Glades County Death Record Lookup

Glades County obituary and death records are processed through the Florida Department of Health office in Moore Haven. Glades County sits along the western shore of Lake Okeechobee in south-central Florida and is one of the least populated counties in the state. This page covers everything you need to know about obtaining death certificates, fees, and historical obituary records in Glades County.

Glades County DOH Vital Records Office

The Florida Department of Health in Glades County operates out of Moore Haven on Health Park Drive. This single office handles all vital records for the county, including death certificates for deaths registered in Glades County from 2009 to the present. Because Glades County is small, the office rarely has long wait times. Most visitors can get in and out within the hour.

It is a good idea to call ahead. The Moore Haven office can tell you if the death record you need is on file. Bring a valid photo ID and plan to fill out the DH727 application form (or DH727S for Spanish). Staff can help with the paperwork if you have questions.

The Glades County DOH website lists services available at the Moore Haven office including vital records and health programs.

Below is the Glades County DOH main page with contact and service details.

The DOH portal connects Glades County residents with health services and vital records information.

How to Get Death Certificates in Glades County

You can get a Glades County death certificate three ways: in person, by mail, or online. The best choice depends on where you live and how fast you need the document.

For in-person requests, visit the DOH office at 1021 Health Park Dr in Moore Haven. Show your photo ID, complete a DH727 form, and provide the full name of the deceased, date of death, and the county or city where the death occurred. If you also know the date of birth or Social Security number, that makes the search go faster. The cost is $5 for the first certified copy and $4 for each additional one ordered at the same time. Same-day service is common for in-person visits.

Mail requests go to the Moore Haven address. Include a filled-out DH727, a photocopy of your ID, and a check or money order payable to the Florida Department of Health. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return. Plan on 2 to 3 weeks for the whole process.

Online orders go through VitalChek, the sole online vendor authorized by Florida for vital records. The first certificate costs $15 plus a $7 processing fee. Extra copies are $4 each. You pay with a credit or debit card. Standard delivery takes 5 to 7 business days, with rush options available.

Types of Death Certificates Available

Florida provides two versions of death certificates. Your eligibility depends on your relationship to the deceased.

A death certificate without cause of death is a public record. Any person age 18 or older can request one. You don't need to prove family ties. These copies show the person's name, date and place of death, and other key facts. Social Security numbers are partially blacked out under Section 119.071 of Florida Statutes. This is the type most non-family members will receive.

A death certificate with cause of death stays confidential for 50 years after the date of death. Only certain individuals qualify: a surviving spouse, a parent, an adult child or grandchild, an adult sibling, or someone with a documented estate interest such as a named beneficiary. A court order can also grant access. You might need to fill out DH Form 1959, an affidavit proving your eligibility. The staff at the Glades County DOH in Moore Haven can walk you through what you need.

Note: For insurance claims and estate matters in Glades County, families almost always need the version with cause of death included.

Glades County Death Record Fees

The Glades County DOH charges $5 for the first certified death certificate and $4 for each extra copy ordered at the same time. Walk-in and mail requests both use these rates.

At the state Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville, the fee structure is similar: $5 for a search plus one copy, $4 per additional. Unknown death years trigger a $2 per-year search charge (maximum $50). Pre-2009 records may carry a $10 rush fee if expedited. There is also $1 for shipping per order.

VitalChek costs more than either the county or state office. The first copy is $15, processing is $7, and additional copies run $4 each. But for people far from Moore Haven, online ordering through VitalChek can save time and travel.

Historical Death Records and Obituaries

The Glades County DOH office only has records from 2009 forward. For older death records, you need to contact the state Bureau of Vital Statistics at 1217 N Pearl St, Jacksonville, FL 32202, or by phone at (904) 359-6900. Florida has death records going back to 1877. Glades County was created from DeSoto County in 1921, so records from before that year may be filed under DeSoto County at the state level.

Under Chapter 382 of Florida Statutes, every death certificate must be filed within five days. Section 382.008 sets the rules for filing, and Section 382.016 authorizes local registrars like the Glades County DOH to produce certified copies. These laws apply to all 67 Florida counties.

The Florida Memory Project is a free digital resource from the State Library and Archives. It holds historical documents and photographs useful for genealogy research. The Florida Clerks of Court website links to probate records and court filings that may contain death-related details from earlier decades.

The Glades County government website provides access to county services and public records information.

The county website connects Glades County residents with departments and public records resources.

Local funeral homes in and around Moore Haven maintain obituary files. The Glades County Public Library may also have newspaper archives with old obituaries from the area. Because the county is small, local knowledge and community connections can sometimes help locate records that official databases miss.

Public Records Law in Glades County

Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes, known as the Sunshine Law, guarantees broad access to government records. Death certificates without cause of death are public and open to anyone 18 or older. Cause of death stays confidential for 50 years. Social Security numbers always get redacted.

If your request for Glades County records was wrongly denied, contact the Florida Attorney General's office. Lying on a vital records application is a third-degree felony under Chapter 775 of the Florida Statutes. Always use truthful details when filling out forms, and bring valid photo identification to the office.

Nearby Counties

These counties neighbor Glades County. Each has its own DOH office where you can request death certificates.