party sites that link to real data. The best place to begin is the Florida Department of Health in Broward County. Their Vital Statistics Office holds all death certificates for people who died in the county since 1917. You can also use the Broward County Clerk of Courts public records portal to look up death filings and probate cases. Both sites are free to use and updated regularly.
Other helpful sources include funeral home listings, which often post obituaries with death dates and burial locations. Some private companies also offer instant name-based searches, but always double-check their results with an official source before using them for legal purposes. Our team checks every external link monthly to make sure it works and shows accurate data.
How to Request a Certified Death Certificate in Broward County
To get a certified copy of a death certificate, you must contact the Florida Department of Health in Broward County. Their office at 2600 N.W. 27th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 handles all requests. You can apply in person, by mail, or online through their secure portal. If you apply by mail, download the official DHS-20 form, fill it out completely, and send it with your payment.
The current fee is $10 for Florida residents and $20 for non-residents. Pay by money order or personal check made out to “Broward County Clerk of Courts.” Include the decedent’s full name, date of death, and your relationship to them. Processing takes about 14 days, and you can track your request online once it’s received.
What Information Is Included in a Broward County Death Record?
A standard Broward County death record includes the deceased person’s full legal name, date and place of death, age, gender, race, Social Security number (partial), cause of death, and the name of the funeral home. It also lists the informant—usually a family member—who provided the information. Certified copies bear an official seal and signature, making them valid for legal use.
Basic search results from public databases show only limited details like name, date of death, and record number. These are free to view and useful for genealogy or general research. But if you need to prove someone’s death for insurance, inheritance, or closing accounts, you must get a certified copy from the health department.
Who Can Request a Broward County Death Certificate?
Florida law allows only certain people to get a certified death certificate. Immediate family members—spouses, parents, children, and siblings—can request one with valid ID. Legal representatives, such as attorneys or executors of an estate, may also apply if they provide proof of authority. Out-of-state applicants must submit a notarized statement confirming their relationship or legal right to the record.
If you’re not a direct relative but have a legitimate need—like a researcher with written permission—you may still be able to get a copy. Call the Vital Statistics Office at 954-467-4700 to explain your situation. They’ll tell you what documents you need to include.
Free vs. Certified: Knowing the Difference
Free online Broward County death records search tools let you see basic facts quickly. These are great for checking dates, confirming names, or starting family history projects. However, they are not official documents and cannot be used in court, for benefits, or to settle estates.
Certified copies are the only version accepted by banks, government agencies, and insurance companies. They come with a raised seal, official signature, and a statement that confirms their authenticity. Always choose a certified copy if you need it for legal or financial reasons.
Using Funeral Homes and Obituaries to Locate Death Records
Many Broward County funeral homes publish online obituaries that include death dates, service details, and burial locations. While these aren’t official records, they can help you confirm a person’s passing and point you toward the right agency for certified documents.
Major local providers like Joseph Scarano Funeral Homes, All County Funeral Home & Crematory, All Faith Funeral Chapel, and Boyd’s Family Funeral Home maintain active websites with searchable obituary archives. Some even offer direct links to request death certificates through partner services.
Searching Public Case Records for Death-Related Filings
The Broward County Clerk of Courts offers a public case search tool that includes probate, estate, and guardianship cases related to deaths. You can search by name and date range, though results are limited to 200 entries per query. Use this to find wills, letters of administration, or court orders connected to a deceased person.
To use the system, go to the clerk’s website and enter a start and end date in MM/DD/YYYY format. Narrow your search by selecting “Probate” as the court type. Each result shows the case number, filing date, and a link to view the full document.
Historical Death Records and Archives
For deaths that occurred before 1978, some records may not be available online. The Broward County Records Division directs users to their “Search and Copy Services” desk for older documents. Microfilm copies dating back to 1900 are stored at the Florida State Archives in Tallahassee.
Veterans’ death records may also be found in the National Archives, especially if the person served in the U.S. military. These can include burial benefits, DD-214 forms, and next-of-kin notifications. Contact the National Personnel Records Center for assistance.
Fees, Processing Times, and Payment Methods
The cost for a certified death certificate is $10 for Florida residents and $20 for non-residents. Expedited processing is available for an extra $15, reducing wait time to 3–5 business days. Payments must be made by money order or personal check—no cash or credit cards accepted by mail.
Standard processing takes up to 14 days from receipt. You’ll receive tracking information once your request is logged. If you apply in person, you can often get same-day service during regular business hours.
| Service | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Copy (Resident) | $10 | Up to 14 days |
| Certified Copy (Non-Resident) | $20 | Up to 14 days |
| Expedited Processing | $15 extra | 3–5 business days |
| In-Person Request | $10 or $20 | Same day (if available) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Requesting Records
Many people delay their requests by submitting incomplete forms or wrong payments. Always double-check the decedent’s full legal name and exact date of death. Misspellings or wrong dates can cause rejections.
