Get Florida Birth Certificate Form

How to Use Florida Birth Certificate

Completing the Florida Birth Certificate form requires careful attention to detail. After filling out the form, applicants will need to submit it along with any required identification and payment to the appropriate office for processing.

1. Obtain the Application for a Florida Birth Record form from the Florida Department of Health website or the local office.
2. Read both the front and back of the application thoroughly to understand the requirements and instructions.
3. In Section A, provide the registrant's information, including:
• Child’s full name as it appears on the birth record.
• If applicable, indicate any name changes since birth.
• Date of birth (month, day, year).
• Place of birth (hospital, city or town, county).
• Mother’s and father’s names prior to their first marriage, if applicable.
4. In Section B, fill in the applicant’s information, including:
• Full name of the applicant (first, middle, last, and any suffix).
• Signature of the applicant.
• Home phone number and alternate phone number.
• Mailing address, including city, state, and zip code.
• Relationship to the registrant.
• If applicable, provide attorney's license or bar number and the name of the person represented.
5. In Section C, indicate the fee information:
• Specify the quantity of certified copies needed.
• Calculate the total cost, including any additional services.
• Provide credit card information if paying by card or indicate if paying by check or money order.
6. Ensure that the application is signed and dated by the applicant.
7. Gather valid photo identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport) to submit with the application.
8. If mailing the application, make a copy of the valid photo identification to include with the request.
9. Submit the completed application, identification, and payment to the address listed on the form:
• Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County
• Office of Vital Statistics
• 8751 Ulmerton Rd., Ste. 1700
• Largo, FL 33771

What is the process for applying for a Florida Birth Certificate?

To apply for a Florida Birth Certificate, you need to complete the application form. If you are the registrant, a parent, guardian, or legal representative, you must provide valid photo identification. This can include a Driver’s License, State ID Card, Passport, or Military ID. If you are making a request by mail, include a copy of your ID. If you are not one of the eligible applicants, an Affidavit to Release a Birth Certificate must be completed by an authorized person and submitted with your application.

Who is eligible to request a Florida Birth Certificate?

Eligibility to request a birth certificate is limited to specific individuals. This includes the registrant if they are 18 or older, the parents listed on the birth record, legal guardians, and legal representatives. In cases where the registrant is deceased, a spouse, child, grandchild, sibling, or legal representative may request the certificate if they provide a death certificate. Additionally, anyone can obtain a certified copy of a birth record that occurred over 100 years ago, unless it is under seal.

What forms of identification are acceptable when applying?

When applying for a Florida Birth Certificate, you must provide valid photo identification. Acceptable forms include a Driver’s License, State Identification Card, Passport, or Military Identification Card. If you are a legal guardian or representative, additional documentation may be required, such as guardianship papers or attorney bar numbers.

What are the fees associated with obtaining a Florida Birth Certificate?

The first certified copy of a birth record costs $13.00, while additional copies purchased on the same day for the same person are $8.00 each. If you need a protective plastic sleeve, it costs $2.00. Rush orders via fax or mail will incur an additional fee of $5.00, and FedEx delivery is available for $17.00. Note that all fees are non-refundable.

Can I request a Florida Birth Certificate online?

Yes, you can order a Florida Birth Certificate online through the Florida Department of Health's website. However, additional fees may apply for online requests. Ensure that you have all necessary information and identification ready when placing your order online.

What should I do if I need a birth record that is under seal?

If you need a birth record that is under seal 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 at the designated address, providing any necessary information and documentation required for your request.

Completing the Florida Birth Certificate application can be a straightforward process, but there are common mistakes that individuals often make. These errors can lead to delays or complications in obtaining the necessary documents. Awareness of these pitfalls can help ensure a smoother experience.

One frequent mistake is failing to provide valid photo identification. The application requires that applicants present a valid form of ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. If the application is submitted by mail, a copy of this identification must accompany the request. Neglecting this step can result in the application being rejected.

Another common error is incomplete registrant information. Applicants must fill out all sections pertaining to the child’s full name, date of birth, and place of birth. Omitting details or providing incorrect information can lead to significant delays. It is essential to double-check this information against official documents to ensure accuracy.

Additionally, many applicants overlook the relationship to the registrant section. If the applicant is ordering their own certificate, they should indicate "SELF." Others must clearly identify their relationship to the child. Failing to do so can create confusion and potentially lead to the application being processed incorrectly.

Another mistake often made is not including the appropriate fees. The application outlines specific costs for obtaining certified copies. Applicants should ensure that they include the correct payment, whether by check, money order, or credit card information. Missing or incorrect payment can delay the processing of the application.

Some individuals also forget to sign the application. The applicant’s signature is a crucial part of the process. Without it, the application cannot be processed. It is advisable to review the application thoroughly before submission to ensure that all required fields are completed.

Lastly, applicants may not be aware of the nonrefundable nature of the fees. The application states that fees are nonrefundable, even if the request is denied due to errors. Understanding this policy can help applicants be more diligent in ensuring their application is complete and accurate before submission.

When applying for a Florida Birth Certificate, there are several other documents that may be needed or helpful in the process. Here’s a brief overview of four common forms and documents often used alongside the birth certificate application.

