Homestead Obituary Records
Homestead obituary and death records are handled by the Miami-Dade County Department of Health, which manages vital records for the largest county in Florida. Homestead sits at the southern end of Miami-Dade County, far from the main DOH office in downtown Miami but still within the county for vital records purposes. The Miami-Dade DOH has multiple locations that process death certificate requests, including the main office on NW 14th Street and a satellite location at West Perrine. Death records from 2009 forward are on file at the county level. Older records are available through the state bureau in Jacksonville, which keeps files going all the way back to 1877.
Homestead Quick Facts
Miami-Dade DOH Offices for Homestead
Homestead residents go through the Miami-Dade County Department of Health for death certificates. The main office is in downtown Miami, which is about a 40-minute drive north from Homestead on the Turnpike. However, Miami-Dade has a satellite vital records location at West Perrine that may be closer, depending on where in Homestead you live. Both offices process the same requests and charge the same fees.
| Office | Miami-Dade County DOH - Vital Records (Main Office) |
|---|---|
| Address | 1350 NW 14th St Miami, FL 33125 |
| Phone | (305) 324-2400 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | miamidade.floridahealth.gov |
Bring a valid photo ID when you visit either location. The first certified copy costs $12 in Miami-Dade County. Each extra copy is $16. This pricing is unique to Miami-Dade; most counties charge less for added copies. Staff search for the record and print certified copies while you wait. Call ahead at (305) 324-2400 to confirm hours and check whether the West Perrine location is open, as hours may vary. This can save Homestead residents a long drive to downtown Miami.
How to Get Homestead Death Records
There are three main ways to get death certificates for Homestead. In-person visits to either Miami-Dade DOH location are fastest. Mail requests take longer but save you the drive. VitalChek is the online option that works from anywhere.
For a mail request, print Form DH727 from the Florida DOH site. Fill it out and send it with a check or money order for $12 and a copy of your photo ID to the Miami-Dade DOH at 1350 NW 14th St, Miami, FL 33125. Mail requests from Homestead take about two to four weeks. Miami-Dade is one of the busiest counties in Florida, so processing can take a bit longer than in smaller counties.
VitalChek is the state-approved online vendor. Go to VitalChek or call 1-877-550-7330 to order. The fee is $15 for the first copy plus a $7 processing charge. Delivery takes five to seven business days. This is a popular option for Homestead residents who do not want to drive 40 minutes to the Miami office on a weekday.
The state bureau at 1217 N Pearl St, Jacksonville, FL 32202 has records from 1877 to the present. The fee is $5 for a search and one copy, with $4 for each extra. Rush processing costs $10 more. Homestead residents should use this office for deaths before 2009 or deaths outside Miami-Dade County.
Homestead Obituary Search Tips
Obituaries and death certificates are different records that serve different needs. A death certificate is an official state document. An obituary is a family notice in a newspaper. Together they give a fuller picture of a person's passing in Homestead.
The Miami-Dade Public Library System has the Homestead Branch Library at 700 N Homestead Blvd. Staff can help with newspaper archive searches. The Miami Herald is the main paper covering Homestead, and its archives are available on microfilm and through digital databases. Some databases are free with a library card and can be accessed from home, which is convenient for Homestead residents who want to search for obituary notices without a trip to the library.
For historical records, the Florida Memory project from the State Archives has old vital records, military service cards, and pension files online. The Florida Clerks of Court site links to the Miami-Dade County Clerk for probate records. Probate filings often reference death dates and places, and they can help connect different pieces of your Homestead obituary research.
Who Can Get Death Records
Florida issues two types of death certificates. The public version does not include the cause of death. Any adult can get this type. No family tie needed. No explanation required. This covers all Homestead death records in the public category.
The confidential version lists the cause of death and stays restricted for 50 years. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 382, only spouses, parents, children, and estate representatives can request it. You must show proof of your relationship. A court order can also unlock access to a confidential Homestead death record if you have a valid legal need.
The state public records law under Florida Statutes Chapter 119 guarantees that death records without cause of death are open to everyone. The Miami-Dade DOH must provide a copy to any adult who pays the fee. This makes it easy for anyone to get the public version of a Homestead death certificate.
Homestead Death Certificate Fees
Miami-Dade County has a unique fee structure. The first copy is cheaper than most counties, but extra copies cost more. Here is the breakdown for Homestead residents.
- Miami-Dade DOH first copy: $12
- Miami-Dade DOH added copies: $16 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
If you need just one copy, the Miami-Dade DOH is a good deal at $12. But if you need several copies, the state bureau at $4 each is far cheaper than paying $16 per extra copy at the county. Homestead residents should plan ahead and decide how many copies they need before choosing where to order.
Legal Help in Homestead
Legal Services of Greater Miami has offices that serve Homestead and the southern part of Miami-Dade County. They help with estate, probate, and other matters after a death at no cost for qualifying families. Call (305) 576-0080 for help. The Dade County Bar Association has a lawyer referral line that can connect Homestead residents with private attorneys who handle estate work.
The City of Homestead website at cityofhomestead.com has links to community services and local programs. For crisis support, dial 211 to reach the Miami-Dade helpline. It runs 24 hours a day and connects Homestead residents with grief counseling, financial aid, and other resources. The Homestead Community Redevelopment Agency also coordinates social services for residents in need.
Miami-Dade County Obituary Records
Homestead is part of Miami-Dade County, and all death records go through the county DOH. The county page covers more about the Miami-Dade DOH offices, full fee details, and related resources that serve Homestead and every other city in the county.
Nearby Cities
These Florida cities near Homestead also have obituary and death record resources that may be helpful.