Find Death Records in Bradford County

Death certificate and obituary searches in Bradford County, Florida go through the Department of Health office in Starke. Bradford County is one of the smaller counties in the state, with just over 28,000 residents, but the process for getting death records follows the same statewide rules that every Florida county uses. This page explains how to search for and order death certificates in Bradford County, what it costs, and where else to look for related records.

Bradford County Health Department

The Florida Department of Health in Bradford County handles vital records from its office in Starke, the county seat. This is a small office that serves a small county, which often means shorter wait times compared to urban health departments. The staff deals with death certificates, birth certificates, and other vital records for the entire Bradford County area.

The Bradford County DOH sits on S. Temple Avenue in Starke, right along the main road through town. It is about 30 miles southwest of Jacksonville and roughly 25 miles northeast of Gainesville. If you are coming from either direction on US-301, the office is easy to find. Parking is available on site. Call (904) 964-7732 before visiting to check hours or ask if a specific record is available.

The Bradford County DOH website provides health department details and program information.

The Bradford County health department site lists all services offered at the Starke location.

Getting Death Certificates in Bradford County

You can get a Bradford County death certificate in person, by mail, or online. The process is the same as in other Florida counties, but the small size of Bradford County means the local office is often a faster and more personal experience than bigger locations.

For in-person requests, head to 1136 S. Temple Ave. in Starke. Bring your photo ID and fill out form DH727. The Spanish version is DH727S. You will need to know the full legal name of the person who died, their date of death, where they died (city or county), and their date of birth. A Social Security number makes the search easier but is not absolutely required. Most Bradford County in-person requests are handled within 3 to 5 business days, and some can be completed the same day if the record is readily on file.

Mail orders go to the same Starke address. Include the completed DH727, a photocopy of your ID, a check or money order for the correct amount, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Plan for 2 to 3 weeks total from when you mail it to when you get the certificate back. Processing at the Bradford County office takes 3 to 5 business days, and then you add mail time on each end.

Online requests go through VitalChek. This is the only online vendor Florida has authorized. VitalChek charges $15 for the first certificate and $7 in processing. Extra copies run $4. You pay by credit or debit card. Standard shipping takes 5 to 7 business days.

Note: Bradford County does not have a separate vital records page on its DOH website, so call the office for the most current ordering instructions.

Bradford County Death Record Types

Two types of death certificates exist in Florida. The type you can get depends on who you are in relation to the deceased person. Bradford County follows the same rules as all 67 Florida counties.

The version without cause of death is a public record. Anyone 18 or older can request it. No proof of relationship is needed. It lists the deceased person's name, date and place of death, and other basic details. The first five digits of the Social Security number are blacked out per Section 119.071 of Florida Statutes. This version is fine for many purposes, from proving a death occurred to doing genealogy research in Bradford County.

The version with cause of death is confidential for 50 years. Only eligible people can get it. The list includes a surviving spouse, parent, adult child or grandchild, adult sibling, or someone who can show a legal interest in the estate (such as being named in a will or insurance policy). You may have to fill out DH Form 1959, the affidavit that proves your right to that information. A court order can also open the door to cause of death details.

If you need the cause of death version for a Bradford County death record, make sure you have your supporting documents ready before you visit or mail in the request. The office will not release the confidential version without proper proof.

Fees for Bradford County Death Records

Bradford County uses the state fee schedule. The search fee is $5, and it includes one certified copy of the death certificate. Each additional copy ordered at the same time is $4. You can pay by check, money order, or cash if you visit in person.

If the year of death is unknown, the state charges $2 for each year searched, with a cap of $50. Records older than 2009 must come from the state Bureau of Vital Statistics, and expedited processing on those carries a $10 rush fee. The state also charges $1 for shipping per order.

VitalChek online orders cost $15 per certificate plus $7 processing. Extra copies are $4 each. This is the most expensive option but also the most convenient for Bradford County residents who cannot get to Starke easily. Some people in the southern parts of the county find it easier to order online rather than drive to the office.

Historical Records and Bradford County Genealogy

The Bradford County DOH keeps death records from 2009 forward. For older records, contact the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics at 1217 N Pearl St, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Phone: (904) 359-6900. Email: VitalStats@FLHealth.gov. The state has death records dating back to 1877, which is well before Bradford County took its current name (it was originally called New River County until 1861).

Florida's vital statistics laws are laid out in Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes. Section 382.008 requires that death certificates be filed electronically within five days. Section 382.016 gives local registrars like the Bradford County DOH the authority to produce certified copies. These statutes govern how every death record in Bradford County is created, stored, and issued.

The Florida Memory Project is a good free resource for historical and genealogy research tied to Bradford County. The State Library and Archives runs it, and it holds digitized records, old photographs, and historical documents. The Bradford County Public Library in Starke may also have local newspaper archives and genealogy resources. The Florida Clerks of Court website can connect you with Bradford County probate records pre-1927 that sometimes include death information.

The Bradford County government website provides access to county departments and public records.

The county government portal connects Bradford County residents with local offices and services.

More Bradford County Record Resources

The Florida DOH Bureau of Vital Statistics is the state-level agency for all death records. When the Bradford County DOH cannot help, the state office usually can. They hold the complete archive of Florida death records and handle requests that the local offices are not equipped to process.

Local funeral homes in Bradford County maintain their own records. They often have obituary copies and death notices on hand. The Bradford County Telegraph, the local newspaper, runs obituaries that can help when you know a name but need dates or other details. Some Bradford County funeral homes also post obituaries on their own websites, which makes them searchable from anywhere.

Keep in mind that lying on a vital records application is a third-degree felony under Chapter 775 of the Florida Statutes. This is true in Bradford County and in every other county across the state. Always bring valid ID and give accurate information. The penalties for fraud are serious, and the state does prosecute violations.

Note: Bradford County is home to several state correctional facilities, which can affect death record requests related to incarcerated individuals. Contact the Florida Department of Corrections for records related to deaths in state custody.

Nearby Counties

Bradford County shares borders with several other Florida counties, each with its own DOH vital records office.