Search Hillsborough County Death Records

Hillsborough County death records and obituary information are managed through the Florida Department of Health office in Tampa. As the most populated county on Florida's Gulf Coast, Hillsborough handles a high volume of vital records requests every year. This guide covers how to get death certificates in person, by mail, or online, plus details on fees, certificate types, and historical records access.

Hillsborough County DOH Vital Records Office

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County runs a vital records office on North 22nd Street in Tampa, in what is called the University Area location. This office handles death certificate requests for deaths filed in Hillsborough County from 2009 forward. The hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:15 PM. Given the size of Hillsborough County, wait times can be longer than in smaller counties, so try to arrive early if you plan to walk in.

The Hillsborough County DOH specifically notes that death certificates are public record without cause of death. Anyone may get certified copies that do not show the cause of death. This makes Hillsborough County death records broadly accessible for research, estate work, and other needs. Copies of the death certificate are also available from the funeral director who handled the deceased or from the state Bureau of Vital Statistics.

You can visit or mail your request to the University Area Vital Statistics office at the address above. The Hillsborough County DOH recommends calling ahead if you have questions about what you need to bring or whether a specific record is on file.

The Hillsborough County death certificates page has the most current details on how to order.

This page from the Hillsborough County DOH walks through the death certificate ordering process step by step.

How to Get Death Certificates in Hillsborough County

There are three main ways to get a Hillsborough County death certificate. The office is busier than most in Florida, so plan accordingly.

In-person requests go through the University Area office at 13601 N. 22nd St in Tampa. Bring a valid photo ID and fill out a DH727 form (DH727S in Spanish). You need the full name of the deceased, date of death, and place of death within Hillsborough County. A date of birth and Social Security number help the search go faster. Hillsborough County charges $10 for the first certified copy and $3 for a protective sheath if you want one. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $4. The office opens at 7:30 AM and closes at 4:15 PM. Most requests are processed during your visit, but busy days may push things back.

Mail requests work well if you cannot come in person. Send a completed DH727 form, a photocopy of your photo ID, and a check or money order made payable to the Florida Department of Health. Mail to the 22nd Street address. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail orders generally take 2 to 3 weeks. The Hillsborough County DOH office also accepts mailed requests at the same location where walk-in visitors go.

The Hillsborough County certificates section has more on available services.

The certificates portal covers all vital records services for Hillsborough County residents.

Online orders go through VitalChek. The charge is $15 for the first copy, $7 in processing fees, and $4 for each extra copy. Pay by credit or debit card. Standard shipping takes 5 to 7 business days. VitalChek is the sole online vendor that Florida authorizes for vital records, and it handles a large share of Hillsborough County orders from people who cannot get to the Tampa office.

Note: The Hillsborough County death certificate fee of $10 is higher than the $5 state rate, so factor that into your budget if ordering in person or by mail.

Hillsborough County Death Certificate Types

Florida issues two kinds of death certificates. This distinction matters a lot in Hillsborough County, where the volume of requests is high and the DOH office processes both types every day.

The first version is a death certificate without cause of death. This is a public record. Anyone age 18 or older can get one. You do not need to be a family member or show any special reason. The Hillsborough County DOH makes this clear on its website: "Death certificates are public record without cause of death. Anyone may obtain certified copies without the cause of death information." These copies still include the name, date of death, place of death, and other key facts. The first five digits of the Social Security number are blacked out under Section 119.071 of Florida Statutes.

The second version includes cause of death. This stays confidential for 50 years from the date of death. Only a surviving spouse, parent, adult child or grandchild, adult sibling, or a person with a direct legal or financial interest can get this version. A court order also works. You may need to fill out DH Form 1959 to prove your relationship and right to the restricted details. The Hillsborough County DOH staff can walk you through this form if needed.

Hillsborough County Historical Death Records

The Hillsborough County DOH office stores records from 2009 to today. For deaths before 2009, contact the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics at 1217 N Pearl St, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Call (904) 359-6900. The state has death records going back to 1877. The fee is $5 for a search plus one copy. If you do not know the year, the state charges $2 for each year searched, capped at $50. Pre-2009 records cost an extra $10 for rush service, plus $1 for shipping.

Hillsborough County has a long history, and older death records can be valuable for genealogy, land disputes, and estate research. The county was established in 1834, so there is a deep pool of historical records. Not all of them survived in the vital records system, though. For very old records, you may need to check court filings, church records, or cemetery logs.

Under Chapter 382 of the Florida Statutes, all deaths must be registered within five days. Section 382.008 lays out the filing rules. Section 382.016 gives county DOH offices like the one in Hillsborough the power to issue certified copies. These laws apply statewide and set the ground rules for how death records are created, stored, and shared.

The Hillsborough County DOH main page provides general information about the health department and its services.

The DOH portal is the hub for all Hillsborough County health services, including vital records.

More Resources for Hillsborough County Death Records

Hillsborough County has more record sources than most Florida counties, thanks to its size and the resources available in the Tampa area. The Florida DOH Bureau of Vital Statistics is the central state repository and handles requests that the Hillsborough County office cannot fill. Funeral homes across Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, and Town 'n' Country keep their own records and can provide copies of obituaries.

The Tampa Bay Times is one of the largest newspapers in the state and runs obituaries daily. Past obituaries may be searchable through the newspaper's online archive or through library databases. The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library system has a genealogy section with local history materials, newspaper microfilm, and access to digital databases. The Florida Memory Project is a free state archive with historical records, maps, and photographs.

The Florida Clerks of Court website can help you locate probate records and court filings in Hillsborough County. Probate cases often contain death certificates, wills, and estate inventories. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court maintains a public records search tool on its own site as well.

The Hillsborough County government website connects residents with county services and departments.

The county government site provides access to Hillsborough County departments, records, and services.

Florida's Sunshine Law under Chapter 119 gives the public wide access to government records. Death certificates without cause of death are public. Cause of death stays sealed for 50 years. Lying on a vital records application is a third-degree felony under Chapter 775. Always use correct information when requesting Hillsborough County death records.

Cities in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County includes Tampa and several large communities. Death records for all of these cities are handled through the Hillsborough County DOH office in Tampa.

Nearby Counties

Counties surrounding Hillsborough each have their own DOH vital records office. Contact them if you need records from those areas.