• Affidavit to Release a Birth Certificate: This document is required if the applicant is not the registrant, parent, guardian, or legal representative. It must be completed by an authorized person to release the birth certificate.
• Death Certificate: If the registrant is deceased, a death certificate may be needed to obtain a birth certificate for a spouse, child, or other eligible family members. This document provides proof of death and establishes eligibility.
• Guardianship Papers: If the applicant is a legal guardian, these documents must be submitted to verify the guardianship. This helps ensure that the request for the birth certificate is legitimate and authorized.
• Court Order: In some cases, a court order may be necessary to obtain a birth certificate, especially if the applicant is not a parent or guardian. This document must clearly state the relationship of the applicant to the registrant.

Having these documents ready can help streamline the process of obtaining a Florida Birth Certificate. It's always best to check the specific requirements based on your situation to avoid any delays.

• Death Certificate: Similar to a birth certificate, a death certificate provides essential information about an individual's death, including the deceased's name, date of birth, and date of death. Both documents serve as vital records and may require proof of relationship for access.
• Marriage Certificate: A marriage certificate records the union between two individuals. Like a birth certificate, it includes names, dates, and places, and may be needed for legal purposes such as name changes or spousal benefits.
• Divorce Decree: This document outlines the legal dissolution of a marriage. It provides details such as the names of both parties and the date of divorce, similar to how a birth certificate records vital information about a person's birth.
• Adoption Certificate: An adoption certificate serves as legal proof of an adopted child’s new status. It contains information about the child and adoptive parents, akin to the details found on a birth certificate.
• Social Security Card: A Social Security card is essential for identity verification and benefits. It includes the holder's name and Social Security number, similar to how a birth certificate verifies identity and personal information.
• Passport: A passport is an official document that verifies identity and nationality. It contains the individual's name, date of birth, and photo, paralleling the identification role of a birth certificate.
• Voter Registration Card: This card confirms an individual's eligibility to vote and includes personal details such as name and address. Like a birth certificate, it is often required for identification purposes.
• Health Insurance Card: A health insurance card provides information about the insured individual, including their name and policy number. It serves as proof of identity and coverage, similar to a birth certificate.
• Driver’s License: A driver’s license verifies an individual’s identity and legal permission to drive. It includes personal information like name and date of birth, similar to the information found on a birth certificate.
• Military Identification Card: This card identifies active duty and retired military personnel. It includes personal details and serves as proof of identity, much like a birth certificate does for individuals.

When filling out the Florida Birth Certificate form, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure a smooth application process. Below are ten important dos and don'ts to consider.

• Do read the entire application, both front and back, to understand all requirements.
• Do provide valid photo identification if you are the applicant, parent, guardian, or legal representative.
• Do ensure that the child's full name is accurately entered as it appears on the birth record.
• Do indicate any name changes clearly, including the date and location of the change.
• Do include your relationship to the registrant in the application.
• Don't submit the application without signing it; your signature is required.
• Don't forget to include any necessary documents, such as guardianship papers if applicable.
• Don't use forms of identification that are not listed as acceptable.
• Don't assume that all applications will be processed immediately; some may require additional verification.
• Don't overlook the nonrefundable nature of the fees associated with the application.

By adhering to these guidelines, applicants can help ensure that their requests for birth certificates are processed efficiently and accurately.

Here are six common misconceptions about the Florida Birth Certificate form:

• Anyone can request a birth certificate. Only specific individuals, such as the registrant, parents, legal guardians, or authorized representatives, can request a birth certificate. Others may need a court order.
• Photo ID is not necessary for mail requests. A valid photo identification is required for all requests, including mail requests. If you are mailing your application, you must include a copy of your ID.
• Birth certificates are free to obtain. There are fees associated with obtaining a birth certificate. The first certified copy costs $13.00, and additional copies have their own fees.
• All birth records are available from 1865. While some records date back to 1865, birth registration was not required until 1917. Therefore, not all records are guaranteed to be available.
• Changing your name on a birth certificate is simple. If your name has changed since birth, you must provide legal documentation to support the name change, which can complicate the process.
• Birth records under seal can be ordered like regular records. Birth records sealed due to adoption or court orders cannot be requested through the standard application process. Special procedures must be followed to obtain these records.

When applying for a Florida Birth Certificate, understanding the process can streamline your experience. Here are some key takeaways:

• Eligibility Requirements: Only specific individuals can request a birth certificate. This includes the registrant, parents, legal guardians, and legal representatives. If you do not fall into these categories, you will need a court order.
• Identification is Crucial: Valid photo identification must be provided with your application. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID. If you are mailing your request, include a copy of this identification.
• Application Completeness: Ensure that all sections of the application are filled out accurately. Missing information can delay processing. Pay attention to the relationship to the registrant and any name changes.
• Fees and Payment: The first certified copy costs $13. Additional copies are available at a reduced rate. Remember, fees are nonrefundable, so be sure you are eligible before submitting payment.
• Special Circumstances: If the birth record is under seal due to adoption or court order, a different application process applies. Contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics for guidance.