Another common error is sending cash or using the wrong payee name. Payments must be made to “Broward County Clerk of Courts,” not the health department. Also, don’t forget to include a copy of your ID or notarized statement if required.
How We Verify and Update Our Links
Our editorial team checks every external link at least once every 30 days. We test each site for SSL security, confirm the presence of the Florida Department of Health watermark, and try retrieving a sample record. If a link breaks or a site changes its process, we update it immediately.
We also welcome user reports. If you find a dead link or discover a new reliable source for Broward County death records, please contact us. Your input helps keep this resource accurate and helpful for everyone.
Related Vital Records Available in Broward County
In addition to death records, Broward County maintains birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and name change orders. These are managed jointly by the Florida Department of Health and the Broward County Clerk of Courts. Most can be requested using similar forms and fees.
Birth records are restricted for 100 years, meaning only the person named, their parents, or legal representatives can access them. Marriage and divorce records are public after finalization. Name changes require a court order and are part of the civil case file.
Contact Information and Office Hours
Florida Department of Health in Broward County
Vital Statistics Office
2600 N.W. 27th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: 954-467-4700 (General)
Phone: 954-767-5111 (WIC Program)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Broward County Clerk of Courts
Records, Taxes & Treasury Division
115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 114
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Email: records@broward.org
Fax: 954-357-9031
Frequently Asked Questions About Broward County Death Records Search
People often have questions about how to find, request, and use death records in Broward County. Below are answers to the most common concerns, based on official guidelines and real user experiences. These cover everything from eligibility and fees to troubleshooting failed requests.
Can I get a death certificate if I’m not a family member?
Yes, but only under specific conditions. Florida law allows non-relatives to obtain a certified death certificate if they can prove a legal interest—such as being an attorney handling an estate, a researcher with written consent, or a government agency conducting an investigation. You’ll need to submit a notarized statement explaining your need and provide supporting documents. The Vital Statistics Office reviews each case individually. If denied, you may appeal by submitting additional proof or contacting the Florida Department of Health directly. Always call ahead to confirm what paperwork is required before mailing your request.
How long does it take to receive a death certificate after mailing the form?
Standard processing takes up to 14 business days from the date your application is received. This includes time for mail delivery, data entry, verification, and printing the certified copy. If you pay the $15 expedited fee, processing drops to 3–5 business days. You’ll receive an email with tracking details once your request is logged. Delays can happen if your form is incomplete, the payment is incorrect, or the decedent’s information doesn’t match official records. To avoid this, double-check all fields, use a money order, and include a copy of your ID.
Are death records from before 1978 available online?
Most death records before 1978 are not available through online portals. The Broward County Official Records Search only covers documents filed from January 1, 1978, to today. For older records, you must visit the “Search and Copy Services” desk in person or submit a written request by mail. Microfilm backups exist at the Florida State Archives in Tallahassee for deaths dating back to 1900. These require an appointment and may involve a per-page copying fee. Veterans’ records might also be found in federal archives, especially if burial benefits were claimed.
What if the name or date of death is spelled wrong on the record?
If there’s an error on a death certificate, you cannot correct it yourself. Only the attending physician, medical examiner, or funeral director who filed the original report can make changes. Contact the Florida Department of Health in Broward County and explain the mistake. They’ll tell you which form to use and who needs to sign it. Corrections usually take 4–6 weeks and may require a court order for major changes like name or date of birth. Keep copies of all correspondence and never alter the document yourself—it could invalidate the certificate.
Can I use a free online search result as legal proof of death?
No. Free search results from public databases or obituary sites are not legally valid. They lack the official seal, signature, and authentication required by banks, insurers, and courts. Only a certified copy issued by the Florida Department of Health in Broward County counts as legal proof. If you submit a printout from a third-party site, it will be rejected. Always request a certified copy for matters like closing accounts, claiming benefits, or transferring property. The small fee ensures your document is accepted everywhere.
Is there a way to search without knowing the exact date of death?
Yes, but your options are limited. The public case search tool allows name-based queries, but results are capped at 200 entries and may not show exact dates. Some funeral home sites let you browse obituaries by year or location. For broader searches, consider visiting the Vital Statistics Office in person—they can look up records using partial information. However, certified copies still require the full name and approximate date. If you’re unsure, start with a free search to narrow it down, then submit a formal request with the confirmed details.