Find Deerfield Beach Death Records
Deerfield Beach obituary and death records are handled by the Broward County Department of Health, the same office that serves Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise, and every other city in the county. Deerfield Beach sits at the far north end of Broward County, right on the Palm Beach County line, which means some families have connections to both counties. The Broward County DOH vital records office on SW 6th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale manages all death certificate requests for Deerfield Beach. Records from 2009 forward are held at the county level. Older records are available from the state bureau in Jacksonville, which keeps files going back to 1877.
Deerfield Beach Quick Facts
Broward County DOH for Deerfield Beach
Deerfield Beach does not have its own vital records office. All death certificate requests go through the Broward County DOH in Fort Lauderdale. The drive from Deerfield Beach south to the office takes about 25 to 30 minutes on I-95, depending on traffic. This is the only county-level office for death records in Broward County. It holds records from 2009 to the present for all deaths that took place in the county, including Deerfield Beach.
| Office | Broward County Department of Health - Vital Records |
|---|---|
| Address | 2421-A SW 6th Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 |
| Phone | (954) 467-4455 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | broward.floridahealth.gov |
Bring a valid photo ID and know the full name and date of death. Staff will look up the record and print a certified copy while you wait. The first copy is $15 and each extra copy of the same record is $10. Call ahead at (954) 467-4455 to check on payment methods before driving from Deerfield Beach. Cash and money orders are always accepted. Some offices also take credit cards, but it is worth asking first.
How to Get Deerfield Beach Death Records
Three options exist for getting death records tied to Deerfield Beach. You can go in person, send a request by mail, or order online. Each has its own cost and timeline. In-person visits are fastest. Mail is cheapest. Online is the most convenient.
For mail requests, download Form DH727 from the Florida DOH website. Fill it out, include a copy of your photo ID, and send it with a check or money order for $15 to the Broward County DOH at 2421-A SW 6th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315. Mail requests from Deerfield Beach take about two to three weeks. The office sends the certified copy to the address on your form.
VitalChek is the approved online vendor for Florida death certificates. Visit VitalChek or call 1-877-550-7330. The fee is $15 for the first copy plus a $7 processing charge. Orders take five to seven business days. This works well for Deerfield Beach residents who want to skip the drive to Fort Lauderdale.
The state bureau in Jacksonville has records back to 1877. Their fee is $5 for a search and one copy, with $4 for extras. Rush service adds $10. Deerfield Beach residents can mail requests to 1217 N Pearl St, Jacksonville, FL 32202 for older records or deaths that happened outside Broward County.
Deerfield Beach Obituary Search
Obituaries and death certificates are separate records. A death certificate is an official state document. An obituary is a notice the family puts in a newspaper. Both can help when you are researching a death in Deerfield Beach. The certificate gives you the official facts. The obituary often has personal details and surviving family members.
The Broward County Library has a branch in Deerfield Beach at 837 East Hillsboro Boulevard. This is the Percy White Branch. Library staff can help you search newspaper archives for obituary notices. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel covers Deerfield Beach, and past issues are available through microfilm and digital databases. A library card gets you free access to many of these databases from home too.
For older records, the Florida Memory project from the State Archives has historical material online. Military service cards, pension files, and old vital record indexes can help trace deaths from decades past. The Florida Clerks of Court site links to the Broward County Clerk for probate records. Probate filings often reference death dates and can help connect the dots in your Deerfield Beach obituary research.
Who Can Get Death Records
Florida law sets clear rules. There are two types of death certificates. The public version does not include the cause of death. Any person 18 or older can get this type for any Deerfield Beach death record. No family tie is needed. No reason required.
The confidential version shows the cause of death and stays restricted for 50 years. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 382, only spouses, parents, children, and estate representatives can ask for this type. You must prove your relationship at the time of the request. A court order can also open access to a confidential Deerfield Beach death record.
The broad public records law under Florida Statutes Chapter 119 means that the public version is available to anyone. The Broward County DOH must hand over a copy to any adult who pays the fee for Deerfield Beach death records.
Deerfield Beach Death Record Fees
Costs for Deerfield Beach death certificates vary by source. Here is a breakdown.
- Broward County DOH first copy: $15
- Broward County DOH added copies: $10 each
- State bureau search and one copy: $5
- State bureau added copies: $4 each
- State bureau rush processing: $10
- VitalChek first copy: $15 plus $7 processing
The state bureau is cheapest for multiple copies. The county office is best for one copy and same-day pickup. VitalChek is the easiest route for Deerfield Beach residents who do not want to travel to Fort Lauderdale. Pick the method that matches your budget and timeline.
Legal Aid for Deerfield Beach
Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida serves Broward County residents including Deerfield Beach. They handle estate, probate, and related matters at no cost for people who qualify. Call (954) 736-2400 to ask. Legal Aid Service of Broward County at (954) 765-8950 is another option for low-income Deerfield Beach residents.
The Broward County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service for anyone who needs a private attorney. The City of Deerfield Beach website at deerfield-beach.com has links to community programs and senior services. For crisis support, dial 211 to reach the Broward County helpline. This line operates around the clock and can connect Deerfield Beach residents with grief counseling and financial aid resources.
Broward County Obituary Records
Deerfield Beach is part of Broward County, and all death records are filed through the county DOH office. The county page covers more about the Broward DOH, fee details, and related resources that apply to Deerfield Beach and every other city in the county.
Nearby Cities
These Florida cities near Deerfield Beach also have obituary and death record information you may find useful.