Find Highlands County Death Records

Highlands County obituary and death records are available through the Florida Department of Health office in Sebring. This page explains how to get death certificates, what each type costs, and where to turn for records that go back further than 2009. Whether you need a certificate for legal matters or want to trace family history, the steps below will point you in the right direction.

Highlands County DOH Vital Records Office

The Florida Department of Health in Highlands County is based on South Commerce Avenue in Sebring. This is where you go to request death certificates for deaths registered in Highlands County since 2009. The office processes walk-in requests, phone inquiries, and mail-in orders. Sebring is the county seat, and the DOH office is centrally located for most residents of the area.

The Highlands County health department handles birth, death, and marriage certificates. Death records are among the most common requests. The staff can help you determine which form to fill out and whether you qualify for a copy that includes cause of death. Call ahead if you want to confirm that a record is on file before making the trip to Sebring.

The Highlands County DOH website is the starting point for all health department services in the county.

The Highlands County health department portal shows available services and contact information.

Requesting Death Certificates in Highlands County

You can get a Highlands County death certificate in person, by mail, or online. Each method works a bit differently, so here is what to expect from each one.

In-person requests are the fastest. Go to 720 S. Commerce Ave. in Sebring and bring a valid photo ID. Fill out a DH727 form (DH727S in Spanish). The form asks for the deceased person's full name, date of death, and place of death. If you know the date of birth or Social Security number, include those too. The Highlands County DOH charges $5 for the first certified copy and $4 for each extra copy ordered at the same time. Most walk-in orders are ready the same day, though some may take 3 to 5 business days if the record needs extra checking.

Mail orders require a completed DH727, a photocopy of your ID, and a check or money order payable to the Florida Department of Health. Send it all to the Commerce Avenue address with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Turnaround by mail is usually 2 to 3 weeks.

You can view the Highlands County certificates page for detailed ordering instructions.

The certificates section covers forms, fees, and identification requirements for Highlands County record requests.

Online orders are handled through VitalChek, the only vendor authorized by the state. VitalChek charges $15 for the first copy plus a $7 processing fee. Additional copies cost $4 each. Standard delivery runs 5 to 7 business days. Rush shipping costs extra.

Types of Highlands County Death Records

There are two versions of a Florida death certificate. Which one you can get depends on your connection to the person who died.

The public version does not include cause of death. Anyone 18 or older can request this type. No family relationship is needed. It still shows the person's name, date and place of death, and other key details. The first five digits of the Social Security number are hidden per Section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes. Many people use this version for property work, genealogy, and closing accounts.

The confidential version includes cause of death and is restricted for 50 years. You must be a surviving spouse, parent, adult child or grandchild, adult sibling, or someone with a legal or financial stake in the estate. A court order also works. DH Form 1959 may be needed. This affidavit confirms your identity and your right to the restricted details on the Highlands County death certificate.

Note: If you are unsure which type you qualify for, the Highlands County DOH staff can help you figure that out before you fill out any forms.

Highlands County Obituary and Older Death Records

The Highlands County DOH only keeps records from 2009 to the present. For older death records, you need the state. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics is at 1217 N Pearl St, Jacksonville, FL 32202. You can call (904) 359-6900. The state charges $5 for a search plus one copy. If the year of death is unknown, they charge $2 per year searched, up to $50. Pre-2009 records carry a $10 rush fee and a $1 shipping charge.

Florida has death records dating back to 1877. Those early records may not have as much detail as modern certificates, but they can still confirm death dates and locations for Highlands County residents from earlier eras. The state bureau is the best place to look for these older files.

Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes requires that every death be registered within five days. Section 382.008 covers the filing procedures, and Section 382.016 authorizes local DOH offices like the one in Highlands County to produce certified copies. These rules are the same across the state.

The Highlands County certificates portal provides direct access to vital records services.

This portal covers the full range of certificates available through the Highlands County health department.

Other Highlands County Record Sources

Beyond the DOH office in Sebring, there are other places to look for death records and obituary information in Highlands County. The Florida DOH Bureau of Vital Statistics holds the statewide collection and can fill requests the county office cannot. Funeral homes in Sebring, Avon Park, and Lake Placid maintain their own death records and obituary files. They may be able to give you copies or point you to the right source.

Local newspapers like the Highlands News-Sun print obituaries that can be a starting point for research. Public library branches in Highlands County may have newspaper archives on microfilm or through digital subscriptions. The Florida Memory Project is a free state resource with historical documents. The Florida Clerks of Court website can direct you to probate and court records in Highlands County.

The Highlands County government website links to county departments and public services.

The county website offers access to various Highlands County government services and records.

Under Florida's public records law in Chapter 119, most government records are open for review. Death certificates without cause of death fall under this right. Providing false details on a vital records form is a felony under Chapter 775. Use accurate information when you submit any request in Highlands County.

Nearby Counties

Death records from counties that border Highlands are handled by each county's own DOH office. Contact them directly for records from those areas.