Melbourne Death Record Search
Melbourne obituary and death records are managed by the Brevard County Department of Health, which handles vital records for all cities along the Space Coast. Melbourne is the second-largest city in Brevard County after Palm Bay and sits along the Indian River on the east side of the county. The Brevard County DOH vital records office in Viera, about 20 minutes north of Melbourne, processes all death certificate requests for the area. Records from 2009 to the present are on file at the county level. Deaths before 2009 require a request to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville, which keeps records going back to 1877.
Melbourne Quick Facts
Brevard County DOH for Melbourne
Melbourne does not have its own vital records office. All death certificate requests go through the Brevard County Department of Health in Viera. The office is at the county government complex on Judge Fran Jamieson Way. From Melbourne, the drive north on I-95 takes about 20 minutes. The office holds death records from 2009 forward for all deaths in Brevard County, including Melbourne.
| Office | Brevard County Department of Health - Vital Records |
|---|---|
| Address | 2555 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940 |
| Phone | (321) 633-2100 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | brevard.floridahealth.gov |
Bring a valid photo ID when you visit. You fill out a request form and staff will look up the record. The first certified copy costs $15. Each extra copy of the same record is $10. Call ahead at (321) 633-2100 to check on payment methods and hours before driving from Melbourne. The office can get busy around midday, so arriving early is a good idea if you want to avoid a wait.
How to Get Melbourne Death Records
Melbourne residents can get death certificates three ways. Walk in to the Brevard County DOH in Viera, send a mail request, or order online through VitalChek. Each method has different costs and timelines. Pick the one that fits your needs.
For a mail request, print Form DH727 from the Florida DOH website. Fill it out and mail it with a check or money order for $15 and a copy of your photo ID to the Brevard County DOH at 2555 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940. Mail requests from Melbourne take roughly two to three weeks. This works well if you do not need the record in a rush.
VitalChek is the state-approved online service. Go to VitalChek or call 1-877-550-7330. The fee is $15 for the first copy plus a $7 processing charge. Credit and debit cards are accepted. Orders ship in five to seven business days. This is a good option for Melbourne residents who prefer to handle things online rather than drive to Viera.
The state bureau at 1217 N Pearl St, Jacksonville, FL 32202 has death records that go back to 1877. The fee is $5 for a search and one copy, $4 for each extra. Rush processing costs $10 more. Melbourne residents should use this office for deaths before 2009 or deaths that happened outside Brevard County.
Melbourne Obituary Search Tips
A death certificate and an obituary are different records. The certificate is an official government document with facts like the date, place, and cause of death. An obituary is a notice placed by the family in a local paper. Both help when you are researching a death in Melbourne. Together they paint a more complete picture.
The Brevard County Library System has branches in Melbourne. The Melbourne Public Library at 540 East Fee Avenue is a strong starting point for obituary research. Staff have access to newspaper databases and microfilm that cover Florida Today, which is the main daily paper for the Space Coast. These archives go back many years and include obituary notices for Melbourne residents. A library card gives you access to some digital databases from home as well.
The Florida Memory project has historical records online from the State Archives. Old vital records, military service cards, and pension files may help trace older deaths connected to Melbourne. The Florida Clerks of Court site connects to the Brevard County Clerk for probate records. Probate filings often reference death dates and times, which helps narrow your search for the right Melbourne death certificate.
Who Can Get Melbourne Death Records
Florida has two kinds of death certificates. The public version omits the cause of death. Any adult can get this type for any Melbourne death. No family connection required. No explanation needed.
The confidential version shows the cause of death and is restricted for 50 years. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 382, only spouses, parents, children, and legal estate representatives can ask for the confidential type. You need to show proof of your relationship when you make the request. A court order can grant access if you have a valid legal reason to see the cause of death on a Melbourne death record.
Under Florida Statutes Chapter 119, public death records are open to all adults. The Brevard County DOH must provide a copy to anyone who pays the fee. This rule covers all Melbourne death records in the public category.
Melbourne Death Certificate Fees
Fees for Melbourne death certificates depend on where you order. Here is a summary.
- Brevard County DOH first copy: $15
- Brevard 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
For a single copy and same-day service, the Brevard County DOH is the best choice. For multiple copies at the lowest price, the state bureau wins. VitalChek is the go-to for Melbourne residents who want online convenience. Factor in gas and time for the drive to Viera when you compare costs of in-person versus online options.
Legal Help in Melbourne
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida has an office in the Melbourne area that assists Brevard County residents. They help with estate and probate matters at no cost for qualifying applicants. Call (321) 631-2500 for details. The Brevard County Bar Association also has a lawyer referral program that can connect Melbourne residents with private attorneys who handle probate work.
The City of Melbourne website at melbourneflorida.org lists community resources and services. For crisis support, dial 211 to reach the United Way of Brevard helpline. This line runs around the clock and can point Melbourne residents toward grief counseling, financial aid, and other support programs. The Space Coast Health Foundation is another local resource that connects families with health and social services in Melbourne.
Brevard County Obituary Records
Melbourne is part of Brevard County, and all death records go through the county DOH office. The county page has more on the Brevard DOH, full fee lists, and related resources that apply to Melbourne and every other city on the Space Coast.
Nearby Cities
These Florida cities near Melbourne also have obituary and death record resources that may help with your search.